Unlocking Explained

This page answers questions on unlocking mobile phones.

Is mobile phone unlocking legal?

Yes unlocking a mobile network sim lock is legal as long as you are the rightful owner of handset. This is not be confused with IMEI changing which is reprogramming stolen mobile phones and is not legal.

What are the different unlocking options?

1. Local Vendors
Locate your local phone shops and see if they offer unlocking services. This is offered more by smaller retailers you wont be able to get unlocking in big stores like Carphone Warehouse, Phones4U etc.

2. Unlocking from Network Providers
Networks do offer to unlock your phone for you after your contract has expired but its not free and the service costs from £40-60.

3. Online server unlocking cable
Some models of phone can be unlocked with special servers. To use this service all you do is download some software from a web page, then connect your phone by cable to the software. The server then performs the unlocking task online.

4. Unlock by code
This is a most popular method because it doesn't require any hardware to perform the unlock. All you need is the IMEI number of the phone you can find this either on the back or by pressing *#06#. This code is then used to get a unique unlocking code for your phone. When you receive this code all you need to do is enter it via the keypad and unlock your handset. You can read more on unlocking by codes by viewing the links on the left.

5. Unlock by post
If your not confident with unlocking and would rather let an expert do it then there is an unlocking services available via post. You send your phone it is unlocked by one of our engineers and then returned.

What exactly does unlocking do?

Unlocking removes the network lock from that phone. This is the lock that only allows you to use sim cards from one network. Once removed your phone will accept sims from any network.

How do I know if my phone is locked?

To test if your phone is locked try a sim card in it from a different network from yours. If when you start it up you see a message like below then its locked.

Insert correct card
Subsidy Code
Incorrect Sim
Enter code
Restriction code

Can all phones be unlocked?

About 90% of phones on the market can be unlocked. There is always new solutions becoming available as new phones are released.

Will I lose any features if I unlock my phone?

No unlocking does not affect the menus of a phone.

Can phones be reunlocked by themselfs?

No the phone will not relock by its self. However if you send it in for repair and they need to reload the software then this could cause it to relock.