Find out how to unlock your phone so that you have the freedom to roam any network you like.
What does ‘unlocking’ mean?
Most mobile phones, when you buy them, will be linked to a particular network such as Virgin, Vodafone, or Orange. This means that the SIM card that comes with your new phone is ‘locked’ to that network and will only work on the network it has been assigned to.
If you swap your SIM card for one from a different network, it’s likely your phone won’t function. This means you can only use services provided by the network you originally bought the phone with.
By unlocking your phone you’ll be able to use it on any network you like, meaning you may be able to get cheaper calls and texts, call abroad for less, and take advantage of network-specific deals such as Orange Wednesdays.
Unlocking your mobile gives you the freedom to explore different networks and their associated benefits rather than remaining with the same network until you buy a new phone, so that you can make using your phone even cheaper.
How do I unlock my phone?
First of all it’s a good idea to check whether your phone is currently locked to a particular network. You can do this by inserting a SIM card from a different network into your phone and switching it on.
If the phone works as usual then there’s no need to unlock it and you can enjoy using different networks right away. However if your phone doesn’t switch on or displays a message like ‘Phone locked to network’, then it means you’ll need to go about unlocking it.
One of the first things worth doing is simply calling your existing network provider, and letting them know you want to unlock your phone. Under Ofcom regulations you have the right to unlock your mobile if:
- Pay as you go: the phone is over a year old.
- Contract: you have reached the end of any minimum term contract.
You’ll usually have to quote your mobile number, your manufacturer and model number (which can be found on the outer case of your phone) and your IMEI number (a serial number which can be found by typing *#06# into your phone). You also may have to give up to a month’s notice to your network provider, and pay an unlocking fee of up to £30.
Your network provider will then give you an unlocking code (also known as a PAC - Porting Authorisation Code) which will allow you to transfer your number from one network to another and will unlock your mobile from its original network.
When you put a SIM card from a different network into your phone, type this code into your keypad to unlock it and access any network you wish.
What else should I consider?
There are other ways to unlock your phone in addition to phoning your network provider and asking them for a code. Several websites provide free unlocking services, although it’s worth noting that not every kind of handset will be covered and you may not be able to find a code for your phone. A couple worth trying are Unlockitfree and Trycktill.
You can also pay a fee of around £10 to get your phone unlocked on the high street, either at an outlet dedicated to this service or at your local phone shop, but it's worth shopping around to get the best deal.
If you’re thinking of unlocking your phone it’s worth making sure that the fee you pay to unlock it will be outweighed by savings you’ll make by having the freedom to switch networks, otherwise it may be best simply to stick with your current network.
You can take your pick of the free SIM cards available at the moment and start enjoying your new network as soon as the phone is unlocked. If you’re planning on using a new SIM card in your phone, it’s worth saving all the contacts and data from your old SIM to your phone, so that you can transfer all your data right away.
It’s worth noting too that if you have a warranty on your phone, unlocking it will usually invalidate this, so this is something to consider if you’re still within your warranty period.
