Unlocking FAQ
What is unlocking?
A Service Provider (SP) lock is used ensure that your phone will only work on one network; the one that you bought your phone from. If your phone is locked then it will refuse to accept a SIM card from another network. Unlocking is the process of removing the Service Provider Lock so that it's possible to use other SIM cards in your phone.
Why unlock your phone
You may own more than one SIM card running on different networks, if you want to swap the SIM cards from time to time your phone must be unlocked.
- You may find your network is not as competitively priced as another and you would then need to put a different SIM card into the phone.
- If you are travelling overseas you may want to use your phone with a SIM card from that country to save yourself money.
- You may be looking to sell your old handset, in which case you will be able to sell it at a higher price and not have to worry if your potential buyers SIM card will be accepted by your handset.
How do you check to see if a phone is locked?
The simplest way to check if your phone is locked is to insert a SIM card from another network and see if the phone will accept it. If your phone is locked you will often see an error message of some kind. These messages vary depending on your handset manufacturer:
- Apple = "Invalid sim"
- Blackberry = "Invalid sim"
- Nokia = "Enter restriction code"
- Motorola = "Enter special code"
- Ericsson = "Insert Correct SIM"
- Sony Ericsson = "Incorrect SIM"
- Samsung = "Invalid Network SIM...Enter Code"
- Panasonic = "Invalid SIM"
- Siemens = "Phone disabled! NETWORK LOCK"
- Sharp = "Invalid Network SIM"
Is unlocking illegal?
No, it is a common misconception that unlocking your phone is illegal. In fact quite the opposite, it is your consumer right to have your handset unlocked. The networks have to provide you with an unlock code if you request it - but they normally charge around £35 and will insist you pay for all monthly rental in advance for the remainder of your contract.
Is changing IMEI numbers illegal?
Yes! We will not do this for anyone as the mobile phone may be stolen or lost.
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