The only way to know for certain that your phone is unlocked is to review your current policy with your carrier. A carrier-locked phone is tied to a single network provider, meaning you can’t switch to other carriers unless the phone is unlocked. Generally, the device is locked when you have received a discount on your device in exchange for a term contract with your carrier. The carriers lock the phone to prevent the device from switching between carriers while the term contract is in effect.
Some carriers specify eligibility requirements for unlocking, such as completing a minimum activation period and resolving financial commitments like paying off the phone's installment plan.
Carrier locks matter significantly for eSIM usage, as a locked phone prevents the installation of eSIMs from providers such as Nomad. This means you won’t be able to activate Nomad eSIMs or use other providers until the phone is unlocked.
Carrier-locked devices are entirely unable to install eSIMs, making unlocking a critical step for compatibility with various eSIM providers.
For US, we’ve provided contact information below to contact the major carriers to check whether your phone is unlocked. Be sure to provide your carrier with your IMEI. You can get your IMEI in your phone’s Settings → General → About.
Alternatively, you can self-check your phone's lock status.
You can also check for an "Add eSIM" option in your device settings. If available, it likely indicates an unlocked phone.
For iOS Devices
Open the Settings app.
Navigate to General > About.
Scroll down to find Carrier Lock or Network Provider Lock.
Additionally, locked phones may show an error message stating: "Cellular plans from this carrier cannot be added" when trying to set up an eSIM.
If you see 'No SIM restrictions', your phone is unlocked and can use eSIMs across various providers, including Nomad.
If it doesn’t say this, the device is still locked to your carrier.
For Android Devices
Go to Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Network Operators.
Disable Select Automatically.
Wait a few seconds. If you see multiple available carrier networks, your phone is unlocked. If only your carrier appears, your phone is locked.
Carrier lock indicators on your device can include specific messages or restricted functionality. For instance, iOS devices may show 'No SIM restrictions', indicating an unlocked status, while locked phones may display a message such as 'Cellular plans from this carrier cannot be added' when trying to set up an eSIM.
If your phone is locked and you want to unlock it, please follow these steps:
Check Your Contract: Determine if the lock is due to an ongoing carrier contract or other obligations.
Contact Your Carrier: Reach out to the carrier to confirm the lock status and request unlocking. Some carriers require completion of an activation duration and/or resolving all financial dues.
Request the Unlock: If your phone meets the eligibility criteria, request an unlock. Most carriers have processes in place, and it may take several days for the unlock to activate.
Verify the Unlock Status: Check device settings for the "No SIM restrictions" message or try installing an eSIM.
Device Manufacturers or Retailers: Contact manufacturers like Apple or the retailer where you purchased your phone if network restrictions were applied by them.
If your carrier refuses to unlock your phone and you’ve attempted to use Nomad’s services unsuccessfully, you may be eligible for a refund under Nomad's policy. Ensure the eSIM is unused or unactivated and make a refund request by providing your order ID, registered email address, and proof (e.g., screenshots showing the locked device). Once deleted from a locked device, an eSIM can generally be reinstalled on another device.