Is My Phone Carrier Locked?
Device Compatibility
Updated Sep 2026
1 min read
✓ Quick answer
A carrier-locked phone can't use eSIMs from other providers. Here's how to check and what to do.
Is My Phone Carrier Locked?
A carrier-locked phone is restricted to the network of the carrier that sold it. This can prevent eSIMs from other providers (like EscapeSIM) from working — even if the hardware supports eSIM.
How to check on iPhone
- Go to Settings → General → About.
- Scroll to Carrier Lock.
- If it says No SIM restrictions, your iPhone is unlocked.
- If it says anything else (e.g. your carrier name), it is locked.
How to check on Android
- Insert a SIM from a different carrier and see if it works. If it doesn't, the phone is likely locked.
- Some Android phones show lock status under Settings → About Phone → SIM status.
- Contact your carrier and ask directly — they are required to tell you.
How to unlock your phone
- Contact your home carrier. Most carriers unlock phones for free once your contract is complete or if you've owned the device outright.
- In Australia, carriers are required to unlock devices on request once any lock period has passed.
- Once unlocked, restart your phone and try installing the eSIM again.
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