Unlocked phones explained: Why handset-only buyers have more freedom

Buying a phone and choosing a mobile network do not have to be the same decision. A handset-only purchase gives you the phone outright, while your mobile service comes separately through a SIM or eSIM plan.

If the handset is unlocked, you can pair it with a compatible plan from the UK network that suits you, rather than tying the phone to one provider. That separation can make it easier to change networks, keep your existing number and choose a mobile plan based on what you actually need.

What is an unlocked phone?

An unlocked phone is not restricted to one mobile network. You can insert a compatible SIM from another UK provider, or activate a compatible eSIM, and use the handset on that network.

Since 17 December 2021, UK mobile providers have been banned from selling locked handsets to residential customers under Ofcom rules. The change was introduced to remove a barrier to switching and make it easier for customers to move networks with their existing phone.

It is worth distinguishing between an unlocked phone and a SIM-free phone. "Unlocked" refers to network compatibility, while "SIM-free" generally means the phone is sold without a mobile service or SIM plan attached to it. A handset can therefore be both SIM-free and unlocked.

For example, Fulfillment Goods UK sells brand-new, boxed SIM-free and fully unlocked phones designed to work with UK networks.

Why buy the handset separately?

When you buy a handset outright, you can choose the phone and the mobile plan independently. That means you could buy the phone you want today and use your existing SIM, then move to another SIM-only plan later if you find a better fit.

Your total mobile cost can be thought of simply as:

Handset price + SIM plan costs = total cost of ownership

For example, if a handset costs £400 and your SIM-only plan costs £10 per month, the cost over 24 months would be:

£400 + (£10 × 24) = £640

If you later found a suitable £8-a-month plan, the same handset and 24 months of service would cost:

£400 + (£8 × 24) = £592

That is a £48 difference over two years, without changing the phone.

The calculation will vary according to the handset price, SIM plan, contract length and any additional charges, but the important point is that buying the handset separately lets you compare those two costs independently.

You can switch networks without changing your phone

One of the biggest advantages of an unlocked handset is the ability to change mobile providers without replacing the device.

If you want to keep your existing number, Ofcom's Text to Switch process allows you to request a Porting Authorisation Code, known as a PAC, by texting PAC to 65075. Your current provider must provide the code and relevant switching information, and once you give the PAC to your new provider, your number should normally be transferred within one working day.

If you do not want to keep your number, you can request a STAC instead by texting STAC to 75075. This means your phone does not have to change just because your network does.

You might use one SIM plan for a while, then move to another provider when your circumstances change. Your handset stays the same, provided it is compatible with the new network and its services.

Choosing the right SIM plan for your phone

Once you own an unlocked handset, the next decision is choosing the SIM plan that suits how you use it.

You do not necessarily need to commit to a long-term monthly contract. SIM-only and Pay As You Go options can give you more flexibility, particularly if your usage changes or you want to be able to switch plans more easily.

We also stock Pay As You Go SIM cards from leading UK mobile networks, including giffgaff, O2, Three and Vodafone. They can be used with a compatible SIM-free, unlocked handset, giving you the option to choose your phone and mobile service separately.

Think about how you use your phone rather than just choosing the largest data allowance available. Someone who mainly uses Wi-Fi at home and work may need considerably less mobile data than someone who regularly streams video, uses navigation and works from their phone.

You should also check the coverage available from the network before signing up. Ofcom's Map Your Mobile tool allows you to enter your postcode and compare predicted 4G and 5G coverage, as well as performance information for the major UK networks.

Find your next handset

If you already have a SIM plan you are happy with, or you want to choose your network separately, a SIM-free unlocked handset gives you the flexibility to do exactly that.

If you need connectivity as well as a phone, you can also browse our range of Pay As You Go SIM cards.

Browse our best handset-only deals to find a SIM-free, unlocked phone, or pair your new handset with a flexible SIM from our shop. You can choose the phone, network and plan separately, so your mobile setup works around you rather than the other way around.