Using an eSIM on a locked iPhone: Everything you need to know
An eSIM is that one essential element that lets you freely share the moments of your dream vacation with the world. But what if your iPhone is locked to your carrier? Well, it gets a bit more complicated when you want to use a digital SIM. Find out if you can use an eSIM on a carrier-locked iPhone and why you should consider getting rid of the lock.
4 min read
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Can you use an eSIM on a locked iPhone?
You can only use an eSIM freely if your iPhone is unlocked. If your phone has a carrier lock, you are tied to that carrier's network and eSIM possibilities. So, technically, you can use an eSIM on a locked iPhone, but without much benefit.
The best thing about an eSIM is that you can connect to foreign networks when you're traveling. This means you can connect to the fastest network available and get the best data deals. Without a chance to change the network, you can only rely on your carrier's offers abroad, which may not be that generous.
Why would you want to connect to new networks?
When your iPhone can connect to multiple mobile networks, it will choose the strongest in the area so you can enjoy the best connection possible. So let the phone choose! Just keep your iPhone's network selection in "Automatic" mode and enjoy the internet.
However, your iPhone can only connect to different networks if it's unlocked. But if your phone is in a relationship with your carrier, you have to stick with whatever the carrier has to offer. Hopefully, you picked it wisely!
How can you know if your iPhone is locked?
To check if your phone is locked, just glance at your iPhone's main screen: Do you see a carrier's name beside the battery icon? If not, your phone should be without a lock. If you want to be absolutely sure, you should:
Go to "Settings."
Click "General" and tap the "About" option.
Scroll down, and you'll see "Network provider lock" information.
If the text beside the network provider tab says "No SIM restrictions," it means your iPhone is unlocked. If there's a carrier name there, it means your iPhone is locked to that mobile carrier.
How can you use an eSIM on a locked iPhone?
You can only use your carrier's eSIM if your iPhone is locked. But this is basically like driving a convertible when it's raining – you lose all the benefits.
But there's something you can do to get your eSIM unlocked on your iPhone:
Get in contact with your carrier whose name appears in your phone settings.
Ask them to unlock your iPhone. In return, they may ask you to pay off your phone if you haven't done so or fulfill any other obligations you may still owe them.
FAQ
Can I use a dual SIM if my phone is locked?
It depends on your carrier's policy and how the lock on your phone works. Typically, when your phone is locked to one carrier, you can only use that carrier's network. This means that even if you have two SIM slots, you can only use your carrier's and, sometimes, its partner's SIM cards.
Some phones with a dual SIM can lock only one SIM slot to the carrier and leave the other unlocked. So, it really depends on your agreement with the carrier and your phone model.
Does an iPhone need to be unlocked for an eSIM?
Yes, your phone needs to be unlocked if you want to use different eSIM providers or networks. You can only use your carrier’s eSIM plans if your iPhone is locked.
Can I add an eSIM to a carrier-locked phone?
No, you can’t add additional eSIMs to a network-locked phone. If you want to unlock your phone, you should contact your mobile carrier.
Stranded on an island off of Puerto Rico? Waiting for a soon-to-be-canceled train to Milan? Monika is sure everything will be fine as long as she has an eSIM. She believes connection is everything – whether it’s connecting to people or new places. And what better way to do that than by using an eSIM?