[eSIM] Smartphone SIM Lock and How to Unlock It

you"SIM lock"familiar with the term

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, as the name suggests, refers to a state where a SIM card 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

Devices sold after October 2021 generallydo not have this SIM lock,but devices purchased before that date may be locked to only be usable on the retailer'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 SIMs, you may see two IMEI numbers.Generally, 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 SIMs, you may see two IMEI numbers.Generally, 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 users, the display of the IMEI number may vary depending on the device.Please check according to your device.

summary

This article explains the procedure for unlocking a SIM lock on your phone yourself, butif your mobile carrier has physical stores, you may be able to bring your smartphone in and complete the procedure at the store.

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

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The person who wrote this article

About the author

Masahiro Takagi

After graduating from university, I joined a certain SIer company and
started my career as an infrastructure engineer.
I joined Beyond in June 2021 and
am currently in the System Solutions Department.
I mainly provide 24/7 operation, maintenance, and monitoring services for servers/clouds used by companies that develop web-based services.

My certifications are as follows:
① AWS SAA
② LPIC 101