How do I unlock an EE device to use with another network?

In this article

All devices sold by EE are 'locked' to EE. This means they won't work with another network's SIM card.

 

You can unlock your device after a certain amount of time, depending on your price plan and device.

When can I unlock my device?

When can I unlock my device?

Pay monthly devices

You must have a device for 6 months before you can unlock it. 

iPads, iPhones and Google Pixel phones will also unlock automatically - for free - after a certain amount of time: 

  • an iPad or iPhone - 18 months after it was sold (or after it was dispatched, if it was a replacement) 
  • a Google Pixel phone - 721 days from the day it was activated 
Check if your Apple phone is unlocked

Text UNLOCK to 150 to check your unlock status.

Pay as you go and Flex plan devices

You can unlock your pay as you go or Flex plan device bought direct from EE as soon as you get it.

Corporate devices

You can't unlock a corporate device: you'll need to contact your account manager.

How much it costs

How much it costs

Type of device Cost
An EE pay monthly device £8.99 in contract OR free out of contract
An EE pay as you go or Flex plan device Free (if bought direct with EE by the requester) OR £8.99
A second-hand device locked to EE, bought from eBay, Gumtree or handed down, etc
 £8.99
An EE small business device £8.99 in contract OR free out of contract

How long does it take?

How long does it take?

You can unlock your device instantly through My EE. 

When it might take longer

Sometimes we may need to contact the manufacturer for an unlock code. We'll let you know if there is a delay and how long it is. 

How do I unlock my EE pay monthly device?

How do I unlock my EE pay monthly device?

To unlock your pay monthly device, you must:

  • be the EE account holder for the device 
  • have had the device at least six months 
  • have paid your bill up to date 
  • have not reported the device as lost or stolen 
  1. 1

    log in to your My EE account
  2. 2

    select Unlock your phone and then follow the instructions
  3. 3

    once we validate the device, we'll send you instruction by email - we'll use the email you have registered with My EE  
  4. 4

    follow the instructions in the email (if you have a non-Apple device you'll also get an unlock code)

How do I unlock my pay as you go or Flex plan device?

How do I unlock my pay as you go or Flex plan device?

If you have a pay as you go or Flex plan device:

> Unlock your phone now

Can I unlock a second-hand device?

Can I unlock a second-hand device?

As long as the second-hand device is more than six months old and has not been reported lost or stolen then we can unlock it for £8.99.

Coronavirus (Covid-19) update

Our lines are busier than usual right now. Please only call if it's very urgent.

If you're calling from an EE device:
  1.  

    call 150 and speak to Customer Services
If you’re calling from a landline or non-EE phone:
  1.  

    call 0800 956 6000 (select option 2, then option 4)
  2.  

    we'll run a security check before we give you unlocking instructions

Second-hand devices connected to corporate accounts are not eligible for unlock. To raise an unlocking request for a corporate device, contact your account manager.

Glossary of unlocking terminology

Glossary of unlocking terminology

  1.  

    device: phone, iPad or tablet
  2.  

    locked: a device locked to a network
  3.  

    partially unlocked: an Apple device which has been unlocked by EE and is awaiting customer action to fully unlock
  4.  

    fully unlocked: a device which has been unlocked to use on any network
  5.  

    unlock code: the code provided by the network to unlock a device
  6.  

    bricked: an Apple device which has not been fully activated
  7.  

    unbricked: an Apple device which has been fully activated
Need help using your phone?

> Check out our device guides

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