Before you start
- Your phone’s IMEI number (dial *#06#)
- Your account details with the original carrier
- The phone fully paid off (in most cases)
Method 1 Check whether your phone is locked
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Step 1: iPhone
Go to Settings > General > About and look at Carrier Lock. No SIM restrictions means it’s unlocked.
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Step 2: Android
Insert a SIM card from a different network (borrow one from a friend). If you see SIM network unlock PIN, SIM not supported or no signal, it’s locked. Some phones also show the status in Settings > Connections > More connection settings > Network unlock (Samsung) or Settings > Network & internet > SIMs.
Method 2 Request a free unlock from your carrier
In the UK, carriers have been banned from selling locked phones since December 2021, and unlocking older phones is free. Many EU countries have similar rules.
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Step 1: Get your IMEI
Open the dialler and type *#06#. Note the IMEI (for dual-SIM phones, note both).
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Step 2: Check you’re eligible
Most carriers require the phone to be fully paid off, your account to have no overdue bills, and the phone to have been active on their network for a minimum time. Prepaid phones often need a certain period of service. The rules are on your carrier’s “device unlock” page.
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Step 3: Submit the request
Use your carrier’s website or app (search “[carrier name] unlock”), or call customer service. Give the IMEI and account details. Some carriers unlock automatically when the conditions are met.
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Step 4: Wait for confirmation
Approval usually takes from a few hours to a few business days. You’ll get an email or text with instructions, and sometimes an unlock code.
Method 3 Finish the unlock
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Step 1: iPhone
Once the carrier confirms, remove your SIM and insert the new one (or add the new carrier’s eSIM). The iPhone activates on the new network. If you don’t have another SIM yet, Apple’s method is to back up, erase and restore the iPhone to complete the unlock.
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Step 2: Android with an unlock code
Insert the new SIM. When asked for the SIM network unlock PIN, enter the code from your carrier carefully: too many wrong tries can lock the phone permanently.
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Step 3: Android with an unlock app
Some carriers (for example T-Mobile in the US) use a Device Unlock app that’s already on the phone. Open it and tap Permanent unlock after approval.
If you bought the phone second-hand
The carrier normally only unlocks for the account holder. Ask the seller to request the unlock. Some carriers do accept requests from non-customers if the device is paid off; check their unlock page. Before buying a used phone, check its IMEI status with the carrier and confirm it’s unlocked.
Troubleshooting
The carrier refused my unlock request
Common reasons: the phone isn’t paid off, it’s too new on the account, or the IMEI is reported stolen. Ask exactly what’s missing, settle any balance and request again.
I entered the wrong unlock code
Stop trying. Phones allow only a few attempts before locking permanently. Contact the carrier and confirm the code and IMEI.
Unlocked, but the new SIM has no service
Restart the phone and update carrier settings. Check that your phone supports the new carrier’s frequency bands (search your model plus “bands”).
Frequently asked questions
Is it legal to unlock my phone?
Yes. Unlocking a phone you own and have paid for is legal in most countries, including the US, UK, EU, Canada and Australia.
Does unlocking erase my data?
Usually not. An official carrier unlock doesn’t wipe the phone, but it’s smart to have a backup.
Will unlocking void my warranty?
No. An official carrier unlock doesn’t affect the manufacturer’s warranty.
Is a carrier lock the same as an iCloud or Google lock?
No. A carrier lock restricts SIM cards. Activation Lock (iPhone) and FRP (Android) are anti-theft locks tied to the owner’s account and can only be removed by the owner.
Summary
Dial *#06# for your IMEI, request an unlock from your original carrier once the phone is paid off, and insert a new SIM to finish. Official unlocks are free; avoid paid unlock websites.
