How do I check my phone is unlocked?
A carrier-locked phone only works with the carrier that sold it. It can refuse a travel eSIM even if it supports eSIM, so check this before you buy. Phones bought from a carrier, or on a contract or payment plan, are the ones most often locked.
How to check
- Open Settings > General > About.
- Scroll to Carrier Lock.
- If it says No SIM restrictions, your iPhone is unlocked. If it shows anything else, it is locked to a carrier.
There is no single setting that shows this on every Android phone. Use one of these checks:
- Ask the carrier or shop you bought the phone from whether it is unlocked. This is the most reliable check.
- Try another carrier's SIM card. Insert a SIM from a different carrier. If the phone connects and you can use data or make a call, it is unlocked. If it asks for an unlock code or says the SIM is not supported, it is locked.
If your phone is locked
Ask the carrier that locked it to unlock it. They can tell you whether your phone qualifies and what they need from you. Wait until the unlock is confirmed before you buy an eSIM.
Other things that can block an eSIM
- The phone does not support eSIM at all. Check for an EID or an Add eSIM option first.
- The phone is managed by an employer and eSIM changes are restricted. Ask your IT team.
Still unsure? Contact support with your phone model before you buy.
Updated November 4, 2026