Can a dual sim phone be unlocked?

[Anonymous]

I recently bought a BQ dual sim phone from O2 to replace a free dual sim phone which got broken. The phone is lovely and would like to keep it. I have been with O2 for more than 15 years, and I am happy to continue with them. When I chose it , I was under the impression that I would be able to unlock one of the sims so I can use my Spanish sim when I go abroad, but it looks like I can't. I must wait for 12 months so I can unlock the whole thing. THis is rather inconvenient, I don't want to unlock both, just one. Has anybody got the same problem? I feel so stupid, I trusted the O2 gurus who recommended this phone.

[Bambino]

Are you certain the phone is locked? Who told you that you couldn't use a different network sim in your phone?

[jonsie]

Is this bought on P&G? Their terms are quite open that the phone has to be on the network for 12 months before unlocking. If you have a monthly sim in the phone I don't see why they would refuse to unlock it if you use the correct IMEI number.

[Anonymous]

Yes, I am on Pay and Go. As I said, i am happy to be locked to O2 with when I am in the UK, which is most of the time, but I would like to be able to unlock the other sim so I can use when I go to Spain with my Spanish sim for local calls when I am on holiday. 

[MI5]

The process for unlocking is here and it will work for any phone but PAYG must be on the network for 12 months (except iPhones)
http://community.o2.co.uk/t5/Other-Products-Services/Unlocking-an-O2-phone-to-use-a-different-SIM-ca...

[Anonymous]

Thank you.

[Bambino]

@Anonymous How long ago did you get the phone? If you are within the 14 day change your mind period, return the phone and buy one sim free. 

[Anonymous]

Over 14 days. Too late. Still, the phone is lovely, just what I wanted, but with that little inconvenience. I will have to borrow an old phone from a friend when I'm aborad. 

I know I was naive, but I still think that O2 should warn buyers of dual sim phones that the 12 month period applies to both sims. 

Thank you guys!

[xxscrappyxx]

That's odd. I already have my unlock code for my S7 but I don't think I actually need it.

Have you tried one of them high street stalls that offer to unlock phones? I've never had to use them before so I have no idea if they are good or not. Worth a mention I thought?

[Bambino]

@xxscrappyxx Is your phone Pay & Go? Using a High Street store to unlock a phone would void the warranty. I doubt the OP would want to do that.