Can You Use an eSIM on a Locked Phone? How to Check and Unlock

James Porter

A locked phone can accept an eSIM only from the carrier it is locked to, because a carrier lock blocks eSIMs from other carriers in the same way it blocks their SIM cards. A travel eSIM won't work until the phone is unlocked.

Checking takes about a minute on iPhone or Android. Unlocking is free for current customers once the phone meets the carrier's terms, but it can take a few days, so check before you book a trip.

Neusuli sells travel eSIMs, and a locked phone is one of the most common reasons an eSIM fails for our customers, which is why we wrote this guide.

Phone lying next to a nano SIM card, an empty SIM tray, a memory card and SIM eject pins
A phone with its SIM tray out. A carrier lock covers eSIMs and SIM cards. Photo: Andrey Matveev on Unsplash

Is "supports eSIM" the same as "unlocked"?

eSIM support and carrier unlocking are two separate checks that your phone has to pass before a travel eSIM will work.

CheckWhat it tells youWho controls it
eSIM supportThe phone has the hardware to hold an eSIMThe phone maker
Carrier lockThe phone will accept a plan from another carrierYour carrier

An "Add eSIM" option in your settings only shows that the phone supports eSIM. It says nothing about the carrier lock. You can check eSIM support for your model with our device compatibility checker.

How do I check if my iPhone is locked?

Go to Settings > General > About and check Carrier Lock: "No SIM restrictions" means the iPhone is unlocked and can take an eSIM from any carrier. Any other message means the iPhone is locked, and only your carrier can change that. If you try another carrier's SIM anyway, Apple says the iPhone may show a message that the SIM card "does not appear to be supported."

Apple Support instructions: go to Settings, General, About and look for No SIM restrictions next to Carrier Lock
Apple's steps for checking the lock on an iPhone. Screenshot: Apple Support, published January 22, 2026

How do I check if my Android phone is locked?

Android has no single menu that works on every brand, so use the method that fits your phone.

Samsung Galaxy. Open Settings > Connections > More connection settings to check the lock status, which this screen displays as "Unlocked" or "Locked" on many Galaxy models. If yours doesn't, go back to Connections, tap Mobile networks > Network operators, and turn off Select automatically.

Google Pixel. Open Settings > Network & internet > SIMs, select your SIM, and turn off Automatically select network.

On either phone, a network list with only your own carrier means the phone is probably locked, while networks from several carriers usually mean it's unlocked.

Any brand. Dial *#06# to see your IMEI, then ask your carrier or use the lock-status tool in its app or account page; the carrier's answer is the most reliable one.

Where you bought the phone is a good hint too. Google says every Pixel from the Google Store comes unlocked, and a phone bought through a carrier can stay locked for up to 2 years.

Who can unlock my phone, and when?

Only your carrier can unlock it. Apple says it can't unlock an iPhone for use with another carrier, and Google's Pixel help also points you to the seller or carrier.

In the US, the major carriers follow the unlocking rules in the CTIA Consumer Code.

  • Postpaid phones are unlocked once your contract or device payment plan is paid off, or once the early termination fee is paid.
  • Prepaid phones are unlocked on request no later than one year after activation, subject to the carrier's own time and payment rules.
  • Each carrier must post its unlocking policy on its website and inform you when your phone becomes eligible, or unlock it automatically.

Is there still a 60-day unlock rule?

Not for any major US carrier as of October 2026. Verizon was the only one required to unlock phones 60 days after activation. On January 12, 2026, the FCC waived that rule for Verizon phones activated after that date, and Verizon now follows the CTIA code instead.

The FCC proposed a 60-day rule for all carriers in 2024, but it hasn't been adopted. Some travel guides still say Verizon unlocks phones after 60 days, but that applies only to phones activated before the waiver.

If your phone is still on a payment plan, plan on paying it off before your carrier will unlock it; your carrier's unlocking page or app has the exact terms.

How long does unlocking take?

Hand holding a phone up to an airplane window
Request the unlock about a week before you fly. Photo: Lukas Souza on Unsplash

Apple says a carrier can take a few days to finish an unlock request, so ask about a week before you travel. When it's done, check Carrier Lock again on iPhone or the network list on Android before you buy a travel eSIM.

You don't need to erase your iPhone to add an eSIM after an unlock; set up the new eSIM to complete the process. Apple only asks you to back up, erase and restore when you have no other SIM to insert.

What if I can't unlock my phone before the trip?

A travel eSIM won't work on that phone, so pick one of these instead:

  • Your carrier's own international roaming works on a locked phone because it's the same carrier.
  • A second phone that is unlocked and supports eSIM, such as an older phone you've paid off, can carry the travel eSIM.
  • A rented pocket Wi-Fi router works with a locked phone, since the phone only joins the router's Wi-Fi. For Japan, we compare the costs in pocket Wi-Fi vs eSIM in Japan.

What should I check before buying a travel eSIM?

  • "Add eSIM" appears in your phone's settings
  • Carrier Lock says "No SIM restrictions" (iPhone), or your carrier confirms the phone is unlocked (Android)
  • You'll install the eSIM on Wi-Fi before you fly

When all three are done, our travel eSIM checklist covers setup and what to do when you land. Once your phone is ready, browse eSIM plans by country.

FAQ

Can I use an eSIM on my locked iPhone?

An eSIM must come from the carrier the iPhone is locked to, because a travel eSIM from another company won't work until Carrier Lock says "No SIM restrictions".

Can I use an eSIM if my phone isn't paid off?

Not from another carrier, in most cases. Phones on a payment plan usually stay locked until the plan is paid off, and US carriers unlock postpaid phones once the device payments or contract are complete.

Will unlocking my phone erase it?

Moving to an eSIM or another SIM card does not require erasing your phone; Apple only asks you to erase and restore an iPhone when you have no other SIM to insert.

Does unlocking cancel my plan or change my number?

Unlocking removes the restriction on other carriers while your current plan and number stay the same.

Is it free to unlock my phone?

Under the CTIA code, carriers unlock eligible phones for current customers without an extra fee, although they may charge former customers a reasonable fee.

Can I add a travel eSIM and keep my number?

Once the phone is unlocked, keep your physical SIM or main eSIM on for calls and texts, and use the travel eSIM for data. Your home carrier may charge roaming for calls and texts abroad.

Sources

Keep reading