[eSIM] Smartphone SIM Lock and How to Unlock It

Do you "SIM lock"

It would be a problem if you scanned the QR code of an eSIM that you thought you could use right away, only to find that the eSIM doesn't work due to a problem with the specifications of your smartphone or other device

This time, we will introduce how to deal with such situations by explaining SIM locks and how to unlock them yourself

What is SIM lock?

SIM lock refers to a state in which the SIM is locked and cannot be used.

This means that whether it is a physical SIM or an eSIM, the telecommunications carrier locks down devices such as smartphones so that they can only be used with their own network

In principle, devices sold after October 2021 do not have this SIM lock , but devices purchased before that may be locked so that they can only be used with the seller's network.

SIM unlock procedure - iOS version -

First, make sure your device is SIM-locked

Settings > General > About > SIM Lock

→ If the SIM is locked, "SIM locked" will be displayed

Next, check the IMEI number of your device

Settings > General > About > IMEI number

→ If your phone supports dual SIM, two IMEI numbers may appear. Generally, please check the IMEI number, not IMEI2.

Once you have confirmed this information, log in to your carrier's official website and follow the instructions to proceed with the SIM unlock procedure

Once the process is complete, check whether the eSIM you purchased is usable and set it up

SIM Unlock Procedure - Android -

Again, make sure your device is SIM-locked

However, depending on the model and OS version, you may be able to check it from the settings screen, or you may not be able to check it at all

If you are unable to check this in the settings, try loading a different eSIM and see if an error occurs

Next, check the IMEI number

Settings > About phone > Status > IMEI number

→ If your phone supports dual SIM, two IMEI numbers may appear. Generally, please check the IMEI number, not IMEI2.

Once you have done this, log in to your carrier's official website and follow the instructions to unlock your SIM

Once the process is complete, check whether the eSIM you purchased is usable and set it up

* For Android OS, the IMEI number may be displayed differently depending on the device. Please check the information for your device.

summary

In this article, we have explained the steps to unlock a SIM card yourself, but if your carrier has a store, you may be able to bring your smartphone in and complete the procedure there.

Of course, even in this case, you will still need to check the IMEI number mentioned above, so it may be a good idea to check it in advance and inform the person in charge to make things go more smoothly

We hope this article helps resolve errors for those using eSIM