LG: Secret Codes and Network Unlock for All Vintage Models — Complete Guide 2026
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This is the definitive guide to LG secret codes and network unlocking for vintage phones. LG is one of the most complex brands to unlock because every model has a different and specific unlock code — no universal code exists like Motorola's 19980722. This guide includes the complete table of unlock codes for every model, with special attention to models sold by Three/H3G networks, which locked almost all LG handsets sold on contract.
Why Three/H3G LG Phones Were Locked — Explanation
Three (H3G) was the operator that most aggressively SIM-locked phones to its network. The most common LG models sold on Three across Europe were:
- LG KG800 Chocolate — best seller on Three
- LG KE970 Shine — Three flagship
- LG KU990 Viewty — Three camera flagship
- LG KF700 — Three slider
- LG KC910 Renoir — 8MP camera on Three
All showed "Invalid SIM" or "SIM not accepted" with other operators' SIMs. The unlock code is IMEI-specific but the entry procedure differs per model.
Universal LG Codes — Work on Most Models
| Code | Function |
|---|---|
*#06# |
Display IMEI code |
2945#*# |
General test menu — works on many models |
*#7764726# |
Advanced Engineering Mode |
*#0168# |
Detailed software version |
*#8999*8378# |
Full hardware test menu |
*#0000# |
Language reset |
*#528# |
WLAN Engineering Test (WiFi models) |
*#1234# |
Firmware version |
*#0*# |
General display test (newer models) |
COMPLETE LG UNLOCK CODE TABLE BY MODEL — The Most Complete Resource Available
Method A — with accepted SIM inserted:
Switch on the phone with the original SIM (from the locking operator). Type the model-specific unlock code. The unlock menu appears. Select "SIM unlock" or "Network unlock". Enter the NCK code.
| Model | Unlock code |
|---|---|
| KG800 Chocolate | 2945#*800# |
| KE970 Shine | 2945#*9701# |
| KU990 Viewty | 2945#*990# or 3845#*990# |
| KE990 | 2945#*990# or 3845#*990# |
| KF700 | 2945#*700# |
| KC910 Renoir | 2945#*910# |
| KF910 Prada | 2945#*910# |
| KE850 Prada | 2945#*8501# then press CALL |
| KF750 | 2945#*750# or 2945#*755# |
| KF755 | 2945#*755# or 2945#*750# |
| KG120 | 2945#*1201# |
| KG220 | 2945#*1201# |
| KG240 | 2945#*3311# |
| KG275 | 2945#*20001# |
| KG280 | 2945#*7101# |
| KG290 | 2945#*7101# |
| KP270 | 2945#*270# |
| KP170 | 2945#*170# |
| KP100 | 2945#*20001# |
| KF240 | 2945#*240# or 2945#*2401# |
| KF300 | Non-accepted SIM → press "Unlock" |
| KS500 | 2945#*500# |
| KT520 | 2945#*520# |
| KU580 | 2945#*580# |
| KU380 | 2945#*380# |
| KU250 | 2945#*250# |
| KC550 | 2945#*71001# |
| KU800 | 82652#*# |
| U970 | 2945#*970# |
| U400 | 2945#*88110# |
| U300 | 815118#*# |
| U830 | 94471877#*# |
| U880 | 142358#*# |
| KU311 / L600v | 815118#*# |
| C3100 | 2945#*3101# |
| C3380 / F2300 | 2945#*7101# |
| KE260 | 2945#*2601# |
| CT810 | 2945#*810# |
| GR500 | 2945#*9701# or *#865625# |
| CB630 | *#865625# then press CALL |
| KF390 | *#865625# |
Method B — with non-accepted SIM inserted:
For KF300, C2000, CE110, GR500 and similar:
- Insert SIM from a different operator
- Switch on — "Insert correct SIM" or "Phone restricted" or "Invalid Smart Chip" appears
- Press "Unlock" (or the corresponding soft key)
- Enter the NCK code
Method C — U8xxx series (3G models):
- U8110, U8120, U8150, U8210, U8500:
277634#*# - U8130, U8138:
47328545454# - U8330:
637664#*# - U8360:
*6*41*12## - U8380:
525252#*# - U8180:
49857465454#or492662464663#
Method D — CU series (US/Canada market):
- CU400, CU405, CU500:
159753#*# - CU515, CU575, TU720, CU720:
*#865625#
How to Get the NCK Code for Your LG
The NCK (Network Code Key) is calculated from the phone's IMEI using the LG algorithm. No universal code exists. You can obtain it:
- From the original operator (Three, Vodafone, O2, etc.)
- From online unlocking services by providing the IMEI
- From specialist phone unlocking retailers
How many attempts do I have? LG vintage phones generally allow 5 attempts. After the 5th incorrect attempt the lock becomes permanent and the message "Code error" is permanent. Never attempt without the correct code.
LG KG800 Chocolate — Full Secret Codes
The LG KG800 Chocolate (2006) is the most iconic LG phone ever — matte black casing, capacitive backlit touch keys, the most copied design of the 2000s. It was Three's flagship in many European markets and almost all circulating specimens are locked to H3G.
IMEI: *#06#
Network unlock KG800: 2945#*800# Type this code with the Three/H3G SIM inserted → unlock menu appears → select "Network Unlock" → enter the 8-digit NCK code.
Test menu: 2945#*#
Engineering Mode: *#7764726#
Software version: *#0168#
Reset: *#8999*8378#
EFR (Enhanced Full Rate): *3370# (enable) / #3370# (disable) The KG800 supports EFR — noticeably improves call audio quality.
Trick — verify original casing: The original KG800 black casing is soft-touch matte plastic. Copies have glossy or rubber casing. The LG logo on the back is finely engraved in relief on the original, deeply pressed in copies.
Trick — capacitive keys not responding: The KG800 capacitive keys lose sensitivity with wear or dirty fingers. Clean the key surface with isopropyl alcohol on cotton — solves the problem in most cases without replacement.
👉 View LG KG800 available at Infosate
LG KE970 Shine — Full Secret Codes
The LG KE970 Shine (2007) was the Chocolate's successor — mirrored steel casing, 2-inch AMOLED display, pure design object. Also widely distributed on Three.
IMEI: *#06#
Network unlock KE970: 2945#*9701# With Three SIM inserted → type the code → unlock menu → select "Network Unlock" → enter NCK.
Test menu: 2945#*#
Engineering Mode: *#7764726#
EFR: *3370# / #3370#
Trick — protect the mirrored casing: The KE970 casing scratches easily. Use a clear TPU protective film — available online specifically for this model, prevents scratches on the sensitive mirror surface.
👉 View LG KE970 Shine available at Infosate
LG KU990 Viewty — Full Secret Codes
The LG KU990 Viewty (2007) was the first LG with a 5-megapixel camera with autofocus and 120fps video recording. 3-inch resistive touchscreen. On Three it was the 2007-2008 flagship.
IMEI: *#06#
Network unlock KU990: 2945#*990# or 3845#*990# Both codes work — try 2945#*990# first, if the unlock menu doesn't appear use 3845#*990#.
Test menu: 2945#*#
Engineering Mode: *#7764726#
WLAN Engineering Test: *#528#
EFR: *3370# / #3370#
Trick — touchscreen calibration: The KU990 resistive touchscreen loses calibration over time. To recalibrate: Menu → Settings → Display → Screen Calibration → follow instructions. After calibration the touch responds with millimetre precision.
👉 View LG KU990 Viewty available at Infosate
LG KF700 — Secret Codes
The LG KF700 (2008) was one of LG's most elegant sliders — double slider that opened both upward and sideways.
IMEI: *#06# | Network unlock: 2945#*700#
Test menu: 2945#*# | Engineering Mode: *#7764726# | EFR: *3370# / #3370#
👉 View LG KF700 available at Infosate
LG KC910 Renoir — Secret Codes
The LG KC910 Renoir (2008) was the first LG with an 8-megapixel camera — exceptional photographic quality for its time.
IMEI: *#06# | Network unlock: 2945#*910#
Test menu: 2945#*# | Engineering Mode: *#7764726# | WLAN Test: *#528#
Note KC910 = KF910 Prada: same hardware, different branding. Unlock code
2945#*910#works on both.
👉 View LG KC910 available at Infosate
LG KE850 Prada — Secret Codes
The LG KE850 Prada (2007) — the first capacitive touchscreen phone in history, launched before the iPhone. Prada-designed, 3-inch capacitive touchscreen.
IMEI: *#06#
Network unlock KE850 (special procedure!): 2945#*8501# then press CALL This model requires confirmation with the CALL key after typing the code — different from all other LG phones.
EFR: *3370# / #3370#
Historical note KE850 Prada: First phone in the world with capacitive touchscreen. Apple presented the iPhone 2 months after the Prada. The unlock procedure requiring the CALL key is specific only to this model.
👉 View LG KE850 Prada available at Infosate
LG KG120 and KG220 — Secret Codes
Entry-level LG models widely distributed across Europe.
IMEI: *#06# | Network unlock: 2945#*1201#
Test menu: 2945#*# | EFR: *3370# / #3370#
LG U8xxx Series — Secret Codes (3G models)
LG's first 3G models for the European market — U8110, U8120, U8130, U8138, U8150, U8210, U8330, U8360, U8380, U8500.
IMEI: *#06# | Network unlock: (see table above — Method C)
Test menu: 2945#*# | Engineering Mode: *#7764726#
LG Engineering Menu *#7764726# — What It Contains
One of the richest engineering menus among vintage brands:
- Complete firmware version with build date
- Detailed hardware information
- Display test — pixel by pixel
- Keyboard test — every key verified
- Audio test — microphone, speaker, earphone
- Vibration test
- Camera test (on camera models)
- Bluetooth test — MAC address and chip status
- WiFi test (on WiFi models) — MAC address and WLAN parameters
- Real-time GSM/3G network parameters: Cell ID, LAC, MCC, MNC, signal strength in dBm
- Battery test — real voltage in mV
Note:
*#7764726#may not work on all LG models — depends on firmware version. Use2945#*#as alternative for basic test menu.
Reading LG Network Parameters (dBm and MCC/MNC)
Once inside LG Engineering Mode, network parameters show:
Signal strength in dBm:
- -50 to -70 dBm → excellent signal
- -71 to -85 dBm → good
- -86 to -100 dBm → moderate
- Beyond -100 dBm → weak signal
Identify operator from MCC/MNC:
- MCC 222, MNC 99 → Three Italy (H3G) — most common lock on Italian LG phones
- MCC 222, MNC 01 → TIM Italy
- MCC 222, MNC 10 → Vodafone Italy
- MCC 222, MNC 88 → Wind Italy
- MCC 262, MNC 01 → T-Mobile Germany
- MCC 262, MNC 02 → Vodafone Germany
- MCC 262, MNC 07 → O2 Germany
- MCC 234, MNC 20 → Three UK
- MCC 208, MNC 20 → Bouygues Telecom France
- MCC 214, MNC 01 → Movistar Spain
- MCC 204, MNC 16 → T-Mobile Netherlands
Universal GSM Codes — Valid for All LG GSM
PIN and PUK management:
- Change PIN:
**04*[old]*[new]*[new]# - Change PIN2:
**042*[old]*[new]*[new]# - Unlock with PUK:
**05*[PUK]*[new PIN]*[new PIN]#
Call forwarding:
| Code | Function |
|---|---|
##002# |
Cancel all call forwarding |
##004# |
Cancel conditional forwarding |
*#21# |
Check unconditional forwarding |
*#61# |
Check "no answer" forwarding |
*#62# |
Check "not reachable" forwarding |
*#67# |
Check "busy" forwarding |
**21*[number]# |
Activate unconditional forwarding |
Call barring (default password 0000):
*33*(password)#→ bar outgoing calls*353*(password)#→ bar incoming calls*43#/#43#→ activate/deactivate call waiting
EFR and Half Rate:
*3370#→ enable Enhanced Full Rate (better audio)#3370#→ disable EFR*4720#→ enable Half Rate (battery saving)#4720#→ disable Half Rate
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all Three/H3G LG phones need the same unlock procedure? No — the procedure to open the unlock menu is model-specific (see table). The NCK code itself is IMEI-specific and is the same type regardless of operator.
Does a universal LG unlock code exist? No — every LG model has its own specific code to open the unlock menu. The table above shows the correct code for each model. Only the KE850 Prada additionally requires the CALL key for confirmation.
How many attempts do I have before permanent lock? Generally 5 attempts. After the 5th incorrect attempt the lock becomes permanent and "Network lock" message is shown permanently. On some models the remaining attempts counter is visible in Engineering Mode.
Can I unlock a Three-locked LG KG800 without the NCK code? No — the NCK code is mandatory. The only alternative is firmware flashing with professional software (LG LGUP), but this erases all data and requires specific equipment.
Does *#7764726# work on all LG phones? Works on many KG, KE, KF, KC, KU series models from 2006-2009. For older models use 2945#*# for the basic test menu.
Original Vintage LG at Infosate
At Infosate you'll find a selection of original vintage LG phones — KG800 Chocolate, KE970 Shine, KU990 Viewty, KE850 Prada and other iconic models, many already unlocked and ready for any SIM.