If you've been struggling with a bad signal and restrictive allowances from your current provider, unlocking means you'll be free to switch. You can also sell your phone for more money than a locked model would fetch once it's time to upgrade. This allows you to take advantage of cheap SIM only deals and SIMs that offer a greater allowance of minutes, texts and mobile data. Once unlocked, you can replace the phone's SIM card with a SIM from a different mobile provider. Unlocking your phone removes those restrictions. When you buy a handset from a mobile provider or through a third party, you'll often find that your mobile is locked, which means you can't change network providers, and you may have trouble selling your handset further down the line. Bear in mind that if you are still mid-contract, you will have to pay the monthly fee until the contract expires. This means you can switch and change providers whenever you wish, just by putting a new SIM into your handset. If you're worried about invalidating your warranty, it may be better to keep your phone locked to your current provider.Īn unlocked phone can operate on any mobile network of your choosing. This is an unavoidable consequence of unlocking your mobile. However, while you won't be breaking any laws, you will be voiding your handset's warranty. Unlocking your mobile is completely legal and above board, so you won't be hearing the policeman's knock anytime soon. You may have heard that unlocking your handset is illegal. Just don't expect much fanfare from your phone for its newfound freedom. This should unlock your phone immediately.
Simply turn your handset on and type the code in using the device's number pad. Once you have your code, it's easy to unlock your phone. Newer models cannot usually be unlocked this way. The mobile provider Giffgaff's 'unlockapedia' is a searchable database of handsets and places where you can get unlock codes, some of which are provided free.Īs a general rule of thumb, the older your mobile is, the more likely you'll be able to find the unlock code online for free. You may have to hand over your phone and wait up to a week for it to be unlocked, and you could be charged anything from £5 to £100.ĭepending on your handset's make and model, you may be able to find an unlock code online for free. One drawback of this method is the variability in time and price. It's a good idea to keep a note of this number to speed the process along.Īnother option is to take your handset to a phone repair shop offering mobile unlocking services. The IMEI number of your handset is unique and will be required by unlocking services. Then you'll need to find your IMEI (International Mobile Station Equipment Identity) number. If it displays a message similar to 'incompatible SIM', 'enter subsidy PIN' or 'enter network unlock code', then it is locked. If the phone works as normal then it isn't locked. It's easy to find out simply by inserting a SIM card from another provider. If you bought your phone from somewhere other than a mobile provider, it might not need unlocking.
Whether you choose to rely on a dedicated unlocking expert or have a crack at it yourself, here's every way you can possibly do it. It's a legal process, and you can sometimes unlock your phone for free. Once it's unlocked you can use it on any network, so you can take advantage of all those cheap SIM only deals. It could take up to 7-10 days to unlock your phone.Unlocking your phone brings freedom to your handset.Remember to back up your phone before you unlock it or you may lose your data.
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Once you’ve located your phone’s IMEI number, you’ll need to contact us so we can provide instructions on how to unlock your device, and if an unlocking fee will apply.Ĭall 13 22 00 and say, ‘unlock device option’ when prompted.
There are four ways to locate the IMEI number for your Android device: To unlock your Pre-Paid device, you’ll need to find your phone’s IMEI number.