Locked Phones — What We Can and Can't Buy

Tied to a UK carrier (EE, O2, Vodafone, Three, Tesco Mobile, Sky, etc.). The phone only accepts SIMs from that network. These are still buyable — the offer is slightly lower than an unlocked equivalent, and UK carriers are required to unlock for free on request.

A device with only a screen passcode may be considered where the seller can demonstrate legitimate ownership, unlock the device so it can be properly inspected and tested, and complete the official reset and account-removal process. PhonesForCash staff will not request, retain or attempt to bypass the customer's passcode.

Phones still on an active finance agreement (Apple Financial Services, EE Flex Pay, O2 Refresh, V12, Klarna, Pay Monthly, etc.) cannot be sold to us. The lender's database flags the IMEI and the phone may be remotely disabled if the contract goes into arrears. Settle the finance and close the contract first.

Apple Activation Lock is designed to prevent an erased, lost or stolen iPhone from being reused without the owner's permission, but it can be removed through official, owner-authorised methods. The legitimate owner can sign in to iCloud.com, select the device and remove it from their Apple Account, or sign out of the Apple Account on the device before a factory reset. The device cannot normally be purchased until the iPhone has been removed from the owner's Apple Account and Activation Lock has been turned off.

Google FRP ties an Android device to the Google account signed in at the time of the last factory reset, so the device cannot complete setup without official FRP verification. The legitimate owner removes it by signing in with the previous Google account, removing the account on the device before resetting, or removing the device through their Google account online. The device cannot normally be purchased until the Google account has been removed or official FRP verification has been completed.

Important: devices reported lost or stolen on CheckMEND or marked permanently locked to an account will not be purchased. We run an IMEI check on every device that comes to the counter — it protects everyone involved.