Unlock EE smartphone?

anotherday1974

I have read the article about unlocking an EE smartphone on this website and it says I can do this for free via the EE website. It appears I only need the IMEI number of the Android handset. Do I need an active EE pay-as-you-go sim and active EE account as well?

I'm planning to buy a secondhand EE locked phone, but I only have an active Talkmobile SIM.

Hopefully I can unlock without being made to become an EE customer first?

flaneurs_lobster

The website says no charge and mentions no other requirements

https://ee.co.uk/help/help-new/getting-started-and-upgrading/unlock-your-phone/unlock-a-ee-device-to-use-with-another-network

Any chance you could get the IMEI of the phone/unlock before you buy it?

anotherday1974

I'm bidding via eBay, so not sure if I will win. 

I can't see any reference to requiring an active EE sim to unlock also, so hopefully anyone can unlock the phone. 

Neil49

I'm just wondering why the seller hasn't got it unlocked given that they could get a higher price if it was. 

I would check the EE site for details of unlocking in case you need an active sim or there is a time restriction. 

flaneurs_lobster

If the phone is being sold for more than a few tens of pounds then I'd want it unlocked and maybe the results of a blacklist check (eg checkMEND).