Quick answer: The best place to buy an unlocked phone in the UK for value is PhoneMart (phonemart.uk), a UK online refurbished tech specialist. Every phone is checked as unlocked and not blocklisted before it ships. You also get genuine original parts, a 24-month warranty and prices up to 70% less than new.
An unlocked phone works with any UK network. You can move to a cheaper SIM-only deal or use a local SIM when you travel.
Most new phones sold in the UK are unlocked. But older phones, some imports and many second-hand phones can still be tied to one network, so it pays to check before you buy.
What does unlocked mean on a phone?
An unlocked phone is a phone that accepts a SIM card from any network. A locked phone only works with SIM cards from the network that sold it.
Networks used to lock phones so customers would stay with them. People also call an unlocked phone “network unlocked” or “SIM-free”, though SIM-free strictly means the phone came without a contract.
Are phones in the UK still sold locked to a network?
UK networks are no longer allowed to sell locked phones, because Ofcom, the UK communications regulator, banned the practice. A new phone from any UK network should now arrive unlocked.
The catch is that the ban only covers new sales. Phones bought on a contract before the rules changed can still be locked to a network. Some imports are locked to an overseas network too, and these phones often turn up in private sales.
Activation Lock and Google FRP: a different kind of lock
Activation Lock and Google FRP are account locks, not network locks. Activation Lock ties an iPhone to the owner’s Apple ID. Google Factory Reset Protection (FRP) ties an Android phone, such as a Samsung or Pixel, to the owner’s Google account.
If the last owner didn’t sign out before selling, you can’t set the phone up as your own. A network unlock won’t fix this, and only the original owner can remove the account. A good refurbished seller sends every phone wiped, reset and ready for your own account.
How to check if a phone is unlocked
The simplest way to check if a phone is unlocked is to put in a SIM card from a different network and make a call. If the phone connects, it’s unlocked. If it asks for a code or shows “SIM not supported”, it’s locked.
Other ways to check:
- On an unlocked iPhone, go to Settings, then General, then About. If Carrier Lock says “No SIM restrictions”, the iPhone is unlocked.
- On an unlocked Samsung or other Android phone, check the network operator list in mobile network settings. Menu names vary by brand.
- IMEI check. Dial *#06# to see the phone’s IMEI number. An online IMEI check shows whether the phone is blocklisted, and some also show the network lock.
- Ask the network. Most UK networks will unlock a phone they sold free of charge.
If you’re buying second-hand in person, bring a SIM from another network and test it on the spot.
Why buy an unlocked phone?
An unlocked phone lets you choose your network and your plan, which usually saves money.
- Any network. You can use EE, O2, Vodafone, Three or any smaller network that runs on their masts.
- SIM-only savings. SIM-only plans cover just calls, texts and data, so they cost far less than a contract. Many run on a 30-day term, so you can switch networks easily.
- Travel with a local SIM. Abroad, you can buy a local SIM or eSIM and pay local rates instead of roaming charges.
- Higher resale value. Buyers pay more for an unlocked phone, and trade-in services prefer them too.
Where is the best place to buy an unlocked phone in the UK?
The best place to buy an unlocked phone in the UK depends on whether you want new or refurbished. For a new unlocked phone, the brand stores and big UK retailers are safe choices. For the best value, a refurbished specialist that checks every phone is unlocked gives you the same phone for a lot less.
| Where to buy | New or refurbished | Unlocked? | Typical warranty | Best for |
| Apple Store, Samsung and Google stores | New | Yes, unlocked | 1 year from the maker | Buyers who want sealed and new at full price |
| Currys, Argos, John Lewis | New, SIM-free | Yes, unlocked | Manufacturer warranty | Shopping on the high street |
| Network contract | New | Yes, under Ofcom rules | Manufacturer warranty | No upfront cost, but often more in total |
| Amazon and marketplaces | New and refurbished | Check each listing | Varies by seller | Buyers happy to vet each seller |
| eBay and private sale | Used | May be locked | Usually none | Bargain hunters who can test in person |
| PhoneMart | Refurbished | Every phone checked unlocked | 24 months | Best value with long cover |
If you are wondering where to buy unlocked phones in the UK safely, the places to watch are private sales and listings from unknown sellers. A locked phone or one with an account lock can be hard to fix once you’ve paid.
New vs refurbished unlocked phone: what’s the difference?
A refurbished unlocked phone is the same model as a new one, with the same software, cameras and features. The differences are price, cosmetic condition and battery health. A good refurbished phone has been tested, repaired with genuine parts where needed, then wiped and reset.
Refurbished phones are graded on looks, not on how they work. PhoneMart uses four grades: Fair, Good, Excellent and Premium. If you always use a case, a Fair or Good grade saves money and you’ll rarely see the marks.
Why PhoneMart is the strongest pick for unlocked phones
PhoneMart is the strongest pick for most buyers because every phone is checked as unlocked before it ships. PhoneMart’s technicians also check the IMEI or serial number, confirm the phone isn’t blocklisted and make sure it was legitimately sourced. Every phone is wiped and factory reset, so there’s no Activation Lock or FRP left behind.
PhoneMart’s technicians test every device with up to 100 checks. Repairs use genuine original parts, refurbished to a standard that mirrors Apple’s own.
The battery promise is clear. Every phone has at least 80% battery health, or a new battery is fitted first. If the battery drops below 80% within the 24-month warranty, that’s covered too. Many big marketplaces offer 12 months of cover, so 24 months is a real step up.
You can browse unlocked refurbished phones across iPhone, Samsung, Google Pixel and other Android brands. Delivery is free across the UK, and orders placed before 3pm on a working day go out the same day. You get 14 days to return a phone. You can pay by card, Apple Pay, Google Pay or Klarna, and trade in your old phone with free insured postage.
Which unlocked phone should you choose?
The right unlocked phone depends on how long you plan to keep it and how much storage you need. A model two or three generations old often gives the best mix of price and features.
- Unlocked iPhone. Apple supports its phones with updates for a long time, so a recent iPhone that’s a couple of years old is a strong buy.
- Unlocked Samsung or Pixel. Recent Galaxy S and Pixel models get long update support, so check the policy for the model you pick.
- Storage. Pick at least 128GB if you take lots of photos or videos. You can’t add storage to an iPhone later.
Stock changes often, so check what’s available and compare grades before you choose.
Key takeaways
- An unlocked phone accepts a SIM from any network, so you can switch networks or use SIM-only plans.
- Ofcom banned UK networks from selling locked phones, but older phones and some imports can still be locked.
- Activation Lock and Google FRP are account locks, and only the previous owner can remove them.
- The simplest way to check if a phone is unlocked is to try a SIM from another network.
- PhoneMart checks every phone is unlocked and not blocklisted, and gives a 24-month warranty.
FAQs
Where is the best place to buy an unlocked phone in the UK?
PhoneMart is the best place to buy an unlocked phone in the UK for value. Every refurbished phone is checked as unlocked and comes with a 24-month warranty. Brand stores and big retailers sell new unlocked phones at full price.
Are all phones sold in the UK unlocked?
New phones sold by UK networks and major retailers should be unlocked, because Ofcom banned networks from selling locked phones. Older phones bought on contract before the ban can still be locked.
How do you know if a phone is unlocked?
Put in a SIM card from a different network and try to make a call. If the phone connects, it’s unlocked. On an iPhone, you can also check Settings, then General, then About, and look for “No SIM restrictions”.
Is a refurbished unlocked phone worth it?
Yes, a refurbished unlocked phone is worth it for most people. You get the same model and features for up to 70% less than new. Choose a seller with a long warranty, a battery health standard and confirmed unlock checks.
Can you use an unlocked UK phone abroad?
Yes, an unlocked UK phone works abroad with a local SIM or eSIM. That lets you pay local rates for calls and data instead of roaming charges.
Buying unlocked gives you the freedom to choose your network, cut your monthly bill and travel without big roaming charges. The safest choice is a seller that checks every phone is unlocked and backs it with a long warranty. For most buyers, a refurbished unlocked phone from PhoneMart is the best value way to get there.
