What does it mean if a phone is locked?
A locked phone is a mobile handset that can only be used on one network. Until recently, networks sold these phones as part of a contract deal that also included mobile service. Unfortunately though, the lock doesn’t end when the phone contract does.
To get one of these phones to work with a SIM card from another provider, it needs to be unlocked.
Do any networks still lock their phones?
In 2020, Ofcom announced that Vodafone, EE and Tesco Mobile would be banned from selling locked phones after December 2021. Other UK networks had already stopped selling locked phones before that.
So unlocking phones will eventually be a thing of the past as older locked phones stop being used. But for now, it’s still an important factor for mobile customers. According to a Uswitch survey, we spend £48 million on unlocking phones in the UK each year.
If you bought your phone before December 2021, it might need to be unlocked before you can use it on a different network.
There are a few phones that were never locked on any network, so you won’t need to unlock them even if you’ve had yours for a long time. They include:
- Google Pixel phones
- Oppo phones
- OnePlus phones.
How can I tell if my phone is locked?
An easy way to check if your phone is locked is to borrow someone else’s SIM card and try it with your phone. After you insert the SIM, restart your phone. If you have no signal – wait a minute or two to make sure – your phone is probably locked. If your screen shows a message asking for a SIM unlock code, it’s definitely locked.
If you don’t have access to a SIM from another network, you can find out by checking your device settings.
On an iPhone, go to Settings > General > About. Scroll to Network Provider Lock. You should see a message saying “No SIM restrictions” or “SIM locked”
On an Android, the steps might vary depending on which manufacturer your phone is from. If the information’s not obvious in your phone’s About or Settings menus, call your current network provider to see if they can check.
Is unlocking a phone legal, and is it safe?
Yes to both. UK network providers can no longer sell locked phones, and many of them will help you unlock your handset for free.
It won’t physically damage your phone if you unlock it following the instructions from your network. If you hand your phone over to a third-party provider though, there are no guarantees.
If your phone is within its warranty period, it’s best to check that unlocking it won’t compromise the warranty. But since no locked phones were sold after 2021, it’s likely any warranty will have already expired.
How do I unlock my phone to any network?
Unlocking your phone starts with finding your device’s International Mobile Station Equipment Identity (IMEI) number. This is a unique 15-digit code that identifies your handset.
Your network provider will need your IMEI to unlock your phone. IMEIs can also be used to block your phone if it gets stolen.
You can find the IMEI by:
- dialling *#06# on the keypad
- checking the Settings
- looking inside the battery compartment or SIM tray for an information label
With your IMEI in hand, you can contact your network using its website, live chat or phone to request the unlock. Note that it might not be an instant process – some providers say it may take a few days.
How much does unlocking a phone cost, and can I unlock my phone for free?
Most UK providers now unlock your phone for free, if required.
- EE will unlock your phone for free, whether or not it’s in contract.
- Vodafone says it will provide the code you need to unlock your phone if you’re a personal or small business customer with 1-10 connections. Larger businesses may have to pay.
- O2 will unlock your phone at any time, for free.
- Tesco Mobile will unlock your phone if it’s on the Tesco Mobile network for free. It can take up to 7 days to receive an unlock code and instructions.
How do you unlock a Samsung or Huawei phone?
Contacting your provider is the most reliable way to unlock a Samsung or Huawei phone so you can use it on any network.
Before you get in touch with the network, find your phone’s IMEI number by dialling *#06# or by checking your phone’s settings menu. Have it to hand when you call them or log into your online account, as they’ll need it to start the unlocking process.
How do you unlock a Vodafone phone?
To unlock a phone that’s limited to Vodafone’s network, you’ll need to request a network unlocking code (NUC). You can do that on Vodafone’s website.
Vodafone says it will usually unlock the device within 72 hours of your request, but it could be longer. If you need to check your details or consult the phone manufacturer, it could take up to 10 working days.
Is there a difference between unlocking a phone and unblocking a phone?
Yes, these are different things. Unlocking a phone means removing the restriction on which networks you can use it on. Unblocking a phone means removing a safety block that has been triggered on the device.
Some phones can block themselves when an incorrect PIN is entered 3 times. This is to protect you against unauthorised access to your phone.
To lift the block on a phone, you need a PUK (personal unblocking code) that you can get from your network. Often it’s available through your online account or mobile provider’s app.
What should I do if I’ve forgotten my phone’s password?
If you’ve arrived at this page because you need to unlock your phone’s screen and you forgot your password, PIN or pattern, read on.
Phone manufacturers offer a few ways to prevent the problem of being locked out of your phone because you forgot the security information. These include Samsung’s Find My Mobile and Google’s Smart Lock feature. Unfortunately, they mostly need to be set up in advance, which doesn’t help if you’re already locked out.
What you can still do is reset your phone. This will mean losing your stored data and your settings, but it will make the phone usable again.
If your device is an Android, you can erase and reset it by pressing the power and volume buttons – the exact method depends on which phone you have. There’s more on how to do it on the Google Support website.
If you have an iPhone that’s disabled after too many password attempts, Apple recommends putting your phone in Recovery Mode using a computer. There’s more information on the Apple website.
Can I move to any network after unlocking my phone?
If you’re on a contract, it could be costly to move networks before the minimum term. This is usually 12 or 24 months. You may still have to pay the monthly fee for the rest of the contract period. Or there might be an early exit charge, which can be expensive.
But provided you’re no longer in a contract with your old network provider, you can take your phone to any network.
An unlocked phone gives you the option of a SIM only deal, where your monthly bill only includes services, not the cost of your handset.
You can also move to pay as you go deals, which means you can change how much you spend each month with zero commitment.
cookie usage