Being the largest mobile network operator in the UK, you have probably heard of EE UK network. Most secondhand devices sold online, if it comes from the UK, most probably, it is locked with EE UK. In this situation, you need to perform an EE UK Full IMEI Check.
About EE UK
EE (formerly Everything Everywhere) is the largest mobile network operator in the UK, with around 30 million customers and the largest operator of 4G services in Europe.
Providing great customer experience is EE’s top priority. This includes providing 4G mobile connectivity, great TV and broadband products for the home and helping customers choose the best products and services. (Source)
EE UK Full IMEI Check
If you are a fan of a secondhand device, let’s say, iPhones, you have probably heard of network locked iPhones. This means that a specific network locked this iPhone so it will only work with their network. This happens when networks offer affordable payment plans to a flagship phone. The customers can pay the whole price of the iPhone over a period of 2-3 years, for a specific monthly fee. Consequently, he can only use the phone under that network. EE UK is one of the networks who have this setup. Among its brands are Orange and T-Mobile UK.
When buying a secondhand EE UK device, you should perform an EE UK Full IMEI Check to reveal the IMEI status of the device.
What does an EE UK Full IMEI Check include?
Like a usual Full IMEI Check, an EE UK Full IMEI Check includes Network Carrier check, iCloud Lock check and Blacklist check. In addition, it also include Warranty check and In-Contract check.
Network Carrier Check
As mentioned, if you want to know if a secondhand device is locked to a specific network, that’s what a network carrier check does. You will know if the device is actually locked to EE UK, or other networks or if it is unlocked.
Model: iPhone X Silver 64GB IMEI: 3594*********** Serial Number: F2MVRN5JJCLJ Find My iPhone: OFF Locked Carrier: UK TMobile Orange SIMLock Status: Locked
iCloud Lock Check
iCloud lock check applies to iPhones. iCloud Activation Lock is an added security feature of iPhone that can deter anyone from accessing the phone should it gets lost or stolen. iCloud lock check will reveal if the iCloud is ON, OFF or LOST.
3594*********** FMI STATUS: OFF
Blacklist Check
A blacklisted device means it will NOT work with any networks inside the country where it was blacklisted. A device gets blacklisted when it is reported as lost or stolen. Also, if it has long outstanding balance with a network provider. Blacklist check includes the date of blacklisting. Moreover, it also states the country where it got blacklisted.
IMEI: 3594*********** Model: APPLE IPHONE X (A1901) Blacklist Status: BLACKLISTED Blacklisted By: T-MOBILE (UK) LIMITED Blacklisted On: 2018-03-16 16:40:33 Blacklisted Country: UNITED KINGDOM
Warranty and In-Contract Checks
In addition to the network, iCloud and blacklist checks, an EE UK Full IMEI Checks also includes warranty and in-contract checks. These checks are important as well to know if the device is still covered by Warranty. Also, it’s important to know whether the device is still in-contract and has unpaid bills.
IMEI 3594*********** Activated Yes Telephone Technical Support Active Repairs and Service Coverage Active Apple Care No Warranty Name Limited Warranty Warranty Start Date 01.03.2018 Warranty End Date 28.02.2019 Estimated Purchase Date 01.03.2018
How to Unlock an EE Device to Use with Another Network
Now, after performing an EE UK Full IMEI Check and you found out that it’s locked with EE UK, what to do next?
Here’s what they have in their website:
Any iPhone or iPad sold directly by EE on or after 1 September 2015 will be unlocked automatically once it reaches 18 months old.
This only applies to pay monthly and pay as you go devices – not small business or corporate.
If your Apple device has been pro-actively unlocked, you’ll need to reset it.
How much does it cost to unlock my device?
How long does it take to unlock my phone?
They aim to unlock all devices within 72 hours.
If they need to contact the manufacturer to get a code, it may take ten days. But they’ll be in touch if that’s the case.
How do I unlock my EE pay monthly phone?
To unlock your pay monthly device, you must:
- be the account holder for the device and number
- had the device at least six months
- paid your bill up-to-date
- have not reported the device as lost or stolen
How do I unlock my pay as you go phone?
You can unlock your pay as you go device bought direct from EE as soon as you get it. Your phone must be registered with them to unlock it. Call 150 to register.
Can I unlock a second hand device?
As long as the device is more than six months old and not reported lost or stolen, they can unlock the device for £8.99.
If you are calling from an EE device please dial 150 and speak to Customer Services to unlock a second hand device. If you are calling from a landline or Non EE phone please call 0800 956 6000 (select option 2, then option 4) and they can validate your request before providing unlocking instructions.
