If you have a Vodafone Mobile that is locked, vodafone will now unlock them for free.
Not too sure if it is to with a new law coming, but call vodafone customer services on 191.
Contract phones of any age, even expired contract ones. They will also unlock contract phones recently taken out within 12 months.
PAYG phones have to be at least 12 months old.
They just need your IMEI number (type *#06# on the handset). They will then tell you the unlock code to unrestrict the handset and instructions. They know the phone make from the system after they have your IMIE.
I have just unlocked a new N95, and a dead old Motorola no problems.
Get digging them old phones out of the draws.
Apparently you can also request this online if you have a online vodafone account.
All comments (254)
talogon
22 Apr 08#1
nice one thanks
myaser88
22 Apr 08#2
will check it out
Stags
22 Apr 08#3
Great thanks for the heads up
sale
22 Apr 08#4
Seriously hot deal.
howardevansgb
22 Apr 08#5
Sounds Good i hope "3" adopt this policy
talkshop
22 Apr 08#6
Voda unlocked a phone I bought for free a few months ago.Thought it was because the CS rep fancied me. :smile:
janz70
22 Apr 08#7
what new law is this ???????????:thinking:
Bully to janz70
22 Apr 08#32
its a strange law, like the one where its illegal not to go to the local park on a sunday and practise your archery..............strange indeed as Virgin are soon to STOP unlocking phones for free according to reports on here.
tiaria
22 Apr 08#8
i have just brought a phone from ebay which is locked to vodaphone do you reckon they will give me the unlock code?
33342 to tiaria
22 Apr 08#12
they are supposed to be registered in your name, but in reality all you need to do is get a voda payt sim, and give them that mobile number and they shoud unlock any phone assuming its not reported lost or stolen
Chiptivo to tiaria
22 Apr 08#25
Yes, stick a voda sim in, call 191, give them the IMIE. Just say you have heard that you now unlock vodafones for free, and don't charge any more. He/she will ask for your IMIE, give you instructions and the code to type and when to type it..
Chiptivo to tiaria
22 Apr 08#29
Take care the IMIE is not cloned, check the sticker matches the code when typing *#06#
Also make sure it is not stolen, as it may flag on the IMIE database??
Gravityjay
22 Apr 08#9
Well in a lot of EU countries it's illegal to have a phone locked to one network, maybe they are implementing that rule over here
cheers, not heard anything about the law...would be very surprised if its true....if it is then it will the consumer who loses out at the Mobile Network Operators such as Vodafone, Orange, etc who subsidise the cost of the phone by locking the customer into a contract
maybe another stupid law then! All that will happen is that new phones will become £200-1000 instead or tariffs will increase alot (more likely the former imo)
Incidentally - it is International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI)...a unique identifer for each handset/phone
hongsta to royals
22 Apr 08#51
Not true, you are still bound to a contract so they still make money off you. Not all networks lock their phones, my recent n95 8gb off O2 was not locked, branded yes but not locked....
ramkmr
22 Apr 08#19
hot!! heat added
It's really annoying when you buy a phone and it's locked to particular network then you spend (some times more thank the original phone cost) more to unlock
should be followed by all networks
33342 to ramkmr
22 Apr 08#23
enjoy paying £50 for phones that are currently £9.99 due to no subsidy's on them anymore if.when it happens!
Adnan786
22 Apr 08#20
dammit...no phones on voda.
yahoo
22 Apr 08#21
remember guys that u will still loose guarantee if u go for it
33342 to yahoo
22 Apr 08#26
rubbish, unlocking a phone by code does not in any way affect the warranty
gizmouk to yahoo
23 Apr 08#125
LOL !!!
Where do people get their info from :w00t:
royals
22 Apr 08#22
no, cause they are ****.....look nice (to some), very gimmicky but as a mobile phone and for surfing they are dated (about 3 years+ out of date!!)...i mean no 3G, no multi messaging, no bluetooth...what!
royals
22 Apr 08#27
because the phones are heavily subsidised by the Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) like Vodafone :roll:
bbasra
22 Apr 08#28
Hot hot hot!
Chiptivo
22 Apr 08#30
I read on the other forum, that the o2 deal with iphone has another 2 years to run.... :roll:
Don't know how much o2 are paying, but they won't be getting monies worth on contract sign ups.. lol :stuck_out_tongue:
royals
22 Apr 08#31
and the rest....£500-1000 more like for the newest phones, older ones (6mths old+) will still be £200-500
sharp910sh
22 Apr 08#33
sweet, just called them up the woman was like your phone isn't a year old, well the sharp 903 came out june 05, and has stopped being in production since like october 2006 so of course its more than two years old! so I shall be able to use my 50 or so sims all with free credit! woop im happy!
DylJones
22 Apr 08#34
great find. heat and rep added
i'll be doing this first thing in the morning!
The n95 I did is a month into its contract. Give them a ring... 191 Free call I understand if using a contract sim, not sure on PAYG.
kobirulali
22 Apr 08#37
Wow great info, requested unlock code for my K800i. WIll let you know of results. Heated and repped!
badmanmeow
22 Apr 08#38
NO!!!! I can't do it. The guy says i need to have had my phone for a year... I gave him my phone version it was nokia n95 8gb. It hasn't been out for a year....
Chiptivo to badmanmeow
22 Apr 08#41
Again it was a N95 8GB a month into contract, I did not use the contract sim in it when I called, but he did not ask name and number... Maybe you need to get a different CS staff???
tiaria
22 Apr 08#39
i'm with orange so will cost me £19.99:w00t: Great deal anyway heat and rep added.
33342
22 Apr 08#40
thats what he said
I must say I haven't heard of any change of policy on this - but then the voda intranet can be pretty slow in updating
Will be interesting to find out of others get payt under 12 months old unlocked free
tiaria
22 Apr 08#42
i will buy a vodaphone sim and give it a try anyway.
Chiptivo to tiaria
22 Apr 08#43
I think you can get free vodafone PAYG sims, around on different sites??? I am sure someone will post soon about that.
You can call normal vodafone CS from a landline, but not sure of a number. Also borrow a friends phone. You don't have to be on the phone in question at the time of calling. I think they like you not to be so they can run you through the instructions at the same time.
33342 to tiaria
22 Apr 08#44
dont waste your time, they can only supply codes for vodafone supplied phones.
The initial post is a bit misleading though, you certainly do have to be a customer, on odd occasions you may get a member of staff who don't care, but they will be the exception rather than the rule.
grex9101
22 Apr 08#45
awesome, looks like an internal company thing rather than an eu thing. great "deal". although o2 have been leaving contract handsets unlocked for years
aj_aziz
22 Apr 08#46
Anyone reckon this deal will be hotter than the iPhone?
badmanmeow to aj_aziz
22 Apr 08#48
This is free, so why not?
Rafa The Gafa
22 Apr 08#47
I'm not so sure it's free for everybody, I got a nokia 6110 navigator last week as a free upgrade & rang them last night for the NUC code, 'cos I'm off to middle east for a couple of weeks & wanted to use the local sim. They said that it WILL cost me £19.99 which they will add to my my bill !!!
Prufrock
22 Apr 08#49
I did this a while back with an old Vodafone PAYG handset. I had to use my old vodafone contract to get them to do it, though....even though this was months after I'd cancelled the contract, and they'd already unlocked the N73 they'd given me when I took out the contract! My unlock code came by email, as the phone I asked them to unlock this time around was a Sony Ericsson.
Chiptivo
22 Apr 08#50
Just spoken to them to confirm, all contract phones of any age they will unlock. Even newly taken out contracts free of charge and old phones not used for years.
PAYG over 12 months old will be unlocked for free.
PAYG phones under 12 months are charged at £19.99
You have to be a customer to get the unlock codes, but you do not have to be the owner of the phone, so find a friend who has a voda contract or payg vodafone.
They will unlock as many as you want in any single phone call.
All my friends are getting the old ones out the cupboards for the kids to use on o2??/ Why is o2 so popular with kids???
mobyrepairs to Chiptivo
22 Apr 08#56
so nothing new, it has been like this since the beginning of the year.
br
hawkio
22 Apr 08#52
this isnt free....please expire this thread. ive just had a balling match with a voda rep and she is in the right and i work as a contact centre manager (not for voda) but the staff dont deserve this ****.
i only read the terms following the link for online access. if uve had it for 1 year plus...then yes otherwise 20 quid...
jnm21
22 Apr 08#53
EDIT: this thread moved on so rapidly, I need to add that this is a reply to Rafa The Gafa: quote their forum posts. Post 4 here http://forum.vodafone.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=608&view=findpost&p=3036 seems to suggest you can do it all online (without a phone call). Bit silly of him to reveal that you will need to recall some recent activity (which someone with a found phone now knows to generate before calling).
33342
22 Apr 08#54
It was reffering to the fact if PAYT phones aren't locked the price will go up, not contract.
hongsta
22 Apr 08#55
oh sorry, lol :stuck_out_tongue:
Prufrock
22 Apr 08#57
That's not true, Colin. I managed to get Vodafone to unlock my old PAYG K510i even though I was no longer a Vodafone customer. As stated earlier, I had previously been a contract customer with an N73 handset, which Vodafone unlocked for me 6 months into my contract (I then debranded the thing and flogged it). The CS bloke used the details of my old account to put the order through to unlock the K510i. I then got an email from a company contracted by Vodafone to unlock certain phones, giving me the details on how to unlock my phone. The K510i happily works with a Virgin sim now, with £5 free credit. The PAYG sim that came with the K510i was long dead when I asked for the unlock code, as Vodafone had cancelled it due to lack of use, as well as swiping the £29 credit on the sim. (I'd given the handset to my Dad and he didn't use it, so after 6 months of inactivity, they cancelled the number and the credit). So, as you can see, I was definitely not a Vodafone customer at the time of them giving me the means to unlock the PAYG K510i.
33342
22 Apr 08#58
thats what i was thinking too, not really a deal as its been standard policy now for a few months, and its 'normal price' :?
Having said that the original post was a bit different to what it is now!
Chiptivo
22 Apr 08#59
Well, not many people are aware, I was suprised that the N95 I unlocked yesterday only one month into a contract was unlocked for free. And many other people will benifit.
maybe people hwo have brought a IPHONE and have transfered the sim to it can now unlock and sell for more cash on ebay then before???
there are many ebayers making £25 a go, by doing this scam, getting the IMIE's and calling up voda for the codes.. Shame on them..
If it helps just one person out, then it is a bonus.
FunkyMonkeyDooDa
22 Apr 08#60
Well just got a Samsung F490V (the V is for Vodafone, or so Samsung told me), and I can confirm that this phone at least isn't locked - I'm running it on an O2 PAYG card as we speak.
HOWEVER - a word of warning. Unlocking, or getting an unlocked phone doesn't mean that everything will definitely work. For starters, on my phone I still have the very annoying Vodafone embellishments that I cannot remove - startup screen (not a big deal), Vodafone Live internet (pain as it won't let me change the home page for my internet connection, so I end up having to manually type in web addresses), links to games etc. go through Vodafone's webpage and therefore don't work either, and I cannot yet do media messaging (big issue).
I've spoken to o2 about this, who say it's because the system on the phone itself is rigged to Vodafone. I've spoken to Samsung who just weren't helpful, insisting that the phone was locked to Vodaphone, so couldn't understand why I was able to use my o2 sim in the first place!?!
So, rambling here I know, but my solution it would seem is that I need to debrand the phone by reflashing it. Unfortunately, there's not much info on the web right now as to how to do it with this particular model. I'll wait and see, unless someone can help out that is.
Just wanted folks to be aware that unlocking doesn't mean debranding! I have a sneaky feeling that this is a mobile network's way of putting people off switching whilst avoiding the potential ramifications of locking your phone to a network.:whistling:
PasPer2 to FunkyMonkeyDooDa
22 Apr 08#77
A generic firmware update should remove any vodafone branding on the phone, if available.
badmanmeow
22 Apr 08#61
Just rang again, and i sent a request for my phone. Will ring back tommorrow and hoepfully get my unlock code...
33342
22 Apr 08#62
dur, teach me not to read the thread properly, I assumed the phone was locked to orange :oops:
Thats not how it works at all.
wavefront
22 Apr 08#63
if you do want to call customer services dont forget to run the number though http://www.saynoto0870.com/ first to save on the call
thanks Voted Hot
Waffles
22 Apr 08#64
But you still cant buy a PAYG phone on vodaphone to use on another network because its a 12 month wait... :disappointed:
Prufrock to Waffles
22 Apr 08#65
You can if you were previously a vodafone contract customer. All you need to do is give the details of your old contract (address, etc), and they'll find you on their database. Then give them the IMEI number of the voda locked PAYG phone, and away you go. They did it for me a couple of months back. They'll use your old contract details to unlock your new phone. Like I said earlier, they unlocked two phones for me using my old contract details (one was when I was still in contract - the handset I got with my contract), and the other was 2 months after I'd cancelled my contract - and that was a PAYG vodafone mobile.
For a long time, Vodafone has been exercising an free unlock policy for people who are 6 months into their contracts.
3, on the other hand...don't get me started on those *******s. Luckily, I was able to borrow a cable to unlock my old Nokia 6680 from those *******s. I used the same cable to debrand my voda N73. :smiley: Cost me £6 to unlock and debrand my SE K610i from 3 (through GSMLiberty.net). Glad I'm with T-Mobile now and have a phone that's easy to mess about with (MDA Vario III, AKA HTC Kaiser/Tytn II). Unlocked it easily enough, and can mess with the roms as much as I like.
lockdown to Waffles
22 Apr 08#66
Well yeah, that's because they are a public company not a charity lol :whistling:
hongsta
22 Apr 08#67
You can pay £19.99 for the unlock code if your payg is less than 12 month old
tartanarmy
22 Apr 08#68
You just need to get the phone debranded and that will sort your probs out!!
Just been on phone to voda to unlock mine and missus phones both contract
and within 5 mins both phones unlocked and they were debranded at very start of contract so i'm happy
Although will be even more happier next month after leaving voda :whistling:
Voted Hot
mobyrepairs
22 Apr 08#69
i bet you were getting a little bit worried m8, you can cancel your appointment at the job centre tomorrow now.
br
33342
22 Apr 08#70
not really, box breakers tend not to want to call vodafone for some strange reason :-D
Rafa The Gafa
22 Apr 08#71
Folks!!!
This is completely Kosher!!! I have just rang Vodafone to kick off since they gracefully took £20 quid off me last night as per my previous post. The chappie at the call centre apologised & refunded the fee. He also confirmed that if you have a contract, then unlocking the phone is free, otherwise it will be £20 for PAYG upto a year. Also all future vodafone contract handsets will be unlocked, not PAYG.
Thanks Chiptivo for saving me a score.
Chiptivo to Rafa The Gafa
22 Apr 08#81
No problems, bet you gave me a COLD before you called them back... Go on be honest.. lol
Well if you did, I have only 3 words to say to you.......
John Arne Riise
ehadz
22 Apr 08#72
thanks great
xdash
22 Apr 08#74
I have rang them to ask for the code for a SE K800i which I just received 2 days ago, was asked when I activated the sim card, as they said this would cost £19.99 I explained that I read this policy had changed so was put on hold for a few minutes while the lady spoke with her supervisor and checked this out the policy had changed but was contrdictory in places.
I said I wanted the code to transfer my current telephone no.'s from current phone, to the new phone to get it up and running with service, then was asked for my IMIE and email address and sent a email with the unlock code and how unlock my phone.
So Chiptivo major respect and heat added.
In my case it helped to tell a white lie that it would make setting up my new phone really easy.
mobyrepairs
22 Apr 08#75
as posted earlier Vodafone posted this info at the beginning of the year.
br
monkeybrains
22 Apr 08#76
only vodafone? is it a new law? if so then should it not be all networks?
Teqnophile
22 Apr 08#78
I posted this deal over 2 months ago, it was voted cold
The latest terms and conditions I was quoted were for a date in February
usenetz to Teqnophile
23 Apr 08#85
Bless! OK, I have just added some heat - you are now burning at 6° :lol: and I added some rep!! :thumbsup:
johnny
Rizza to Teqnophile
23 Apr 08#97
Voted your post hot as well, now up to 29 degrees!
Prufrock to Teqnophile
23 Apr 08#101
Given you heat and rep over there. :smiley:
cool80
22 Apr 08#79
thanx just fille din online contact form with all my phone details will hopefully send me my unlock code tomm. reps added.
ns.macd to cool80
23 Apr 08#84
Me too! - Thanks! :thumbsup:
xdash
22 Apr 08#82
Anyone know how to copy text messages over
Rafa The Gafa
23 Apr 08#83
I've only just twigged how to give heat.....And I have turned up the heat!!!
As for J A R, what was he doing??? We're gonna have to turn up the heat in 'Chelski's Barn'
synet
23 Apr 08#86
I have a (personal) N73 locked to Voda, but want to use an Orange SIM in it. I also have a works phones on Voda. Do you think I can use that to unlocked the N73?
Chiptivo to synet
23 Apr 08#87
Yes, I used my company vodafone to unlock the others yesterday, and I am not a personal vodafone customer.
They prefer it if you are not on the phone you want to unlock as they will talk you through it... Or in some phone cases, they will email instructions.. It appears it is dependant either on the Customer Service Staff, or phone make/model of how you will get the codes.
ptecn
23 Apr 08#88
great news i try today.
netwalker
23 Apr 08#89
How to know if the phone is not blocked?
synet
23 Apr 08#90
Thanks for that info Chiptivo. Will give it a try.
loop
23 Apr 08#91
sorry for being a bit thick, but what is the big deal about unlocking phones - what is the point? Is it just so you can sell old phones on more easily as they are not locked to a specific network?
Particularly don't understand why someone would unlock a phone 1 month into a contract - you still have to pay the contract, and why sign it anyway if you don't want it?
Do people take out multiple contracts / use multiple sims and want the freedom to swap the sims into all their phones?
PaulPoole to loop
23 Apr 08#93
For me it is so that when I go to, say, Spain, I can use a local sim card and get much cheaper calls .
Also,in the UK, there are some company's sims which are very cheap to use to call friends who
live abroad.
Versatility , I think they call it :smiley:
markybhoy to loop
23 Apr 08#94
If my mates battery runs out why should i not be able to allow him to use mine with his sim in.
There's a reason they don't let people do this and its purely ££££££
Prufrock to loop
23 Apr 08#102
People get upgrades to stay on a contract, or are quite happy with the phone they already use when they take out a contract. If you're happy with your old phone, but have been given a new phone for taking out a new contract or as an upgrade, it's easier to sell on if the phone is unlocked. So, you get the new phone, get it unlocked, stick your sim in your old phone and flog the new one. As stated earlier, I flogged my debranded and unlocked N73 whilst still on contract. Why? Because I was happy using my old handset.
cannyscot
23 Apr 08#92
Fantastic find! Thanks. H&R added.
SanjayShetty
23 Apr 08#95
I have 2 vodafone contracts ... Only phone is locked though ... I bought a recent Orange PAYG 6500 ... Anyone do you think i could ask them the code for Orange one ... i doubt if i say them its on orange....
agaveworm
23 Apr 08#96
If this is the case; then I guess the networks are now going to be reluctant to offer phones for free with contracts...:?:
badgerman2
23 Apr 08#98
Now it's 30!
davidg_croydon
23 Apr 08#99
51 now!
Chiptivo
23 Apr 08#100
People who brought a deal on vodafone but are going to use the sim in the Iphone (apparently a recent deal??, but can't find it anywhere).
They can now flog the voda N95's or whatever on ebay for a lot more than if locked to vodafone.
And as said before, loads of old many year old contract phones sitting cupboards that the kids can now use with o2.
Anarchist
23 Apr 08#103
Erm, I don't understand why people are saying every contract phone is now going to cost £200-£1000...
They are only unlocking the phone, you have still signed up for your contract, you are still going to be paying the network providers the exact same amount of money, they aren't going to be losing out at all financially.
The only thing it does, is allow customers more flexibility to move around and take advantage of sim free packages more easily. And thats a good thing for competition, and for customers.
Necaras
23 Apr 08#104
wooo! nice! just called up customer services. person I spoke to said there was a still a charge, I quoted lines from forum link mentioned previously, they went away and checked, and said i was right. It is free unlock for contract. woohoo! Thanks.
ROKO
23 Apr 08#105
is there a limit to how many u can unlock?
abbott
23 Apr 08#106
excellent
leebailey79
23 Apr 08#107
just spoke to vodafone customer services they first told me they could not unlock a n95 then they told me that no other network was doing this and he had never heard of this, so i requested to speak to his manager who also told me this was not possible even after quoting this web site and the vodafone web site i have still drawn a blank
Chiptivo to leebailey79
23 Apr 08#108
As posted I did my N95 8GB Vodafone locked, a month into contract 2 days ago.
Gave them the IMIE he gave me the #PW+xxxxxxxxxxxx+1# code to type.
Worked a treat,
It is not PAYG is it??? Less than 12 months.
There is a official forum link to the vodafone forums, and a member of vodafone staff who also confirms this on page one of this thread.
If at first you don't succeed, try a different CS bod (ring them back!).
33342
23 Apr 08#110
I was talking about payt - in the initial post it was said that they would unlock all payt phones less than a year old, due to a new law.
people don't realise payt are heavily subsidised like contract, the difference being on contract they have you tied in for 12/18 month. If they weren't allowed to lock phones, then the networks would remove most the subsidy
How long ago did you buy the n95? Was it bought on payt or contract?
yes but it will depend on the member of staff, 2 or 3 should be ok.
they can only supply codes for vodafone locked phones.
leebailey79
23 Apr 08#111
not payg or less than 12 months have just sent vodafone a email with all my details like it states on there site so fingers crossed
Prufrock
23 Apr 08#112
Chiptivo, I know I'm being pedantic, but could you just correct a little something in your opening post, please?
It's IMEI, not IMIE.
Thanks. :smiley:
Chiptivo to Prufrock
23 Apr 081#114
Done.. lol..
But I have been putting that in most posts.. And I am not editing them all. lol..
Thanks.
KelliePaisley
23 Apr 08#113
thanks
leebailey79
23 Apr 08#115
just rang them again and they done it straight away many thanks!!!!!!
Prufrock to leebailey79
23 Apr 08#116
See? It really does depend on who you talk to. :wink:
HelloWorld
23 Apr 08#117
A quick question, I have a 5 months old Orange PAYG SE K550i phone. I would like to unlock it so that I can use other operator's card. Is there any way like this one for my phone, other than going to the high streetshops to unlock?
Prufrock to HelloWorld
23 Apr 08#122
gsmliberty.com - will cost you around £6.50. You'll need to do the work yourself, mind. They'll email you the software, instructions, etc. You use the USB data cable that came with your phone. They have the K550 and the K550im listed on their site. You can also purchase the K550 flash firmware update, which will debrand your phone. Check with your local traders and market stalls to see if they charge less..some charge £5, but depends where you live.
berba 5-1
23 Apr 08#118
its not hot as you could do this via other websites for free for years
Bcfaigg to berba 5-1
23 Apr 08#119
Not true - some phones have been unlockable for free, but the vast majority of phones would take a trip down your local market to get the phone unlocked, as they require either special equipment, or a code from Vodafone, Orange, etc.
I have unlocked a number of phones over the years, and paid between £5 and £20 for each unlock - yes one or two of the older Nokia's could be unlocked for free if you knew where to look, but they were the exception rather than the rule.
Blistering deal.
Gopes
Chiptivo to berba 5-1
23 Apr 08#120
Some old nokia's maybe via a software program DCT4 (I think). Most other makes and modern Nokia's required cables and software or clips. (£15-£25 at a market stall). This also may of invalidated the warrenty if the product code changed during reflashing.
Prufrock to berba 5-1
23 Apr 08#121
That's not true. Certain Nokia handsets can be unlocked with just a code generator, but not all of them. For others, such as the N73, 6680, etc (BB5 Nokia phones), you need to purchase a DKU 5 cable to connect the phone to a PC to flash them. There are no code generators available online for free for the BB5 Nokias. That's only the Nokias..then you move onto the SEs, the Samsungs, the LGs, etc, etc. My K610i on 3 was actually quite a complicated unlock involving flashing the phone and costing £6 online (no code generator for that one), but I'd rather pay £6 to unlock and debrand (remove all the 3 ****) my K610i, than pay 3 £30 just for the unlock code. My K510i was unlocked by Vodafone using a an operator generated code, but there's no free alternative on the net. So, unless you've got a one of the earlier Nokias, it's not that easy.
Check out [url]www.gsmliberty.com[/url] to see what I mean.
EDIT: HTC phones are easy enough to do for free (windows mobile smartphones), but even then, it's not a simple code unlock - it's flashing.
jaidenslot
23 Apr 08#123
Great! I am about to leave vodafone after 9 years on contract to go to 02. Gave my mum and dad a v3 on vodafone which i couldn't unlock(got codesoff internet for all mine and families phones) making them the only vodafone in family. Its over 12 months old so will try this!
Hope its a better service than when they block the damn things! I have lost 2 contract phones and reported them and of course vodafone put a block on the sim. Trouble is i used the sim in other vodafone and unlocked phones and vodafone have a habit of blocking all phones the sims have been in. Took months of emails and phone calls to get them to unblock them
Xenu
23 Apr 08#124
Hmm wonder if it will work with the treo 750v. Trying to hack it seemed to be a paid (code + wire connect to pc etc). Will a simple code unlock it.
Voted super hot.
shutdown
23 Apr 08#126
I wrote to them this morning and this is the reply i got:
Good morning Mr. Simpson,
Thank you for contacting Vodafone Customer Services about the Network Unlock Code (NUC) for your phone. I’d like to help you with this.
Please note t if your phone is over 12 months old there will be no charge for supplying the NUC.
However, if your phone is under 12 months old, you’ll be charged £19.99 for the NUC.
To get your NUC, please provide us with the following details:
- Make and model of your phone
Once you reply to this email, I’ll be pleased to provide you with your NUC.
In order to help you further with your query, can I please confirm some security checks by asking the following information:
- Your PIN code / password*
If you don’t know your PIN code / password please provide the following details:
- The first line of your address and your postcode
- Your date of birth
- Your method of payment
Once I’ve received this, I’ll be more than happy to help.
I’ll look forward to your reply.
I only got my N95 8gig 1 month ao so i will be charged if I do it by online contact.
royals
23 Apr 08#127
fair point, but what you are talking about is an exception to the rule rather than the norm for Vodafone anyway, maybe O2 work differently. I know this as Vodafone for almost 7 years and work as a successful (well, always employed!!) freelance Telecoms Consultant (for 4 years)
O2 may not have locked your phone, but if you have a contract you will still need to pay it if you decide to move to say, Vodafone (so you will be paying for two contracts for a certain amount of time)
how much did you pay for phone?
ran2jeet
23 Apr 08#128
I have just called VODAFONE 191 for unlock code and with no further questions they have provided me with my unlock code.
I am havin N95 8GB which is 4 months old...so this definitely is a great find...thanks rep
rash
23 Apr 08#129
Super Hot!!!!!!!!!
JUST got two UNLOCKED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
alimokrane
23 Apr 08#130
Sweet dude thank you So much for letting us now. Just got my Sony Ericsson V6320i unlocked!!!
Jaak90
23 Apr 08#131
awesome thanks
ehadz
23 Apr 08#132
got my n95 unlocked now... great
kenhistu
23 Apr 08#133
i called them(191) this morning, the girl she said she will send me email with unlock code
i just finish unlocking this afternoon, there is no problems.
STEPS:
1.With the Vodafone sim card inside the handset.
2. Key #pw+NUC(put your unlock code here)+1#
(The p w and + symbols are found by keying the * key twice for the + symbol, three times for ‘p’ and four times for ‘w’).
3. The handset should then display “Sim restriction off”
maffster
23 Apr 08#134
Just rang them, i think they have different call centres, i Spoke to one ,gave the imei and was given the code which didn't work.
I then rang them and was told i couldn't have the code as my PAYT sony K800i didn't come out until june 2007 even though i have owned it since 25th of january 2007 from Play.com for £149.99.
I then get told it was first used february this year and that i should take the original receipt (as proof) to a vodafone shop to get it unlocked for free,which i don't have.
So after 8 years with vodafone i am gonna leave them,never seen such a shambles, anyone else have any probs.?
Slash
23 Apr 08#135
If you are on contract, I thought unlocking has always been free? I've been with Vodafone for a couple of years and everytime I upgrade to a new phone, they let me get the unlock code free. They charge £20 for unlock codes if the phone is newly released by Vodafone (less than 1 year old) while if the phone have been released by Vodafone for over a year, then its free.
So are they sending unlock codes now for newly released mobile on Vodafone or what?
Chuck U
23 Apr 08#136
Heat and rep added. Cheers.
matt_rgc
23 Apr 08#137
Just now called vodafone, my imei number aint on their databse, so they're contacting nokia and will receive the unlock code on email. my model is N80 bought on ebay and using with corporate sim.
matt_rgc
23 Apr 08#138
Heat and rep added.
vikingaero
23 Apr 08#139
Voted Mucho Scorchio! :thumbsup:
Called up Vodafone who seemed a little busy. Gave the IMEI for my one month old E90 and the lady gave me the code and what to type in. I'm now running my E90 with an O2 contract SIM and have my Voda SIM in my Crackberry.
rob585
23 Apr 08#140
had my n95 8gb for one day and they gave me the nuc within seconds. the first person i spoke to said it would cost £20, but when i advised her that it was free she too some advice and changed her mind. contract is free anytimje and PAYG is free after 12 months
stuaw002
23 Apr 08#141
I phoned vodaphone this morning they asked for my IMEI number then I received an email with instructions. Phone unlock, saved me alot of time money and I have just sold my phone for 55 pounds.
Daddyouk
23 Apr 08#142
3 month old N95 8gb unlocked....... happy as larry ...cheers....heat added
badmanmeow
23 Apr 08#143
FINALLY! Unlocked for free my Nokia N95 8GB!!!! Not even been out for a year! Not even on COntract!
Chiptivo to badmanmeow
23 Apr 08#144
After all that hastle with them yesterday.. lol..
Glad it worked out in the end.
Lyndyhop
23 Apr 08#145
I just spoke to a lady at vodafone and went through all details i.e., imei code and phone model no and in the endshe told me to ring back in 2 to 3 weeks to get the code.
God what a pain in the neck - it must all depend who you actually are speaking to.
WantOne
23 Apr 08#146
Friend of mine spent ages trying to get a Vodafone unlocked using every website & unlocker he could find!
He gave up and gave his mum the fone at the weekend.
:oops:
Sent him this this morning, he was well impressed!
:whistling:
Great find OP. Heat added! :thumbsup:
GoDutchGo
23 Apr 08#147
Heat added rep when I have some
fungus
23 Apr 08#148
...yeah but what about three???
gg1pl
23 Apr 08#149
Hot Deal!!!
Just called and unlocked my phone
Thanks
sexysam
23 Apr 08#150
**** service from vodafone. Phoned them 3 times in last couple of days and they said will send it via email, Still waiting for it
owl_master
23 Apr 08#151
Hot Deal!!!
Just called and they emailed the code with insructions in around 10 Minutes now i have an unlocked Nokia N95
Thanks:thumbsup:
monkeybrains
23 Apr 08#152
is it for 1 year and over phones
amydevaney
23 Apr 08#153
Thank You Chiptivo, it was my motorola (not old brand new!!!!! less than 12 months old) and hubbys N95 you unlocked originally, his brother got a free upgrade from vodaphone but didnt want it so gave it to him you saved us alot of cash xx
Chiptivo to amydevaney
23 Apr 08#161
Hey, no problem. If it wasn't for your two phones arriving and me looking into it, I would not have gained this 1000 degree + thread...
Ta :thumbsup:
rockerfella20
23 Apr 08#154
is this a limited offer, just bought a vodafone sony erriccsson w200i and i dont have a sim card and it wont let me call without credit. boo hoo.
ns.macd to rockerfella20
23 Apr 08#156
You can call from a landline - details below:-
Existing Vodafone customer, you can contact us by calling 191 from your Vodafone phone.
Already a Vodafone customer and calling from another phone?
Calling us in the UK
(Lines open 24 hours)
Pay monthly
08700 700191
Pay as you talk
08700 776655
Calling us from abroad
Pay monthly
+44 7836 191 191
Pay as you talk
+44 7836 191 919
Business
+44 7836 191 191
Jakg
23 Apr 08#155
Could I use an old contract wit this to get a Vodafone W950i/W960i unlocked?
Prufrock to Jakg
24 Apr 08#183
Yes.
omy to Jakg
28 Apr 08#215
No, because the unlock code is generated via the imei
Sir Francis
23 Apr 08#157
I phoned today but was told it was £19.95 and , when I asked, that it was not free.
Mind you the chappie I spoke to had a wonderful Irish accent and I had to ask him to repeat a question he was asking me four times before I worked out it was something like "are you planning to change the SIM" .
Maybe I annoyed him with my cloth ears :smiley:
wazb
23 Apr 08#158
Thank You:)
PasPer2
23 Apr 08#159
Phoned Vodafone whilst at work and after some Q&A they emailed me the NUC.
Good stuff.
Chiptivo
23 Apr 081#160
It is, see the link to the official Voda forum.
Bazila47
24 Apr 08#162
Excellent post, voted hot!! I can get my n95 unlocked now.
blade2005
24 Apr 08#163
thx heat added
melbourne720
24 Apr 08#164
Got one phone unlocked (SE V630i) and another unlock on the way (Nokia N73). Voted hot, many thanks!
aoaz
24 Apr 08#165
been to vodafone shop to unlok my nokia e61i, they charge me £20 and advise it can take up to 4 weeks because they gona order the unlok code form Nokia :disappointed:
Chiptivo to aoaz
24 Apr 08#166
Silly you. Please read the post at the start of the thread.
It is FREE, no charge, no cash required, so cards needed. FREE, FREE, FREE..
kristoff
24 Apr 08#167
[COLOR=olive]Phoned yesterday and because the Blackberry I was given from my son-in-law was formerly on a Business contract they won't let me do it and it has to be him that makes the call for the unlock code. What a carry on, at the end of the day what difference does it make? Never really liked Vodafone anyway having dealt with them in the past.[/COLOR]
wazb
24 Apr 08#168
can any one help just rang voda now and gave me instruction to unlock my N95, they said type #pw then hold 0 then type in the number she told mr them +1#, it doesnt seem to be doing anything when i hold 0 down??
Just tap in the code carefully, for the p's w's and + you use the star key.
wazb
24 Apr 08#170
ahh its okay now yeah it should of been a + not a 0. thanks.
Dan_JC
24 Apr 08#171
Can you unlock a Virgin phone for FREE?? lol :smiley:
golo83
24 Apr 08#172
they told me my nuc was not on their database so they will request it from nokia and get back to me
imyontour
24 Apr 08#173
I have a Nokia 8600 Luna phone and having some problems unlocking it. Vodafone have given me the code 452756514065267 and that is it. And it dont seem to be working? How do I enter this code? Any help? Thanx
Road_Hog
24 Apr 08#174
Switch on the phone without a sim card.
#pw+452756514065267+1#
Only try it once and make sure you type it correctly.
flipflopfloss
24 Apr 08#175
Just got my Sony Erricsson K800i unlocked for free!
NUC CODE: 2506774373671698
1. Remove the Vodafone SIM from the handset. Replace the battery and switch on. 2. Move the jog dial left then press the * key twice and then move the jog dial left 3. Network appears on screen 4. Then select YES. 5. NCK will appear - key in NUC and Yes, phone should then be unlocked
matt_rgc
24 Apr 08#176
what a quick response from vodafone, called them up yesterday and they said they had to contact nokia for nuc as my imei not found in their database. i have got the code by email just now. really quick are they.
golo83 to matt_rgc
25 Apr 08#187
same for me :thumbsup: emailed yesterday reply today. and it works
matt_rgc
24 Apr 08#177
successfully unlocked, now i can throw in any sim. :smiley:
gestev
24 Apr 08#178
great stuff, thnx!!!
rockerfella20
24 Apr 08#179
do you have to be the regestered owner of the phone? i have just bought a phone from a friend and tried to do it but they said i had to get my friend to do it but thats not practical because shes abroad. thanks.
matt_rgc to rockerfella20
25 Apr 08#186
No! i bought my N80 on ebay and got it unlocked myself. i dont even have a clue about the previous owner.
motley
24 Apr 08#180
Thanks to the OP my Sony Ericsson K320i is now network unlocked and a lot more useful than it was yesterday. Heat and rep added.
Howie
24 Apr 08#181
Unlocked my n95 on contract yesterday and unlocked a brand new k800i on payg today just by putting my contract sim in it.I thought it might flag up on their system that I unlocked another phone yesterday but the cs didn't say anything.
urbundk
24 Apr 08#182
Thanks, heat & rep added.
arabianchief
24 Apr 08#184
hope this catches on with other networks too
EDraven
25 Apr 08#185
How can you tell how old a PAYG phone is? I have a k800i & would dearly love to have it unlocked! Thanx in advance!:thumbsup:
PiratePete
25 Apr 08#188
I phoned today not holding out much hope as the SE 310i I wanted unlocked was bought from Tesco's as a PAYT phone about 6 months ago.
The chap just took my IMEI number and old SIM card phone number and put the IMEI number on their system and gave me the NUC code straight away !
Bish Bash Bosh one unlocked phone :thumbsup:
Thanks for the post saved me a Tenner on the market.
surcha
25 Apr 08#189
I called voda and the guy first said since I am on contract with them and that the phone is less than 12 months old, it will not be free and there will be a charge of £25. I was disappointed, called again after 5minutes, and this time another person did it for free. When asked why I was advised incorrectly, he said some staff are not aware that this is now free. Hmmm.
Anyways thanks for the person who found it.
RichLeck
25 Apr 08#190
I recently upgraded my Panasonic GD87 Vodafone Contract Phone which my wife uses.My own 02 phone started acting up so I rang Voda for the unlocking code for the GD87.They sent it to me in duplicate within days by post.It worked a treat,step by step instructions provided.After spotting this thread I rang to get NUC for the new phone a Samsung G600.After giving the IMEI no.and model etc. and holding on the girl came back and said it wasn't locked! She couldn't say wether voda are now supplying all their contract phones unlocked,but mine was.New contract started 1st April 08.So could be like 02 Voda will be supplying all contract handsets unlocked.
Could any other New contractees check their handsets by trying Sims from other Networks and report results on this thread.N.B. All networks please including Orange andothers.
Thanks for this thread.:thumbsup:
Splott Boy
25 Apr 08#191
Vodafone k610i issued Dec 07 is locked although I guess you are interested in more recently issued phones.
Bizarrely I can't access this as our business account is password protected by the administrator. Have any other business contract customers managed to get around this (without going via the administrator of course) e.g. by selecting to speak to a personal contract advisor or do they push you straight on to the corporate account advisors.
Super Schnafe
25 Apr 08#192
Wow. Good find. Shame its nightime now otherwise i'd be straight on the phone. Hope i can get my V800 (now own an N95) unlocked so i can use it as a spare.
Darthballs
26 Apr 08#193
sorry if its been posted, but can i buy a new phone tomorrow locked to vodafone and ring up and ask them to unlock it for me?
thanks
ayejatt
26 Apr 081#194
yes, as long as its on contract (or try calling from a contract sim card for pay and go phone)
otherwise payg phones are charged 19.99
Darthballs
26 Apr 08#195
ah damn, i was thinking of buying a pay as you go phone tomorrow and asking them to unlock it for free lol
Cam
26 Apr 08#196
heat and rep added :smiley:
Great find
scousemanblue
26 Apr 08#197
Well my experience over the last fews days with Vodafone is that they DONT
I got the N95 8gb offer via here and I called them and they said they would do it if I paid £19.99 I even referred them to their own forum. She told me that that was wrong and it should be changed.
Chiptivo to scousemanblue
26 Apr 08#198
Phone again, many including myself have had N95's unlocked. Have a glance through the 11 pages..
With mine (One month into contract, they asked no details of me, the sim I was using (Corporate account) or anything, gave him the IMIE, he gave me the unlock code and instructions on entering.
Flippetyflop
26 Apr 08#199
Kerr ching!!!:thumbsup:
KrisReynolds
26 Apr 08#200
Just had my unlock code sent via email, worked perfectly! Been on Contract with them since July last year
kdybob
26 Apr 08#201
heat and rep added, got my k850i unlocked no problem yesterday :thumbsup:
kyalion
26 Apr 08#202
Great find.
Had my N95 8Gb a little over 3 weeks and rang them up, and a guy (Neil) confirmed my details to me and then just handed over the NUC code. I didn't even have to quote my IMEI number.
After 10 years with Orange, and 10 phones I've paid £20 to unlock each time, this is a refreshing change.
Thanks Voda.
Does anyone know where I can now get it de-branded ?
Did it for my last Orange N95, but when I did the latest firmware update, it re-Oranged it:(
Chiptivo to kyalion
27 Apr 08#205
No, every Nokia high end phone has a product code unique to the network. It's software images are unique to the network.
Now it is unlocked, you could use a special piece of software and cable to alter the product code of your voda n95 to a retail n95. Then upgrade it via the nokia site to the latest retail N95 (reads the product code from the phone and downloads the right firmware for it).
This, however does knacker your warrenty, the same software also has the ability to alter the imei of the phone to whatever you like, so having on your PC may be commiting a criminal act.
Before I get any PM's. No I don't have the software, and I can not offer any advice on its use or how to get hold of it....
So in a short answer, yes it can be unbranded, but will knacker your warrenty.
shankqiu
26 Apr 08#203
I bought a N95 from eBay, it must be a contract phone, right?
Contacted Voda, was asked for PAYT sim registration info...
I don't have a Voda PAYT.. and if I do it will cost £20..
What should I do then?
Thanks
Chiptivo to shankqiu
27 Apr 08#204
May not be a contract phone.
You phone from a friends vodafone, either payg or contract.
Or phone from a landline, numbers earlier on in the thread.
The three times I phoned the conversation has gone like this.....
me "Hi, I hear you now provide unlock codes free of charge and not £20 you have previously charged"
voda "Yes Sir, do you have the IMEI of the phone"
me "yes, it is xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx (change x's for the imei)"
voda "Ok, I see it is a N95, is that correct?"
me "Yes"
Voda "Ok, have you got a pen?"
me "yes"
Voda "ok, it is #pw+xxxxxxxxxx+1#
Me "ok, thank you ver ymuch"
Voda "no problem sir.
Me "bye"
Voda "bye sir"
It really has been as simple as that for me, and many others. Try again if you are having bother, maybe it is down to the operator.
On every occasion, I was NOT asked if I was a contract customer, or PAYG, or how old the phone was, or how I heard about this, or name, number, address, colour of underwear....
It really is that simple.
fungus
27 Apr 08#206
may be wrong but don't think this invalidates your warranty anymore
and it's called NSS
Chiptivo to fungus
27 Apr 08#207
Are we getting wires crossed, changing a Nokia product code does invalidate the warrenty. I have Nokia paperwork to prove it.. :disappointed:
Unlocking via code does not, in case we have our wires crossed.
Don't know what NSS is?
fungus
27 Apr 08#208
yeah scratch that it does invalidate the warranty as soon as you change the product code
meshosa
27 Apr 08#209
On every occasion, I was NOT asked if I was a contract customer, or PAYG, or how old the phone was, or how I heard about this, or name, number, address, colour of underwear....
It really is that simple.[/QUOTE]
u have been lucky, i was asked about my account details and duration of account
bargainbetty
27 Apr 081#210
Thanks for this, I've managed to do it via email. Heat & Rep added :smile:
CO2000
27 Apr 08#211
thanks for info.
majaboll
27 Apr 08#212
u have been lucky, i was asked about my account details and duration of account[/QUOTE]
worked for me.
I got a Nokia N95 8Gb locked on Vodafone through ebay.
Thanks to the above post I just went for it and phoned up vodafone customer services. The guy just asked for the IMEI and then gave me the unlock code. Simple as.
I think it is luck of the draw when you phone them so if it doesn’t work first time - give it another go. They can only say no, or ask for £20 and then you hang up ! :stuck_out_tongue:
Heat and rep added not only to original post but also the quoted post for giving me the balls to make the phone call. :smiley:
haventadog
27 Apr 08#213
So being dim.
`i got the ters cheap sony `E that was on here at christmas and still haven't used it.
I am on Orange.
SO - do I need to find a pal on Vodaphone to do this. `I have got a vodaphone sim card that one of the children gave me months ago but have never reg'd it.
Sorry for asking the obvious
schizoboy
28 Apr 081#214
Friend of mine tried to call to get his K800i unlocked via Vodafone (The £58 Dial a phone deal) said they wanted £19.99, they asked how long he had the handset for, he said a few months, looks like I'm going to have to do the SETools unlock for him.
listerdude
28 Apr 08#216
I was told that PAYT handsets must be over 12 months old. If they are younger you will be charged £19.99 for the unlock code.
deeyup to listerdude
29 Apr 08#217
That's just as it says in the OP, PAYT must be over 12 months old or they'll charge.
Chiptivo
29 Apr 08#218
Thats what I posted yep, but many have tried to call and got away with it looking at the thread.
Maybe try calling from a landline, or another contract (Friends) mobile??
cheekyyumyum
29 Apr 081#219
Heat and rep added! Xcellent post !
dougys123
29 Apr 08#220
great find
sexysam
30 Apr 08#221
Took mine to Vodafone shop in Bradford Kirkgate centre, and the shop assistant did it for me free of charge. No questions asked - took 2 minutes
karri123
1 May 08#222
Just called and they said that my old phone number is no longer on their system and that the IMEI number wont be any help- :disappointed:
Thanks for posting tho-top tip! ...
matthewleiter
17 May 08#223
Just got my Sony Ericsson unlocked, took 2 phone calls - the 1st operator wanted to charge me as my contract isn't near completion. The 2nd operator took the IMEI & mailed me the NUC without hassle...
Chiptivo
17 May 08#224
They don't go by phone number. On both occasions they never asked me for the number. Give them a call again. The imei is not linked to your number anyway. If you don't want to call them email via the contact us page on the site.
sylar07
25 May 08#225
How do you do this by email then?
kirill
26 May 08#226
i was told that i couldnt do it by email.
gunton10
29 May 08#227
i just took out a new contract comes tomoz do ya think they will unlock mine when i call. it was an upgrade so what ya think.
Chiptivo to gunton10
6 Jun 08#229
All voda contract phones should be unlocked, unless it is very old stock.
If you do get a locked one, they will unlock it for free.
ThunderBolt
6 Jun 08#228
One!
ThunderBolt
6 Jun 08#230
This is somewhat off topic so I appologise in advance...
Just had an upgrade arranged today with voda. Got the SonyEricsson W960 for £25 a month on a 18 month contract. 200mins + 250 texts... That's not good is it?!? I'm sure they call when they know I've been for a pint!?! :whistling:
ThunderBolt
6 Jun 08#231
Phone was "free" by the way..
windhoek
3 Aug 08#232
[SIZE="3"]My SE k800i is now network free, with no hassle from Vodafone CS either - it was as easy as pie! Rep for OP :thumbsup:[/SIZE]
Chiptivo
3 Aug 081#233
Cheers for the rep, I know a load of new people have registered on hotukdeals since the thread was made, and this should not be expired, so have requested a mod unexpire it.
Thanks again.
LC006
4 Aug 08#234
Can you get someone with a contact to call in and unlock a pay as you go for you?
Chiptivo to LC006
15 Aug 08#237
You can try, but it depends on the operator.
If it is a 12 month old PAY as You Go (Normally by manufacture date) they will unlock them for free anyway.
Freeman
12 Aug 08#235
Vodofone the biggest bully in the industry, isn't it about time for them to do some decent thing?! Must be some regulation, they would never volunteer to be altruistic.
There is still a phone in my draw that was unlocked but blocked by the bloody Vodofone while I was fully paying them. I had to take it up to the Telecommunication Ombudsman. Glad someone is doing something on them, no chance of me to be their customer ever again. :whistling:
wipeout140
15 Aug 08#236
heat and rep added, got my v600i (de-branded) unlocked no problem today :thumbsup:
makeshiftam
16 Aug 08#238
Awesome. I had swapped my unlocked K800i for a locked Vodaphone as my friend needed a new phone, but his mate gave him this locked vodaphone.
Just in time for Reading festival, for when my N95's battery will run out I can swap to this K800i and carry on taking pics/phonecalls :thumbsup:
Awesome.
stphnstevey
26 Aug 08#239
Nice one
Bristle Hound
28 Aug 08#240
Nice one - thanks!
loopylou65
21 Sep 08#241
thank you ive just phoned vodaphone i didnt have credit in phone and they gave me the code to unlock phone
thanx again great deal
Shekz0r
21 Sep 08#242
Would be ace if they all adopted this.
euro
24 Sep 08#243
Is there an easy way to know if your phone is locked or not? I don't have any sim cards apart from my VodaFone contract one
Chiptivo
24 Sep 08#244
Not sure really..... I think you would have to borrow a mates.
You can get free ones from orange I think. And maybe o2 ones for free.
Called VodaFone on 191 and the unlock code was with me within seconds :w00t: Nice post.
JaRocks28
25 Sep 08#247
They have been doing this for years!!!
Also, o2 don't sim lock their phones.. so that's a good bonus from them also!
bigman2 to JaRocks28
28 Sep 08#248
The Apple Iphone from O2 is locked as are most their payg phones. It is only O2 contract phones that are usually unlocked.
sammy321
26 Oct 08#249
this expired need to unlcok my voda
Chiptivo
30 Oct 08#250
Not expired, still ongoing and helping people with old locked vodafones stuck in the back of cupboards..
amcol
21 Jan 09#251
well done[COLOR="MediumTurquoise"][/COLOR]
isotonic
24 Jun 09#252
Just rang Voda today got my N95 8gb unlocked within seconds for FREE!
Now I just need to flash it to get rid of the voda software etc
Chiptivo
25 Jun 09#253
It should not really be expired to be honest. A lot of people don't know about this.
angie44
25 Jul 16#254
I just bought a Nokia Lumia 520 on ebay in its description it said it was unlocked hence why I bought it but got the phone and its locked on Vodafone can anyone advise me on how to get this unlocked please
Opening post
If you have a Vodafone Mobile that is locked, vodafone will now unlock them for free.
Not too sure if it is to with a new law coming, but call vodafone customer services on 191.
Contract phones of any age, even expired contract ones. They will also unlock contract phones recently taken out within 12 months.
PAYG phones have to be at least 12 months old.
They just need your IMEI number (type *#06# on the handset). They will then tell you the unlock code to unrestrict the handset and instructions. They know the phone make from the system after they have your IMIE.
I have just unlocked a new N95, and a dead old Motorola no problems.
Get digging them old phones out of the draws.
Apparently you can also request this online if you have a online vodafone account.
All comments (254)
Also make sure it is not stolen, as it may flag on the IMIE database??
Hope this helps, not all of us like to ring customer services! :smiley:
Offical Vodafone instructions: http://forum.vodafone.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=371
maybe another stupid law then! All that will happen is that new phones will become £200-1000 instead or tariffs will increase alot (more likely the former imo)
Incidentally - it is International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI)...a unique identifer for each handset/phone
It's really annoying when you buy a phone and it's locked to particular network then you spend (some times more thank the original phone cost) more to unlock
should be followed by all networks
Where do people get their info from :w00t:
Don't know how much o2 are paying, but they won't be getting monies worth on contract sign ups.. lol :stuck_out_tongue:
i'll be doing this first thing in the morning!
http://forum.vodafone.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=1483
that they will unlock it for free if it was a contract phone or if it is more than 12 months old or otherwise it will cost £19.99
I must say I haven't heard of any change of policy on this - but then the voda intranet can be pretty slow in updating
Will be interesting to find out of others get payt under 12 months old unlocked free
You can call normal vodafone CS from a landline, but not sure of a number. Also borrow a friends phone. You don't have to be on the phone in question at the time of calling. I think they like you not to be so they can run you through the instructions at the same time.
The initial post is a bit misleading though, you certainly do have to be a customer, on odd occasions you may get a member of staff who don't care, but they will be the exception rather than the rule.
PAYG over 12 months old will be unlocked for free.
PAYG phones under 12 months are charged at £19.99
You have to be a customer to get the unlock codes, but you do not have to be the owner of the phone, so find a friend who has a voda contract or payg vodafone.
They will unlock as many as you want in any single phone call.
All my friends are getting the old ones out the cupboards for the kids to use on o2??/ Why is o2 so popular with kids???
br
i only read the terms following the link for online access. if uve had it for 1 year plus...then yes otherwise 20 quid...
Having said that the original post was a bit different to what it is now!
maybe people hwo have brought a IPHONE and have transfered the sim to it can now unlock and sell for more cash on ebay then before???
there are many ebayers making £25 a go, by doing this scam, getting the IMIE's and calling up voda for the codes.. Shame on them..
If it helps just one person out, then it is a bonus.
HOWEVER - a word of warning. Unlocking, or getting an unlocked phone doesn't mean that everything will definitely work. For starters, on my phone I still have the very annoying Vodafone embellishments that I cannot remove - startup screen (not a big deal), Vodafone Live internet (pain as it won't let me change the home page for my internet connection, so I end up having to manually type in web addresses), links to games etc. go through Vodafone's webpage and therefore don't work either, and I cannot yet do media messaging (big issue).
I've spoken to o2 about this, who say it's because the system on the phone itself is rigged to Vodafone. I've spoken to Samsung who just weren't helpful, insisting that the phone was locked to Vodaphone, so couldn't understand why I was able to use my o2 sim in the first place!?!
So, rambling here I know, but my solution it would seem is that I need to debrand the phone by reflashing it. Unfortunately, there's not much info on the web right now as to how to do it with this particular model. I'll wait and see, unless someone can help out that is.
Just wanted folks to be aware that unlocking doesn't mean debranding! I have a sneaky feeling that this is a mobile network's way of putting people off switching whilst avoiding the potential ramifications of locking your phone to a network.:whistling:
Thats not how it works at all.
thanks Voted Hot
For a long time, Vodafone has been exercising an free unlock policy for people who are 6 months into their contracts.
3, on the other hand...don't get me started on those *******s. Luckily, I was able to borrow a cable to unlock my old Nokia 6680 from those *******s. I used the same cable to debrand my voda N73. :smiley: Cost me £6 to unlock and debrand my SE K610i from 3 (through GSMLiberty.net). Glad I'm with T-Mobile now and have a phone that's easy to mess about with (MDA Vario III, AKA HTC Kaiser/Tytn II). Unlocked it easily enough, and can mess with the roms as much as I like.
Just been on phone to voda to unlock mine and missus phones both contract
and within 5 mins both phones unlocked and they were debranded at very start of contract so i'm happy
Although will be even more happier next month after leaving voda :whistling:
Voted Hot
br
This is completely Kosher!!! I have just rang Vodafone to kick off since they gracefully took £20 quid off me last night as per my previous post. The chappie at the call centre apologised & refunded the fee. He also confirmed that if you have a contract, then unlocking the phone is free, otherwise it will be £20 for PAYG upto a year. Also all future vodafone contract handsets will be unlocked, not PAYG.
Thanks Chiptivo for saving me a score.
Well if you did, I have only 3 words to say to you.......
John Arne Riise
I said I wanted the code to transfer my current telephone no.'s from current phone, to the new phone to get it up and running with service, then was asked for my IMIE and email address and sent a email with the unlock code and how unlock my phone.
So Chiptivo major respect and heat added.
In my case it helped to tell a white lie that it would make setting up my new phone really easy.
br
http://www.hotukdeals.com/item/148121/free-unlock-code-from-vodafone/?p=1607703#post1607703
johnny
As for J A R, what was he doing??? We're gonna have to turn up the heat in 'Chelski's Barn'
They prefer it if you are not on the phone you want to unlock as they will talk you through it... Or in some phone cases, they will email instructions.. It appears it is dependant either on the Customer Service Staff, or phone make/model of how you will get the codes.
Particularly don't understand why someone would unlock a phone 1 month into a contract - you still have to pay the contract, and why sign it anyway if you don't want it?
Do people take out multiple contracts / use multiple sims and want the freedom to swap the sims into all their phones?
Also,in the UK, there are some company's sims which are very cheap to use to call friends who
live abroad.
Versatility , I think they call it :smiley:
There's a reason they don't let people do this and its purely ££££££
They can now flog the voda N95's or whatever on ebay for a lot more than if locked to vodafone.
And as said before, loads of old many year old contract phones sitting cupboards that the kids can now use with o2.
They are only unlocking the phone, you have still signed up for your contract, you are still going to be paying the network providers the exact same amount of money, they aren't going to be losing out at all financially.
The only thing it does, is allow customers more flexibility to move around and take advantage of sim free packages more easily. And thats a good thing for competition, and for customers.
Gave them the IMIE he gave me the #PW+xxxxxxxxxxxx+1# code to type.
Worked a treat,
It is not PAYG is it??? Less than 12 months.
There is a official forum link to the vodafone forums, and a member of vodafone staff who also confirms this on page one of this thread.
http://forum.vodafone.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=371
people don't realise payt are heavily subsidised like contract, the difference being on contract they have you tied in for 12/18 month. If they weren't allowed to lock phones, then the networks would remove most the subsidy
How long ago did you buy the n95? Was it bought on payt or contract?
yes but it will depend on the member of staff, 2 or 3 should be ok.
they can only supply codes for vodafone locked phones.
It's IMEI, not IMIE.
Thanks. :smiley:
But I have been putting that in most posts.. And I am not editing them all. lol..
Thanks.
I have unlocked a number of phones over the years, and paid between £5 and £20 for each unlock - yes one or two of the older Nokia's could be unlocked for free if you knew where to look, but they were the exception rather than the rule.
Blistering deal.
Gopes
Check out [url]www.gsmliberty.com[/url] to see what I mean.
EDIT: HTC phones are easy enough to do for free (windows mobile smartphones), but even then, it's not a simple code unlock - it's flashing.
Hope its a better service than when they block the damn things! I have lost 2 contract phones and reported them and of course vodafone put a block on the sim. Trouble is i used the sim in other vodafone and unlocked phones and vodafone have a habit of blocking all phones the sims have been in. Took months of emails and phone calls to get them to unblock them
Voted super hot.
Good morning Mr. Simpson,
Thank you for contacting Vodafone Customer Services about the Network Unlock Code (NUC) for your phone. I’d like to help you with this.
Please note t if your phone is over 12 months old there will be no charge for supplying the NUC.
However, if your phone is under 12 months old, you’ll be charged £19.99 for the NUC.
To get your NUC, please provide us with the following details:
- Make and model of your phone
Once you reply to this email, I’ll be pleased to provide you with your NUC.
In order to help you further with your query, can I please confirm some security checks by asking the following information:
- Your PIN code / password*
If you don’t know your PIN code / password please provide the following details:
- The first line of your address and your postcode
- Your date of birth
- Your method of payment
Once I’ve received this, I’ll be more than happy to help.
I’ll look forward to your reply.
I only got my N95 8gig 1 month ao so i will be charged if I do it by online contact.
O2 may not have locked your phone, but if you have a contract you will still need to pay it if you decide to move to say, Vodafone (so you will be paying for two contracts for a certain amount of time)
how much did you pay for phone?
I am havin N95 8GB which is 4 months old...so this definitely is a great find...thanks rep
JUST got two UNLOCKED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
i just finish unlocking this afternoon, there is no problems.
STEPS:
1.With the Vodafone sim card inside the handset.
2. Key #pw+NUC(put your unlock code here)+1#
(The p w and + symbols are found by keying the * key twice for the + symbol, three times for ‘p’ and four times for ‘w’).
3. The handset should then display “Sim restriction off”
I then rang them and was told i couldn't have the code as my PAYT sony K800i didn't come out until june 2007 even though i have owned it since 25th of january 2007 from Play.com for £149.99.
I then get told it was first used february this year and that i should take the original receipt (as proof) to a vodafone shop to get it unlocked for free,which i don't have.
So after 8 years with vodafone i am gonna leave them,never seen such a shambles, anyone else have any probs.?
So are they sending unlock codes now for newly released mobile on Vodafone or what?
Called up Vodafone who seemed a little busy. Gave the IMEI for my one month old E90 and the lady gave me the code and what to type in. I'm now running my E90 with an O2 contract SIM and have my Voda SIM in my Crackberry.
Glad it worked out in the end.
God what a pain in the neck - it must all depend who you actually are speaking to.
He gave up and gave his mum the fone at the weekend.
:oops:
Sent him this this morning, he was well impressed!
:whistling:
Great find OP. Heat added! :thumbsup:
Just called and unlocked my phone
Thanks
Just called and they emailed the code with insructions in around 10 Minutes now i have an unlocked Nokia N95
Thanks:thumbsup:
Ta :thumbsup:
Existing Vodafone customer, you can contact us by calling 191 from your Vodafone phone.
Already a Vodafone customer and calling from another phone?
Calling us in the UK
(Lines open 24 hours)
Pay monthly
08700 700191
Pay as you talk
08700 776655
Calling us from abroad
Pay monthly
+44 7836 191 191
Pay as you talk
+44 7836 191 919
Business
+44 7836 191 191
Mind you the chappie I spoke to had a wonderful Irish accent and I had to ask him to repeat a question he was asking me four times before I worked out it was something like "are you planning to change the SIM" .
Maybe I annoyed him with my cloth ears :smiley:
Good stuff.
It is FREE, no charge, no cash required, so cards needed. FREE, FREE, FREE..
You don't hold down 0 for nokia's???
Just tap in the code carefully, for the p's w's and + you use the star key.
#pw+452756514065267+1#
Only try it once and make sure you type it correctly.
NUC CODE: 2506774373671698
1. Remove the Vodafone SIM from the handset. Replace the battery and switch on. 2. Move the jog dial left then press the * key twice and then move the jog dial left 3. Network appears on screen 4. Then select YES. 5. NCK will appear - key in NUC and Yes, phone should then be unlocked
The chap just took my IMEI number and old SIM card phone number and put the IMEI number on their system and gave me the NUC code straight away !
Bish Bash Bosh one unlocked phone :thumbsup:
Thanks for the post saved me a Tenner on the market.
Anyways thanks for the person who found it.
Could any other New contractees check their handsets by trying Sims from other Networks and report results on this thread.N.B. All networks please including Orange andothers.
Thanks for this thread.:thumbsup:
Bizarrely I can't access this as our business account is password protected by the administrator. Have any other business contract customers managed to get around this (without going via the administrator of course) e.g. by selecting to speak to a personal contract advisor or do they push you straight on to the corporate account advisors.
thanks
otherwise payg phones are charged 19.99
Great find
I got the N95 8gb offer via here and I called them and they said they would do it if I paid £19.99 I even referred them to their own forum. She told me that that was wrong and it should be changed.
With mine (One month into contract, they asked no details of me, the sim I was using (Corporate account) or anything, gave him the IMIE, he gave me the unlock code and instructions on entering.
Had my N95 8Gb a little over 3 weeks and rang them up, and a guy (Neil) confirmed my details to me and then just handed over the NUC code. I didn't even have to quote my IMEI number.
After 10 years with Orange, and 10 phones I've paid £20 to unlock each time, this is a refreshing change.
Thanks Voda.
Does anyone know where I can now get it de-branded ?
Did it for my last Orange N95, but when I did the latest firmware update, it re-Oranged it:(
Now it is unlocked, you could use a special piece of software and cable to alter the product code of your voda n95 to a retail n95. Then upgrade it via the nokia site to the latest retail N95 (reads the product code from the phone and downloads the right firmware for it).
This, however does knacker your warrenty, the same software also has the ability to alter the imei of the phone to whatever you like, so having on your PC may be commiting a criminal act.
Before I get any PM's. No I don't have the software, and I can not offer any advice on its use or how to get hold of it....
So in a short answer, yes it can be unbranded, but will knacker your warrenty.
Contacted Voda, was asked for PAYT sim registration info...
I don't have a Voda PAYT.. and if I do it will cost £20..
What should I do then?
Thanks
You phone from a friends vodafone, either payg or contract.
Or phone from a landline, numbers earlier on in the thread.
The three times I phoned the conversation has gone like this.....
me "Hi, I hear you now provide unlock codes free of charge and not £20 you have previously charged"
voda "Yes Sir, do you have the IMEI of the phone"
me "yes, it is xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx (change x's for the imei)"
voda "Ok, I see it is a N95, is that correct?"
me "Yes"
Voda "Ok, have you got a pen?"
me "yes"
Voda "ok, it is #pw+xxxxxxxxxx+1#
Me "ok, thank you ver ymuch"
Voda "no problem sir.
Me "bye"
Voda "bye sir"
It really has been as simple as that for me, and many others. Try again if you are having bother, maybe it is down to the operator.
On every occasion, I was NOT asked if I was a contract customer, or PAYG, or how old the phone was, or how I heard about this, or name, number, address, colour of underwear....
It really is that simple.
and it's called NSS
Unlocking via code does not, in case we have our wires crossed.
Don't know what NSS is?
It really is that simple.[/QUOTE]
u have been lucky, i was asked about my account details and duration of account
worked for me.
I got a Nokia N95 8Gb locked on Vodafone through ebay.
Thanks to the above post I just went for it and phoned up vodafone customer services. The guy just asked for the IMEI and then gave me the unlock code. Simple as.
I think it is luck of the draw when you phone them so if it doesn’t work first time - give it another go. They can only say no, or ask for £20 and then you hang up ! :stuck_out_tongue:
Heat and rep added not only to original post but also the quoted post for giving me the balls to make the phone call. :smiley:
`i got the ters cheap sony `E that was on here at christmas and still haven't used it.
I am on Orange.
SO - do I need to find a pal on Vodaphone to do this. `I have got a vodaphone sim card that one of the children gave me months ago but have never reg'd it.
Sorry for asking the obvious
Maybe try calling from a landline, or another contract (Friends) mobile??
Thanks for posting tho-top tip! ...
If you do get a locked one, they will unlock it for free.
Just had an upgrade arranged today with voda. Got the SonyEricsson W960 for £25 a month on a 18 month contract. 200mins + 250 texts... That's not good is it?!? I'm sure they call when they know I've been for a pint!?! :whistling:
Thanks again.
If it is a 12 month old PAY as You Go (Normally by manufacture date) they will unlock them for free anyway.
There is still a phone in my draw that was unlocked but blocked by the bloody Vodofone while I was fully paying them. I had to take it up to the Telecommunication Ombudsman. Glad someone is doing something on them, no chance of me to be their customer ever again. :whistling:
Just in time for Reading festival, for when my N95's battery will run out I can swap to this K800i and carry on taking pics/phonecalls :thumbsup:
Awesome.
thanx again great deal
You can get free ones from orange I think. And maybe o2 ones for free.
http://www.quidco.com/o2-free-sim/
Also, o2 don't sim lock their phones.. so that's a good bonus from them also!
Now I just need to flash it to get rid of the voda software etc