Can I unlock my mobile phone for free?
Can I unlock my mobile phone for free?
When you buy a mobile phone is may be linked to a particular network such as Virgin, Vodafone, O2, Orange etc. This means that the sim card is locked to the network and will only work with that network.
If you swap your Sim card for another provider the chances are it will not work.
Sometimes, other networks can offer you cheaper calls and text, for example, Orange offer Orange Wednesday where as other networks may offer cheaper of free calls and texts.
One major thing to remember is your mobile may not already be locked, always try and insert a different network sim card into your phone, if you see an alternative network coverage on your mobile screen then your phone is not locked and you should have nothing to worry. (please note 3 mobile use a different frequency) therefore a 3 sim may not always work on your chosen handset.
Likewise, a 3 handset may not accept any other network.
If you have tried a different Sim card and the coverage is not shown and your mobile displays a message such as Sim Blocked etc, how do you go about unlocking your phone.
One of the first things to do is to call your existing network provider and let them know what you want to do. If you are on Pay As You Go and your phone is over 1 year old, you should be able to have your network unlock it for free. Some networks may ask for up to £30. You will need your IMEI number (this is a serial number which can be found by tying *#06# on your handset).
Your network provider will then give you an unlocking code (also known as PAC) which stands for Porting Authorisation Code. This will allow you to move your new sim into your phone!
Make sure you have read all of the small print on your new chosen network, make sure you are going to save money. Sometimes, a tariff you joined 12 or 18 months ago on a contract may not be as good value as todays contracts. To check the current deals available please click here.
You can take your pick of the free SIM cards available at the moment and start enjoying your new network as soon as the phone is unlocked. If you’re planning on using a new SIM card in your phone, it’s worth saving all the contacts and data from your old SIM to your phone, so that you can transfer all your data right away.
Remember, unlocking your mobile phone whilst it is in it’s warranty period could cancel the warranty! Be careful of companies online asking you to pay a Premium rate number to unlock your phone, some of these companies offer nothing else than the advice you have read here. The cost of the calls are around £1.50 per minute and can cost as much as £15-£20 without your phone being unblocked!
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Posted by credit4everyone
on Mar 4 2010 Filed under Our Guides.
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