Published on November 17, 20253 min read

How to Check if Your Phone Is Unlocked (Required for Figabytes eSIM)

How to Check if Your Phone Is Unlocked (Required for Figabytes eSIM)

Before installing a Figabytes eSIM, it’s important to confirm that your smartphone is unlocked.
An unlocked device can use any mobile network—essential for travel eSIMs.
If your phone is locked, it will reject the eSIM during installation.

Here’s how to check your device status quickly on iPhone and Android.


🔍 What Does “Unlocked” Mean?

  • Unlocked phone: You can use SIMs and eSIMs from any carrier worldwide.

  • Locked phone: Your device only accepts SIMs/eSIMs from the carrier you bought it from.

Travel eSIMs (including Figabytes) require an unlocked phone.


📱 How to Check If Your iPhone Is Unlocked

Method 1 — Check in Settings (Fastest)

  1. Open Settings

  2. Go to General

  3. Tap About

  4. Scroll to Carrier Lock

You will see one of the following:

  • “No SIM restrictions” → ✔️ Your iPhone is unlocked

  • Anything else (e.g., “SIM locked”) → ❌ Your device is carrier-locked

This is the most accurate method.


Method 2 — Test With Another SIM

If you have access to a SIM card from a different carrier:

  1. Insert the other SIM

  2. Restart your iPhone

  3. If you can make calls or access mobile data → ✔️ unlocked

  4. If you see “SIM Not Supported” → ❌ locked


🤖 How to Check If Your Android Phone Is Unlocked

Android menus vary by brand, but the steps below work for most Samsung, Pixel, Xiaomi, and other devices.


Option 1 — Insert Another SIM

The universal method:

  1. Insert a SIM from a different carrier

  2. Restart your device

  3. If it connects to the network → ✔️ unlocked

  4. If it shows “Network Locked” / “SIM Not Allowed” → ❌ locked


Option 2 — Check in Device Settings

Samsung

  1. Go to Settings

  2. Tap Connections

  3. Select Mobile Networks

  4. If you see Network Lock or Add eSIM blocked, your phone may be locked.

Google Pixel

Pixel phones usually show lock status only when another SIM is inserted.
Use the SIM-swap test above.

Xiaomi / Redmi / Poco

  1. Settings → SIM Cards & Mobile Networks

  2. If you see messages about “SIM Activation Lock,” it may indicate a lock.

Note: Android doesn’t always show lock status clearly—SIM testing is the best method.


🧾 How to Check If an eSIM Can Be Added

Some phones may be unlocked but still don’t support eSIM, depending on the region (especially Chinese/Asian variants).

Check by searching for these in Settings:

  • iPhone: Settings → Mobile Data → Add eSIM

  • Android: Settings → Network → SIMs → Add eSIM

If “Add eSIM” is missing → your device may not support eSIM in your region.


🔒 If Your Phone Is Locked

Contact the carrier you purchased the device from and request an unlock.
They may require:

  • Account details

  • Proof of purchase

  • Device IMEI number

  • Completed contract or payment plan

Once unlocked, you’ll be able to install and use your Figabytes eSIM normally.


🧭 Why Unlocking Matters for Figabytes eSIM

Unlocked devices ensure:

  • Successful eSIM installation

  • No activation errors

  • No “Cellular Plans Cannot Be Added” issues

  • Smooth connection to global partner networks

A locked device will reject your travel eSIM immediately.


📩 Need Help?

If you’re unsure whether your phone is unlocked, send Figabytes Support:

  • Your device model

  • Region (country of purchase)

  • Screenshot of your SIM settings

We’ll help you confirm compatibility in minutes.

Install your eSIM with confidence

Follow this guided checklist from device prep to activation. Figabytes eSIMs stay ready in your account, so you can install today and switch them on the moment you land.

Most unlocked phones from 2018 onward support eSIM. Run these pre-checks now so activation is stress-free when you land.

  • Make sure your device is unlocked and supports eSIM (iPhone XR/XS or newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 or newer, Google Pixel 4 or newer, and most recent flagships).
  • Stay connected to Wi-Fi during installation so the eSIM profile downloads instantly.

iPhone & iPad

Settings → General → About. Under "Digital SIM," confirm an EID is listed.

Android

Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs (or Connections). Look for "Add eSIM" or "Download a SIM instead."

Unsure about compatibility? Ask our team before you buy.