To use your phone on another network, you will need to unlock it. Phones network locked to Vodafone are compatible with Clear Mobile, and do not need to be unlocked for use with this affiliate network. TCL, Google Pixel 5, Xiaomi, Redmi and Oppo phones purchased from Vodafone Ireland are already unlocked.
If you have a phone locked to another network you will need to contact that network to get your phone unlocked. You will need to do this before you can use it on the Vodafone network.
As a first step, you should try a non-Vodafone SIM card in the phone you wish to unlock from the Vodafone network to ensure that it is not already unlocked.
Check the list below to make sure you're eligible to receive an unlock code:
- Your phone must have been purchased from Vodafone Ireland (phones bought from other providers cannot be unlocked)
- You must also meet the below criteria according to your account type
Bill pay customers:
- Your Vodafone account must be paid up to date
- You need to be connected to bill pay for at least 12 months or have spent €200 on your account
Pay as you go customers:
- You must have topped up credit by at least €120 between each unlock request
If you meet the criteria you can request your unlock code on My Vodafone. Just follow these steps:
- Log on to My Vodafone - If you haven't already registered for My Vodafone, check out our handy video guide which will show you the few simple steps it takes to register
- Go to ‘My device & SIM’
- Choose ‘Unlock your phone’
- Follow the simple prompts on screen to request a phone network unlock
You may also request your phone’s network unlock code, without logging into My Vodafone, through our online NAC request form found here.
Once requested, we will unlock your mobile phone as quickly as possible.
- For Apple iPhones, you will be contacted within 7 days
- For all other phone types including Samsung, this may take up to 20 working days, as codes may need to be requested from the manufacturer and subsequent response times vary
You will be contacted as soon as your code has been retrieved. You do not need to take any further actions once your NAC request has been submitted.
My phone is locked to another network and I want to use it on Vodafone's network.
If you have a phone that is locked to another network you will not be able to use it on Vodafone's network.
You will need to contact that network to get your phone unlocked. Then you'll be able to use it on the Vodafone network.
How do I check my SIM card number?
You can find your SIM card number (ICCID) on the SIM card itself. The number will begin with 89353 and contains 19 digits. For example:Â 89353 XXXXX XXXXX XXXXÂ
Alternatively, some phones will show you this information in the settings menu:
For iOS
- Go to SettingsÂ
- Scroll down and tap GeneralÂ
- Tap AboutÂ
- Scroll down to ICCID. This is your SIM card number
For Android
- Go to Settings
- Tap About Phone
- Tap StatusÂ
- Tap SIM Card Status
- Scroll down to ICCID. This is your SIM card number
Where do I get my SIM PUK code?
If you enter your PIN code incorrectly 3 times, your SIM card will be blocked, and you will need your PUK (Personal Unblocking Key) to unlock it.
If you don't have a record of your PUK please connect with our customer support team by clicking the Chat button on this screen.
Steps to unlock Apple iPhones
Want to unlock your Apple iPhone and use it on another network? Follow these steps to get started:
Request your Network Unlock Code
If you are currently a Vodafone customer, you can request this on My Vodafone. Just follow these steps:
- Log on to My Vodafone - If you haven't already registered for My Vodafone, check out our handy video guide which will show you the few simple steps it takes to register
- Go to 'Device & SIM'
- Choose ‘Unlock your phone’
- Follow the simple prompts on screen to request a phone unlock
If you cannot log in to My Vodafone, you can also request a phone network unlock by filling out our unlock form. Once submitted, you will be contacted within 7 days to confirm that your unlock request has been completed.
Unlock your phone
After you get the text, insert your Vodafone SIM card and follow these steps carefully:
- Power off your phone
- Remove your SIM card
- Insert the new SIM card and power on your phone again. Your device will activate
If you don't have another SIM card to use, or if the above steps do not work:
- Back up your iPhone
- After you make a backup, erase your iPhone
- Restore your iPhone from the backup you just made. It will now be unlocked
Steps to unlock Samsung phones
To unlock your Samsung phone, please follow the below instructions carefully.Â
Important information before you start!
- The Master Code Key (MCK) is also known as the SIM Network PUK, DEFREEZE or UNFREEZE CODE
- A Network Control Key (NCK) is also known as an SIM Network Unlock PIN or Network Unlocking Code (NUC). This is the main network unlocking code
Instructions for unlocking:
If the incorrect Vodafone network unlock code (NAC/NCK) is entered more than 3 times, the phone becomes blocked and the PUK is required to re-activate it. It's important to note that what Samsung handsets refer to as a 'SIM Network PUK' is actually the Master Code Key (MCK).
In the event that you require the MCK, please let us know as we will need to request this from Samsung – you may contact our customer support team via the Chat button on this screen.
- Turn your phone off and insert the SIM card from your new service provider
- Turn your phone back on
- Next, please follow the instructions below depending on the message displayed
'SIM network PIN blocked. Enter SIM network PUK'Â
- If your you get the message -Â 'SIM network PIN blocked. Enter SIM network PUK', then please enter the MCK
- It will likely tell you the code was 'Unsuccessful' however disregard this
- You should now be at a new screen which asks for the 'SIM Network Unlock PIN'. Enter the NCK here. Note, you only get one chance to enter the NCK, so do NOT make a mistake
- You should see a message saying 'Network unlock successful'. Your phone is now unlocked
'SIM Network unlock PIN'
- If your phone asks for a 'SIM Network unlock PIN', then please enter the NCK. Note, you only get one chance to enter the NCK, so do NOT make a mistake
- You should see a message saying 'Network unlock successful'. Your phone is now unlocked
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Steps to unlock Huawei phones
In order to unlock a Huawei Ascend G300 or Huawei Ascend G510, follow the instructions below.
- Insert a non-Vodafone SIM card
- Switch ON the handset
- The handset should display: 'Network is locked, please enter unlock code'
- Enter NAC / unlock code provided to you by Vodafone
- Press 'OK'
- Handset should display 'Completed'
Steps to unlock Sony phones
Want to use your Sony phone on a different network? Follow these instructions to unlock your phone:
- Insert a SIM card from a non-Vodafone network into the phone, and turn it on
- Once prompted, key in the NAC as provided by Vodafone. Please take care to enter it correctly
- Press 'OK'
- You may need to restart the phone to complete the unlocking process
Steps to unlock HTC phones
Want to give your HTC phone away or use it on a different network? No problem - just follow these steps when you have received your network unlock code:
- Insert a non-Vodafone SIM card
- Power on the handset
- The handset should display: 'Network is locked, please enter unlock code'
- Enter the unlock code provided
- The handset will display 'Service Provider is locked, please enter unlock code'
- Enter code
- Press OK
- Handset should display 'Completed'
Your phone is now unlocked. The device may need to be restarted to complete the process.
I entered the wrong NAC and my phone is blocked
If your phone is blocked from entering the incorrect unlock details too many times you will need to send their handset to Fónfix to be software upgraded. Fónfix will not unlock the phone for you. Once you receive the phone you can try entering the network unlock code again. This process is not covered by the manufacturer warranty and so an out-of-warranty charge of €20 will apply.
Mail your phone to the following address:
Fónfix
1 Sandyford Business Park
Sandyford Industrial Estate
Sandyford, Dublin 18
Please note: Fónfix recommend registered post for tracking purposes. Please ensure that you include your name, address, daytime phone number and a description of the issue. Please keep a note of the IMEI number of your phone; this 15-digit number can be found on the label on the back panel of your phone.
- Remove your SIM card from your phone as it is not required by Fónfix
- Back up all your telephone numbers, logos, ringtones or data saved to the phone as this may be lost during the flash
- Ensure the phone is not security locked.
- Enclose a cheque or postal order for €20 made payable to Fónfix.
- This process does not unlock the handset; it upgrades the software, so you can retry the unlocking code again
I can't get my unlock code (NAC). What should I do?
Having difficulty getting your network unlock code? There can be a number of reason for this - check out the tips below to help submit your request.
If you're still having trouble then fill out our online request form. Please note this can take up to 20 days depending on the manufacturer type.
1. Am I using the right IMEI number?
Make sure that you have entered the correct IMEI number when requesting your unlock code. Key in *#06# to your phone and the number will display on screen. You can also find it on a sticker located behind the battery on your phone.
2. Make sure the phone was purchased from Vodafone Ireland
We can only provide unlock codes for devices bought on your number from Vodafone retailer. If you've recently joined from another network and are using your old phone you will need to contact the operator for your network unlock code.
3. Register your IMEI
To be eligible for a network unlock code we must have your IMEI registered on our systems to verify that you purchased the device from our retailer. Register your Vodafone handset now.
4. Check with a non-Vodafone SIM card
Your phone may already be unlocked. Try inserting a non-Vodafone SIM card into the phone to see if it still works. If it still doesn't work, and you have tried the above then fill out the unlock code request form.
I got an error message while looking for my NAC
You are not authorised to use this service as you are not listed as an account contact on this account. Please contact the account contact in your company for more details.
To be able to retrieve an unlocking code for a handset you must be listed as either an account contact on the account or the account holder. Your account contact will be able to contact Vodafone on your behalf to retrieve this code for you.
You must meet certain criteria in order to retrieve your NAC code. At present, you do not meet these criteria.
Bill pay customers
- You must be at least 12 months in contract OR have a minimum spend of €200 on the account
- You must have no outstanding balance on the account
- You must have not requested more than one network unlock code in the last 3 months and 3 in the last 12 months
Pay as you go customers
- You must have topped up by at least €120 between unlock requests
- You must have not requested more than one network unlock code in the last 3 months and 3 in the last 12 months
You have exceeded the maximum number of NAC retrievals. In any 12-month period you can retrieve a maximum 3 NAC codes.
Due to the high cost of handsets and the subsidy that Vodafone applies to the handset we have a maximum limit of 3 NAC code retrievals in a 12-month period. The 12 months are counted from the day you retrieve your 1st NAC code.
There was an issue processing your request. Please try again later.
From time to time our systems will undergo essential maintenance. During these periods NAC retrieval is not available to our customers.
Your account type is not authorised to use this service.
Only Bill Pay single subscriber or Small Business with a maximum of two subscribers on their accounts are eligible to retrieve their NAC codes online. If your phone is part of a business account with more than two subscribers you must contact the account contact within your company to request the NAC code. Alternatively, if you are the account contact you need to contact your executive within Vodafone or our contact centre to retrieve the NAC code.
