Looking to move networks, but still want to keep your old phone?
You could be forgiven for thinking that phone contracts go something like this: buying the phone outright will give you the ability to switch networks with ease while getting the device on contract means you’re locked to the provider.
While that is true to some extent, it definitely doesn’t tell the full story. A locked phone will prevent you from using your minutes, texts, and data with a new SIM, but once the contract is up you’re probably free to do as you, please.
In the UK, networks are no longer allowed to sell locked handsets. UK communications regulator Ofcom has introduced a new set of rules that will prevent any networks from being allowed to sell a phone that isn’t unlocked, which came into force in December 2021.
That’s not true everywhere though, and in the US in particular most smartphones are still sold locked to a specific carrier.
Just to clarify, we are referring to phones that may be locked to particular service providers.
Is it legal to unlock your phone?
If you’ve finished paying for your contract, it’s completely legal to unlock your phone. The same goes for any phone you purchased outright.
- However, if you’re still in the process of paying off your initial contract unlocking your phone to other providers may not be possible until the contract ends. Some carriers may have nothing against it, but it’s definitely worth checking before you start the process. Before you proceed, it’s worth being 100% sure that your phone is already locked.
How to unlock your iPhone
Unlocking an iPhone can be surprisingly easy once you know how.
- First, you’ll need to contact your provider and request an unlock. This must be the original network, not the network of the new SIM you’re trying to use.
- You’ll normally need your IMEI number, which you can usually find on the original packaging, or can discover by dialing *#06* on the iPhone’s keypad.
- Once you’ve had confirmation that your phone has been unlocked by your provider, you can power down the phone, put your new SIM card into the SIM card slot, and turn the phone back on.
- Now, try making a call to find out whether or not the unlock has been successful. If you’re able to connect a phone call over the new network, the unlock has worked. If not, get back in touch with your network provider for further assistance.
Contact your carrier or network provider
Taking a closer look at step one, we’ve listed each of the popular network providers in the US and UK to help you find out how to go about unlocking your iPhone. Find your carrier from the list below and follow the instructions provided.
US carriers
AT&T
Head to AT&T’s unlock page to find your IMEI number and begin the process of unlocking your device.
Sprint
T-Mobile
Verizon
UK networks
EE
Giffgaff
O2
Sky Mobile
Tesco Mobile
Using a third-party unlocking service
We would always recommend checking with your network provider before you resort to a third-party unlocking service, but sometimes it can be much quicker and easier.
It’s important to watch out for third-party unlocking services that sting customers with extra bills at the end of the process, so be sure to read the small print before you hand over your money.
We’ve tried and tested AT&T SIM UNLOCK in the UK, which promises a refund if the unlock is unsuccessful and didn’t surprise us with any hidden fees. It could be an option if you’ve tried the methods listed above.
If you have more than one phone, you may also need our guide on how to unlock an iPhone.
Comments
Post a Comment