Buy a device from a network carrier anywhere in the world, and chances are it is locked to that network. The process of unlocking that phone to operate on other networks is another painful story.
However, that's only the case in some places. The painful, tedious and sometimes expensive process of unlocking carrier-locked phones is something the UK citizens do not relate with anymore because UK-based carriers like EE are now selling all their phones unlocked.
Please read to the end to find out why EE is now selling unlocked phones, how to unlock your EE phone in less than 24 hrs and, of course, how to unlock it through EE for free.
Are EE Phones Unlocked?
For devices sold by EE before December 2021, they're locked. This means your phone will only be able to work on the EE network.
After December 2021, all EE phones are sold unlocked. Yes, you read that right! EE, one of the UK's top mobile network operators, is now selling unlocked phones to its customers.
According to EE, the following phones are unlocked, regardless of purchase date.
- All Google Pixel devices
- All Oppo devices
- All OnePlus devices
- Samsung Galaxy S20 or later
Why EE Phones Are Currently Sold Unlocked
Like other network providers in other countries, UK network providers had been selling locked devices to their customers for a long time. The technicalities were the same as other network providers; customers get a device at an affordable price, sign a contract to pay the amount in installments, and while they wait to pay off the phone fully, the phones remain locked to the carrier.
Then as of December 2021, all UK network providers were banned from selling phones that are locked to their networks. UK's communications regulator Ofcom said unlocking carrier-locked phones is a complicated process that discourages customers from switching carriers at the end of their contracts. Ofcom's connectivity director Selina Chadha also said the ban would save customers time, money and effort, allowing them to unlock better phone deals. What a time to be alive in the UK!
That is the short explanation of why EE phones are now sold unlocked. The unanswered question is, what about the phones EE sold before the ban (December 2021)? Well, those are still carrier-locked and will only operate on the EE network until you unlock them.
Do you want to unlock your phone? We recommend two options;
- Using DirectUnlocks - the best method. Fast, simple and efficient!
- Through EE - a free option. Efficient but might take more time.
How to Tell if Your EE Phone or Device Is Locked
Before we see how the methods work, let's confirm whether the device is locked or unlocked.
Android devices
The best way to confirm if your Android device is locked or unlocked is to use a SIM card from a different mobile provider. If you can make calls, send text messages and use cellular data using the new SIM card, then your cell phone is unlocked.
Apple devices
While SIM card confirmation above also works for Apple devices, EE has made it easy for Apple device owners to confirm if their devices are locked or unlocked. Just text UNLOCK to 150, and you will receive your device status.
The Best Way to Unlock EE Phones - Using DirectUnlocks
DirectUnlocks is an online phone unlocking service that has turned the challenging process of unlocking a carrier-locked phone into a simple task that anyone can carry out. You can say goodbye to long waiting periods of unlocking a phone through the network carrier or the complicated and unreliable software of other third-party services.
There are no eligibility requirements with DirectUnlocks. Everyone is eligible to unlock their phone with this service. You only need three steps to unlock your EE phone using DirectUnlocks; submit your device's details, DirectUnlocks process your order, and your device is unlocked. Simple!
Features of DirectUnlocks
Here are six (6) reasons why you should unlock your EE phone using DirectUnlocks:
- No eligibility requirements: Everyone is qualified to unlock their device using DirectUnlocks. Unlock your phone anywhere, anytime.
- It is permanent: Apart from carrier unlocking, DirectUnlocks is the only third-party service that permanently unlocks phones. Your phone will remain unlocked even when you reset it.
- 100% safe: DirectUnlocks uses the safest method to unlock any phone; the IMEI unlocking method. The process will not affect your device's performance in any way.
- Maintained warranty: While other services use methods that modify your phone, leading to a voided warranty, DirectUnlocks's approach does not interfere with any setting in your device. Your warranty will remain untouched!
- Fast and completely remote: DirectUnlocks boasts some of the best phone unlocking times. Instead of waiting for close to 48 hrs, DirectUnlocks will have your device ready in 6 to 24 hrs.
- Exceptional customer support: The human element is significant in technical processes like phone unlocking. The knowledgeable representatives at DirectUnlocks will support you throughout the unlocking process.
How to Unlock an EE Phone Using DirectUnlocks
Complicated software and technical knowledge to use such software to unlock a carrier-locked phone is a thing of the past. With DirectUnlocks, you only need to fill out the form below, and we will take it from there.
Enter Your IMEI to Unlock
Step 1: Retrieve your device's IMEI number by dialing *#06#. It will be displayed on the screen.
Step 2: Fill out the form above, then click the “Unlock Your EE Phone” button
Step 3: Complete the order by paying the unlocking fee. DirectUnlocks will begin processing it immediately.
Step 4: Receive a confirmation message. DirectUnlocks will email you the instructions to unlock your EE phone.
That is it. DirectUnlocks will send you an unlock code if you are unlocking an Android phone. As for Apple devices, DirectUnlocks unlocks them remotely.
Unlocking an EE Phone for Free - Through EE
Even though it is a slow process that might take days, unlocking any phone through the carrier is always a recommended option. It ensures your phone is unlocked using procedures authorized by the network carrier.
After the Ofcom ban, EE is now unlocking their previously locked phones for free.
EE Phone Unlock Requirements
EE used to have unlock requirements that had to be met before they could unlock a device. However, that is no longer the case.
Apart from your device not being blacklisted (reported as lost, stolen or involved in fraudulent activities), all other requirements seem to have been scrapped. You can now request a phone unlock at any time.
EE Phone Unlock Charges
EE used to charge its customers a small fee for unlocking devices still in contract. This would cost as much as £8.99. However, this has also been scrapped. Unlocking a phone is free of charge.
How to Unlock an EE Phone for Free
With all that information, unlocking your EE phone should now be an easy task. You can use the steps below to unlock your phone through EE.
Step 1: Get your device's IMEI number. You can do this by dialing *#06#.
Step 2: Go to EE's device-unlock page
Step 3: Follow the steps shown on the screen to unlock your device.
The unlock details will be displayed on the screen, but you can also have them sent to your email for future reference. You can also repeat the process in case you lose the details.
Android customers will be given an unlock code to unlock their devices, while Apple devices will be unlocked remotely.
As stated earlier, unlocking your through the carrier can be pretty slow. In EE's case, it could take up to 10 days to unlock your phone. If you are yet to receive an unlock code or any update from EE about the same by the 10th day, feel free to contact customer service.
Final Words
Thanks to OfCom's ban on the sale of locked devices, mobile providers like EE are now selling their phones unlocked, meaning their customers can switch carriers freely without any restriction.
Don't wait until your country implements the same regulations. Use DirectUnlocks to free your phone from your carrier's restrictions permanently.