How to unlock eSIM on iPhone for free? Phonico Guide

You can contact the device carrier to unlock the eSIM on your iPhone for free. If you are eligible, the carrier takes a few days to unlock your device.  

An eSIM card is the premium hack for international travellers to access cellular data. But what if your iPhone is locked to a single carrier? With the locked eSIM on iPhone, you can’t switch to multiple carriers. While trying to use the other SIM, your device might show “SIM Restriction”. 

Are you dealing with a similar issue? Take it easy, you can unlock it. The article is a comprehensive guide to unlocking eSIM on iPhone for free. Moreover, provides the steps to verify your device status and the flexible way to get connectivity without spending a penny.

What Does “Locked iPhone” Mean for eSIM Users?

The locked iPhone means that it is tied to a specific network. With such a restriction, you can’t add another carrier SIM or eSIM profile to the device. The locked iPhone during travel don’t let you use and switch between the different carriers, even if the device supports eSIM. 

If you bought the iPhone from the network provider, it might have a SIM restriction. To get rid of carrier restrictions, you should contact the provider.  

How to Check if Your eSIM is Locked?

The following are some steps you can follow to verify your iPhone eSIM lock. 

Use iPhone settings

• Open the Settings app on your iPhone. 
• Scroll to the General and About sections. 
• Move to the Carrier Lock. 
• In this section, if it shows “No SIM Restriction”, it means your iPhone is unlocked.
• On the other hand, if the carrier name is listed, your device is locked.  

Insert another carrier's SIM

• Insert the other carrier's SIM ( eSIM or nano-SIM) in the iPhone. 
• If the plan is activated in the device, it refers unlocked iPhone. 
• “SIM Not Supported” means the device is restricted to a carrier. 

Contact your carrier

Contact your carrier and ask to verify your device's eSIM unlock. Provide the IMEI/IMEI2 number for verification.

Why Unlock Your iPhone for eSIM?

The carrier-locked iPhones are allowed to use the eSIM they are restricted to. Users can’t enjoy the connectivity freedom during international trips. The following are some benefits of having an unlocked iPhone for eSIM.

• Easy carrier switching: With an unlocked device, you can switch between multiple eSIM carrier plans and get a stable connection. 
• Cost-effective travel: During international travel, you don’t necessarily need to rely on data roaming. You can buy affordable travel data plans and save money. 
• Store multiple eSIMs: You can store multiple digital SIMs in the unlocked device. With dual SIM, you can manage work and personal lines separately. 
• Convenience: If your device is unlocked, it's convenient for you to buy the data plans according to your preference.  

Free Way to Unlock eSIM on iPhone

You can use the third-party app to unlock the iPhone, but it costs money. Sometimes it's a scam, so you need proper research to go with this method.

The other method is to contact your carrier to unlock the eSIM on an iPhone for free. To go through the procedure, there are some requirements you should consider. 

1. iPhone unlock criteria

Your service provider requires you to meet some criteria. These include completing your contract and clearing the bills to unlock the iPhone. Here is how you can find the requirements.

• Visit the carrier's official site and search for the requirements for the device carrier unlock. 
• Contact the customer service to get the accurate and updated details. 
• Review the documents and contracts you received when you bought the device. These might contain the carrier unlock information. 

2. Contact your device carrier

If you fulfil the criteria, contact the carrier to which your device is locked. The following is some information your provider may ask for. 

• The carrier requires the IMEI number for verification. In the keypad dial *#06#, the IMEI number will be shown on your device. 
• Keep your account information ready, including billing details and security questions. 
• You should know the details about your iPhone, like the model, purchase date and software version. 
• The carrier may ask you the reason for the unlock, so be prepared to answer. 

3. iPhone unlock request 

Based on the given details, you can request your carrier to unlock the eSIM on an iPhone. Once you provide all the information correctly, the procedure will take a few days or weeks to complete. 

The carrier provides you with the instructions to follow on the iPhone to unlock it.

4. Receive the unlock confirmation

Once the process is completed, the carrier sends the confirmation via email or SMS. Now you are free to use multiple carriers' embedded SIMs without any restrictions. 

How to set up the new carrier SIM on an iPhone?

To start using the new SIM, select the reliable eSIM carrier. If you are looking for a premium eSIM to travel to the USA, Phonico is the ideal option. The provider offers cost-effective data plans with unlimited talk and text. 

Once you buy an eSIM for the USA, the carrier will send you the details to activate the eSIM, including QR code, SM-DP+ address and activation code. You can manually set up eSIM on your iPhone or via QR code scan. 

The following are the steps to follow to install and activate a digital SIM. 

• Go to the Settings app on your iPhone. 
• Move to Cellular and Set up eSIM or Add eSIM.
• Select QR code activation and scan the code from your device camera. 
• You can also manually add the activation details and SM-DP+ address in settings. 
• Then follow the on-screen instructions. 
• After a few minutes, the digital SIM will be activated in your device.

Common Problems While Unlocking eSIM

SIM not supported

After following the unlock process, sometimes the devices still show SIM not supported. In such a case, you should contact the carrier again and request for reconsider. 

Activation error

If the digital SIM activation fails, you should update the iPhone software. Reconsider the activation settings; if there is a mistake, it leads to an activation error. 

No service issue

If the virtual SIM is installed but no service is available, you should reset the network settings.