How to Unlock Your Phone to Use in France
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Unlocking your phone means removing the network restriction that ties it to one carrier — so you can use a French SIM when you arrive. If you bought your phone new in the UK after December 2021, it's already unlocked by law. For older devices or phones bought in the US, Australia or France, here's the step-by-step.
Need a French mobile plan once your phone is unlocked?
Our English-speaking advisors compare plans from Orange, SFR, Bouygues and more — and help you sign up in minutes, no French needed.
Need a French mobile plan once your phone is unlocked?
Our English-speaking advisors compare plans from Orange, SFR, Bouygues and more — and help you sign up in minutes, no French needed.
Is my phone already unlocked?
Before going through the unlocking process, it's worth checking: many phones are already unlocked and you can skip straight to getting a French SIM.
💡 UK phones bought after December 2021
Since December 2021, Ofcom has required all mobile phones sold in the UK to be unlocked by default (source: Ofcom). If you bought your phone new from a UK retailer or network after that date, you don't need to do anything — it's already unlocked.
If you're not sure, the fastest way to check is to insert a SIM card from a different network. If your phone accepts it and connects, it's unlocked. If you see a message asking for an unlock code or saying "SIM not supported", it's locked.
You can also check digitally:
- iPhone: go to Settings → General → About. If "No SIM Restrictions" appears under Carrier Lock, your phone is unlocked.
- Android (Samsung and others): go to Settings → Connections → Mobile Networks → Network Operators. If you can see other carriers listed, your phone is unlocked.
How to unlock your mobile phone before moving to France
The standard and most reliable method to unlock any phone is to contact your current carrier and request an unlock. You'll need your IMEI number — a unique 15-digit code that identifies your handset. To find it, dial *#06# on your phone. It's also printed on the box and usually accessible via Settings → About.
💡 Is unlocking legal?
Yes. Unlocking a phone to switch networks is entirely legal in the UK, the EU and the US, as long as the device belongs to you and is not reported lost or stolen. It will not void your warranty if done through official carrier channels.
How to unlock a UK mobile phone
All major UK carriers unlock phones for free. Here's what to expect from each:
| Carrier | How to request | Cost | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|---|
| EE | Online form on My EE or call customer service | Free | Up to 7 days |
| O2 | Online form or call 202 (free from O2) | Free | 24–72 hours |
| Vodafone | Use the NUC request form on vodafone.co.uk | Free | Up to 7 days |
| Three | Contact customer service — most Three phones are already unlocked | Free | Immediate to 7 days |
| Tesco Mobile | Call customer service (4455 from Tesco Mobile) | Free | Up to 7 days |
Data verified march of 2026. Source: carrier websites (EE, O2, Vodafone, Three, Tesco Mobile). All carriers confirmed free unlocking in line with Ofcom regulations.
👉 Note: being under contract does not prevent you from requesting an unlock in the UK. However, your contractual payment obligations remain until the end of your minimum term.
How to unlock a US mobile phone
US carriers are also required by law to unlock phones on request, provided you meet their eligibility criteria (typically: the device is fully paid off, the account is in good standing, and the phone is not reported stolen).
- AT&T: submit a request at att.com/deviceunlock. Unlocked within 2 business days if eligible.
- T-Mobile / Metro: use the Device Unlock app on Android, or contact customer service for iPhones.
- Verizon: most Verizon phones are unlocked 60 days after purchase. Contact customer service if yours is not.
- Sprint (now T-Mobile): contact T-Mobile customer service directly.
How to unlock an Australian or Canadian mobile phone
Australian carriers (Telstra, Optus, Vodafone AU) and Canadian carriers (Rogers, Bell, Telus) all offer free unlocking, either online or through customer service. The process is the same as in the UK: have your IMEI ready and request via the carrier's website or support line.
How to unlock a phone bought in France
French operators are also required to unlock phones on request, at no charge, under European regulations. If you purchased a locked phone with a French plan and want to use it on a different network, contact your current French operator directly:
- Orange: call 3900 or visit an Orange boutique.
- SFR: call 1023 or use the SFR online account.
- Bouygues Telecom: call 614 or visit a Bouygues boutique.
- Free Mobile: submit a request via your Free subscriber account (espace abonné).
How to unlock a Samsung phone (and other Android devices)
Unlocking a Samsung phone or any Android device follows the same principle — contact your carrier to get a Network Unlock Code (NUC). Once you have it:
- Power off your Samsung phone.
- Insert a SIM card from a different network.
- Power on the phone — it will prompt you to enter an unlock code.
- Enter the NUC provided by your carrier.
- Your phone will confirm it's now unlocked and restart.
⚠️ Avoid "master unlock codes" and SIM unlock apps
There is no universal unlock code for modern smartphones. SIM unlocking apps found on Google Play do not work on current Android or iPhone devices. Paid third-party unlock sites are often scams. Your carrier unlocks for free and it's the only reliable method.
How to unlock an iPhone
iPhones are unlocked remotely by Apple, at the request of your carrier. The process is slightly different from Android:
- Contact your carrier and request the unlock using your IMEI number.
- Once your carrier confirms the unlock request has been submitted to Apple, back up your iPhone via iCloud or iTunes.
- Restore your iPhone. The unlock is applied automatically during the restore via Apple's activation servers.
- You can verify it worked by going to Settings → General → About and checking for "No SIM Restrictions" next to Carrier Lock.
No code input is needed for iPhones, the unlock is entirely over-the-air.
Phone unlocked — ready to pick a French plan?
Our advisors speak English and can compare and sign you up for a French mobile plan from Orange, SFR, Bouygues or Free — in one call.
Phone unlocked — ready to pick a French plan?
Our advisors speak English and can compare and sign you up in one call.
After unlocking your phone: getting a French mobile plan
Once your phone is unlocked, you have two main options in France depending on how long you're staying:
- Short stay (under 3 months): a prepaid SIM card is the simplest solution. You can buy one at any Orange, SFR, Free or Bouygues Telecom boutique, or at electronics chains like Fnac or Darty. You'll need your passport.
- Long stay (3 months or more): a postpaid mobile plan (forfait) will cost significantly less per month and include more data. Most operators offer no-contract plans (sans engagement). You'll need a French bank account and a proof of address.
Not sure which French mobile plan to pick? Our guide to mobile phone plans in France compares all the main operators and explains what you need to sign up as an expat.
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Frequently asked questions about unlocking your phone
Is it legal to unlock a mobile phone?
Yes, unlocking a mobile phone is completely legal in the UK, EU and US, as long as the device is yours and not reported lost or stolen. In the UK, Ofcom confirmed this and has banned the sale of locked phones since December 2021 (source: Ofcom).
How do I unlock my phone for free?
To unlock your phone for free, contact your current carrier directly with your IMEI number (dial *#06# to find it). All major UK carriers — EE, O2, Vodafone and Three — are required by Ofcom to unlock phones free of charge. Avoid paid third-party unlock sites: your carrier does it for free.
How do I unlock a Samsung phone to use in France?
To unlock a Samsung phone, contact your carrier and request a Network Unlock Code (NUC). Insert a different SIM, power on your Samsung, and enter the code when prompted. Note: Samsung phones bought new in the UK after December 2021 are already unlocked and need no code.
How long does it take to unlock a mobile phone?
Unlocking a mobile phone takes between a few hours and 7 working days depending on your carrier. O2 can process requests within hours; Vodafone and EE take up to 7 days. iPhones unlock over-the-air immediately after the carrier submits the request. Request at least one week before you travel to France.
Can I buy an unlocked phone in France?
Yes, you can buy an unlocked phone in France at electronics retailers like Fnac or Darty, or directly from Apple and Samsung stores. Phones sold with a French operator plan are often locked, but can be unlocked for free on request from that operator.