August 19, 2026

Checking that your phone is unlocked

How to check for a carrier lock on iPhone and Android — and how to get your phone unlocked if it isn't.

A phone that's locked to your old carrier can't activate our eSIM — so this is worth checking before anything else. Here's how to check on both platforms, and what to do if you're locked.

Check your lock status

  1. Open Settings, tap General, then About.
  2. Scroll down to Carrier Lock (older iOS versions may say Network Provider Lock).
  3. If it says No SIM restrictions, your phone is unlocked and ready to switch.
  4. If it says anything else, the phone is locked to your current carrier.

If your phone is locked

Only your current carrier can unlock it — Apple can't, and neither can we. The process is straightforward, just not instant:

  1. Make sure the phone is paid off. Most carriers require a zero device balance before they'll unlock.
  2. Request the unlock through your carrier's app, website, or support line. Ask for a "device unlock" for your IMEI.
  3. Wait for confirmation. Unlocks can take a few days to process on the carrier's side.
  4. Re-check the status using the steps above. On iPhone, wait for "No SIM restrictions" before submitting your switch.

Once it shows unlocked, send us a note and we'll get your switch moving.

Checking that your phone is unlocked | Wizard Perks