

Mobile unlocking
How to unlock your handset for free
Unlocking your phone means you can use any network's Sim card, giving you the freedom to switch providers, lower costs and pass your phone on to others. Your network won't charge you to unlock your phone if you're out of contract, though if you're still in contract or on pay-as-you-go, they may. This guide has step-by-step instructions on how to free your mobile phone from its digital shackle.
Mobile providers are now banned from locking devices to its network. But if you still have a locked handset and you're out of contract, you needn't worry as unlocking is usually free and easy, as we explain below.
Why unlock your phone?

If you purchased your phone through a network before December 2021, chances are it'll be locked to that network – if you try to put another network's Sim card in, it simply won't work. Unlocking it means you can use the phone with any compatible Sim card, on any network. This has several benefits:
You can bag a cheaper tariff. If you're happy with your handset, but don't have a good deal, unlocking it allows you to keep the phone but switch to a cheaper Sim-only deal on another network. See our Cheap Mobile Finder to compare deals from over 50 retailers and resellers.
Add value to your handset. Unlocked phones tend to sell for more on websites such as eBay, because they're more appealing to users on other networks and in other countries. Check out our eBay Selling Tricks guide for more information.
Freedom to roam. Unlocking means you can use foreign Sim cards to cut phone costs while you're abroad. See Cheap Mobile and Data Roaming for more details.
How to unlock your phone
Before trying to unlock your phone, make sure it's necessary. To check if you REALLY need to unlock your phone, try inserting another network's Sim – if it's locked, it should say on the screen.
Now it's unlocked, go & save cash!
Now your handset's unlocked, the mobile world's your oyster! Read the Cheap Mobile Tips guide for info on getting a good deal, and Cheap Mobile and Data Roaming for top deals on calling and getting online abroad.
If you've tried everything above to no avail and you're left with a handset you don't want and can't unlock, why not recycle it and earn some cash? See the Sell Old Mobiles guide to find out how much your phone is worth.

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