Lumia phones were sold first under the Nokia name and later as Microsoft Lumia, running Windows Phone 8, 8.1 or Windows 10 Mobile. Many were supplied by networks and are still locked to them. A network unlock code lets a Lumia take any SIM, and you can enter it yourself at home. This guide explains the Lumia-specific steps and what to expect afterwards.
Which Lumia do I have, and does it matter?
Look at the back of the phone or under Settings > About. Nokia-branded models include the Lumia 520, 620, 920 and 1020, and Microsoft-branded ones include the 535, 640 and 950. The unlock process is the same across the range, but the model name and number help us match your order to the right code, so note them before ordering.
The About screen also tells you the software version. Windows Phone 8 and 8.1 and Windows 10 Mobile all show the network unlock prompt in a similar way, so the version mainly matters for the menu names you will see.
Where do I find the IMEI on a Lumia?
Open the phone app and dial *#06# to show the IMEI. In the settings, go to Settings > About and tap More info, where the IMEI is listed with other hardware details. Lumias with a removable back cover, such as the 520, 640 and 950, also have the IMEI on a label beneath the battery, and it appears on the original box.
| Lumia type | IMEI in software | IMEI printed |
|---|---|---|
| Removable cover models, such as the 520, 535, 640 and 950 | Settings > About > More info | Label under the battery, and the box |
| Sealed models, such as the 920 and 1020 | Settings > About > More info | The original box |
| Any Lumia | Dial *#06# | Your network paperwork, if you have it |
See our guide to finding your IMEI number if your Lumia will not start.
When does a Lumia ask for its unlock code?
The request appears at start-up once a Lumia meets a SIM it does not recognise, so begin with the phone off and a different network’s card in the tray. Because the phone does not accept the new SIM, it displays a request for the network unlock code, sometimes worded as a SIM network unlock PIN. Type the code from our email, select Enter or OK, and the Lumia confirms that the lock has been removed.
- Browse our unlock codes for a service that lists your Lumia and the network that locked it, then order with the IMEI.
- Pay by bank transfer, entering your order number as the reference. The code is prepared after we confirm the payment.
- Once the code email arrives, swap SIMs with the phone powered off.
- Turn the Lumia on and wait for the unlock request.
- Key in the code, confirm, and check that the new network’s name appears.
What if my Lumia model is not listed?
Our dedicated Nokia Lumia section has been retired, and the available unlock services now sit within our main unlock range. If you cannot see an option for your model and network there, do not order a code for a different brand or model, as it will not work on your phone. Ask us first and we will tell you what is possible.
Send your Lumia model, IMEI and original network through our contact page.
How careful do I need to be with Lumia unlock attempts?
Very careful. A Lumia accepts only a limited number of wrong codes, and once those are gone it may stop accepting network codes for good. The on-screen keyboard makes it easy to tap a neighbouring digit, so enlarge your view if needed, read the code back before confirming, and stop after one refusal rather than trying again.
Is a Lumia still usable once unlocked?
For calls and texts, usually yes. Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 Mobile in December 2019, so a Lumia no longer gets security updates and many apps have stopped working. Some UK networks have also switched off the older signals that basic phones relied on. Weigh this up, along with the coverage on your chosen network, before ordering a code.
If a basic phone is all you need, a no-contract SIM from our pay as you go selection keeps costs predictable. Check that the network you choose still supports the kind of signal your Lumia uses, particularly on older models, and test calls in the places you use the phone most.
Frequently asked questions
Will unlocking reset my Lumia?
No. The code removes only the network lock. Your contacts, photos and settings remain, and the unlock survives a reset.
Can I cancel a Lumia unlock order?
You can cancel before the code is sent. After delivery, the right to cancel no longer applies to a digital product, as our refunds and cancellations page explains.
How long does a Lumia code take?
That depends on the network, and the product page shows the estimate where a service is available. We email you as soon as the code is ready.
Browse our current unlocking services for Lumia and other phones.