Mobile internet has become an integral part of life, and operators often offer advantageous plans with the device. However, such devices typically come with a software lock that only allows the use of SIM cards from one operator. Owners of the popular model Megafon MP150-2 (the Huawei E5577 is a counterpart) often face the need to change providers or use local SIM cards while traveling. You can unlock the Megafon MP150 2 Wi-Fi router yourself if you have the necessary knowledge and tools.
The process of lifting restrictions does not always go smoothly and requires attention to detail. Firmware Flashing a device is a complex process that can lead to device failure if the technology is compromised. In this article, we'll cover all the steps involved in preparing, finding the unlock code, and flashing the device so you can use your router with any carrier.
Hardware features and preparation for unlocking
Before you start programming, you need to clearly understand what kind of device you are dealing with. Model Megafon MP150-2 technically it is a rebadge version of the router Huawei E5577 (The E5577Cs-321 or E5577Bs-321 modifications are often encountered.) This is an important detail, as the tools and firmware are selected specifically for the original Huawei platform. The success of the operation depends 90% on proper workstation and software preparation.
You'll need a computer or laptop running Windows, as most port and IMEI utilities don't support macOS or Linux. You'll also need a high-quality USB cable capable of transmitting both power and data. A poor cable can cause connection interruptions during a critical recording process. NVRAM, which will make device recovery extremely difficult.
Before starting any actions, ensure the router's battery is charged to at least 50-60%. A sudden power outage while flashing the flash memory can brick the device. It is also recommended to remove the SIM card from the carrier the router is locked to to avoid conflicts when attempting to access the menu.
⚠️ Attention: All unlocking actions are performed at your own risk. Tampering with the device's firmware will void the official warranty. The carrier is not obligated to service a device with modified firmware.
☑️ Preparing for the procedure
Determining the exact model and firmware version
There's no one-size-fits-all instruction, as the same Megafon box can contain different hardware revisions. To unlock the Megafon MP150 2 Wi-Fi router, you need to know the exact device ID. This information is usually hidden under the cover where the SIM card and battery slots are located. Remove the back cover and look for the barcode sticker.
You are interested in the "Model" or "Product Model" line. It may indicate E5577Cs-321, E5577Bs-321 or other variations. It's also important to know the current firmware version, which can be found in the router's web interface at 192.168.8.1 In the "Settings" -> "System" section. Different versions require different approaches: some can be unlocked with a code, while others require a complete reflash.
There are three main types of blockages you may encounter:
- 🔒 SimLock: standard code lock required when inserting someone else's SIM card.
- 📡 BrandLock: Changing the operator's interface and logos, often paired with SimLock.
- 🚫 HardLock: Blocking at the IMEI level in the operator's database requires changing the identifier.
If your router asks for an unlock code (NCK), you're in luck. In this case, you don't need to update the firmware; finding the master code is sufficient. If the router displays "Card blocked" or "Invalid SIM," you'll likely need to change the IMEI and reflash the firmware.
Calculating the unlock code (NCK Code)
If the web interface requests an unlock code when connecting a router with a SIM card from another operator, this means that the protection is operating at the software request level. For models based on Huawei There are algorithms that can calculate this code based on the device's IMEI. The IMEI is also located on a sticker under the battery and consists of 15 digits.
There are many online calculators and local programs (for example, Huawei Calculator or DC-Unlocker), which generate a code. You need to enter the router's IMEI into the program, select the model (for example, E5577), and the system will generate an unlock code. Free calculators often only provide the first four digits of the code; the rest will have to be purchased or found through alternative methods.
After receiving the code:
- Insert a SIM card from a different operator.
- Go to the web interface at
192.168.8.1. - Enter the received code in the field that appears.
- The router will reboot and should work with the new SIM card.
It's important to understand that the number of code entry attempts is limited (usually 10). Once all attempts are exhausted, the device is permanently locked, and the only solution is to reflash the firmware using special programmers (USB-TTL), which requires disassembling the case and soldering.
⚠️ Attention: Never enter random codes at random. Every error is recorded in the device's memory. If you're unsure of the code's correctness, it's best to first test the algorithm on a virtual calculator or compare the results with different sources.
The process of flashing and changing the IMEI
If you can't obtain the unlock code or the router is locked by IMEI, the only solution is to reflash the firmware. The goal of this operation is to replace the modified firmware of the operator (MegaFon) to universal (Global or Stock) and change the IMEI to a "clean" one. To do this, you will need a driver package Huawei Mobile Partner or DC-Unlocker, as well as the firmware itself (.bin or .exe files).
The firmware update process is as follows. First, you need to put the router into update mode. To do this, press and hold the small Reset button (sometimes you need to use a paperclip) on the powered-off device, then connect the USB cable to the computer, holding the button for 10-15 seconds until the indicators flash unusually. The computer should detect the new device, often as "Huawei USB COM" or "Android Adapter."
Next, launch the flashing utility. It's important to select the correct COM port in the program settings. The process takes 2 to 5 minutes. During this time, touching the cable or the computer is strictly prohibited.
After a successful flash, it is often necessary to change the IMEI. This is done using special AT commands in the terminal (for example, in the program DC-Unlocker or HyperTerminal). The command usually looks like this:
AT^CIME="351234567890123"Where the numbers represent the new IMEI. After changing the IMEI, you must reset the router settings via the web interface for the changes to be applied.
What to do if the firmware update is interrupted?
If the LEDs stop flashing during the firmware update process, but the router still won't turn on, the bootloader may be damaged. In this case, the only solution is the "3 fingers" method (short-circuiting the contacts on the board) or using the UART console to restore the bootloader. This requires soldering skills.
Setting up a universal APN profile
After successfully unlocking and flashing the router, it's ready to use, but for stable internet, you need to correctly configure the access point name (APN). Universal firmware often doesn't have pre-installed profiles for all carriers, so you have to enter them manually. This is done in "Settings" -> "Profile" -> "New Profile."
The parameters vary for each operator. For example, for MTS The profile name will be mts.internet.ru, For Beeline — internet.beeline.ru, For Tele2 — internet.tele2.ruThe login and password can often be left blank or entered as "gdata/gdata" depending on your carrier. It's also important to check that the authentication type is set to PAP or Auto.
Table of basic APN settings for popular operators:
| Operator | Profile Name (APN) | Login | Password |
|---|---|---|---|
| MTS | mts.internet.ru |
mts | mts |
| Beeline | internet.beeline.ru |
beeline | beeline |
| Megaphone | internet |
gdata | gdata |
| Tele2 | internet.tele2.ru |
(empty) | (empty) |
| Yota | internet.yota |
(empty) | (empty) |
After saving the profile, remember to select it as "Active" and reboot your device. If the signal strength indicator shows 4G/LTE, everything is configured correctly.
Common errors and how to fix them
The unlocking process rarely goes perfectly. Users often encounter the "Device not found" error when attempting to flash the firmware. This can be resolved by installing the original drivers. Huawei and switching ports in Device Manager. Sometimes changing the USB port or using a cable without twists helps.
Another common issue is that the router has been flashed, but the SIM card still isn't detected. In this case, you need to check the blocking status using the AT command. AT^CARDLOCK?. If the answer is +CARDLOCK: 2, then the unlocking was successful. If 1 — the device is still locked. It's also worth checking the integrity of the SIM card contacts and the slot itself.
If after changing the IMEI the sound is gone or the indicators stop lighting, the area may have been damaged NVRAMIn this case, restoring from a backup will help, if you made one before starting the repair. If you don't have a backup, you'll have to search online for an NVRAM dump for your specific model and upload it again.
⚠️ Attention: Firmware interfaces and menus may vary depending on the software version. If you don't find the menu item described in the instructions, look for it in the advanced settings or refresh your browser (Ctrl+F5).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to unlock the Megafon MP150-2 for free?
Yes, it's possible if you're lucky with the code generation algorithm or if you find a free calculator for your firmware version. However, removing the IMEI lock or complex firmware cases often requires paying for tokens or service codes.
Will the unlock reset when updating the firmware via the web interface?
Yes, if you update the firmware through the standard "System" menu on the operator's website or through automatic updates, the unlock settings may be lost, and the router will ask for the code again. It is recommended to disable automatic updates.
What is the maximum speed after unlocking?
Speed depends not on firmware, but on network coverage and tariff Model MP150-2 Supports LTE Cat4, which theoretically provides up to 150 Mbps download speed. Once unlocked, you can use plans from other carriers, which may offer higher speeds.
Is it dangerous to change the IMEI on a router?
Technically, no, if done correctly. Legally, changing the IMEI may be legally restricted in some countries. Also, using fake IMEIs can lead to the device being blocked from carrier networks if they are blacklisted.