If you have a UK network-locked mobile phone, you can still sell it. We guide you how you can go about doing that.
When you try to sell your mobile phone, one of the genuine queries from the buyer would be “is your device locked to a particular network in the UK?” Locked handsets are the ones that run on only a particular mobile network. It is what makes locked handsets unfavourable over unlocked ones. The difference in the price you receive for locked and unlocked handsets can be as much as £100. In case of such a huge difference, you might wonder if you can unlock the mobile phone before selling it.
What are network-locked phones?
British mobile providers sell handsets that remain tied to that particular network. The lock would remain irrespective of whether you have opted for pay as you go basis or making monthly payments. You will have to request the network provider to unlock the device for you when the contract of your phone expires. An exception here is Three, which offers unlocked mobile phones even if you have a contract with them.
If you use a SIM card from a mobile provider and use it on devices of Apple or Samsung, the handset will remain unlocked. Even if you had changed the provider or bought it secondhand, the phone will remain unlocked. If you are curious about checking the status of a handset, you can insert the SIM card from other network and check if that works. It has become a lot easier to buy SIM cards at cheaper rates.
If it is a network-tied phone, you will receive an error message upon the insertion of a new SIM card. Invalid SIM, Network Locked, SIM Card Not Accepted are some of the error messages you can expect to receive. You can also contact your service provider to know if your device is network tied.
Should I unlock my handset before selling it?
You might always want to receive the top cash for your old handset. So unlocking the handset is advisable, especially when you are in no hurry to sell it. However, it is best to avoid unlocking handsets that are old or broken. The extra cash you are expecting will not be worth the hassle and cost of unlocking the device.
You can always make a comparison concerning the cost before determining whether it is worth unlocking your phone. Compare the price of unlocking with the difference in the amount of locked and unlocked device. It is also worth considering the waiting period to receive the unlocked handset. It can take anywhere between 10 days and one month, depending on the service provider.
Consider selling your old handset right away if you need urgent cash. Keeping in mind the situation, go for the best available price on offer. It is advisable to not go for unlocking devices that are old or broken. Even if you unlock it, there would be no gain in the value. You should readily send the device for unlocking if you have it in good condition and your mobile provider is willing to unlock it for free. You can get some extra cash that will be quite handy.
Where to sell mobile phone that is network-locked
A specialist mobile buyback platform like Rapid Phone Buyers can help you sell mobile phone seamlessly. We take a look at the model, brand, age, and condition of the handset before quoting a price. The type of lock placed on your device also matters, but rest assured, you can expect a decent amount in return. We deal in handsets of various brands like Apple, Samsung, Nokia, Sony, Blackberry, and much more. The condition of your handset, whether damaged or old, doesn’t matter. We deal with all sorts of mobile phones. Contact us today to know more on how you can go about selling mobile phones to us.
