Help Phone unlocked, sim recognized, Won't connect to network

[tjw101]

Hi everyone.

I've been having problems with my S3 (GT-I9300, Android 4.2.2) since returning to England.

Essentially it won't recognise uk sim cards but the kicker is that the phone does not appear to be locked.

I've tried taking it to the phone store, spent a good amount of time on the phone to the service provider (Orange) who like to hang up when they don't know the answer to something, and searched the web extensively - to no avail so far.

Hoping someone can help me. Here is what I know so far:

* The sim card works in other handsets - both UK original and internationally bought ones
* The S3 worked fine in India (with Indian Sim card) and in Thailand with the UK sim card that now won't work in the UK.
* It does not prompt for any sort of unlock code, it recognises the Orange sim card fine but won't connect to the network
* The same happens with other sims I have tried in the S3 since getting to England
* I cannot try any fixes/unlocking using a USSD code - it just says "no network" available when trying to run the codes.
* the little ariel symbol in the corner just has a red "x" over it
* I read that sometimes the S3 has a region lock. I first booted it up in Asia, could it be locked for use in Asia only?


So, firstly, if it is locked in some way, how do I enter an unlock code into a phone that does not prompt to need unlocking and does not allow the running of a ussd code?

If I do a factory reset, is that likely to solve the problem?

Is there a way to store my data and apps so that I can load them back on after the reset? Will I have to reinstall Android after a reset?


Any help would be welcome as i have already spent many hours searching for a solution.

Thanks
Tom>>>>

 

[mrsmumbles]

I don't know anything about the main issue you're having, but about a reset, can't you back up media to an SD card? For app data I've heard it may be possible to use Helium without rooting.

Maybe someone will have a better answer without having to do a reset.

 

[philayl]

Hi, have you checked that the phone is set to "WCDMA/GSM (auto connect) in the settings? Also try "Network Operators", and see if it will let you set it manually. Phil