PrepaidIs Your Phone Unlocked for eSIM? Here's How to Check
- iPhone & Android
- AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, EE
- 5 minutes to check
- Updated June 2026
The basics
What carrier-locked means for eSIM.
Carrier locking and eSIM incompatibility are two different problems. People often confuse them, which leads to wasted troubleshooting time.
A carrier-locked phone is a device that a carrier has restricted to only accept SIM profiles from their own network. When you buy a subsidized phone on a payment plan or contract, the carrier locks it to protect their investment. You can unlock it once your contract ends or your balance is paid off.
An eSIM-incompatible phone is simply a device that does not have the eSIM hardware. Phones made before 2018 generally do not have eSIM chips at all. No unlock request will fix this. You need a newer phone.
There is also a third case: a phone that has eSIM hardware but is carrier-locked at the eSIM profile level. These phones appear compatible but refuse to install profiles from other carriers. Unlocking solves this.
Quick distinction:
- Lock issue:Phone has eSIM hardware but is restricted to one carrier. Fix: request unlock.
- Hardware issue:Phone has no eSIM chip. Fix: get a newer phone.
iPhone
How to check unlock status on iPhone.
Method 1: Settings path
- 1.Open Settings
- 2.Tap General
- 3.Tap About
- 4.Scroll to Carrier Lock
What each status means:
No SIM restrictions — your phone is fully unlocked. You can install any eSIM.
[Carrier Name] Locked — your phone is locked. Contact that carrier to request an unlock.
Method 2: *#06# IMEI check
Dial *#06# from your Phone app. Your IMEI appears automatically. Note it down. You will need it to submit an unlock request to your carrier. This method does not directly show lock status, but it is the fastest way to get your IMEI before contacting support.
You can also find your IMEI in Settings > General > About under "IMEI". On newer iPhones, the IMEI is printed on the SIM tray.
Samsung Galaxy
How to check on Samsung Galaxy.
Settings path (most models)
- 1.Open Settings
- 2.Tap Connections
- 3.Tap SIM card manager
- 4.Look for Add eSIM or Add mobile plan
If the option is present and tappable, your phone supports and accepts eSIM installs. If it is missing or greyed out, your phone may be locked or eSIM-restricted by your carrier.
Service code check
On older Samsung models, dial *#7465625#from the Phone app. This opens the Network Lock status menu. If it shows "Network lock: OFF" and "Subset lock: OFF", the phone is unlocked. Note that this code is not available on all Samsung models and may not function on newer One UI versions.
Google Pixel & other Android
How to check on Pixel and other Android phones.
Google Pixel settings path
- 1.Open Settings
- 2.Tap Network & internet
- 3.Tap SIMs
- 4.Look for Download a SIM instead? or a + button to add eSIM
On other Android brands, the path varies slightly. Look in Settings under "Network", "Mobile network", or "SIM cards". Any option to "Add eSIM" or "Download a SIM" confirms the phone accepts eSIM profiles.
If you cannot find any eSIM option, check your phone model on the manufacturer website to confirm it has eSIM hardware. Many mid-range and budget Android phones launched before 2022 do not have eSIM chips, regardless of carrier lock status.
Getting unlocked
How to get your phone unlocked.
In the US, carriers are legally required to unlock phones for free once the device is paid off or the contract period ends. In the UK, Ofcom rules require all carriers to unlock for free. EU carriers must also unlock on request.
AT&T
- How:
- att.com/deviceunlock or call 611
- Timeline:
- 2 business days
- Requires:
- Account in good standing, device paid off
Verizon
- How:
- Automatic unlock after 60 days (postpaid)
- Timeline:
- Instant for eligible devices
- Requires:
- Prepaid: 12 months of active service
T-Mobile
- How:
- Call 611 or My T-Mobile account
- Timeline:
- Usually instant
- Requires:
- Device paid off, account in good standing
EE (UK)
- How:
- ee.co.uk/help/unlock or call 150
- Timeline:
- Up to 10 working days
- Requires:
- Contract ended or device paid off
Once your carrier confirms the unlock, restart your phone and recheck Settings. The Carrier Lock field on iPhone should now read "No SIM restrictions". Do this at home before your trip so you have time to fix any issues.
Buying used
What to do if you bought a used phone.
Used phones are a common source of eSIM problems. Sellers do not always disclose lock status, and many do not know it themselves. Always verify before you buy if possible.
Ask the seller to show you Settings > General > About on iPhone before the transaction. On Android, ask them to navigate to the SIM manager and show the eSIM option. A 60-second check avoids a week of frustration.
If you have already bought a used phone and it is locked, contact the original carrier using the IMEI. You can find out which carrier it is locked to by checking the IMEI on a free IMEI checker site, or by calling major carriers with the number. The original account holder must request the unlock in most cases.
Key rule for used phones:
SIM lock and eSIM lock are separate settings. A phone can be unlocked for physical SIMs but still have its eSIM function locked to one carrier. Ask your carrier to confirm both locks are removed in one call.
FAQ
Phone unlock questions.
Can I use an eSIM if my phone is carrier-locked?
No. A carrier-locked phone can only accept eSIM profiles from the locking carrier. You must get your phone unlocked first, then install any travel eSIM you choose.
How long does carrier unlocking take?
AT&T and Verizon process unlocks within 2 business days online. T-Mobile is usually instant for eligible accounts. EE in the UK takes up to 10 working days. Most carriers must unlock for free once you have met your contract terms.
Will unlocking my phone void the warranty?
No. Carrier unlocking is a legal process in most countries, including the US, UK, and EU. It does not affect the manufacturer warranty. The carrier is required to unlock at no charge once your contract is complete.
Does eSIM lock and SIM lock mean the same thing?
Not exactly. SIM lock prevents any foreign physical SIM from working. eSIM lock prevents installing eSIM profiles from other carriers. A phone can be SIM-unlocked but still eSIM-locked. Ask your carrier to confirm both are removed before you travel.
I bought a used phone. How do I know if it is unlocked?
Dial *#06# to get the IMEI. Then go to Settings > General > About on iPhone and check for 'No SIM restrictions'. On Android, try inserting a different carrier SIM. If it asks for an unlock code, the phone is still locked. Always verify before buying a used device.
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