In this guide
- Do I need to check if my phone is unlocked?
- How to check if your iPhone is unlocked
- How to check if your Android phone is unlocked
- How to get your phone unlocked
- FAQs
- Does unlocking my phone void the warranty?
- Can I unlock a phone that is still under contract?
- What if I bought my phone abroad?
- Once unlocked, can I use any SIM?
- Editorial policy
An unlocked phone can be used with any UK mobile network. A locked phone is tied to a specific network and will not work with a SIM from a different provider. This guide explains how to check whether your phone is unlocked, how to get it unlocked if it is not, and what the current rules are on phone locking in the UK.
Reviewed by Phil Brown, founder of SIM Only Finder. Before launching SIM Only Finder, Phil worked in UK mobile retail at Three UK, advising customers on SIM plans, contracts, and network choices. He has spent over a decade running consumer comparison platforms. About the author
Last reviewed: March 2026.
Do I need to check if my phone is unlocked?
If your phone was bought new in the UK after December 2021, it is almost certainly unlocked. Ofcom banned the sale of locked handsets in the UK from 17 December 2021, meaning all phones sold new in the UK from that date must be supplied unlocked.
If your phone was bought before December 2021, or bought second-hand, or was purchased outside the UK, it may be locked to a specific network. In that case it is worth checking before you try to use a new SIM.
How to check if your iPhone is unlocked
- Open Settings
- Tap General, then About
- Scroll down to find "Network Provider Lock"
If it says "No SIM Restrictions" your iPhone is unlocked and can be used with any network. If it shows any other message, your iPhone may be locked to a specific network.
Alternatively, insert a SIM card from a different network. If the phone connects and makes calls normally, it is unlocked. If it shows an error or asks for an unlock code, it is locked.
How to check if your Android phone is unlocked
Android phones vary by manufacturer, so the exact steps differ depending on your device. The most reliable method is to insert a SIM card from a different network and see whether the phone connects normally. If it does, the phone is unlocked.
On many Samsung devices you can also check via Settings, then Connections, then Mobile Networks, and look for a "Network Lock" or "SIM Lock" status. On other Android devices the path may differ, so searching your phone's settings for "SIM lock" or "network lock" is the quickest way to find it.
How to get your phone unlocked
If your phone is locked to a network, you can request an unlock from that network. This is free of charge. Most networks allow you to request an unlock online or by calling customer services. You will usually need your phone's IMEI number, which you can find by dialling *#06# on your keypad, or in Settings under About.
Processing times vary. Some networks unlock phones immediately, others may take a few working days.
FAQs
Does unlocking my phone void the warranty?
No. Requesting an unlock through your network's official process does not affect your manufacturer warranty.
Can I unlock a phone that is still under contract?
Yes. You are entitled to request an unlock at any time, including while you are still within a contract. The network cannot charge you for this.
What if I bought my phone abroad?
Phones purchased outside the UK may be locked to a foreign network. Contact the original network or use the IMEI check method to confirm. If the network is overseas you may need to contact them directly or use a reputable third-party unlocking service.
Once unlocked, can I use any SIM?
Yes. An unlocked phone works with any UK network's SIM card. You can compare current 30-day SIM-only deals or all SIM-only deals on our deals page once your phone is confirmed unlocked.
Tell your friends.