There are a lot of advantages to getting a phone from a network carrier. To start with, you don't have to figure out where to buy the phone. More importantly, monthly installment plans allow you to get your hands on the latest flagships without breaking the bank. Unfortunately, devices bought from a carrier are usually locked to that particular network. Luckily, it's relatively quick and painless to get these phones unlocked. If you want to unlock your Vodafone U.K. phone, here's how!
Don't miss: Vodafone U.K. network review | Best phones under £500 in the U.K.
Can any Vodafone phone be unlocked?
The good news is that any Vodafone U.K. customer can unlock their phones. In fact, you may find your device already unlocked in some cases.
The easiest way to check if that is the case is to use a SIM card from another network. If the phone is able to establish a connection, it is unlocked. If it isn't, you will be asked to enter a network unlock code (NUC). This could also be called a network unlock PIN (NUP) or network control key (NCK).
How to unlock your Vodafone U.K. phone
To get the NUC, all you have to do is fill out the Network Unlock Code request form. However, there are some conditions you'll have to meet first, depending on the type of plan you're on.
Pay monthly
- You will have to ensure that at least three monthly bills have been paid.
- Make sure that there's no balance due.
- The current SIM (current phone number linked with the phone) should be used with the phone you want to unlock for at least 30 days.
- The phone should not be reported lost or stolen.
- Your request will be denied if you have asked for three or more NUCs in the last 12 months.
Pay as you go or VOXI plans
- The current SIM (current phone number) should be used with the phone you want to unlock for at least 30 days.
- The phone should not be reported lost or stolen.
- Your request will be denied if you have asked for three or more NUCs in the last 12 months.
Small business account
- The current SIM (current phone number) should be used with the phone you want to unlock for at least 30 days.
- The phone should not be reported lost or stolen.
- Your request will be denied if you have asked for three or more NUCs in the last 12 months.
Keep in mind that if your phone is linked to a large business account, you cannot use the NUC request form. You will have to contact your account manager instead.
How long does it take and how much does it cost
Once you have submitted the form, it can take up to 10 days for you to receive the network unlock code. This mostly happens if Vodafone needs to contact the phone manufacturer to get the code. If not, you could receive the code as soon as 48 hours.
As long as you meet all the conditions mentioned above, getting your phone unlocked is free.
Other useful information to remember
- When filling out the form, you will need to provide your account information and the IMEI code of the device you want to unlock. Dial *#06#* to find the IMEI number. Alternatively, you can also go to Settings > About Device > Status > IMEI information (The steps may differ slightly depending on the phone).
- You can find phone-specific instruction guides on how to enter the NUC on your device here.
- The network unlock code you get will only work for the device that you provided the information for.
- Keep in mind that you have limited attempts to successfully enter an unlock code. Make sure that you're entering the info correctly, and remember that NUCs are case sensitive.
How to unlock a second-hand Vodafone phone
- If you've bought a device second-hand or have been given one by a family member, the easiest option is to get them to first unlock the device. It doesn't matter if they've changed devices or have left Vodafone. They should still be able to get a network unlock code.
- If you've bought the phone from a third-party store, Vodafone will need to verify and confirm that the phone actually belongs to you. The best way to go about it is to get a Pay as you go SIM and use it for 30 days. You can then submit the NUC request form.
That's everything you need to know about how to unlock a Vodafone U.K. phone! Be sure to check out more U.K. content below.
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