Unlocking Policy
1.1 What are Device unlock codes?
Three devices are locked to the Three Network and you are restricted from using the Three Device on any other network (unless you are roaming).
1.2 How do I unlock my device?
If you have a device that you've bought from Three, we'll unlock it for you once you meet our eligibility rules.
You can request your unlock code here or through our Care team.
During the term of your Agreement for the supply of Three Services, you must not permit your device to be unlocked via any unauthorised manner (i.e. by anyone other than us or the device manufacturer).
Before you request your code:
- Check your device is locked.
- Important - Before submitting this request to unlock your device, please insert a non-Three SIM card into your device to confirm that the device is currently locked. Your device may not be network locked if it has been sourced via a third party.
- You'll also need your IMEI.
- You will need the device's IMEI number to request an unlock code. You can find your IMEI by typing *#06# into the device.
- Please see section 1.3 below for the specific unlock Code eligibility Rules that apply to you.
1.3 What are the eligibility rules to get an unlock code?
Please find below the relevant eligibility rules.
1.3.1 Criteria for Three Ireland (Hutchison) Limited customers
Prepay Customers:
The device must be associated to a Three Ireland account and you‘ll need to have topped-up your prepay account by at least €130 before we will issue your unlock code. This doesn’t include any bonus or promotional credit. Click here to request your unlock code.
Bill Pay Customers:
Your account must not be currently suspended by Collections or our Customer Protection Team. If you have completed your minimum term period and not upgraded, we'll issue the unlock code, for the original/previous device, free of charge. If you are still within your minimum term, you'll have to make a payment equivalent to the total of all the monthly charges still remaining for your agreed minimum term before we will issue your unlock code. Click here to request your unlock code.
1.3.2 Criteria for Three Ireland Services Hutchison Limited (Formerly O2) customers
Prepay Customers:
The device must be a Three Ireland device. The device must be associated to a Three Ireland account and you must have topped up by €150 since your device was associated with a Three Ireland account. You can Contact Us to have your device associated with your account. Click here to request your unlock code.
Bill Pay Customers:
Your account must not currently be suspended. Your account must not have an overdue balance. The device must be a Three Ireland device and associated to a Three Ireland account. You can Contact Us to have your device associated with your account. Click here to request your unlock code.
1.4 How long does it take to get my Unlock code?
We have a large number of unlock codes on file, so in most cases you will receive your Unlock Code within 3 working days.
If we do not have your unlock code on file we will contact the manufacturer for the Code. Different manufacturers have varying turnaround times. Please click here to see the turnaround times specific to your device.
We will contact you within 2 working days via your chosen contact method to let you know whether we have the device on file or if we need to contact the manufacturer.
1.5 How to I enter the unlock code into my device
Manufacturers have varying procedures to follow when entering the unlock code on the device the codes into their devices.
Here is a list of all the different procedures and instructions.
1.6 If my Unlock Code doesn’t work
On rare occasions, the Unlock Code fails to unlock the device. The first step if that occurs is to Contact Three Care . We will assist you by talking you through how to input the code into your device.
If unsuccessful the Three Care agent may direct you bring the device to your nearest Three Store to get the device unlocked.
If the store is unsuccessful in unlocking the device using the code provided, the store will have the device sent to our repair partner to get the device unlocked.
The device will be unlocked and returned back to the same Three store.
If we are unable to unlock the device, we will arrange to either replace the mainboard or provide an alternative device. This service will be provided free of charge whether the device is inside or outside warranty.
The Three Store and our Repair Partner will also check for signs of physical or liquid damage. If the device has physical or liquid damage, then you may have to pay a charge to have this damage repaired before an unlock can be attempted.
If the device has a non-approved manufacturer operating system e.g Rooted/Jailbroken the unlock will not be able to be completed by Three and the device will be returned locked.
Prior to us arranging for your device to be unlocked, you should ensure that you back-up or otherwise store separately any of your information or other data on the device which you may require, as this may be lost during the device unlocking process. We are not responsible for any information or other data which may be lost during the device unlocking process.