Phone unlocking service on Pay as you Go

[prwright55]

I'm new to O2 (Pay and Go) and want to unlock my phone to use abroad with a 'local' SIM card.

The phone is locked to O2 by a previous owner (I bought it from her), not my own contract.  I think the charge for unlocking (for those not on monthly contracts) is £15.

In particular I'm confused by some wording on the website that appears to say I must wait 1 year on Pay and Go before O2 will unlock the phone - is this correct? Surely they can unlock before waiting so long.

Otherwise I guess it must be an independent service cente for a more expensive (and slighly dodgier) unlocking!

[gmarkj]

As far as I know, the 1 year wait is from when the phone is actually purchased from the retailer (o2, Carphone Warehouse, etc) rather than when you brought it from someone.
So as long as the phone is more than 1 year old it will not be an issue.

[MI5]

Was the phone previously on contract?
If so, use those details and submit the form and it will be free.
http://community.o2.co.uk/t5/Other-Products-Services/Unlocking-an-O2-phone-to-use-a-different-SIM-ca...

[viridis · Accepted solution]

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@prwright55 wrote:

I'm new to O2 (Pay and Go) and want to unlock my phone to use abroad with a 'local' SIM card.

The phone is locked to O2 by a previous owner (I bought it from her), not my own contract.  I think the charge for unlocking (for those not on monthly contracts) is £15.

In particular I'm confused by some wording on the website that appears to say I must wait 1 year on Pay and Go before O2 will unlock the phone - is this correct? Surely they can unlock before waiting so long.

Otherwise I guess it must be an independent service cente for a more expensive (and slighly dodgier) unlocking!

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Two choices.

1, put 15 quid credit on it (making sure any bundles aren't deducted from balance) and complete the form hoping it will pass.

2, if you know someone with o2 contract, stick their sim in, make a few calls and texts, then next day get them to fill out unlocking request in my o2 where it's free and no waiting for a year.

[prwright55]

These are all great suggetsions, thanks to all who replied.

[jonsie]

The 12 month rule only applies if bought on P&G originally. If contract then the previous owner can get it unlocked free.