How to unlock an eSIM on an iPhone: A step-by-step guide

Why unlock your eSIM?

If you're planning a vacation abroad, it's a good idea to unlock your eSIM before you leave. This way, you can switch to local carriers as soon as you arrive at your destination. Local carriers usually offer lower rates for calls, texts, and data, which can save you money.

Besides, unlocking your eSIM lets you select a plan that suits your needs for the duration of your trip, whether it's just a few days or several months. Also, since iPhones can store more than one eSIM, you can keep both your home number and a local eSIM active during your trip.

Can an eSIM be locked on a phone?

Yes, an eSIM can be locked on a phone. If your phone is locked, the eSIM on the device is typically locked as well. This means you can only use the eSIM with the carrier that locked the device. Once the device is unlocked, you can use the eSIM with other carriers.

Some of the reasons why your device might be locked include:

• Carrier contracts. Carriers often offer phones at discounted prices through contract agreements, which lock the phones to their networks for a set period.

• Market exclusivity. Carriers often lock devices to their network to ensure exclusivity, particularly with new or highly sought-after models.

• Financial plans. When you purchase a phone on an installment plan, carriers may lock it to their network until you’ve fully paid for your device.

• Regulatory requirements. In some regions, regulations allow or even require carriers to lock devices to their networks, which helps reduce theft and fraud.

For example, in the US, while not mandated by law, carriers often lock devices, especially those sold on contract or through installment plans. This practice, which is governed by the voluntary CTIA Consumer Code for Wireless Service, helps to prevent theft by making stolen devices less valuable on the black market. These devices cannot be easily activated on other networks.

Can you unlock an eSIM on an iPhone?

Yes, you can unlock an eSIM on any locked iPhone that supports eSIM technology. However, you must coordinate with the carrier that originally locked the device to complete this process.

How to check if the eSIM on your iPhone is unlocked

If your iPhone's embedded SIM card is unlocked, you have the freedom to choose from different carriers, allowing you to switch services and select a cellular plan that suits your needs.

To find out if your iPhone’s eSIM is unlocked, simply navigate to “Settings” > “General” > “About.” If you see “No SIM restrictions” next to “Carrier lock” (or “'Network provider lock” in the EU), your iPhone is unlocked and ready to connect with any carrier. 

On the other hand, if you see “SIM locked” or a similar message next to “Carrier lock”/"Network provider lock,” your iPhone is still locked to a specific carrier. This just means you're currently limited to their network and services.

How to unlock an eSIM on an iPhone

Whether you travel frequently or simply like to keep your options open, having an unlocked eSIM allows you to enjoy the many benefits of eSIM technology and seamlessly switch carriers. This flexibility means you can always take advantage of the best service deals or enjoy local rates while abroad, all without the hassle of swapping physical SIM cards.

Follow the steps below to learn how to unlock an eSIM on the iPhone 15 or any older model equipped with eSIM technology.

Note: Beware that these steps may differ by provider, but the process should nevertheless be similar.

Step 1: Check if you meet the requirements

Before unlocking your embedded SIM card, your service provider will require you to meet a few criteria. These may include clearing any outstanding bills, completing your contract term, or achieving specific usage milestones.

In case you're wondering where to find the specific requirements for unlocking an eSIM on your iPhone, you have a few options:

• Visit the carrier’s official website. Dive into the wealth of information available on your carrier’s official website. Search for sections related to device or SIM card unlocking.

• Contact customer service. For the most accurate and current details, contact your carrier’s customer service via phone, email, or live chat.

• Stop by the carrier’s local store. Store representatives can provide relevant information about your account and device and offer in-person help.

• Review device documentation. Don’t overlook the documents you received with your device or the contract terms provided when you purchased or activated your phone. These often contain important information about unlocking services.

Step 2. Contact your carrier

Once you've confirmed that you meet all the unlocking requirements, contact your current carrier that locked the device. You can do this through its customer service by phone, online chat, or a visit to a physical store. Be ready to provide specific details about your iPhone. Here’s what to have handy:

• The IMEI number. You can quickly find your phone’s unique International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number by dialing *#06#.

• Account information. Have your account number and billing details ready, and be prepared to answer security questions to confirm your identity.

• Device information. Know your phone’s model number, the software version it's running, and if possible, the purchase date.

• Contact details. Ensure your contact information is up to date so your eSIM carrier can reach you with updates on your unlock request.

Your service provider might also ask for the reason you want to unlock your phone. Be prepared to explain why you want to unlock your eSIM, especially if you have outstanding payments or are still within your contract term.

Step 3. Request an unlock

If you meet all the requirements and provide all the necessary information, you can formally request that your carrier unlock the eSIM. Depending on the carrier's specific procedures, this process may take a few days or even weeks to complete. Your carrier might also provide detailed instructions for you to follow to complete the unlocking process for your iPhone.

Step 4. Receive confirmation and install your new eSIM

Once the process is complete, your carrier will send you a confirmation message to inform you that your iPhone's eSIM has been successfully unlocked. Now, you are free to set up your unlocked iPhone with a new mobile carrier and get a new eSIM.

Note: These step-by-step instructions should also come in handy if you are looking for how to unlock an eSIM on the iPhone 13, iPhone XS, iPhone 14, and other iPhone models that support eSIM technology.

Get started with Saily

Looking for a data-only eSIM plan? Check out Saily. With iMessage, which operates over the internet, you can easily message friends and family in other countries who have iPhones — no international data plan needed. Simply choose a data plan for your trip, download the eSIM app, and set up your eSIM to enjoy a reliable connection wherever you go.