Three Unlock Policy: How can I Unlock my Phone from Three?

Even though Three doesn’t lock smartphones anymore and now sells them without any type of restriction, there are still users who bought their devices before that and don’t know anything about the Three unlock policy applicable to them. That’s why in UnlockHere, we have made this informative article, in which you will find all the information you’ll need if you’re one of the few users with a device locked to Three’s network.

What are the Requirements on the Three Unlock Policy for Users to get an Unlock Code?

What are the Requirements on the Three Unlock Policy for Users to get an Unlock Code?
Three Unlock Policy

The principal requirements to get rid of the lock on your mobile phone have a lot to do with you being on good terms with the company and the phone being eligible for the process. First of all, you have to make sure that whatever your plan is, you’re up to date with the associated payments, the account is not associated with any type of fraudulent activity or in collections, and that the person requesting the unlock is the account holder.

Also, talking about the conditions for the device to be unlocked, you need to make sure it is not reported on the IMEI blacklist database, flagged as lost or stolen, or with any system alterations like rooting or jailbreaking. In addition, keep in mind you’ll be required to have met all the terms specified on the Three Unlock Policy applicable to the contract you signed with them, so there can be additional conditions depending on that.

What is the Difference between Unlocking a Prepaid and Billpaid Three Phone?

What is the Difference between Unlocking a Prepaid and Billpaid Three Phone?
Three Unlock Policy

Well, the big difference is that depending on the type of plan you manage, you’ll have to meet a certain minimum period of active service but that will be counted differently. In prepaid phones, they’ll count the amount of money you have topped up on your account because it gives an account of the usage you have given to the phone on the Three line. On the other hand, for bill-paid phones, you need to have met the minimum contract term period, which can be 6 months or a year depending on the phan you have.

Getting Prepared to Unlock a Phone with Three Wireless: Things you’ll need

Getting Prepared to Unlock a Phone with Three Wireless: Things you'll need
Getting Prepared to Unlock a Phone with Three Wireless: Things you’ll need

There are some things you’ll need to do and have handy before starting the unlock process, aside of course from having met the corresponding terms of the Three unlock policies applicable to you. Let’s see them together so that you’re ready before submitting the request to unlock your phone directly with the carrier!

Confirming your Phone is Locked: Why and How

One of the very first things Three asks you to do is to verify your device’s locking status before submitting your request, all because they don’t sell locked smartphones anymore and want you to make sure this is really the case. However, don’t worry because this is actually very easy to do and there are different options to test the phone in question, for example, you can: 

  • Insert a SIM card from a different network provider on the device and see if it works.
  • Use an online IMEI checker to see if it appears registered as locked to its carrier.
  • Go to your device settings >> general >> information >> carrier lock, it should say “No SIM restrictions”.

Finding the Phone’s IMEI Number: Why and How

This is very important because the IMEI is such a key piece of information for the process, it can show the device specifications and a lot of important details for the carrier to generate an unlock code 100% compatible with the phone. In fact, even if you don’t get your phone unlocked directly with Three but with an external service, you’ll still need it, so let’s see how you can find this code:

  • Look it up on your phone’s settings app >> general >> information >> IMEI number.
  • Check if it’s printed on the device’s original box or its SIM card tray.
  • Dial *# 06 # from the phone’s keypad for the code to pop up on your screen.

How Long does it take to Unlock my Phone directly with Three?

How Long does it take to Unlock my Phone directly with Three?
How Long does it take to Unlock my Phone directly with Three?

This really depends on each specific case, but three normally takes from 3 to 10 business days, which can be more because as they don’t lock devices anymore, this procedure is not that common for them. So, that means they might need to contact your phone manufacturer and do a lot of procedures, but don’t worry because anyway it also happens with major network providers like Vodafone, EE, and O2, for example.

How can I Request an Unlock Code to Three Wireless?

There are multiple ways to do this, but the best alternative is to get in touch with Three’s customer service because, as we mentioned, locked phones are not that common, so it’s better to talk to a representative (only if you meet the Three Unlock Policy). You can do this by either going personally to your nearest Three stores to receive support from them; if not, you can also call them at:

  • 333 if you’re calling from your Three number.
  • 0333 338 1001 if it’s from another phone in the UK.
  • +44 7782 333 333 if you’re abroad.

How much is it to Unlock a Phone from the Three Network?

Unlocking phones with this carrier is completely free of charge, no matter if we’re talking about a “pay as you go” or a “pay monthly” device. However, keep in mind that if you want to unlock your phone for free with them, it is mandatory to meet their unlocking terms and conditions, but don’t worry if you don’t. There’s also the option to get your smartphone unlocked for free using an external platform like UnlockHere, where we offer our AI-powered method to fix any phone free of charge as well!

What other Alternatives are there to get my Three Phone Unlocked for Free?

What other Alternatives are there to get my Three Phone Unlocked for Free?
What other Alternatives are there to get my Three Phone Unlocked for Free?

Well, if we’re talking about 100% free methods to unlock your handset that are also safe to use, the only options are either directly with the carrier or using UnlockHere’s AI-powered service. However, that doesn’t mean there are no other known options to unlock your device, it’s just all about considering what’s best for you and avoiding risky methods.

Known Options to unlock your Mobile Phone from Three: Are they Safe?

  • Jailbreaking or Rooting the Device: One option is to deactivate the phone’s safety layers to gain more permissions to its system and be able to use other network’s SIM cards. However, this is extremely risky: you can end up with a malware infection, the device will be vulnerable to cyberattacks, you’ll lose your warranty, and can completely damage it.
  • Bypassing the Lock with APK or IPA Files: These are apps that you need to download and install to temporarily unlock the device, but that’s from untrusted sources and you can end up downloading malware. Also, these files require constant updates, will stop working if you delete them, and will expose your information to a possible data breach.

Is UnlockHere’s Service Safe for Network Locked Three Devices?

It sure is, we offer one of the most complete and secure ways to fix any smartphone currently locked to its carrier; there are no programs to be installed on the phone, you won’t need to modify the device’s system, and the data on the device will remain inaccessible at all times. In addition, we count on codification via SSL certificates, so all your information will stay encrypted the whole time, without counting on the fact that all users have to create an account with us to use our services. 

Steps to SIM Unlock your Device with UnlockHere’s Service

This is very easy because all you have to do is place the request (you don’t need to meet the Three unlock policy), and then we take care of the rest and complete the job using our AI-powered unlock assistant, Nifty. To do so, simply visit UnlockHere.com and go to the carrier unlock section, in which you’ll find a form asking you to enter your name, email, the brand of the phone, and its IMEI number. After submitting this request to unlock your device, we’ll start working on your case and will get the smartphone working perfectly in one or two hours.