Like Vodafone R226, Vodafone R216 is also Huawei make and unlocking is possible. You can find the rebranded R216 in countries like U.K., Australia, Spain, Italy, Portugal, India etc. Unlocking procedures may be slightly different, so before paying, proceed with steps or you can also get the help through comments.
How to unlock Vodafone R216 Mobile Wi-Fi LTE router?
1. Make sure your router (Vodafone / Vodacom R216) is fully charged or connected to static power supply.
2. Reset the device, and insert a non-acceptable Network sim on your Vodafone R216 WiFi MiFi Router.
3. After changing another network providers sim on your Huawei WiFi / MiFi, switch the device on. It will display “Invalid SIM” because you have used another network providers sim.
4. Now just establish a WiFi connection to Vodafone R216 WiFi MiFi Router with your PC / laptop (Windows).
5. Connect your locked router/gateway with PC and browse (through default internet explorer) and login to your device’s dashboard. Go to Advanced Settings – SIM Settings – Unlock Device – Enter Unlock Code – Click on Apply.
or,
Open your Settings – Dial-up – Unlock SIM card – Enter 8 digits unlock code in your R216 MiFi router. Click “OK” and the device will reboot to display the new network.
Now your Vodafone R216 is fully unlocked to use another network SIM card.
Just create a new profile in Vodafone R216 according to the new sim card and connect to the internet.
Update: Vodafone Huawei R216 comes with the V4 algorithm and firmware change is mandatory, then unlocking is possible.
How to generate NV hash code from Vodafone R216 4G mobile WiFi hotspot router?
1. Download Firmware Huawei Vodafone R216 Update 21.110.99.06.00 (Universal)
2. Generate firmware code from Universal Master Code tool or comment with model and IMEI to get it.
3. Connect your Huawei Vodafone R216 router to Windows PC or laptop via USB cable.
4. Extract downloaded firmware is a folder and run the setup file.
Note: Make sure you have disconnect internet and disabled the WiFi of PC (if available).
5. It will ask for a password. Use firmware code as password and wait till finish wizard.
Note: WiFi of the R216 will stop working and the device will be unusable.
6. Now install Huawei Mobile Partner in PC.
7. Download DC Unlocker and run it.
9. Now, detect the device under DC unlocker.
10. Go to the end of the result.
11. Now type “AT^NVRDEX=50503,0,128” (without quotes) and press Enter from the keyboard.
12. Now, it will show some NV codes in hash format. Keep it safe, after receiving the payment I will email you for generated hash code, which will be converted into the unlock code and will be emailed you back.
Note: Don’t try to insert free/wrong codes into your R216 WiFi MiFi Router, otherwise it will be locked permanently. Only pay 6 USD through PayPal button after generating the hash code. I will contact you through email.
Update: If your Vodafone R216 has higher firmware version and you are not able to downgrade the device, then you need to shot the boot, then further unlocking is possible. This method is tested with Indian R216 devices and is working fine.
You can watch the video of boot shot method:
Note II: Vodafone R216-Z is ZTE make and unlock / NCK / SIMlock code charge is 6USD.
Update: Vodafone Portugal is offering R216H Huawei WiFi MiFi Router. Unlock code of R216H Vodafone Portugal device is available. Interested people can place an order.
Update II: Vodafone U.K. R216 unlock code services are also available.