Is my phone unlocked? How does this impact its usage?
It’s crucial to confirm the unlocking status of your phone, particularly if you’re planning on changing carriers or purchasing a secondhand device.
Furthermore, we’ll discuss what actions to take if the phone is indeed locked.
There are multiple ways to determine if your phone is unlocked depending on whether you own an iPhone or Android device.
How to tell if an iPhone is unlocked
If you’re using iOS 14 or any later version, verifying whether your iPhone is unlocked has become more straightforward.
Simply navigate to Settings > General > About and spot the Carrier Lock section.
If it displays No SIM restrictions message, then that means no limitations are applied on your iPhone, indicating an unlock state.
However, a SIM locked status suggests restricted usage as carrier lock binds the phone to a specific network provider.
How to check if an Andriod is Unlocked
Unlike iOS, Android does not offer a straightforward way to verify your SIM status.
Although the most uncomplicated approach may have some flaws, it is still worthwhile attempting it.
If you wish to confirm whether your Android device is unlocked, access the Settings menu and locate Network & Internet.
Alongside SIMs (or Mobile network for previous versions of Android), there will be a Plus symbol; click on this icon.
This option enables users to add an additional network connection if their phone supports it – note that if your device is locked onto one carrier, this feature won’t function correctly.
Check if your Phone is Unlocked using Physical sim
- To confirm everything is in order, place a phone call using your current SIM card. If you prefer not to disturb someone, consider calling a local automated weather service or similar option.
- After verifying that the call has been successful, turn off your mobile device.
- Employ either a SIM removal tool or pointed object such as a bent paper clip to eject the existing SIM and replace it with the new one.
- Switch on your phone again now sporting its new SIM card.
- If utilizing an eSIM for this evaluation instead of steps 2-4 above, abide by carrier guidelines outlined.
- For installation processes when implementing said eSIM;
- Be sure to make any test calls via temporary eSIM connections rather than primary ones from physical cards during use assessments and experimentation phases.
Your phone is considered unlocked if the second SIM call successfully goes through.
Conlusion
As previously noted, having an unlocked phone allows for use with various mobile service providers.
This means that switching carriers and connecting to a new network using a different SIM card or eSIM.
On the other hand, a phone that is locked can only be used with the carrier it was originally bought from.
If you purchase a phone through Verizon and it’s in a locked state, using another service provider’s SIM card won’t be possible unless Verizon unlocks your device first.
Basically, the selection of carriers hinges on whether or not your smartphone has been unlocked by its initial vendor.
