eSIM is now widely supported by most modern smartphones and mobile carriers. It offers a practical way to activate a cellular plan without needing a physical SIM card. But things may work differently if your phone is locked to a carrier. Many users wonder whether they can activate or switch to an eSIM on a locked phone, especially when traveling, switching providers, or using dual SIM features. Understanding how eSIM compatibility works with locked devices helps avoid unexpected issues. In this guide, we’ll explain what to expect, how to check if your phone supports eSIM while locked, and what alternatives you may have depending on your carrier’s policy.

Can I use an eSIM on a Locked Phone?

Yes, but only under specific conditions. A locked phone can support eSIM, but only with the mobile network provider it is locked to. This means that even if your phone supports eSIM technology, you won’t be able to activate an eSIM from another provider unless the device is fully unlocked. The lock prevents the phone from accepting any eSIM profiles that don’t match the original network. [1]

If the phone is unlocked, you can use an eSIM from any compatible carrier, including local or international options. This is useful for switching plans or avoiding roaming charges while traveling. However, if the phone is still under a contract or payment plan, the lock may remain active. It’s important to check the lock status in the settings or by contacting your mobile provider before trying to activate an eSIM.

What is a locked phone?

A locked phone is a mobile device that works only with the network of the provider it was originally purchased from. This usually happens when the phone is bought through a contract or an installment plan. In such cases, the carrier places a software-based restriction to limit the device’s use to its own network. [2]

While the phone is locked, it cannot be used with SIM cards or eSIM plans from other providers. This restriction remains active until certain conditions are fulfilled, such as completing all payments or reaching the end of the contract term. After these requirements are met, the device can often be unlocked and used with other compatible networks.

How do I know if I have a locked phone?

If you are not sure whether your phone is locked to a specific carrier, there are a few simple ways to check. These methods vary slightly depending on your phone's brand and model. Below is a helpful guide to determine the lock status of your device.

Is my iPhone locked?

• Insert a SIM from another carrier: If the phone is locked, you will see an error such as “SIM Not Supported” or “Invalid SIM.”

• Check in Settings: Go to Settings > General > About. Scroll down to the section labeled Carrier Lock. If it says No SIM restrictions, your phone is unlocked.

• Contact your carrier: You can confirm your phone’s status by contacting your mobile provider directly.

You can also check our eSIM Compatible iPhones page to confirm if your model supports eSIM.

Is my Samsung phone locked?

• Open Settings: Go to Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Network Operators.

• Toggle off automatic selection: Turn off “Automatically Select Network” to view available carriers.

• Interpret the result: If only one carrier appears, the phone is likely locked to that carrier. If you see multiple carriers or “No SIM restrictions,” your Samsung phone is probably unlocked and can use eSIM if the model supports it.

• Contact your carrier: If the phone is locked, request an unlock. Keep in mind that recent purchases or installment plans may delay this process. [3]

For more detailed information you can also check our eSIM Supported Samsung Phones page.

Is my Google Pixel locked?

• Open Settings: Go to Settings > Network & Internet.

• Toggle off automatic selection: Turn off “Automatically Select Network” to see available networks.

• Check the result: If only one carrier is displayed, the phone is likely locked. If you see multiple networks or “No SIM restrictions,” your Pixel phone is likely unlocked and ready for eSIM use if supported.

• Carrier confirmation: If unsure, contact your carrier for confirmation and unlocking options, especially if your phone was recently purchased or tied to a payment plan. [4]

You can also check our eSIM Compatible Phones page for more information.

Is my Xiaomi phone locked?

• Insert a different SIM card: If the phone is locked, it will reject the SIM and display a message indicating that it cannot be used.

• Contact Xiaomi support: The company’s support team can help verify whether the device is carrier locked.

You can also check our Xiaomi eSIM Supported Phones page for more information.

How to use eSIM on a locked phone?

If your phone is locked, using an eSIM is still possible, but only under certain conditions. The simplest option is to activate an eSIM with your current carrier. If you need to use a different network or an international provider, your options will depend on your phone’s lock status and the network compatibility of the eSIM service.

For detailed information, you can read our post on What is eSIM and how does it work and how to use eSIM on iPhone understand the basics.

1. Use eSIM with Your Current Carrier

When your phone is locked, it can only accept eSIM profiles from the carrier it is tied to. Most major carriers now support eSIM activation, so if you’re not changing networks, this is the most straightforward method.

To activate an eSIM:

• Request an eSIM activation code or QR code from your current carrier.

• Follow the steps in your phone’s settings to add the eSIM profile.

• Depending on the device, you may be asked to scan a QR code or enter details manually.

This allows you to enjoy the benefits of digital SIM management without needing to unlock your device or insert a physical SIM.

For more information, you can also read our guide on How to activate eSIM on Android?, How to activate eSIM on iPhone? and How to Activate eSIM on Xiaomi?.

2. Unlock Your Phone

If you want to use an eSIM from a different network, your phone must be unlocked first. Unlocking removes the carrier restriction, giving you the freedom to choose any mobile provider that supports eSIM.

Unlocking can be done by:

• Contacting your carrier: Most carriers will unlock your phone after you complete the contract or pay off the device.

• Requesting through device settings: On some devices, you can submit an unlock request directly from the phone.

• Using third-party services: If the carrier refuses, some services offer unlocks, but these may not always be secure or guaranteed.

Once unlocked, you can activate any eSIM that matches your phone's hardware and region compatibility.

For more information, you can check out our guide on How to Unlock iPhone.

3. Use International eSIM Providers like Roamless

If you're traveling or looking for local data access, international eSIM providers are a flexible solution. A Global eSIM like Roamless is one such provider offering eSIM plans for many countries and regions.

Important considerations for using international eSIMs on locked phones:

• Some international providers, including Roamless, may work with locked phones if they use networks that are already supported by your current carrier.

• Always check whether the eSIM is compatible with both your device and its lock restrictions.

• If your phone is locked, you will not be able to use a Roamless or other eSIM unless the provider’s network is part of your current carrier's roaming agreements.

Before purchasing:

• Use the provider’s compatibility checker.

• Make sure your phone supports eSIM and that the model is listed as compatible.

• Read the terms to ensure refunds are available in case of incompatibility.

You may be able to use an eSIM on a locked phone if you stay with your current carrier or use a travel eSIM like Roamless that works with certain locked devices. Still, unlocking your phone is the better choice if you want the freedom to switch networks or use other providers while traveling.

Using an eSIM on a locked phone is possible, but it depends on your device and carrier. The most reliable option is to activate an eSIM from your current provider. Roamless may also work with some locked phones if its network is supported by your carrier. Still, always check compatibility in advance. Unlocking your phone is the best way to access all eSIM options without limitations.

FAQ

Is unlocking worth the effort?
- Yes, unlocking your phone is usually worth it if you want more freedom. It allows you to use any compatible eSIM or physical SIM from different carriers, both locally and internationally. It’s especially helpful if you plan to switch providers or travel often.

Can I use a dual SIM if my phone is locked?
- Yes, you can use dual SIM on a locked phone, but both the physical SIM and eSIM must be from the same carrier or one of its supported partners. A locked phone will not accept a SIM or eSIM from another provider unless it is unlocked.

Does an iPhone need to be unlocked for an eSIM?
- Not necessarily. You can use an eSIM on a locked iPhone, but only if the eSIM is from the same carrier the phone is locked to. If you want to use an eSIM from another carrier, the iPhone must be unlocked first.

Can I add an eSIM to a carrier-locked phone?
- Yes, but only if the eSIM is from the same carrier your phone is locked to. A locked phone will not allow eSIM activation from a different network until it is unlocked.

Sources:

[1] Apple Support. Using Dual SIM with an eSIM. https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT209044

[2] Apple Support. How to unlock your iPhone for use with a different carrier. https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201328

[3] Samsung. What to do if Galaxy phone has network lock issue. https://www.samsung.com/ae/support/mobile-devices/what-to-do-if-galaxy-phone-has-network-lock-issue/

[4] Google Support. Use your Pixel phone with any mobile operator. https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/7107188