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Here’s how to unlock your O2 UK phone
June 19, 2025
There are a lot of benefits to buying a phone directly from anetwork carrier, including the option of monthly payment plans and a variety of perks the network may offer. On the flip side, having a device locked to only one network can cause its fair share of headaches as well. Luckily, getting your device unlocked has become quite easy. Here’s how to unlock yourO2 U.K.phone!
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Is my O2 phone already unlocked?
The good news is that if you have bought a phone from O2 recently, it may already be unlocked.
The easiest way to know whether your phone is locked to the network or not is to simply use a SIM card from another carrier. If it connects to the other network without issue, the phone is unlocked and ready to go. If you get an error message or a pop-up stating that the device is network locked, the rest of these steps are for you.
How to unlock your O2 phone
Pay monthly and Pay as you go customers
Business customers
How long does it take and how much will it cost?
The good news is that any phone that you’ve bought directly from O2 can be unlocked for free. There are certain conditions you might have to meet, but for the most part, the process should be quick and easy.
Once you complete the device unlock request using any of the methods mentioned above, you will receive an unlock code within seven days. If you have an iPhone, you will get a confirmation via text. For any other device, an unlock code will be sent to you via email. Use the code to unlock the phone.
In a few cases, O2 may need to contact the device manufacturer to get the unlock code. This mostly happens with older smartphones. If this is needed, it may take up to 10 working days for your unlock code to be processed.
Things to remember
That’s everything you need to know about how to unlock an O2 phone! Be sure to check out more U.K. content below.
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