How to unlock a Galaxy S5?

[Smoj]

I've got a Samsung Galaxy S5 which is locked to Vodafone... What's the best way to get it unlocked so I can use a new network?

I've read Vodafone takes ages to supply an unlock code and it costs £20. I'm sure there must be a faster and cheaper way of getting it unlocked?

(I've tried getting an unlock code from 2 ebay stores but they replied saying they were unable to supply an unlock code for my IMEI)

I would really appreciate any help/advice!

[stephen0205]

vodka might be your best bet and it doesnt take ages, u fill in the form, top the phone up with 20 quid to pay it, and wait up to 7 days, never taken more than 2 for me and thats with the iPhone

[GoNz0]

When did vodafone start locking phones?

Never had one locked to date.

[jimborae]

When did vodafone start locking phones?

Never had one locked to date.

If it comes direct from the network then they started network locking most high end, subsidised phones ages ago.

[GoNz0]

Shame, last one I got was a S4 18 months ago and the policy back then was all phones unlocked direct form VF or the VF shops.

[jimborae]

Shame, last one I got was a S4 18 months ago and the policy back then was all phones unlocked direct form VF or the VF shops.

It wasn't policy even back then you were just lucky. There was some discussion in the press that Vodafone was considering dropping all network subsidies and therefore supplying all phones unlocked but this didn't transpire. After July 2013 all phones whether PAYG or contract were network locked, prior to this it was a more confused picture dependant on whether it was contract or PAYG & who the manufacturer was.

[watercooled]

A lot of the time, unless an exploit is know, even third party unlocking services will still source the code from the operator. It might be worth giving Vodafone a quick call or going into a store and asking about it.