Can't work out if handset is locked or not

joeyjojo · 10 May 2016 at 10:35

I got a Moto G two years ago on T-mobile and it's now time to switch.

I asked EE CS about unlocking it and they happily took £8.99 and sent me an unlock code.

Now the instructions say to put a non-working SIM in and enter the code, but if I put a 3 PAYG SIM in it works fine!

Does that mean the handset is already unlocked? Or do I need to try another SIM (vodafone, O2...)?

Thanks.

silverblack · 10 May 2016 at 10:38

If it was locked when you put that 3 sim in the phone should have popped up a box to enter the unlock code.Looks like yours is already unlocked.

tom_e · 10 May 2016 at 10:38

Yes it means it wasn't locked in the first place.

joeyjojo · 10 May 2016 at 10:41

Great thanks for the quick answers.

I can't understand why they'd take the money and send me a code for an already unlocked handset. Good service. :rolleyes:

Looks like I'll have to fight for that £8.99 back, wish me luck.

marc2003 · 10 May 2016 at 10:43

Ha, good luck indeed. I think in future, you'll test the sim FIRST.

joeyjojo · 10 May 2016 at 10:48

marc2003 said:
Ha, good luck indeed. I think in future, you'll test the sim FIRST.

Don't rub it in.

Edit: plot twist, the unlock charge hasn't appeared yet. Maybe it will pop up on the final bill though.

Orcvader · 10 May 2016 at 11:48

Did you buy the phone from T-mobile/EE directly?

joeyjojo · 10 May 2016 at 13:52

Orcvader said:
Did you buy the phone from T-mobile/EE directly?

No, a retailer (www.affordablemobiles.co.uk). Is that a giveaway?

Orcvader · 10 May 2016 at 14:14

There you go then, the phone will usually only be locked if it's bought directly from the network. Other retailers like the one you linked, will usually always be unlocked.

iaind · 10 May 2016 at 14:38

How do you expect the network would even know it was locked?

FlyingFish · 10 May 2016 at 15:30

So how can there even be an unlock code, if the phone hasn't ever been locked?

Mick

Orcvader · 10 May 2016 at 15:37

EE: Don't care, got money

.

joeyjojo · 10 May 2016 at 17:43

iaind said:
How do you expect the network would even know it was locked?

Hadn't thought about it. I suppose since they're called SIM locks I thought the network would know. Also I assumed retailers get them from the network so they'd come locked as standard when bought on contract.

FlyingFish said:
So how can there even be an unlock code, if the phone hasn't ever been locked?

This is what I'm wondering too. Perhaps every handset has an unlock code (whether it's locked or not) which the network, the market trader, or whoever, just has to look up and pay a fee for.

mame · 10 May 2016 at 21:30

I had this. Clicked unlock my phone then was told it was £8.99 as it was processed. Then found out it was already unlocked. Tried to cancel it and EE said they would but it still went through. Asked again about a refund and was told no.

tom_e · 10 May 2016 at 21:34

An unlock code is just generated based on the IMEI of the phone being put into a software calculator basically AFAIK therefore it'll just spit an unlock code out whether the actual handset is locked or not.

FlyingFish · 10 May 2016 at 23:29

If thats the case then the OP doesnt stand a chance of a refund

He asked for code, paid for a code and was given a code. So he got what he paid for.
I suppose whether the phone was locked or not isnt of interest to EE.