Unlocking your Orange phone can open up a world of possibilities, allowing you to use your device with any compatible carrier worldwide. Whether you’re looking to switch networks, travel internationally, or increase your phone’s resale value, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about unlocking your Orange device.
Introduction
Phone unlocking refers to the process of removing the software lock that restricts a mobile phone to a specific network carrier. For Orange phones, this means freeing your device from the Orange or EE network so it can be used with any compatible GSM network.
The benefits of unlocking your Orange phone include:
- Freedom to switch to any carrier
- Ability to use local SIM cards when traveling to avoid roaming charges
- Increased resale value for your device
- Potential for better plan options and pricing from other carriers
There are several methods to unlock an Orange phone, including contacting Orange/EE customer service, using online IMEI unlocking services, or entering an unlock code. This guide will cover all these options in detail.
Checking Compatibility and Obtaining IMEI
Before proceeding with any unlocking method, it’s crucial to ensure your Orange phone is eligible for unlocking and to obtain your device’s IMEI number.
Checking Compatibility
To check if your Orange phone can be unlocked:
- Confirm your phone is not reported lost or stolen
- Ensure all bills are paid and your account is in good standing
- Check that your contract period has ended (for pay monthly customers)
Finding Your IMEI Number
Your IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique 15-digit number assigned to your device. To find it:
- Dial *#06# on your phone’s keypad
- Check in your phone’s settings under “About Phone” or “Status“
- Look on the original packaging or documentation that came with your phone
Write down this number as you’ll need it for the unlocking process.
Unlocking via Orange/EE Customer Service
Contacting Orange/EE customer service is often the most straightforward method for unlocking your phone, especially if you’re a current customer.
Eligibility Requirements
- Pay monthly customers: Must have had the phone for at least 6 months and paid off any outstanding balance
- Pay as you go customers: Must have had the phone for at least 6 months
Process and Fees
- Contact Orange/EE customer service by phone or online chat
- Provide your IMEI number and account details
- Pay the unlocking fee (typically around £8.99 for pay monthly customers, free for pay as you go)
- Wait for the unlock code to be sent to you (usually within 7 days)
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Official method supported by Orange/EE
- Generally reliable and secure
Cons:
- Can take up to 7 days
- May involve a fee for pay monthly customers
Using Online IMEI Unlocking Services
If you prefer a faster option or are no longer an Orange/EE customer, online IMEI unlocking services can be a good alternative.
How IMEI Unlocking Works
These services use your phone’s IMEI number to generate an unlock code specific to your device. The process is entirely remote and doesn’t require any software installation.
Top Recommended Services
- DirectUnlocks
- Fast turnaround (usually within 24 hours)
- Competitive pricing
- Good customer support
- doctorSIM
- Extensive experience with Orange/EE phones
- Clear pricing and money-back guarantee
- Typically delivers codes within 6-7 hours
- UnlockBase
- Large database of unlock codes
- 24/7 customer support
- Often offers instant delivery for many models
Step-by-Step Guide
- Choose a reputable unlocking service
- Select your phone model and network (Orange/EE)
- Enter your IMEI number
- Make the payment
- Wait for the unlock code to be emailed to you (timeframe varies by service)
Typical Costs and Timeframes
Costs can range from $10 to $30, depending on your phone model and the service used. Delivery times vary from a few hours to a few days, with some services offering expedited options for an additional fee.
Entering the Unlock Code
Once you’ve received your unlock code, follow these steps to unlock your Orange phone:
Preparing Your Phone
- Turn off your phone
- Remove the Orange/EE SIM card
- Insert a SIM card from a different network
- Turn on your phone
Steps to Enter the Code
- Your phone should display a message asking for an unlock code
- Carefully enter the unlock code you received
- Press OK or Submit
- If successful, your phone will display a message confirming it’s unlocked
Troubleshooting Tips
- If you receive an error message, double-check that you’ve entered the code correctly
- Some phones may require you to enter the code multiple times
- If you’ve entered the wrong code too many times, you may need to use an “unfreeze” code (typically provided with your unlock code)
Legal Considerations
In the UK, it is entirely legal to unlock your phone. The Ofcom regulations state that providers must unlock devices for free at the end of your contract.
Orange/EE’s policy aligns with these regulations:
- Pay monthly customers can request unlocking after 6 months
- Pay as you go customers can request unlocking immediately, but there may be a fee within the first 6 months
Unlocking Different Phone Models
While the general process for unlocking is similar across devices, there can be some variations depending on the make and model of your phone. Here are some specific guides for popular phone models:
- How to Unlock iPhone 11: A detailed guide for unlocking the iPhone 11, which can be helpful for Orange customers with this model.
- Unlock Samsung S20: If you have a Samsung Galaxy S20 from Orange, this guide provides specific instructions for unlocking.
- LG Unlock Guide: For Orange customers with LG phones, this resource offers step-by-step instructions for unlocking.
Dealing with Activation Lock
In some cases, you might encounter an activation lock, which is different from a carrier lock. This is especially common with iPhones. If you’re facing this issue, check out our guide on how to unlock activation lock for detailed instructions.
Unlocking Other Types of Locks
While this guide focuses on carrier unlocking, you might also need to unlock your phone’s screen if you’ve forgotten your password. Here are some helpful resources:
- How to Unlock Samsung Phone Lock Password: Useful for Samsung phone users who have forgotten their screen lock password.
- How to Unlock Computer Without Password: While not directly related to phone unlocking, this can be helpful if you’re also dealing with a locked computer.
Unlocking Other Carrier Phones
If you’re looking to unlock phones from other carriers, you might find these guides helpful:
- Unlock Cricket Phone: While this guide is specific to Cricket phones, the process can be similar for other carriers.
After Unlocking: Next Steps
After successfully unlocking your Orange phone:
- Test your phone with SIM cards from different networks to ensure it’s truly unlocked
- Be aware that unlocking doesn’t guarantee compatibility with all networks – check the frequency bands supported by your phone and the new network
- Update your phone’s APN settings if you’re having trouble connecting to data services on the new network
FAQs
- Will unlocking void my warranty? No, unlocking your phone through official channels or reputable services will not void your warranty.
- Can I unlock my phone if it’s still under contract? You can, but you may need to pay off the remainder of your contract or wait until it ends.
- What if I’ve forgotten my unlock code? Contact the service that provided the code or Orange/EE customer support for assistance.
- Will I lose my data when unlocking my phone? No, unlocking doesn’t affect any data stored on your device.
- Can all Orange phones be unlocked? Most can, but some older models or those reported as lost or stolen may not be eligible.
Conclusion
Unlocking your Orange phone can provide you with greater flexibility and potential cost savings. Whether you choose to go through Orange/EE directly or use a third-party service, make sure to follow the steps carefully and use reputable providers.
Remember, the unlocking process may take some time and potentially involve a small fee, but the benefits of having an unlocked phone often outweigh these minor inconveniences. With your newly unlocked Orange phone, you’ll have the freedom to choose the best network for your needs, both at home and when traveling abroad.
