How to check if an Android phone is carrier-locked

Modern phones allow users to have more than one SIM card or eSIM. But that feature can be worthless if your phone is carrier-locked. What exactly does it mean for your Android to be locked, and how can you check if an Android phone is unlocked? Let’s find out. 

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7 min read

How to check if your Android phone is unlocked

What does it mean when an Android phone is carrier-locked?

A carrier-locked Android is an Android phone that's tied to one mobile service provider. This means the phone may detect other operators' networks, but you won't be able to use their services until you unlock the device. For example, let's say you bought a carrier-locked Android phone from Verizon. It won't be able to use AT&T, T-Mobile, or other carriers' services, even if you insert their SIM cards.

Similarly, if you’re using a carrier-locked phone, you won’t be able to activate a new eSIM from a different network carrier on your Android device. You can still transfer an eSIM to a new Android phone though, as long as it’s from the original carrier (in this case, Verizon).

How to check if an Android phone is unlocked: 4 methods

Knowing whether your Android is carrier-locked is useful, especially when considering switching carriers or traveling abroad. What's also great is that checking if your Android is carrier-locked is a breeze and takes just a few seconds (the same as checking whether your iPhone is unlocked). Here’s how to do it using at least four different methods.

Check through phone settings

The easiest way to check whether your Android is unlocked is by picking up your phone and going to settings. From there, you should:

  1. Go to “Connections.”

    how to check if android is unlocked: step 1
  2. Choose “Mobile networks.”

    how to check if android is unlocked: step 2
  3. Navigate to “Network operators.”

    how to check if android is unlocked: step 3
  4. Disable the “Select automatically” option. The device will then search for available networks. If multiple networks appear, the phone is likely unlocked. The phone may be carrier-locked if only the current carrier's network is displayed.

    how to check if android is unlocked: step 4
    how to check if android is unlocked: step 5

Test with a different SIM card

Another way to check whether your Android is carrier-locked is by manually switching your SIM card. While this method may be less convenient (and you can potentially damage your SIM card if you're not careful), it's still a valid option. You only need to power off the phone and remove the current SIM card. Then, switch it to an active SIM card from a different carrier and turn the phone back on. If you can call or text with the new SIM successfully, you have an unlocked phone. But if you receive an error message, encounter SIM restrictions, or a get prompt for an unlock code, the phone is carrier-locked.

Contact your carrier

If you don't want to tinker with SIM card slots or wander through your Android settings, you can also reach out to the current carrier's customer service. The service will ask you to provide your phone's IMEI number and will confirm whether the device is locked (and provide you with the steps to unlock it). You can find your Android's IMEI number by going to your device's settings and tapping on "About phone."

how to find imei number: step 1
how to find imei number: step 2

Use online IMEI checkers

Finally, you can use online IMEI checkers to test whether your Android is carrier-unlocked. However, when doing so, be sure to avoid suspicious websites and use trusted and reputable sources only! Most online IMEI checkers (although cheap) are paid services, which may seem like unnecessary expenses. But they’re safer than using free IMEI checkers, which may expose you to cyber risks. So, use IMEI checkers with caution.

Key considerations about unlocked Android phones

Having a carrier-locked Android device may urge some users to unlock it ASAP. However, before doing so, make sure you've thought it through. Carrier-locked phones may have certain contractual conditions or features that may be broken or lost upon unlocking the device. So here are some key questions and considerations regarding unlocked Android phones.

When can you unlock your phone under a carrier’s contract?

The carrier can unlock your phone upon your request after you've fulfilled the contract terms or fully paid off the Android device bought from the same carrier. Exceptions may apply if you're an active duty military member, but you must provide deployment documentation before requesting for unlock. In addition, some carriers may require you to wait a certain period (typically 40-60 days) before unlocking your phone.

Factory unlocked phones

If you purchase your Android phone directly from a manufacturer or authorized retailer, your device will likely be factory unlocked. That means you won’t need to do any unlocking. However, it’s super important to verify the unlock status before purchasing, because sometimes the phones may be sold as part of a carrier deal (especially if it’s a third-party seller).

If you choose to unlock your Android phone through unauthorized methods (such as using certain third-party services), you may void warranties or violate terms of service. So before unlocking your phone, check the official procedures and follow them to avoid losing your device’s warranty.

How can you carrier-unlock your Android phone?

You can use at least a few ways to carrier-unlock your Android phone. These include:

  • Contacting the carrier and requesting the unlock.

  • Contacting the phone’s manufacturer and asking for assistance (limited availability).

  • Using a third-party service (may void warranty).

  • Using an unlocking app (limited to specific carriers and devices).

You can also use more extreme methods, such as hardware unlocking or buying SIM codes online. However, these methods pose a risk of damaging the phone, falling for scams, violating terms and conditions, and voiding warranties, so you'd be better off avoiding them.

Do you need an unlocked phone to use an eSIM?

If you're looking to get an eSIM card for Android, you might need to unlock your phone, specifically when the eSIM in question belongs to a different carrier. That may sound annoying, but unlocking your Android to allow more eSIM options does have its benefits. 

While your current mobile service provider may offer an eSIM option, unlocking your Android can provide cheaper eSIM options. Likewise, if you're traveling abroad and your carrier can't offer you an eSIM, you might want to try Saily, a pocket-friendly eSIM data provider. With coverage in more than 190 countries, Saily provides accessible and user-tailored eSIM data packets suitable for every traveler's needs. Whether Instagramming or making international business calls — Saily is there to help you save on prepaid SIM cards and expensive data roaming.

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    saily blog author lukas t
    Lukas Tamašiūnas

    Lukas is the mental prisoner of the song "Orinoco Flow," which plays in his head every time he hears the word "Saily." However, that doesn't stop him from wanting to share his knowledge about connecting to the internet via eSIM — even if his current phone doesn't support it.