Can you use an eSIM on a locked iPhone?
A locked iPhone accepts an eSIM from the carrier it is locked to. An eSIM from any other carrier will not work until the iPhone is unlocked.
Photo by User_Pascal on Unsplash
Many eSIM sellers say any iPhone that supports eSIM will work. That is only true for an unlocked iPhone. A carrier lock is a rule set by the carrier that sold the iPhone, usually while you still owe money on it. The iPhone compares the carrier on the eSIM with the carrier it is locked to, and it only activates when they match.
What works and what does not
- Works: an eSIM from the carrier the iPhone is locked to, such as moving your own line to eSIM.
- Does not work: an eSIM from a different carrier, a travel eSIM or a prepaid eSIM from another provider.
- Works after unlocking: any eSIM from any carrier, as long as the iPhone model supports eSIM.
How to check if your iPhone is locked
- 1
Open Settings › General › About.
- 2
Scroll to Carrier Lock.
It says No SIM restrictions if the iPhone is unlocked. If it shows a restriction message, the iPhone is locked.
- 3
Not sure? Ask the carrier.
The carrier can tell you whether the iPhone is locked and when it can be unlocked.
Our guide to checking if your phone is unlocked shows more ways to check, including with a different SIM.
How to unlock your iPhone for any eSIM
Only the carrier that locked the iPhone can unlock it. Most carriers unlock an iPhone when you have paid it off or finished the contract, and some after a set number of days on their network. Ask the carrier, follow their steps, and wait for the confirmation. After that, restart the iPhone and check Carrier Lock again. Our guide to unlocking an iPhone from a carrier explains the process.
Traveling with a locked iPhone
If your iPhone is locked and you are going abroad, a travel eSIM will not work. Instead, use your own carrier's international option, such as a day pass or an international plan, or buy a local SIM only after the iPhone is unlocked. Wi-Fi calling can also keep you in touch on hotel Wi-Fi. See using your iPhone in Europe for options.
Buying a used iPhone? Check the lock first
A locked iPhone can look the same as an unlocked one, and the lock decides which eSIM it can use. Before you pay, check Carrier Lock in Settings and confirm it says No SIM restrictions. Also check that your iPhone model supports eSIM, which you can do in our guide to which iPhones support eSIM.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use an eSIM on a locked iPhone?
Only an eSIM from the same carrier the iPhone is locked to. An eSIM from a different carrier will not activate until the iPhone is unlocked.
How do I check if my iPhone is locked?
Open Settings › General › About and look for Carrier Lock. It says No SIM restrictions on an unlocked iPhone, and shows a restriction message on a locked one.
Will a travel eSIM work on a locked iPhone?
Usually not. A travel eSIM is from another provider, so a carrier locked iPhone will refuse it. Unlock the iPhone first, or use your own carrier's international plan.
How do I unlock my iPhone so I can use any eSIM?
Ask the carrier that locked it. Carriers unlock an iPhone when you meet their conditions, such as having paid it off. Check our unlock guide for the steps.
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