(UK) Where to buy a pixel with an unlocked OEM + private purchase

user239423842

final Nice, would a place like Currys take cash and sell unlocked?

final

user239423842 They probably will accept cash, I've bought a laptop with cash there. Currys mainly promote a mix of different mobile networks so they would probably be unlocked there too.

user239423842

final Final question how long ago did you buy? Just in case their policies changed

final

user239423842 I got the laptop around the start of the year - most stores should accept cash I don't see why they shouldn't.

user239423842

final at a carrier store I thought they will lock down their phones though, are you sure this is not a problem?

final

user239423842 Ofcom disallow (or are moving into disallowing) locking of phones in networks now: https://www.ofcom.org.uk/news-centre/2021/mobile-companies-now-banned-from-selling-locked-handsets

O2, Three and some others never locked handset only phones to begin with also

user239423842

final stupid question but are vodafone also doing this? Their branch is nearest to me

timttmy

Argos and Currys both take cash and handsets are unlocked. My 7pro was bought from Argos with cash. My wife's privacy hating folding device was bought from Currys in Cribs Causeway with cash. The cashiers don't like it as it means they've got to do a bit a work counting it but pick a quite time in store and you won't have a problem. If they ask for an email address then say no or give a blatantly fake one and smile.

cupboardtree

timttmy

I tried Currys but before I could even pay in cash they asked for my Full name, phone number and postcode. They claimed they couldn't skip it, so I walked out.
Does Argos even take cash anymore? I think they banned it in the places near me, seems you can only buy online and collect in store though I haven't been into the store to check.
Any other ideas of places to buy new? I have barely any carrier shops near me and the one is doesn't have the pixel I want. I can only assume they will want all my details for the warranty too.

final

user239423842 I doubt it? I know people on Vodafone who moved to Three with no issue

user239423842

final Are these phones carrier locked or OEM-unlocked? I need to be sure?

final

user239423842 Neither, the carrier lock is being phased out (Ofcom article) and Vodafone + the others I mentioned don't do it. Only USA carriers block the OEM unlock to my knowledge. Sometimes I had issues with Pixels having the option grayed out, but updating the OS or connecting to the internet always fixed this.

user239423842

final Nice man, thanks!