Guide
Locked vs unlocked: does network lock change your iPhone’s trade-in value?
By the PhoneTradeIn team · Published 10 October 2026 · Prices as of 18 October 2026
It depends on the store. Comparing the same iPhone, storage and condition, CeX paid a median 14% less for a network-locked handset, while Currys quoted the same price 100% of the time. Back Market does not ask about network at all.
How to check if your iPhone is unlocked
Go to Settings → General → About and look at Carrier Lock (called Network Provider Lock on some versions). “No SIM restrictions” means it is unlocked. Anything else means it is tied to a network.
What each store does with a locked iPhone
| Store | Asks about network? | Locked vs unlocked price |
|---|---|---|
| CeX | Yes, per network | Median 14% lower (429 comparisons) |
| Currys | Yes, per network | Same price in 100% of 2807 comparisons |
| Back Market | No | One price for any network |
| Argos, Assurant, giffgaff | — | We collect their unlocked prices |
Should you unlock before selling?
UK networks have not been allowed to sell newly locked phones since December 2021, and they will unlock older ones on request — usually free. If your iPhone is locked and your best offer comes from a store that discounts locked handsets, it is worth asking your network to unlock it first. Otherwise, a store that ignores network lock may simply be the better choice.
Compare prices for your iPhone — pick your network in the comparison to see what each store pays.
Figures from 6,542 prices collected between 29 July 2026 and 18 October 2026 from each store's own trade-in tool. CeX prices are the cash figure.