Unlocking an O2 phone to use a different SIM card.

[MI5]

---

Note: please refer to an updated version of this guide in our How-to Guides section, here. 

---

If you want to use your O2 contract or PAYG phone with a SIM from another network, ie a local SIM when on holiday, you will need to release the network lock.

If you have a monthly contract it is free to get your phone unlocked.

Any phone can be unlocked (with the exception of the iPhone immediately after launch - see website for details of when these can be unlocked).

All you need to do is submit this form https://www.o2.co.uk/apps/help/help?qid=1&q1=2&route=unlocking&case=Handset%20Unlocking%20Form taking care to enter the correct details. Pay attention in particular to the security question as this is the most common cause of failure.

PAYG phones need to have been on the network for at least 12 months (iPhone is the exception here again which is anytime subject to the above restriction for new models).

There is a £15 unlocking fee on PAYG and the phone needs to be registered on the O2 network, so, if you have just purchased a phone off eBay for example, insert a PAYG SIM and top up £20. Make a few calls to register the phone and ensure you have at least £15 credit remaining then fill out the form as above https://www.o2.co.uk/apps/help/help?qid=1&q1=2&route=unlocking&case=Handset%20Unlocking%20Form

Business users can also submit the form for a free unlock.

Once the form is submitted it can take upto 28 days to receive the unlock code but it is usually much quicker - Typically within 7 days.

You will receive the code with instructions on how to complete the process with your specific handset, but in general, you insert a non O2 SIM card and enter the code when prompted.

Note: Unlocking the phone does not relieve you of any contractual obligations. You still need to complete your minimum term as agreed.

[jonsie]

I don't think I'd let a local phone dealer unlock a device to be honest. Maybe an old nokia or such but not an iphone for sure.

[Curr946]

If the networks weren't so awkward about unlocking handsets, these places wouldn't be required. But, in some cases they are the only option. (short of buying yourself out a contract, or waiting months on pay and go)

[Anonymous]

This is an outright absolute lie. O2 will run you around in rings until you have to give in and use their network and no other, or sell the phone. I merely wanted my old fire phone unlocked and I've been sold so many bull**** stories about what to do from,
1 put in your own O2 sim card, make a call, send a text and we'll unlock it. (Lie)
2 put a payg sim in and we'll unlock it (Lie)
3 put £15 credit on it and we'll unlock it (Lie)
It goes on and on..for 7 weeks now. O2 are not to be trusted. I am reporting this to ofcom now as I'm getting the run around. Of the numerous call backs I was supposed to receive, from the numerous managers who promised "I am personally dealing with this now", I have received none. So..ofcom it is then. All this over a phone they dumped 12 months ago that I just wanted to give to my other half as his died. I'm not renewing my contract with O2 and I've been with them since they were BT. I've spent thousands in contract payments and had every iPhone. Bye bye to all that now.

[jonsie]

Going off a few posts on here there seems to be a problem unlocking Amazon phones 

[MI5]

It's not a lie at all but there is a huge problem with the Firephone that o2 need to sort.
ps. OFCOM won't be interested in your complaint at all, it's the Ombudsman you need to complain to after you reach deadlock with o2.
http://www.o2.co.uk/how-to-complain

[Anonymous]

My 2-year O2 contract for my iPhone 5s expires this coming weekend. I would like a SIM only one-month contract until I decide whether to buy an iPhone 6 outright.

I understand that a Tesco SIM will cost £10 whereas the equivalent O2 SIM would be £14.50. 

Am I likely to have trouble unlocking my phone and keeping my number if I move to Tesco?

[MI5]

You don't need to unlock your phone to use a Tesco sim card. However, it is a good idea to do it now whilst it is free for you to do.
To move your number to Tesco you need to ask O2 CS for your PAC and then call Tesco and give them the code.
Using the code with Tesco will instantly cancel your O2 account.

[Anonymous]

MI5 "It's not a lie at all but there is a huge problem with the Firephone that o2 need to sort.
ps. OFCOM won't be interested in your complaint at all, it's the Ombudsman you need to complain to after you reach deadlock with o2.
http://www.o2.co.uk/how-to-complain"

Funny enough I had to get a PAC from another network who were obstructing such for over a week, I called to report such to Ofcom last Fri for monitoring (always log telco complaints with Ofcom people) - who logged such AND emailed that network...issue resolved next call request. 

About time Ofcom got a backbone. 

[MI5]

---

@Anonymous wrote:

About time Ofcom got a backbone. 

---

100% agree 

[Anonymous]

Hi there

I left O2 with my two contract phones and moved to TPO on as monthly sim. TPO use O2 as their carrier, but in August move to Three. I need to unlock my phones now. Do you think O2 would unlock them given I have left? I have filled in the online form but expect a no!

Ben