How to check whether your phone is unlocked: iPhone, Android, Windows Phone and more

There are a number of reasons why you might want an unlocked phone. Here's how to check whether your phone is unlocked. Also see Best smartphones 2015 and Best Android phones 2015.

An unlocked phone (or tablet) means that you can put a SIM card inside from any mobile network operator and it will work. When it's locked, it will only work on one.

You might want to know if your phone is unlocked so you can sell it as such, so you can switch providers or use a different SIM card when abroad for cheaper calls and texts. You might also want to know if one you're buying is unlocked or not.

How to check whether your phone is unlocked

Buying a phone SIM-free means it's unlocked so you're sorted. However, buying one from a phone shop or a network might mean that it's locked – although it's much less common now than it used to be.

If you have the phone on your person - whether it's an iPhone, Android, Windows Phone, BlackBerry or something else - then the easiest thing to do to check whether your phone is unlocked is by trying different SIM cards in it. Either borrow one from a friend or family member but it's pretty easy to get a free one. If the alternative SIM card(s) work in your phone then it's unlocked.

You might not have the phone, so it's best to ask the seller – whether they are on eBay, a high street shop or a network – whether the device will come unlocked.

You may find apps claiming to be able to tell you if your phone is unlocked but we would avoid using this method as they can't necessarily be trusted. Simply trying different SIM cards is your best option.

How to check whether your phone is unlocked: iPhone, Android, Windows Phone and more

How to check whether your phone is unlocked: iPhone, Android, Windows Phone and more