How to tell if the phone is locked or unlocked: 4 ways to check iPhone and Android devices

What is a locked phone? 

A locked phone is a phone that can’t be used on another mobile provider’s network. Your phone can be carrier locked (meaning it only accepts SIM cards from your mobile carrier) and/or country-locked (meaning it won’t work on international networks).

Mobile providers often lock a device for security reasons because a locked phone reduces the risk of theft. They may also lock a phone if you’re still paying it off or to discourage you from switching to a competitor. 

In your day-to-day life, you probably won’t notice whether your phone is unlocked or not, but when you travel abroad, a locked phone can cause big problems. If your phone is country-locked, it won’t work once you leave your home country. If your phone is carrier-locked, you could be stuck with hefty roaming fees because you can’t use an eSIM like Saily to get affordable international data.

Simply put, an unlocked phone gives you maximum flexibility. Whether you are looking at switching carriers or traveling abroad, it’s always a good idea to know whether your phone is locked or not.

How to tell if the phone is unlocked

Telling if your phone is unlocked is pretty straightforward, and you can check in just a few minutes. Here are four ways to check your phone’s lock status.

Method #1: Check your phone’s settings 

Most modern smartphones allow you to see if your phone is unlocked in the system settings. It’s quick and easy, just follow the instructions below.

How to check if an iPhone is unlocked via settings 

To check if your iPhone is unlocked:

1. Open “Settings.”

2. Select “General,” then “About.”

3. Scroll down to “Carrier lock.”

4. If you see “No SIM restrictions,” your phone is unlocked.

5. If you see anything else, your phone is locked.

How to check if an Android phone is unlocked via settings 

Checking if an Android phone is unlocked is a little more complicated because of the slight differences between devices from Android manufacturers, like Samsung, Sony, and Motorola. Here is a general overview for Android phones. 

To tell if your Android phone is unlocked:

1. Open “Settings.”

2. Click “Connections” or “Network and connections” (whichever appears on your device).

3. Select “Network operators.”

4. Toggle “Select automatically” off. If you see multiple networks available, your phone is probably unlocked, but if there is only one provider listed, complete the following steps to confirm your lock status.

5. Scroll down to “More connection settings.”

6. Select “Network unlock.”

7. Look at your “Network lock status.” If your phone is locked, it will say so here.

Method #2: Try a different SIM card

Inserting a new SIM card into your device is a simple, real-world way to test your lock status. If your phone can work with another provider’s SIM card, then you know for sure that it isn’t carrier locked.

To check if your phone is unlocked with a SIM card:

1. Get a SIM card from a different mobile provider.

2. Power down your phone.

3. Remove your phone’s current SIM card. 

4. Place your new card into the SIM slot and close it.

5. Turn your phone back on.

6. Try to make a phone call.

If your call goes through, your phone is unlocked. If your phone says “SIM not supported” or asks for an unlock code, your phone is locked.

Method #3: Contact your carrier 

You can contact your carrier directly to tell if your phone is locked or unlocked. Your mobile provider has all the most up-to-date information about your device and plan, so contacting them takes out the guess work. Simply call your carrier’s customer support line and ask if they can tell you whether your phone is locked or not. If your phone is locked, you may be able to have them unlock it while you are on the line.

Method #4: Check your phone’s IMEI number 

You can also check whether your phone is locked with the IMEI number. An international mobile equipment identity (IMEI) number is a unique identifier for your phone, almost like a Social Security number. Each phone has its own IMEI, and you can use it to determine your phone’s lock status.

To check if your phone is unlocked by IMEI:

1. Dial *#06 on your phone or look up the IMEI number in settings.

2. Enter your IMEI number into an IMEI checker tool (either from your carrier or a third party).

3. Verify your lock status.

To find your IMEI on an iPhone, open “Settings.” Then select “General” and “About.” Scroll down to see your IMEI number.

To find your IMEI on an Android, open “Settings” and then click “About.” Scroll until you find your IMEI.

What to do if your phone is locked

If your phone is locked, it’s up to you whether you unlock it or not. If you’re not planning on switching carriers or travelling abroad, you don’t necessarily need to do anything. 

However, it may be a good idea to ask your carrier whether they are planning to unlock your device at a specific time, like once your phone is paid off. If you ever want to change providers, you definitely should get your device unlocked before you cancel your current service. If you don’t, you could be left without a signal.

If you’re traveling abroad with a locked device, you need to make a plan for getting data. You can’t use an eSIM on a locked iPhone or Android, but you have some options for staying connected. You could use public Wi-Fi, or you could get data roaming from your mobile provider. However, both of these methods come with drawbacks. Public Wi-Fi can be difficult to track down, and data roaming comes with a hefty price tag. 

If you want to save money, stay safe, and get consistent data access with a travel eSIM like Saily, you should look into getting your phone unlocked before your trip.

How to unlock your phone 

There are three main ways to unlock your phone: requesting an official unlock from your carrier, using a third-party unlocking service, and visiting a local phone repair shop. We’ll walk you through each option for how to unlock an eSIM on an iPhone and Android device.

Request an official unlock from your carrier

Requesting an official unlock from your carrier should always be your first step. This method is the easiest and it’s usually free, so long as you meet your provider’s eligibility conditions.

Contact your mobile provider and ask them to unlock your phone. If your request is approved, your provider will use one of two methods to unlock your device: 

• Remote unlock. If your provider uses remote unlock, you don’t need to do anything because they’ll unlock your device from their end. 

• Network unlock code. If your provider uses a network unlock code, they’ll give you a single-use code to unlock your device. Once you input it, your phone will be unlocked.

If you can’t contact your provider or if they deny your unlock request, you can move on to another phone unlocking method.

Use a third-party phone unlocking service

Third-party phone unlocking services are websites that sell unlock codes. However, you should always check a phone unlocking service’s legitimacy before you use it, or you might find yourself the victim of a scam. Thoroughly research the website and read customer reviews before you order anything.

Visit a local phone repair shop

Many mobile phone repair shops offer unlocking services, typically starting around US$20. If your carrier can’t unlock your phone, a brick and mortar phone repair shop is your strongest option. However, just like with any service, you should check the shop’s reviews before you use it.

How to tell if the phone is unlocked: Key takeaways

It’s important to know how to tell if your phone is unlocked so that you can switch mobile providers and use travel SIMs to save money abroad. Thankfully, it’s pretty easy to check your phone’s lock status and get it unlocked.

You can check your phone’s lock status yourself with your phone’s settings app, another provider’s SIM card, the IMEI number, or your carrier’s customer service line. If you need your phone unlocked, start by asking your mobile provider for an official unlock, and if you’re unsuccessful, a phone repair shop or third-party unlocking service can help. 

With an unlocked phone, you’ll be able to download an eSIM app for your next vacation abroad. The Saily eSIM app lets you:

• Buy your plan before your trip

• Enjoy instant activation as soon as you arrive

• Get reliable, consistent high-speed data

• Stay safe with advanced security features

Before your trip, check that your phone is unlocked and download Saily!