Unlocking an O2 phone to use a different SIM card.

[MI5]

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

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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.

[Cleoriff]

Yes follow @adamtemp64's advice @Anonymous I misread your post. My apologies ....:smileysad:

*Note to self...must stop skim reading*

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the speedy responses, guys!

The only spanner in the works I guess is that I no longer have that tesco sim (I believe my father has that number now in his phone).

Seeing as it can take up to 28 days to unlock (although realistically probably 7) I'm not sure if he'd be too happy with me keeping his number for so long...

is another option to buy a new tesco PAYG sim and just pay £10 for the unlock? (Hopefully the 12 month thing won't apply because it's an iPhone?).

Thanks again!

[adamtemp64]

Unfortunatly only the original network can do the unlock as explained here https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT201328

But have you tried a non o2, tesco or giffgaff network sim to see if is actually locked?

But just talk to tescos they should be able to advise you on the correct action required

[Cleoriff]

I agree with Adam.

Before you go to all this trouble which may be unnecessary...try a another network sim in the phone to see if it is actually locked...

[MI5]

It will be locked to Tesco so your only option is to talk to Tesco and ask them what they require you to do to get it unlocked.

[jonsie]

I would think you would at least have to purchase a tesco sim and use the phone again on Tesco for a while.

[MI5]

Details here from Tesco website http://www.tescomobile.com/help-and-support/1080-getting-started/1822-pay-monthly/unlock-your-tesco-...

[Curr946]

I guess worst case you could get it unlocked at your local phone repair shop / market stall. However, this could invalidate any warranty left on the device.

[MI5]

Why would you when Tesco will unlock for free?

[Curr946]

Well, as I said 'Worst Case'