In today’s world, we rely heavily on our smartphones for everything. From keeping in touch with loved ones to getting work done on the go, or enjoying entertainment and social media, our devices have become an essential tool and part of our daily lives. It’s no wonder we want to get the most from them.
However, carrier restrictions and contracts can limit the functionality of our smartphones and can stop us from using them to their full potential, which is why having an unlocked smartphone is becoming more and more popular. Having an unlocked phone has a range of benefits, from saving you money to increased customisation options. Read on to find out more about unlocking your phone and its benefits.
How Do I Know If My Phone Is Unlocked?
You may be wondering how you can tell if your phone is unlocked or not. If you bought your phone on a contract through a network provider, then it is likely to be locked to that network.
How Can I Check If My Phone Is Unlocked?
The simplest way to check would be to take out your current SIM card and put it in another phone from another network. If the phone still works and you can send and receive text messages and calls, then you know it is unlocked. There are other ways to check on the settings of your phone depending on which phone you have.
If you have an iPhone, go to your Settings app, click on ‘General’, and then ‘About’. Click on ‘Carrier Lock’ and see if it says the name of a network, or if it says ‘No SIM restrictions’. If it is the latter, then you know your phone is unlocked.
To check if your Android phone is unlocked, go to Settings, and click on ‘Connections’ then ‘Mobile Network’. Then click on ‘Choose Network’. If you can select any network, this means the phone is unlocked. If, however, it only shows one network provider, then it means it is locked to that provider.
Next, we will look at why you may want to go to the effort of getting your phone unlocked.
More Phone Options
If you choose to purchase an unlocked phone, this opens up a lot more choices for which phone you can go for. You may want to use a certain network because you know they have a good signal in your area, or you like their customer service. However, you may prefer a handset from a different network. By purchasing an unlocked version of that phone, you are free to use whichever service provider you prefer, whilst still getting the smartphone that you desire.
Better Pricing Plan
When your phone is network-locked, you can only use it with a SIM card issued by that specific network. This means that if you choose to switch to another provider, you’ll end up having to purchase a new phone or deal with the inconvenience of having to swap SIM cards. Once your phone is unlocked you can choose whichever service provider you like as long as it supports your phone’s network technology, and you no longer have to stay with your current one. An unlocked phone allows you to switch carriers seamlessly with no need to change your device. This means you can shop around for the best price plan that works for you.
Save Money
With an unlocked phone, you have the freedom to compare and choose the most affordable and convenient plan for your lifestyle. Some networks offer lower rates for their plans if you have your own unlocked phone rather than financing the phone through them. So, whilst you may be paying more upfront for your phone without a contract, you will be saving money in the long term. By having an unlocked phone, you can avoid ‘bundling’ it with a network plan, which will result in significant savings over time.
Not Locked into a Contract
If you purchase an unlocked phone outright, you get the benefit of not being locked into a 24-month contract with a certain network provider. There are many benefits to not being locked into a contract, including being able to get a SIM-only deal, which works out cheaper for you. So, again, whilst you may pay more upfront for your phone initially, you will save money in the long run, and you will be more in control. Perhaps the signal is no longer good in your area, or you have moved, or perhaps the service from the provider has changed. When you are not locked into a contract you can merely change to a different SIM-only provider with a month’s notice.
No Need to Unnecessarily Upgrade
Equally, having an unlocked phone means that you do not have to change your service or phone after two years if you do not wish to. If you are happy with your phone and the network provider, then you can just carry on with your current phone without having to upgrade or change your price plan. This, again, will be saving you money if you use the same phone for more than two years.
It Makes Travel Easier
If you plan on travelling, whether it is just a holiday or an extended stay for work or pleasure, you will no doubt be wanting to use your phone abroad. By having an unlocked phone and not being tied into a phone contract, you won’t have to deal with any roaming charges. Having an unlocked phone when travelling abroad allows you to buy a local SIM card for the country you are in and avoid those international roaming charges.
It is easy to purchase and use a local SIM card for a local network if your phone is unlocked. If you are travelling to different countries around the world, then you can do this across the globe. You will only have to pay local charges for using your phone. If you are a frequent traveller, then having an unlocked phone makes sense.
You Can Upgrade Faster
If a newer model of your phone is released just a few months after you have purchased yours, it is often frustrating to have to wait another 18 months or so before you can upgrade your plan and get your hands on it. However, if your phone is unlocked and you have all the benefits of not being tied to a certain carrier or price plan, then you can sell your phone privately and purchase the new and improved model without having to wait any length of time.
Equally, if you are not getting on with your current handset and want to make a change, you can sell your current phone and purchase a different one without having to worry about being tied into a contract.
It Increases the Value of Your Phone
If you do want to sell your phone or trade it for a new one, then having it unlocked will increase the resale value. By removing the carrier and the plan limitations, your device is much more attractive to potential buyers or trade-in programmes because it offers more versatility and freedom to the buyer. Just as an unlocked phone will have saved you money, it will also save the potential new purchaser money, making it a better option for them. This will allow you to ask a higher price for your phone over one that is tied to a certain network.
Your Phone Is No Less Secure
It is a common misconception that having your phone unlocked makes your device less secure. Having your phone unlocked does not make it any less secure and does not make it more susceptible to any security issues. Unlocking your phone should not be confused with ‘jailbreaking’ your phone, which can sometimes result in security issues. Security should not be a factor stopping you from getting your phone unlocked.
You Can Customise Your Phone
Unlocking your phone opens up the opportunity to customise your phone to your liking. You can install custom ROMs and use custom software that may not be available on certain carrier-locked phones, enabling you to add features and have much more control over your phone user experience and improve the performance of your phone. These are often not available on locked phones, so by unlocking your phone you can gain access to a variety of customisation options that you would not have otherwise.
Smartphones are also often pre-loaded with apps or bloatware that you do not want to use. When you unlock your phone, you are free to remove these apps and replace them with apps that are more suitable for you.
It Is Legal to Do
Unlocking your phone is entirely legal to do now in most countries. You do not have to worry about matters of legality if and when you decide to unlock your phone. However, it may void warranties to unlock it by yourself, so it is advisable to have it done by a certified technician.
Unlocking your phone is a straightforward process, and it can give you the flexibility and freedom to use your device as you please. Having your phone unlocked or purchasing an unlocked phone is sure to save you money in the long run, increase the resale value of your phone, and give you more control over your phone experience. It allows you to use your phone with a carrier of your choosing and take advantage of the best deals out there. These are all great reasons to look into whether or not your phone is already unlocked, and if it isn’t, then take the necessary steps toward getting it unlocked by a professional. Unlock your phone and unleash its full potential.