Nowadays, all iD Mobile phones are sold completely unlocked, but what happens to those users who bought their old iPhones before 2018? Well, those devices are still locked to iD Mobile to this day, so if that’s your case and you don’t really know how to fix your phone and be able to use it with any carrier, then this article is for you. Keep reading to learn how to unlock iD Mobile Phones in no time!
What happens when a Phone is Locked to a Carrier?

When a phone is locked to a carrier, it means it can only be used with that specific carrier’s network. Attempting to use a different carrier’s SIM card will typically result in an error or a request for an unlock code because this lock limits the phone’s flexibility by restricting its cellular bands to only recognize a single network. So, if that’s your case, you’ll pretty much be unable to switch carriers when needed unless you unlock your phone.
Can a Network-Locked Phone be used Abroad?
No, a network-locked phone cannot be used abroad because the lock ties the device to a specific carrier’s network, which limits its functionality to that network’s coverage area. To use the phone abroad, you would need to either use an international roaming plan, if available (which is pretty expensive), or unlock the device.
Is SIM locking legal in the UK?
As of December 2021, SIM locking is no longer legal for newly sold mobile phones in the UK. Even though this ban primarily applies to phones sold after that date, some networks, like Sky, Three, and Virgin, had already begun selling new phones unlocked before this regulation came into effect.
In fact, iD Mobile iPhones made before 2018 are the only ones locked up to this day because, after that, they started selling unlocked devices only. Anyway, it remains legal for carriers to lock older devices before that date, but if you have one, you can unlock it either directly with the carrier or using an external service like UnlockHere.
How Long does it take to Unlock iD Mobile Phones directly with the Carrier?
Unlocking a phone directly with iD Mobile typically takes from 72 hours to 5 business days. The exact processing time can vary depending on their internal procedures and the specific phone model in question. Anyway, it is important to keep in mind that unlocking the handset is subject to certain eligibility criteria and terms specified by the carrier.
What do I need to Network Unlock a Phone directly with iD Mobile?
To unlock your mobile phone directly with the carrier you’ll need to meet certain unlock criteria like having bought your phone with iD Mobile directly, having completed 6 months or more of straight service with your iD Mobile SIM and not having any IMEI blacklist report. In addition, you must be the phone’s original owner, must have already fully paid for the phone if it was financed with the carrier, and can’t have any outstanding balance on your account.
Is my Phone’s Manufacturer able to help me Unlock it?
No, your phone’s manufacturer cannot help you unlock it from a carrier because these locks are activated by the phone’s original carrier, and only that specific company has the authority to provide unlock codes or facilitate the unlocking process.
Manufacturers are not involved in the carrier lock mechanism, so they do not have the capability to unlock phones from carrier restrictions, which means that if you are not eligible to unlock the phone with iD Mobile, the other option is to use an external service like UnlockHere.
UnlockHere’s Phone Unlock Process: Do I have to meet any Unlocking Policy?
In UnlockHere we operate as a third-party service and are not affiliated with iD Mobile or any carrier, which means there are no specific unlocking policies, conditions, or requirements to meet when using our service. We offer a more flexible and independent approach to phone unlocking, which makes it easier for users to unlock their phones free of charge no matter if they’re not eligible for an unlock directly with iD Mobile.
How much is it to fix my SIM Locked Phone with UnlockHere?
UnlockHere offers a completely free service to unlock SIM-locked iD Mobile devices, regardless of their specific brand and model. There are no associated costs for unlocking your phone through UnlockHere, which makes us a cost-effective option to regain the flexibility of using your device with various carriers. Keep reading to learn more!
What do I need to Unlock my Phone for Free with UnlockHere?
With UnlockHere, there’s no need for any paperwork or specific requirements. All we require from you are some basic details for our AI-powered assistant to process your unlock request and successfully unlock your iD Mobile device. These key pieces of information are
- Your name.
- Your email address.
- The phone’s brand.
- The phone’s IMEI.
Get your Phone Unlocked for Free and use it with all Major Network Providers!
If you’ve got an iPhone locked to iD Mobile and want to get it unlocked with us, then just go to UnlockHere‘s SIM unlock page, where you’ll see a very short form for you to enter the pieces of information that we mentioned above. Then just follow the instructions and get your device unblocked today!
How Long will it take until my Phone is Unlocked?
The time it takes to unlock your phone with us typically ranges from just a couple of minutes up to an hour. The exact duration can vary depending on the volume of unlock requests we are currently processing and the stability of your internet connection. Anyway, rest assured that we’ll make the unlocking process as quick and efficient as possible, and we appreciate your patience while we work on your request.
After this, will my old iPhone be Unlocked to any UK Network?
It sure will! As soon as you complete an online unlocking request and fix your device with us, you can start using it with any mobile carrier not only in the UK but in any country. Your phone will be entirely and permanently unlocked in no time, completely for free, and with the safest and least invasive method online!