Make sure your device can use travel eSIMs before installation
Before installing a Figabytes eSIM, it’s important to confirm that your smartphone is unlocked.
An unlocked device can connect to different mobile carriers worldwide, which is required for travel eSIMs. If your phone is carrier-locked, the eSIM may fail during installation or activation.
This guide explains how to check whether your iPhone or Android device is unlocked and ready for a Figabytes eSIM.
What does “unlocked” mean?
Unlocked phone
An unlocked device can use:
- Any physical SIM card
- Any compatible eSIM
- Multiple carriers worldwide
Locked phone
A locked device can only use SIMs or eSIMs from the original carrier it was purchased from.
Most travel eSIMs, including Figabytes, require an unlocked device.
Why unlocking matters for travel eSIMs
Unlocked phones help ensure:
- Successful eSIM installation
- Proper activation abroad
- Access to international partner networks
- Fewer setup and connectivity issues
Locked devices may display errors such as:
- Cellular plans cannot be added
- SIM not supported
- Network locked
- eSIM installation failed
How to check if your iPhone is unlocked
Method 1: Check in iPhone settings
This is the fastest and most reliable method.
- Open Settings
- Go to General
- Tap About
- Scroll to Carrier Lock
You may see:
- No SIM restrictions → your iPhone is unlocked
- Any other message → your device may be carrier-locked
Method 2: Test with another SIM card
If you have access to another carrier SIM:
- Insert the SIM card
- Restart the iPhone
- Test calls or mobile data
If the SIM works normally, your device is unlocked.
If you see messages such as:
- SIM not supported
- Invalid SIM
- SIM locked
your device is likely carrier-locked.
How to check if your Android phone is unlocked
Android settings vary by manufacturer, so SIM testing is often the most reliable method.
Method 1: Insert another SIM card
- Insert a SIM card from another carrier
- Restart the device
- Check if the device connects successfully
If the device works normally, it is likely unlocked.
If you see messages such as:
- Network locked
- SIM not allowed
- Invalid SIM
the device may be carrier-locked.
Method 2: Check Android settings
Samsung Galaxy
- Open Settings
- Tap Connections
- Go to Mobile Networks
Some Samsung devices may show lock restrictions or blocked eSIM options if carrier-locked.
Google Pixel
Most Pixel devices do not display lock status directly in settings.
Testing with another SIM card is usually the best method.
Xiaomi, Redmi, and Poco
- Open Settings
- Go to SIM Cards & Mobile Networks
Some models may display activation or carrier restrictions if locked.
How to check if your phone supports eSIM
A device can be unlocked but still not support eSIM functionality.
On iPhone
Go to:
Settings → Mobile Data → Add eSIM
If the Add eSIM option appears, your device supports eSIM.
On Android
Go to:
Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → Add eSIM
If the option is missing, your device may not support eSIM in your region or model variant.
What if my phone is locked?
If your device is locked:
- Contact the original carrier
- Request a device unlock
The carrier may ask for:
- Account information
- IMEI number
- Proof of purchase
- Contract completion details
Once unlocked, your device should support compatible travel eSIMs normally.
Important things to know
- Both eSIM support and unlock status are required
- Some regional phone models may disable eSIM functionality
- Carrier-locked devices may reject international eSIMs
- SIM testing is often the most accurate verification method
Need help checking compatibility?
If you are unsure whether your device is unlocked or supports eSIM, visit Figabytes for additional support and compatibility guidance.