GoSimo

Phone Unlocking Guide

Unlocking your phone opens up your options. Once unlocked, you are free to use it on any network and choose a SIM only deal that saves you money every month. It is a safe and entirely legal process. The best way to unlock your phone is to contact your current network directly if you have had the phone for more than six months, most networks will unlock it remotely for free or a nominal fee. If you bought your phone from giffgaff, Three, O2 (Pay Monthly) or most major retailers in recent years, there is a good chance it is already unlocked. The move away from locking phones is good news for consumers as it gives you freedom to switch. Unlocking is not the same as jailbreaking, which removes security protections and can void your warranty. Always use your network's official unlock process or a reputable third party service.

How do I know if my phone is already unlocked?

The quickest test is to borrow a SIM from a friend on a different network and insert it. If the phone connects normally, it is unlocked. If it shows an error like 'SIM not supported' or 'Enter unlock code', it is locked. Some phones also display their lock status in Settings on iPhone, go to Settings > General > About and look for 'Carrier Lock'. On Android, the location varies by manufacturer but is usually under Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks.

How to unlock your phone through your network

Contact your current network and request an unlock. Most networks will do this for free if you have owned the phone for six months or more, or if you have completed your contract. Some networks may charge a small fee for early unlocking. You will usually need to provide your account details and the phone's IMEI number dial *#06# to find it. The network will either unlock the phone remotely (it happens automatically after a restart) or send you an unlock code to enter manually.

What is my IMEI number and why do I need it?

Your IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique 15 digit number that identifies your specific handset. Networks use it to unlock your phone remotely. Dial *#06# on any phone to display it immediately, or find it in Settings > About Phone (Android) or Settings > General > About (iPhone). It is also printed on the box your phone came in and sometimes on a sticker under the battery. Keep a note of it it is also useful if your phone is ever lost or stolen, as networks can use it to block the device.

Third party unlocking services

If your network will not unlock your phone for example because you bought it second hand and do not have an account with that network third party unlocking services are a legitimate alternative. These services typically cost between £5 and £20 depending on the network and phone model. They work by submitting your IMEI to a database and having the unlock applied remotely or providing an unlock code. Stick to well reviewed services and avoid anything that requires you to install software on your phone, as that crosses into less safe territory.

Does unlocking affect my contract?

Unlocking your phone does not cancel your contract or change your billing. You will continue to pay your monthly charges as normal until the contract ends. What changes is that your handset is no longer restricted to one network you can insert any compatible SIM. This is useful if you are travelling and want to use a local SIM, or if you want to switch to a SIM only deal on a different network when your contract finishes.

Unlocking for travel

If you travel internationally and want to use a local SIM card to avoid roaming charges, your phone needs to be unlocked first. This is one of the most common reasons people unlock buying a local data SIM at your destination can be significantly cheaper than paying daily roaming fees to your UK network. Sort the unlock before you travel rather than trying to arrange it while abroad.

Is phone unlocking legal?

Yes, unlocking your phone is perfectly legal in the UK. You should be aware that some third party unlocking methods may affect your manufacturer warranty unlocking through your network avoids this risk. If you are not sure whether your phone is already unlocked, try inserting a SIM from a different network. If it works, you're good to go.

When is unlocking not possible?

In rare cases, a phone may be network locked in a way that cannot easily be reversed typically older prepay handsets that were heavily subsidised and sold with permanent restrictions. If a network refuses to unlock and you cannot find a third party service that supports the model, it may be cheaper to replace the handset than to pursue it further. This is uncommon with any phone made in the last five or six years.

Once your phone is unlocked, the next step is finding the right SIM only deal. Use our comparison to filter by network, data allowance, and contract length you are no longer tied to whichever network your phone came from, which means the full market is open to you.