About Us

Unlocking your handset

Existing Customers: Log in to our Customer Zone to use our free Nokia Unlocking service.

Many handsets are already unlocked when they are purchased, particularly those that are bought from independent mobile phone retailers who offer a choice of networks i.e. The Carphone Warehouse, Phones4U and Dial-a-Phone. However, if you have purchased your mobile phone directly from the network, either over the phone or via one of their retail outlets then the likelihood is that it will be locked.

The following questions are designed to guide you through the process of unlocking your handset;

  • What is unlocking and why would I want my phone unlocked?
    Mobile phone unlocking simply involves removing the restrictive lock that networks place on mobile phones. Removing the lock is not illegal and once done will allow you to benefit from other networks services and increase the resale value of your phone.

  • How do I know if my phone is locked?
    Simple, just try putting a SIM card (the small plastic card inside you mobile which is about the size of a postage stamp) from another network into your phone and switching it on, if you are able to make calls, congratulations, your phone is unlocked. On the other hand, if a message appears, saying "SIM card not accepted, insert correct SIM card" or similar, it will need to be unlocked.
How do I unlock my mobile phone? There are 5 easy options;
  1. Use the FREE 0044.co.uk remote unlocking facility - this is a free service for all 0044 customers who purchase a SIMpack. We can unlock many Nokia handsets by simply sending you unlocking codes created by our in-house software, via email. Detailed instructions on unlocking are included in the order confirmation email that you receive after you place your order and there is more detailed advice on our web site. If your handset is not a Nokia model please refer to the options below. Please note that we cannot unlock all Nokia models with our remote software and therefore unlocking may need to be carried out at a local store – see below.

    Our innovative remote unlocking facility will allow you to unlock your phone online and only requires four pieces of information:

    • Your 0044 order reference number.
    • Your model of phone i.e. 8310, 3310.
    • The network your phone is connected to i.e. Orange, Vodafone, O2.
    • Your phone's IMEI number; a 15 digit code that can be obtained by pressing *#06# on your phone or by removing the battery. On this example the IMEI number is 003300031663003.


    IMEI


  2. Look for an on-line specialist unlocking company that may be able to help unlock your handset. Try using a search engine to locate a suitable company and make sure you email them first to verify they can unlock your model and review their unlocking policy, terms & conditions and other relevant information.

  3. Visit a local mobile phone store - certain Nokia models, as well as other popular makes like Sagem, Motorola, Sony Ericsson and Samsung cannot be unlocked remotely and you will therefore need to visit a local mobile phone sales and repair shop. Your local small independent mobile phone store (see www.yell.com or your yellow pages) will be able to unlock your phone for a small, one-off fee while you wait. Expect to pay around £5-10 and don't be afraid to shop around!

  4. Send your handset off to an unlocking specialist - many mobile phone unlocking companies offer a postal service, but please remember to send your handset via a traceable service and make sure it is insured.

  5. Ask your UK network - If you have been with your UK network for 12 months or more (3 months with Virgin and they'll unlock it for free) then they will be able to send you an unlocking code, but this may take a while and involve several phone calls. They will also charge you a premium for this service of around £20-30.
Q: Will I be able to use the phone on my original network?
A: Yes, you will be able to use your phone on any network frequency which your phone supports.

Q:

I have received my code. When I type it in, it displays 'Code Error', 'Not Allowed' or 'Cannot undo Restriction'.
A: If you get a code error massage please try the code/s for the last time again but with your UK SIM card in the phone - you have 5 attempts in total to unlock the phone with the remote codes. As we state on the web site, our Nokia unlocking facility is able to unlock most Nokia handsets, but if the codes do not work this way either then it is likely that your handset has had multiple locks applied by the original UK network. You will then need to seek help from an independent mobile phone store as detailed above.


Please note: To be able to use a 0044 foreign SIM card in a mobile phone the handset must be unlocked.

Many handsets are actually unlocked, but UK networks may have locked your handset prior to selling it to you.

0044.co.uk provide a free remote handset unlocking service for Nokia phones with each purchase and can unlock many Nokia models. 0044 can also provide general advice on unlocking other makes and models that cannot be unlocked via the 0044 web site. However, 0044 do not guarantee that they can unlock handsets and cannot be held responsible if a handset cannot be unlocked, either remotely or by other methods as described on the 0044 web site. Refunds will not be provided if a handset is not able to be unlocked by the customer.