Phone Unlocking Guide

Unlocking your phone opens a world of opportunities. Once you have unlocked your phone you are free to use it on any network and select a cheap SIM only deal that saves you money every month. It is a safe and legal process and there are a few ways to do it.

The best way to unlock your phone is to contact your network to ask them to do it on your behalf. If you have had the phone for more than 6 months most networks will unlock it remotely for free or a nominal fee.

Good News! If you bought your phone from giffgaff, Three, Virgin Mobile, O2 (Pay Monthly) or Carphone Warehouse in the last couple of years it is probably already unlocked! The move away from locking phones is great news for the industry as it gives customers freedom and flexibility.

Network	PAYM	Pay As You Go
O2	Unlocked	Locked
giffgaff	Unlocked	Unlocked
Virgin Mobile	Unlocked	Locked
Three	Unlocked	Unlocked
EE	Locked	Locked
Vodafone	Locked	Locked
iD Mobile	Android: Unlocked iPhone: Locked	N/A
Sky Mobile	Unlocked	N/A

Is it safe?

unlocking a phone is usually a very safe process - especially if you use a code or ask your network to do it for you. Unlocking is not the same as "jailbreaking", which removes some key protections from your phone and makes it less secure.

Is Phone Unlocking Legal?

Yes, unlocking your phone is perfectly legal. You shoudl be aware that some unlocking methods may affect your warranty. The best way is to contact your network and ask them to do it.

How do I know if I need to?

If you bought your phone from a third party retailer you may be in luck – they are often already unlocked. Some networks like Three and giffgaff also sell unlocked phones. The easiest way to check if your phone is locked is just to pop a SIM from another network in your phone and see if it works.