When it comes to unlocking a mobile phone, you have several options.
One solution is to take it to a local independent phone shop that will typically charge you around £ 15 for service.
Another method is to do it yourself by getting a code or using special software and a data cable. However, you will need a certain amount of technical knowledge to do this.
It is not illegal to use any of these methods to unlock your phone. In either case, however, you run the risk of voiding your warranty.
But the safest and most innovative way to unlock cell phones is to call their network and ask them to unlock it.
The fees and how quickly and easily they can be unlocked depend on the policies of your mobile operator. Below we will look at the guidelines for the major networks.
Unlocking Your Phone: The Basics
More and more Britons are unlocking their phones. It came from a Us witch survey that found we spend £ 48 million annually to unlock our phones.
With an Unlock a Mobile Phone, you can not only use cheap SIM offers on all networks. It also makes it easier to give your old phone to a family member or friend.
But even though cell phones have been an integral part of our lives for nearly 20 years, there is still confusion about unlocking them. And this is where we come in.
On this page, we describe some helpful tips on unlocking your phone. We also explain the policies of the major UK networks so that you know exactly what to do to unlock your phone.
What Prepares it mean When a Phone is Locked?
Once a phone is locked, it will only work with the carrier you bought it from.
If your phone remains locked, it will not be automatically unlocked when your contract with your provider expires.
It would help if you specifically asked your wireless service provider to unlock it. We will explain how to do this in due course.
Is Your Phone Unlocked? How do you Know?
It’s easy to tell if your phone is lock. Just insert a third-party SIM card (you can order a free one at a phone store or online) and see if the network name shows up on your phone.
If it does and you can use your phone, it is unlock.
I will Unlock My Phone through My Network. How does it work?
Whenever you contact your network to Unlock a Mobile Phone your phone over the phone, you will be ask for your IMEI number. It is a unique identifier for your phone that your network can identify the make and model and serial number.
You can get the number in several ways. But maybe the easiest way is to open up the phone app and then type * # 06 # on the keyboard. The IMEI number will instantly flash on the screen for you to remove with a piece of paper. Or with the Notes app on your phone.
Alternatively, you can find it through your Settings app if you have an iPhone. First, open Settings, then tap General, followed by About. You can find it at the bottom of the screen.
Why Should I Unlock My Phone?
Us witch studies show that the most common reason for unlocking a phone is to take advantage of cheap SIM deals.
When your phone remains unlocked, you are not imperfect to the network’s tariffs from which you bought your phone. You can choose from the entire market.
Equally important, great SIM-only deals are usually only available for a limited time.
With a SIM-only offer, you have the freedom you need to choose, switch, and get the best deals while they are still available.
Can I Unlock My Phone for Free?
Us witch’s phone unlocking survey found that the time it takes to unlock a phone and the price to wait is one of the areas where Brits are most confused.
The finding corroborated that almost a third of consumers believe that unlocking a phone will be instantaneous.
It depends on your carrier until your phone is unlock. However, you should be aware that you can wait anywhere from a few days to 30 days for the process to complete.
To clarify your network guidelines, see our guide for each network below.