locked or unlocked?

Forum|Forum|1 year ago
August 6, 2025
5 replies
1178 views

I need to find out if my iPhone I have through ID Mobile is locked or unlocked? So that I know whether I can use a third party eSIM when abroad

Best answer by WelshPaul

As of December 2021, UK mobile network providers are legally required to sell smartphones unlocked by default, meaning they cannot be sold locked to a specific network. This ban was implemented by the telecoms regulator Ofcom to make it easier for consumers to switch providers and access better deals. Prior to this rule, networks could sell phones locked to their service, often requiring customers to pay a fee (typically around £10) and face potential difficulties to unlock them.

While the ban applies to all new sales, phones purchased before December 2021 may still be locked to a network. Customers can still unlock a phone that is locked, even if it was bought before the ban, by contacting their network provider. Generally, if a customer has finished their contract, the network is not allowed to charge a fee for unlocking. Some networks, like iD Mobile, supply phones unlocked from day one with no charge or time limit. The process of unlocking a phone is legal and can be done directly through the network, often for free, without needing to use third-party services.

Siân W

iD Mobile Employee

Hi @robbiewalker all our iD phones are unlocked. Thanks.

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WelshPaulAnswer

Platinum  Contributor

As of December 2021, UK mobile network providers are legally required to sell smartphones unlocked by default, meaning they cannot be sold locked to a specific network. This ban was implemented by the telecoms regulator Ofcom to make it easier for consumers to switch providers and access better deals. Prior to this rule, networks could sell phones locked to their service, often requiring customers to pay a fee (typically around £10) and face potential difficulties to unlock them.

While the ban applies to all new sales, phones purchased before December 2021 may still be locked to a network. Customers can still unlock a phone that is locked, even if it was bought before the ban, by contacting their network provider. Generally, if a customer has finished their contract, the network is not allowed to charge a fee for unlocking. Some networks, like iD Mobile, supply phones unlocked from day one with no charge or time limit. The process of unlocking a phone is legal and can be done directly through the network, often for free, without needing to use third-party services.

I have no affiliation whatsoever with iD Mobile or any subsidiary companies. Comments posted are entirely of my own opinion. Did my comment help answer your question? If so, don't forget to mark the response as the Most Helpful Answer.

R

robbiewalkerAuthor

New Contributor

Brilliant! Thank you

J

james890

New Contributor

Most newer iPhones from UK networks should be unlocked by default, so an iD Mobile device should normally work with a third-party eSIM when travelling. You can also check by going to Settings → General → About → Carrier Lock — it should show "No SIM restrictions" if unlocked.

If you're thinking of upgrading or moving the phone on later, you can also check options to sell your old iPhone rather than keeping it unused.

Gemma M

iD Mobile Employee

Hi @james890,

Thanks for sharing those tips with the Community.

You're absolutely right that most newer iPhones supplied in the UK are unlocked, and checking Settings > General > About > Carrier Lock is a useful way to confirm whether a device has any SIM restrictions in place.

Thank you as well for providing information about using third-party eSIMs while travelling and the options available for older devices.

Contributions like this can be really helpful for other Community members who may be looking into the same topic.

Thanks again for taking the time to share your experience and advice.

Regards,

Gemma M

The iD Mobile Social Media Team

Did my comment help answer your question? If so, don't forget to mark the response as the Most Helpful Answer.