Short answer: on an iPhone, go to Settings > General > About and look for Carrier Lock (sometimes called Network Provider Lock). "No SIM restrictions" means it is unlocked.
iPhone
- Open Settings > General > About.
- Scroll to Carrier Lock or Network Provider Lock.
- If it says No SIM restrictions, your iPhone is unlocked.
Android
- The simplest test is to put in a SIM from a different network. If it connects and you can make a call, the phone is unlocked.
- You can also ask the network the phone came from. UK networks no longer sell locked phones, but older phones may still be locked.
Can I sell a network-locked phone?
Yes. We buy phones locked to EE, O2, Vodafone, Three and other networks. A phone that is blocked (reported lost, stolen or for unpaid bills) is different: we can't buy it. A phone still on finance can be sold once the phone itself is paid off.
Ready to sell?
Get a price on our phone price list.
Before you send it
- Turn off Find My and sign out of your Apple Account.
- Back up, then erase all content and settings. See how.
- Remove your SIM or eSIM.
- Pack it well. Packing tips.
iPhone: your questions answered
How much do you pay for iPhone?
It depends on the exact model, storage and condition. Choose your model on our iPhone page to see your offer in about 30 seconds. Your price is then locked for 14 days.
What condition does it need to be in?
Choose the condition that best matches your device when you get your price. Our condition guide explains what each one means. We test every device when it arrives and check it against the condition you chose.
How do I send it to you?
Postage is free. After you complete your sale, we email you a Royal Mail Tracked 48 label or QR code, which includes cover up to £150 under Royal Mail terms. You can also book a doorstep collection. See postage and collection and our packing tips.
How and when do I get paid?
Choose bank transfer, PayPal or cheque. We pay the day we test your device. See payments for details.
What should I do before I send it?
Back up your data, sign out of your accounts and reset the device to factory settings. Follow our step-by-step guide. Remove any SIM or memory card.