How to Unlock a Phone for UK Networks (2025 Guide)

If your phone is locked to one UK network, switching to another provider — especially for cheaper SIM‑only plans — becomes impossible until you unlock it. The good news? Unlocking a phone in the UK is straightforward in 2025, and most networks now offer it for free.

This guide shows you exactly how to check if your phone is locked, how to unlock it through major UK carriers, and what to do if you bought a second‑hand device. Everything here is written with UK terminology, SIM‑only norms, and current unlocking rules.

How to Check If Your Phone Is Locked (UK Method)

Before unlocking, you must confirm whether your phone is actually locked. Here’s the quickest way:

Turn off your phone.
Insert a SIM card from a different UK network.
Restart the device.
If it says “SIM Not Supported”, “Network Locked”, or asks for an unlock code, your device is locked.

If the phone signals normally and connects, it’s already unlocked.

How Unlocking Works in the UK (Updated 2025 Rules)

Most UK networks (O2, EE, Vodafone, Three and all MVNOs) no longer lock phones sold on contract or PAYG. However, older handsets and imported models may still be locked.

How to Unlock Your Phone by Each UK Network

Unlock from EE

EE now unlocks phones for free.
Your device must not be reported lost or stolen.
You can request unlocking even if you’re not the original owner.

Unlock from Vodafone UK

Vodafone removed all device locks from 2023 onwards.
Older devices can still require an unlock request.
Usually completed in 48 hours.

Unlock from O2

O2 generally sells devices unlocked.
If you have a very old PAYG device, O2 may still need to unlock it.
Unlocking is normally instant.

Unlock from Three UK

Three sells all phones unlocked.
If yours is locked, it’s likely from before 2014.
Three will still unlock it free of charge.

What If You Bought a Second‑Hand Phone?

If the device is locked and the original network refuses to unlock it, you still have two options:

Request the previous owner unlock it (if possible).
Use the manufacturer account unlock process (Samsung, Google, Apple). This only works if the device isn’t flagged for fraud.

Avoid third‑party unlocking kiosks — they often use unofficial methods, and UK networks may later block IMEIs that were unlocked “improperly”.

Unlocking an Android Phone Manually (If the Network Approves)

Once the carrier approves the request, Android phones usually require entering a Network Unlock Code (NUC). Here's how:

Insert a SIM from another UK network.
The phone will prompt for a Network Unlock Code.
Enter the code provided by your carrier.
Restart the device.

Samsung, Google Pixel and most budget Android models follow this process.

Unlocking an iPhone in the UK

iPhones don’t use unlock codes. Once your UK carrier approves unlocking:

Connect to Wi‑Fi or mobile data.
Restart the iPhone.
The unlock applies automatically via Apple’s activation servers.

Is Unlocking Legal in the UK?

Yes — unlocking a phone is 100% legal in the UK. Networks must provide the service unless the phone is blacklisted for theft, fraud, or unpaid bills.

Benefits of Unlocking Your Phone

Switch to cheaper SIM‑only plans.
Use any UK MVNO (Smarty, Voxi, Giffgaff, etc.).
Better coverage when switching networks.
Higher resale value.

Internal Topic Hub Links

For more connectivity‑related guides, check out our topic hubs:

Final Thoughts

Unlocking a phone for UK networks in 2025 is easier than ever — most devices are already unlocked, and older models can be unlocked free through the original provider. If you want to switch to a cheaper SIM‑only deal or join an MVNO, unlocking your device is the first step towards full flexibility.

how to unlock a phone for UK networks