Quick answer: most phones sold in the UK since 17 December 2021 are already unlocked, because Ofcom banned networks from selling locked phones. If yours is older and locked, ask the network that sold it. EE, Vodafone and O2 all say they unlock phones for free.
Ofcom's rule on locked phones
Ofcom banned UK mobile companies from selling locked phones from 17 December 2021. Before that, some networks sold phones that only worked with their own SIMs, and Ofcom says unlocking used to cost around £10.
Not sure if yours is locked? See our quick unlock check.
How to unlock an older phone, by network
EE
Request it online in your EE account's device unlock page, with your phone's IMEI to hand. EE says unlocking is free. Google Pixel, Oppo and OnePlus phones from EE are already unlocked.
Vodafone
Try another network's SIM first. If the phone is locked, ask for a Network Unlock Code using Vodafone's online form (you'll need your IMEI). It's free, and Vodafone says most Apple devices are already unlocked. It can't unlock phones bought elsewhere or reported lost or stolen.
O2
Call 202 (Pay Monthly) or 4445 (Pay As You Go) from your O2 phone. It's free, but you need to be in the UK and have bought the phone from O2. Older phones can take up to 10 working days.
Dial *#06# to find your IMEI number.
Things to know
- Unlocking doesn't end your contract. O2 points out you still need to finish your minimum term.
- Bought from a shop? If you bought the phone from a retailer rather than a network, the retailer or the network it was locked to may need to unlock it. Vodafone says it can't unlock phones bought from shops such as Carphone Warehouse.
- Avoid paid unlocking sites. The networks unlock their own phones for free.
Ready for a better deal?
SIM-only plans on every big network from £5 a month. Keep your number when you switch.
FAQs
Are phones sold in the UK unlocked?
Since 17 December 2021, UK networks haven't been allowed to sell locked phones. Phones bought SIM-free from Apple, Samsung or Google are unlocked too.
How much does it cost to unlock a phone?
EE, Vodafone and O2 all say they unlock their phones for free. Ofcom says it used to cost around £10 before the ban.
Can I unlock my phone while I'm still in contract?
Yes, with EE, Vodafone and O2, but you still have to keep paying until the end of your contract.
Do I need to unlock my phone to keep my number?
No. Keeping your number uses a PAC code. But your phone does need to be unlocked to work with your new network's SIM.
Steps checked on 2 November 2026 against official help pages: Ofcom · EE · Vodafone · O2. Menu names can vary slightly by phone model and software version.