Can I use eSIM on a locked phone?

If you're traveling, you can't use an eSIM on a locked phone because it won't be able to freely connect to new networks.
When a phone is locked to a specific carrier, connections to that specific network are only allowed. A locked phone will prevent you from connecting to new networks that are available in new destinations.

Why does my phone need to reach new networks?

Typically, a travel eSIM package will support 1-3 different networks. By keeping your network selection on ‘Automatic,’ your phone will automatically connect to the strongest supported network in any given location on your trip, so you always have a solid data connection.

How do I know if I have a locked phone?

Your phone settings will show if your phone is locked to one particular network, or if your phone’s unlocked and able to connect to any network. It only takes a minute to check.

Is my iPhone locked?

1. On an iPhone, go to “Settings”

2. Tap “General” and then “About”

3. Scroll down to see “Carrier Lock” or “Network Provider Lock”

If the name of a carrier is displayed, that means your iPhone is locked to that carrier. You can’t use eSIM with a locked iPhone, so you’ll need to contact your carrier and ask to have the iPhone unlocked.

If you have a brand-new iPhone 15 or you’ve purchased your iPhone within the last six months and/or you’re on a payment plan, they may refuse to unlock your iPhone until a specific date.

If you see “No SIM restrictions,” or more than one carrier is listed, that means your iPhone is unlocked and should be able to use eSIM normally, assuming it’s an eSIM-compatible iPhone model.

Is my Google Pixel locked?

1. On a Google Pixel phone, to go “Settings”

2. Tap “Network & internet”

3. Toggle off “Automatically Select Network” to see available carriers

If the name of only one carrier is displayed, it’s likely that your Google Pixel is locked to that carrier. In order to use eSIM on a locked phone, you need to contact your carrier and ask for it to be unlocked. (Recent phone purchases and/or phones on payment plans may get in the way of this.)

If your Google Pixel displays “No SIM restrictions” or shows multiple carriers, your Google Pixel should be fully unlocked and able to use eSIM, as long as the phone model supports eSIM. (Not sure? You can use our device checker.)

Is my Samsung phone locked?

1. On a Samsung phone, go to “Settings”

2. Tap “Connections”

3. Tap “Mobile Networks”

4. Tap “Network Operators”

5. Toggle off “Automatically Select Network” to see available carriers

If the name of a carrier is displayed, that means your phone is locked to that carrier. In order to use eSIM on your locked phone, you should contact your carrier and request to have the phone unlocked. (If you’ve bought your Samsung phone fairly recently or signed onto a payment plan, this may be delayed until a specific date.)

If you see “No SIM restrictions,” or more than one carrier is listed, that means your Samsung phone is unlocked and should be able to use eSIM normally, as long as it’s a Samsung that supports eSIM.

How to use eSIM on a locked phone

1. Contact the carrier listed in your phone settings

2. Ask for your phone to be unlocked so you can use eSIM

3. If this requires paying off your phone first, it may be worth it in order to have cheap data on vacation by using a downloadable SIM card (eSIM) for your destination

Stay Connected With an eSIM From GoodeSIM

No matter where your travels take you, stay connected with an GoodeSIM. GoodeSIM gives you access to affordable eSIMs for 200+ countries and regions — including each of our best places to travel in October.

Why GoodeSIM? Here are a few reasons to use an GoodeSIM when you travel:

• Connect to a mobile network within minutes of arrival.
• Choose from flexible local, regional, and global data plans.
• Eliminate the need to find a local SIM vendor.
• Say goodbye to expensive roaming charges.
• Store multiple eSIM data plans on your device.
• Running out of data? Top up in the GoodeSIM.

Choose an GoodeSIM to stay connected during your trip.