Step-by-Step Instructions on Unlocking Phone for International eSIM Use

Any new year travel plans? Looking to buy an eSIM? Is your phone locked or unlocked? Indeed, you heard correctly. Ask yourself, Do I need to unlock my phone to use an eSIM while travelling internationally? 

The answer is yes. If you are a first-time traveller or eSIM user, you need to check if your phone is unlocked before using it. Whether you support Android or iOS, unlocking your phone for international eSIM use is mandatory. I will guide you through the process of checking whether your phone is locked. If it is, what is the step-by-step procedure to get it unlocked? 

Let's learn more about unlocking phones for international eSIM use so that you can enjoy a seamless internet connection while travelling around the world.

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What Does Unlocking Your Phone for International eSIM Mean?

It does not require hi-fi tech knowledge to understand what is a locked or unlocked phone. To simply understand, if you bought your phone from a specific network carrier, your phone is locked to that specific network. It means you cannot to any other cellular networks except the one you purchased your phone from.

On the other hand, if your phone is unlocked, you can connect with different cellular networks. You also need to check if your phone is eSIM-supported. Moreover, I will teach you how to check if your phone is unlocked and, if not, how to get it unlocked.

How to Check If your Phone is Unlocked for International eSIM Use?

The following are the ways for both Android and iOS users to check whether their phone is locked to one network only or unlocked to use different networks:

For Android Users

To check if your Android phone is unlocked to use International eSIM, just follow these simple steps:

• Tap Settings
•  Scroll to the bottom and tap Connections
• Open Network and Internet
• Tap Mobile Network
• Tap for Choose Network or Auto network select

By doing this, if you find a list of available networks, it means that your Android phone is unlocked to different networks. If it shows only one network, that means your phone is locked to that specific network.

For iPhone Users

iPhone has a different interface then Andriod phone. You can check for your phone status by following these steps:

• Tap Settings
• Select General
• Scroll down and tap About
• Check for Carrier Lock
• You can also type Carrier lock in the search bar when you open Settings.

By doing this, if you see a message on your screen saying, “No SIM Restrictions,” it means you have an unlocked iPhone. However, if you see only one network connection, that means your phone is locked to that specific network carrier.

What are The Steps to Unlock Your Phone for International eSIM Use?

Travelling should be a hassle-free experience. To minimise these hassles, you need a high-speed internet connection. This demands an eSIM, which does not work on locked phones.

So, if you checked your phone status by following the steps stated above, it is time to learn the steps of how to unlock your locked phones:

Contact Your Mobile Carrier

If you purchased your phone from a specific carrier and found it locked for other networks, contact your carrier's customer service immediately. Ask the agent to unlock your phone and provide them with the necessary details. These details contain your account number, phone number, and IMEI. You can find your IMEI by dialling *#06# from your phone’s dialer.

Meet The Carrier’s Unlocking Requirements

To unlock your iPhone, make sure that you meet the carrier’s requirements, which are:

• Confirm that you have completed the device payment plan
• Confirm that you have used the device for a few days on the specific carrier network.
• Confirm that no pending dues are remaining in your account.

Follow the Unlocking Process

After confirming the carrier’s unlocking requirements, move on to the next step, the unlocking process. In this step:

• Your carrier will share an unlocking code or further instruction 
• If you are an iPhone user, you may get an automatic unlock after some time of your request
• If you are an Android user, you will receive an unlock code, which you enter at the prompt provided by your phone's carrier.

Test Your Phone with a New SIM

After completing the steps to test the confirmation of the unlocked phone, try another SIM. Take another SIM card which you have not used before on your phone. Insert it and check it for connectivity. You can also check for an international eSIM that you have bought from the eSIM Card. 

Seek Alternatives If Your Carrier Denies Unlocking

For some reason, if your carrier is not entertaining your unlock request, you can follow these alternatives:

• You can use a paid unlocking phone service. These services are available in the market. Try to find a reputable one or one with the reviews.
• If nothing is helping, consider switching to an unlocked phone.

Conclusion

Travel ventures always demand connectivity. An international eSIM works well and provides a smooth, cost-effective connection throughout your journey. Unlocking a phone for international eSIM use is necessary, and it is very easy. To understand and follow, the complete process is explained step by step. First, confirm that you have an unlocked phone, and then follow the steps to unlock it if it is found locked.

FAQs

Do I need to unlock my phone when travelling overseas?

Yes, when travelling abroad, you should verify whether your phone is locked or unlocked for use with different networks. 

Can I use an International eSIM with a locked phone?

No, locked phones are stuck to a specific network and do not support any other network.