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.
How do I unlock an EE device to use with another network?
- Go to section
Looking to unlock your device? You’ve come to the right place.
How does device unlocking work?
How does device unlocking work?
*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:
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:
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:
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:
If you have a pay monthly device:
If you have a pay monthly Apple device:
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.
If you have a pay as you go or Flex plan device:
Can I unlock a second-hand device?
Can I unlock a second-hand device?
If you're calling from an EE device:
If you’re calling from a landline or non-EE phone:
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
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Last updated: 17/6/2019
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