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Get your O2 network unlock code in 72 hours and use any SIM card. Complete step-by-step guide with IMEI check, eligibility requirements, and troubleshooting tips.
Cost
Completely FREE
Time Required
24-72 hours
What You Need
IMEI number + O2 account
Request Method
My O2 app, online, or call 0344 809 0202
When you buy a phone from O2, it may be "network locked" - meaning it only works with O2 SIM cards. Unlocking removes this restriction, allowing you to use SIM cards from any UK or international network.
Important: Since December 2021, UK regulations require all new phones to be sold unlocked. If you purchased your O2 phone after this date, it should already be unlocked. This guide is primarily for phones purchased before December 2021 or phones bought second-hand that are still locked.
Unlocking your phone does NOT cancel your O2 contract. You'll still need to pay your monthly bills until your contract ends. If you want to leave O2, you'll also need to request a PAC code to keep your number.
Before requesting an unlock code, confirm your phone is actually locked to O2:
Power off your phone, remove the O2 SIM, and insert a SIM from another network (EE, Vodafone, Three, etc.)
Turn on your phone and see what happens
Your IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique 15-digit number that identifies your phone. O2 needs this to process your unlock request.
*#06#
Dial this code on your phone keypad. Your IMEI will appear on screen immediately.
Check the sticker on your phone's original box. The IMEI is usually printed with the barcode.
On some phones, the IMEI is engraved on the SIM card tray. Remove it and check.
Before contacting O2, make sure you have:
Choose one of these methods:
Open the app → My Device → Unlock Phone → Follow prompts
Log into accounts.o2.co.uk → Device → Request Unlock
Call 0344 809 0202 and request an unlock
O2 will verify your request and send the unlock code:
You'll receive the code via SMS to your O2 number or email to your registered address.
O2 will unlock your phone for free if you meet these requirements:
Phone purchased from O2
Original O2 purchase required
Device fully paid off
No outstanding device payments
IMEI not blacklisted
Phone not reported lost/stolen
Account in good standing
No unpaid bills or arrears
UK-based account holder
Request from registered account owner
Phone not jailbroken/rooted
Original software intact
Double-check you're entering the code correctly. The code is usually 8-16 digits. If it still doesn't work, contact O2 on 0344 809 0202 - they may have sent the wrong code.
Some phones lock permanently after too many wrong attempts. For Android, you may need professional help. For iPhones, connect to iTunes and try again.
iPhones unlock differently. After O2 processes your request: Insert the new SIM → Connect to WiFi → Complete activation. If issues persist, connect to iTunes/Finder on a computer.
Check your spam/junk email folder. If still nothing, call O2 on 0344 809 0202 to chase up your request or check if there was an issue with your application.
Common reasons: outstanding payments, blacklisted IMEI, phone not originally from O2. Call 0344 809 0202 to find out the specific reason and resolve it.
Our support team can guide you through the unlock process or help resolve any issues.