Frequestly Asked Questions
What If my question is not here?
If you do not find an answer to your question or want clarification on any of the questions below please contact us directly, sales@theunlockingcompany.com. We are always here to help!
Why is no one answering me?
Specific times of the day can be busy and may take a little longer to get to your messages and phone calls. We do recommend emailing us (sales@theunlockingcompany.com) as we respond to our emails first. We appreciate your patience and we promise you will be responded to during our customer service hours (Monday thru Saturday 6am – 9pm Los Angeles time)
How do I find my IMEI number?
Dial *#06# on your keypad, just like calling a friend – your IMEI number will be displayed on screen.
Is the price on the website the only payment I need to make?
Yes, the majority of the time the total price is the price shown on the website. But depending on lots of variables, on rare occasions, we may have to ask for more just to cover the costs of the premium service. We do however, guarantee, it’s still the lowest price and fastest unlock you’ll find anywhere!
Will unlocking affect my warranty?
No, unlocking your device has no affect on its warranty as the unlock does not affect the software or hardware of the device.
Do you unlock blacklisted phones?
We may be able to UNblacklist your phone so you can use the original carrier, but that depends on what the locked carrier is.
Please email us (sales@theunlockingcompany.com) and we’ll be able to help you answer that question.
Does this clear a personal password, iCloud, locked to owner or activation lock?
We may have services that can clear these personal passwords depending on the manufacturer and model but that is not what you are paying for on the website.
Please email us (sales@theunlockingcompany.com) with the exact details and we’ll be happy to give you a better idea of what’s possible!
I don't know what network my handset is locked to, what do I do?
Our website has a direct connection to Apple, we can tell you what network your iPhone is locked to automatically by using our network check.
How long does it take to get the unlock?
The average delivery time is 1 to 72 hours. But in some situations, it could be longer or shorter. We of course will keep you updated every step along the way!
What happens if you cannot unlock my device?
At TheUnlockingCompany, we’re dedicated to unlocking your phone quickly and reliably. We’ve got an excellent success rate to prove it! If your unlock isn’t completed within the average time, you’ll receive store credit, and we’ll keep working on your IMEI daily until we are successful. We’re the only company in the industry that offers this kind of ongoing support, because our goal is simple: to make sure you end up with an unlocked phone you can use on any network, anywhere. You’re not just a customer, you’re part of our unlocking family.
Why should I unlock my device?
You wont be restricted to one carrier, unlocking your device gives you free rein of alternative networks.
You are not tied into a lengthy, expensive contract.
Not only does it give you free range to use alternative networks, it also increases the re-sale price of the device.
Is my data protected?
We take the protection of your data very seriously, information you send us is SSL-encrypted so outside parties can’t intercept, retrieve or use it. Our entire site use’s SSL-encryption, keeping all connections 100% secure. Look for the padlock in your browser to ensure your connection is safe.
Is unlocking legal?
Yes, it is now totally legal to unlock any device or network.
Do I need a SIM card from the network my iPhone is locked to?
Any SIM card will unlock your iPhone once your unlock is processed.
Do I need to send the device to you for unlocking?
No, our service is provided remotely, once your IMEI is marked as unlocked by ourselves the unlock is sent to your device over either by Wifi or your current cellular provider.
What services do you provide?
iCloud Activation Unlock
If your iPhone/iPad/iWatch is locked to a previous owners iCloud account you can use this service to remove your device.
When purchasing an iCloud unlock, the IMEI should be clean, refunds are not issued for an un-clean IMEI as this service incurs considerable cost on our behalf.
Network Check
If you are not aware of the network the iPhone/iPad/iWatch is locked to.
Pre Order Unlock
A pre-order unlock will instruct us to negotiate a price with the carrier and Apple to unlock your device, this is why the initial price starts at the given pre-order price for the network selected. Please note this may not be the final unlocking price, typical unlocking prices vary between £29 and £59 so expect something in this region. However, the initial pre-order payment will be deducted from the final unlock price, giving you the fastest way to unlock your device.
What does Blocked mean?
Many networks SIM lock their phones in order to offer a discount on the device, which in turn will hold the device into a contract for a minimum of 12 months to 3 years. This arrangement allows the network provider to recoup the cost of the handset at the end of the contract. If this contract is cut short and not paid in full this will leave the account in bad standing and return the unlock request as blocked.
Other Issues
Lost or Stolen
Blacklisted
Bad ESN
Non payment of bills
How does it work?
Our prices start at £12.99, however this price is dependent on the model of the device and the network the device is locked to. Due to each device supporting its own unique history, checks need to be done prior to the unlock. The Pre order service allows the IMEI to be verified giving us the device history and the final unlock balance in order to release your device from the network and Apple rendering it unlocked on the live database. The Pre order amount is then deducted from your final unlocking balance and confirmation of the unlocked device is sent to you via email.