Is my phone unlocked? It is worth checking before you buy a travel eSIM, because a carrier-locked phone will only work with SIMs and eSIMs from the carrier that sold it. Everything else, including travel eSIMs, gets rejected.
Here is what a carrier lock is, how to check if your iPhone or Android phone is unlocked in under a minute, and what to do if it is locked.
In this guide:
- What does carrier-locked mean?
- How to check if your iPhone is unlocked
- How to check if your Android phone is unlocked
- How to unlock your phone
- FAQs
What Does Carrier-Locked Mean?
A carrier-locked phone is tied to one mobile operator. Carriers often lock phones they sell on contract or at a discount, so you stay with them until the phone is paid off. An unlocked phone works with any compatible SIM or eSIM, from any provider.
Not to be confused with your screen lock: a carrier lock has nothing to do with your passcode or Face ID.
If you bought your phone outright from the manufacturer or a retailer, it is most likely unlocked. If it came from a carrier, it may still be locked, even if the contract has ended.
How to Check if Your iPhone Is Unlocked
- Open Settings > General > About.
- Scroll down to Carrier Lock.
- If it says "No SIM restrictions", your iPhone is unlocked. Anything else, such as "SIM locked", means it is still tied to a carrier.
This field appears on iOS 14 and later. On older software, ask your carrier.
How to Check if Your Android Phone Is Unlocked
Android doesn't have one standard setting, so try these in order:
- Try another SIM. Borrow a SIM card from a different carrier and insert it. If the phone connects, or doesn't ask for an unlock code, it is unlocked.
- Check the settings. On some phones, Settings > Connections > Mobile networks > Network operators lists several carriers' networks when the phone is unlocked. Samsung phones may also show a "Network lock status" entry under Settings > About phone.
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Ask your carrier. They can tell you the lock status from your IMEI, which you can find by dialing
*#06#.
How to Unlock Your Phone
Only the carrier that locked your phone can officially unlock it. The usual process:
- Check that you meet the carrier's conditions. Typically, the phone must be fully paid off, your account in good standing, and sometimes active for a minimum period.
- Ask your carrier to unlock the phone, online, in their app, or by phone.
- Follow their instructions. Many iPhones unlock remotely, while some Android phones need an unlock code.
Ask well before your trip, since unlocking can take a few days. Avoid unofficial unlocking services: they can break your warranty, and some don't work at all.
Good to know: Being unlocked is only half of it. Your phone also needs to support eSIM. Here is how to check eSIM compatibility in seconds, or see our full list of compatible devices.
All Set?
If your phone is unlocked and supports eSIM, you can use a travel eSIM in more than 150 destinations. Find yours in the egoViet eSIM store and set it up with our installation guide.
FAQs: Is My Phone Unlocked?
How do I know if my iPhone is unlocked?
Go to Settings, General, About, and look at Carrier Lock. "No SIM restrictions" means your iPhone is unlocked.
Can I use a travel eSIM on a locked phone?
No. A carrier-locked phone only accepts SIMs and eSIMs from its own carrier. Ask your carrier to unlock it before you travel.
Is an eSIM-compatible phone always unlocked?
No. eSIM support and carrier lock are separate. A phone can support eSIM and still be locked to one carrier.
How long does it take to unlock a phone?
It depends on the carrier, from a few minutes to several business days. Request it well before your trip.