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

     
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Looking to unlock your device? You’ve come to the right place.

How does device unlocking work?

How does device unlocking work?

All devices sold by EE are locked to EE. This means they'll only work with an EE SIM card - they won't work with another network’s SIM card. Depending on your device, it'll unlock automatically or you'll need a code from the original network to unlock it.

  1.  

    any iPhone or iPad sold directly by EE, on or after 1 September 2015, will be unlocked automatically once it reaches 18 months old*
  2.  

    Google Pixel phones (all variants) automatically unlock themselves on day 721 from point of activation. You'll receive a device configuration notification to confirm when it is unlocked
  3.  

    all other devices require a code to unlock them for use with other networks. Please contact the original network to obtain a code

*replacement devices will be unlocked 18 months from the point they are dispatched

This applies to pay monthly, pay as you go and small business devices - not corporate devices. Devices connected to corporate accounts are not eligible for unlock. To raise an unlocking request for a corporate device, contact your account manager.

How do I unlock my Apple device?

How do I unlock my Apple device?

If you're on a pay monthly plan, you can unlock your Apple device instantly on My EE:

  1.  

    log in to My EE
  2.  

    go to Menu > Manage Devices
  3.  

    choose the Device tools tab
  4.  

    select Unlock your phone then follow the instructions

If your Apple device has been proactively unlocked, you need to back it up, reset it and follow the set-up process with another network SIM to complete the unlock process.

> Find out how to reset your Apple device once it's been unlocked

To check the lock status of your Apple device you can:
  1.  

    text UNLOCK to 150
  2.  

    or use our unlock device form

How much does it cost to unlock my device?

How much does it cost to unlock my device?

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
Good to know:

We cannot unlock a device locked to any other network.

Please contact that network directly.

How long does it take to unlock my device?

How long does it take to unlock my device?

If you're on a pay monthly plan, you can unlock your Apple device instantly on My EE:

  1.  

    log in to My EE
  2.  

    go to Menu > Manage Devices
  3.  

    choose the Device tools tab
  4.  

    select Unlock your phone then follow the instructions

For all other devices, we aim to unlock all devices within 72 hours. If we need a code from the manufacturer, it may take ten days. But we’ll be in touch if that’s the case.

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:

  1.  

    be the EE account holder for the device
  2.  

    have had the device at least six months
  3.  

    have paid your bill up to date
  4.  

    have not reported the device as lost or stolen
If you have a pay monthly device:

> Unlock your phone now

If you have a pay monthly Apple device:
  1.  

    log in to My EE
  2.  

    go to Menu > Manage Devices
  3.  

    choose the Device tools tab
  4.  

    select Unlock your phone then follow the instructions

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?

You can unlock your pay as you go or Flex plan device bought direct from EE as soon as you get it but your device must be registered with us to unlock it.

  1.  

    call 150 to register your 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.

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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Last updated: 14/3/2019
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