How to unlock a phone: a guide

Is my phone unlocked?

A locked phone will only work using the network of the provider you bought it from, so the first thing to do is check whether yours is locked. If you bought your handset through your mobile network then this will probably be the case, even if your contract has expired and the handset has been paid for.

If you’re not sure whether or not your phone is locked, you can check the device by removing your SIM card and replacing it with a free one from another network, which you can get online or from a mobile phone shop.

If your phone shows the network of the new phone provider then your phone is unlocked, but most phones tend to be locked, so the chances are you will need to unlock your handset.

How to unlock a phone

Unlocking your phone

You can get your phone unlocked at a specialist phone shop, for which you should expect to pay between £15 and £20.

Another way is to use an unlock code and some specialist technical equipment and software. This is basically a DIY version of the service you would pay for in a shop and requires some technical know-how, so be sure you know what you’re doing before attempting to unlock a phone yourself in case you damage it or cause an issue with its warranty.

The safest and most efficient way to unlock your phone is by contacting your mobile network. Different networks use different methods but most network providers will ask for the IMEI number of your device, which tells the provider what type of phone you have.

How to find your IMEI number

Most phones will allow you to access the IMEI number through the ‘Phone’ app, which is the application you use to make a call. If you enter the command *#06#, you should see the IMEI displayed on your screen.

Some phones, such as the iPhone, will have the IMEI under the ‘Settings’ app, where in the general menu you simply click through to ‘About’. If you have an Android phone, such as a Samsung Galaxy, you can check your IMEI number by going into ‘Settings’ and then ‘Status’.

Contact your provider

If you encounter any problems unlocking your phone, your first contact should be with your mobile provider. If you have a smartphone it should be easy to unlock and your provider should be able to help.

How long does it take to unlock phones?

It can take from a few days up to 30 days for the unlocking process to be completed. This will depend on your contract and whether you are on a pay-monthly or pay-as-you-go tariff. Here’s what to expect from the respective phone providers should you need to unlock your phone, whether it’s an Android or an iPhone.

Three

Most Three phones are unlocked unless they were bought before December 2013. If you do need to unlock your phone there is no charge, although it may take a few days.

Virgin Mobile

Virgin Mobile pay-monthly customers’ phones are unlocked but pay-as-you-go customers who have had the phone less than a year are currently charged around £15 and have to wait a month to unlock their phones.

EE

Both EE pay-monthly and pay-as-you-go phones are locked and you will need to have had the phone for six months or more if you’re on a pay-monthly deal before you can unlock it. If you’re still under contract you will pay a fee of £9. If you’re on a pay-as-you-go deal there is no time limit, although you will have to pay a fee unless you bought the phone from EE. The time it takes to unlock EE phones depends on the handset but it can be up to 30 days.

O2

O2 pay-monthly and pay-as-you-go customers can unlock their phone free of charge at any time. Expect to wait three days if you bought your phone before June 2018. O2 also offers customers the facility to unlock their phone using the My O2 app.

Vodafone

If you are with Vodafone on  either q pay-monthly or pay-as-you-go deal and bought your phone after July 2013, it will be locked. Pay-as-you-go customers can unlock their phone as long as they have had the handset for a month, while pay-monthly customers can do so at any time free of charge. You may need to wait 10 days to complete the process.

Tesco Mobile

Pay-monthly and pay-as-you-go phone customers who are with Tesco Mobile can unlock their phones for free but the time it takes will depend on your phone. There is a 12-month grace period if you’re on a pay-monthly tariff, otherwise you will have to pay £10. It can take between seven and 20 days for the process to be completed.

Sky Mobile

All Sky Mobile phones are unlocked so there is no charge or time limit.

How do I unlock an older phone?

You may be able to unlock an older phone free of charge by going online. The provider giffgaff has an online unlocking service called Unlockapedia that can be used if you have a Nokia, LG, Panasonic or Siemens phone. You will need your IMEI code, which can be obtained by typing *#06# on your keypad. You’ll also need the phone brand and model number, which is normally on the phone itself.

Why unlock my phone?

• A SIM-free phone that is unlocked can be sold on and some handsets, such as iPhones hold their value when sold second hand. It also allows you to hand your phone down to a family member or friend.
• It may mean you are able to switch to a better SIM-only deal. Some SIM-only deals are limited so you need to be able to unlock your phone to take advantage of them immediately.
• Being able to switch networks. If you move, you may find another network has a stronger signal or better 4G or 5G capability.
• To sell your phone. This may make sense if you want to upgrade and put the money towards a newer phone. You can also avoid roaming charges by using a SIM card from a local mobile phone provider if you are travelling or staying abroad for a long period.