Before switching to a new carrier, it is important to find out whether your phone is unlocked and accepts other carrier networks. This can be achieved by either checking the phone settings, using a trusted IMEI checker, trying another SIM card or approaching your original carrier to find out the lock status.
Follow the steps below to check if your phone is unlocked and what to do if it is not.
Method 1: Check your phone settings
On iPhone
- Go to Settings > General > About.
- Scroll down to Carrier Lock (or “Network Provider Lock”).
- If you see “No SIM restrictions”, your phone is unlocked. If you see “SIM locked” or a carrier name, your phone is tied to the original carrier.
This method is officially supported by Apple and remains accurate as of 2025.
On Android
Steps may vary depending on the phone brand, but here is a general method that works on most Android supported phones:
- Open Settings > Network & Internet (or Connections / Wireless & Networks).
- Tap Mobile Network (or similar label).
- Select Advanced / More options.
- Tap Network Operators (or Carrier / Operators).
- Turn off Select automatically if you see the option.
- If multiple carrier names appear, your phone is likely unlocked. If only one carrier shows, it may still be locked.
This information is up to date as of 2025. Please note that in areas with limited coverage, you may only see one network even if your phone is unlocked. We advise double-checking using another method to confirm.
Method 2: Use an online IMEI checker
You can use your phone’s IMEI number to find out if it is unlocked. Here’s how:
- Find your phone’s IMEI number by going to Settings > About Phone or by dialing *#06#.
- Visit a trusted IMEI checker website from a reputable source.
- Enter your IMEI to get your phone’s lock status.
An IMEI checker is a convenient way to see whether your phone is unlocked, especially, if you cannot test another SIM card. However, the accuracy can vary depending on the database used, so this method should be seen as an indicator rather than a guarantee.
Method 3: Ask your carrier about your phone’s lock status
Your mobile carrier can give you a definitive answer about whether your phone is locked. Provide them with your IMEI number, and they will confirm the status.
If your device is locked, they can also explain the steps and conditions to unlock it.
Method 4: Try another SIM card
If you have a spare SIM card with an active phone number, try switching it with your current one:
- Power off your phone.
- Insert a SIM card from a different carrier.
- Turn your phone back on.
- Try making a call or using mobile data.
If the phone works with the new SIM card, it’s unlocked. If you see a message like “SIM not supported”, it’s locked.
How to unlock your phone for use with another carrier?
Your phone is locked? Don’t worry! If your phone is fully paid off and you’ve met your carrier’s specific policy requirements, you can request to unlock it:
- Contact your carrier and submit a request to unlock your phone.
- Provide your IMEI number.
- Wait for confirmation.
Some unlocks are instant, while others can take a few days. Once unlocked, insert a new SIM card or activate an eSIM.
What to do if your phone cannot be unlocked?
When traveling abroad, you may want to purchase a local SIM card or an eSIM to avoid roaming charges when using internet or making calls. But if your phone is locked, you won’t be able to use another carrier.
Here are a few options you may consider to stay connected:
- Use another unlocked phone: Think about an old phone laying around the household or consider purchasing a cheap secondary phone (see our pics of top budget eSIM phones).
- Use hotspot to share connection from another device: if you’re traveling with a family member or a friend who has an unlocked phone, you can plan to purchase together a travel eSIM from Orange Travel or a SIM card to share connection using hotspot.
- Use a pocket WiFi: Rent or buy a pocket WiFi device that provides internet access via cellular networks. Although more costly and less convenient than a travel eSIM, it can be the solution to the problem.
- Use international roaming plan: Ask your carrier about international roaming plans they offer. Often more costly than travel eSIM or local SIM cards, it can be the most convenient option out of all.
- Use WiFi networks: Connect to WiFi hotspots available at hotels, cafes, airports, and other public places to access the internet without needing your phone’s cellular network. However, connecting to unverified public WiFi can expose your device to threats and cyberattacks.
What are the benefits of an unlocked phone?
Having an unlocked phone offers flexibility and convenience, especially if you travel often or want to switch carriers. Here are some key benefits:
- Freedom to switch carriers to take advantage of better deals, improved coverage, or new features.
- Access to local SIM cards and travel eSIM from Orange Travel to enjoy affordable data and call rates, avoiding expensive roaming charges.
- Use of multiple plans on the same device, which is ideal for separating work and personal calls or managing travel and home data plans.
- Higher resale value when you decide to sell your device.
Unlocking your phone gives you greater control, flexibility, and potential savings, making it a smart choice for most users.
FAQs
Is it free to unlock a mobile phone?
In most cases, yes. Many carriers will unlock your phone for free once you meet their requirements, such as completing your payment plan or contract. However, some may charge a small fee if the request is made before the contract ends.
Do I need to unlock my phone to use eSIM?
Yes. Your phone must be unlocked to use eSIMs from other carriers or travel eSIM providers.
Does deleting an eSIM unlock the phone?
No. Deleting or removing an eSIM profile does not unlock your phone. Unlocking is a separate process controlled by your carrier.
Will unlocking erase my data?
No. Unlocking your phone does not erase your data or settings. However, it is always good practice to back up your phone before making any changes.
Does unlocking void my warranty?
No. Unlocking your phone through your carrier does not void your warranty. Unauthorized unlocking by third parties, however, might affect your warranty or future software updates.
Conclusion
In some countries, especially the US, mobile devices are often carrier locked. This means you cannot use another carrier, be it a SIM card or an eSIM. Therefore, we strongly recommend checking your phone’s lock status before buying local SIM cards or travel eSIM.
Use one or two of the methods mentioned above to confirm that your phone is unlocked. If your device is locked, don’t worry! As long as you meet all your carrier’s contractual requirements, you can unlock your device to switch SIM cards or install a travel eSIM.
