Before you purchase an eSim China data Plan, you need to first make sure that your phone supports the eSim functionality. Unfortunately, this is not available for all phones

Ever found yourself puzzled by the term ‘unlocked phone’? You’re not alone. This article dives deep into what unlocked phones are, their benefits and why understanding the difference between locked and unlocked can be crucial for your mobile freedom and satisfaction.

What does an unlocked phone mean?

Unlocked phones allow you to effortlessly swap SIM cards from different carriers into your phone, providing unparalleled freedom and choice in selecting your mobile service. This enables you to adapt your phone usage to your lifestyle, whether it’s optimizing for cost, coverage or traveling internationally, ensuring your mobile needs are always met with the perfect plan.

What does an unlocked phone mean?

Absolutely! An unlocked phone is built to work with any carrier’s network, making them versatile enough to meet any wireless needs you have. This freedom allows you to enjoy improved coverage and potentially better plan prices, offering a world of possibilities to enhance your mobile experience without worrying about the compatibility issues that often come with locked devices.

What is a locked phone?

Imagine a phone that’s loyal to only one carrier, not by choice but by design. That’s a locked phone for you. It can’t switch until it’s officially unlocked, tethering you to one carrier’s network, plans and coverage areas, regardless of your needs. This restriction can limit your ability to seek out more competitive rates or better coverage from other providers, potentially keeping you from optimizing your mobile experience based on your personal or travel requirements.

What is GSM unlocked?

A GSM unlocked phone can connect with carriers on the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) standard, the primary technology for mobile networks globally. Ideal for international travelers and those who wish to easily switch carriers, these phones liberate users from the constraints of being tied to a single network and accept SIM cards from any GSM service provider, including Ultra Mobile.

A GSM Unlocked phone means a phone can now use any SIM cards of GSM network (such as AT&T and T-Mobile). It’s a term common in the phone market.

Usually, an unlocked GSM phone is more expensive than a locked one. Most of people prefer buying a locked phone and then unlock it with a small fee to save money.

How to Know if My Phone is GSM Unlocked?

Determining if your phone Is GSM unlocked is very easy, and there are 3 ways for you to find out.

  1. Check Settings (for iPhone and Android)
  2. Switch SIM Cards
  3. Using IMEI Checker

1. Check Settings (for iPhone and Android)

  • Iphone

    For iPhone users, go to theSettings app and navigate toCellular > Cellular Data. If there’s an option to select or change the Cellular Data Network, this means that your phone is likely GSM unlocked.

  • Android Phones

    For Android users, go to theSettings app and navigate toConnections > Mobile Networks > Network Operators. The exact path might differ depending on your Android device model, but it will be similar.
In this menu, tap on the Search Now button and a scan for available carriers will be run. If you can connect to different networks, this means your phone is GSM unlocked.

2. Switch SIM Cards

  • A more reliable way of checking a phone’s unlock status is to enter a SIM card from a different carrier. By doing this, you can check if your phone can successfully connect to another network.
  • If it can, and you’re able to send texts and make phone calls, this indicates that the phone has been GSM unlocked.

3. Using IMEI Checker

  • Iphone

    For iPhone users

    • Check the unlock status in the same way as you do with the Samsung phones
    • Then, dial *#06# to check the eSIM capacity.
    • In case your device is eSIM-compatible, you should be able to view your device’s eSIM unique identification number (EID)

  • Android Phones

    • Going to Settings
    • If in Settings you see a search bar, typing in “IMEI”, and the option “IMEI information” (or similar) should show up (otherwise, you will need to go to About phone> Status).
    • Tap “IMEI information”
    • If the “IMEI (eSIM)” is available, it should mean that your device supports eSIM.

GSM Unlocked vs CDMA Unlocked, What’s the Difference?

  • GSM Unlocked vs CDMA Unlocked, What’s the Difference?

    You might be wondering what the difference between GSM unlocked and CDMA unlocked is. Although they’re very similar, there are some notable differences to keep in mind.

    A GSM phone stores all of your network data on the SIM card so to unlock the phone, you actually have to unlock the SIM card. Doing this is as simple as getting an unlock code, typing it into the phone, and unlocking it.

    A CDMA phone stores all of your network data on the phone’s hardware, not the SIM card. So, unlocking a CDMA phone usually requires computer software.

  • GSM Unlocked vs Fully Unlocked (Factory Unlocked)

    This is another question we see a lot, and the difference between these is very clear.

    A GSM unlocked phone has been unlocked from a carrier at some point, meaning that it was previously locked.

    On the other hand, a fully unlocked (factory unlocked) phone has never been locked to a carrier and was distributed without a carrier lock.

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How can I tell if my phone is unlocked?

Now that you’re clued into what an unlocked phone is, you might be itching to unlock your device. Here’s how to do it:

If you’re using a prepaid or pay-as-you-go plan, there’s a good chance your phone is already unlocked. The FCC mandates that carriers unlock prepaid phones within a year of activation.

For Android Users:

  • Go to Settings
  • Tap on Connections (this might vary as Networks, Mobile Networks, or Cellular Networks depending on your device)
  • Select Network Operators
  • If a list of available networks shows up, your phone is likely unlocked. However, if only one or no network options are presented, your phone is probably locked.

For iPhone Users:

  • Go to Settings
  • Select Cellular
  • If you see Cellular Data as an option under the Cellular menu, congratulations, your iPhone is unlocked. If the Cellular Data Network option isn’t visible, then your device is still locked.

Contact Your Wireless Carrier:
Another reliable method is to directly contact your carrier. They can tell you whether your phone is unlocked and, if necessary, unlock it for you. You’ll need to provide your IMEI number, which can be found by dialing “*#06#” on your phone. Alternatively, visiting your carrier’s store or checking via their website or app are also viable options.

SIM Card Swap Test:

A practical way to check your phone’s status is by swapping SIM cards. Here’s how:

  • Power off your phone and locate the SIM card tray. You might need a SIM ejector tool or a paperclip to open it.
  • Remove your current SIM card and replace it with one from a different carrier.
  • Power your phone back on. If it requests a code to unlock the SIM, your phone is locked to your carrier. Conversely, if you can make calls and use the phone normally, it’s unlocked.

How to unlock a phone?

Unlocking your phone allows you to switch carriers and use your device internationally with ease. For most carriers, including Verizon and AT&T, the process begins after your phone is fully paid off and involves a waiting period — typically 60 days for Verizon and a similar timeframe for AT&T. After meeting your carrier’s requirements, you can usually request an unlock online or by contacting customer service. Confirmation of unlocking is often communicated through email or direct contact, ensuring your device is ready for use on any compatible network

What you’ll need to unlock your phone

To unlock your phone, you’ll need the following things:

  1. Account holder’s name and current account number
  2. Your device’s IMEI number (dial *#06# on your keypad to retrieve this number) or go to Settings > About
  3. Your current phone number
  4. The account holder’s Social Security Number and/or password. Typically, you’ll need your Social Security Number if you’re trying to unlock online. In other instances, such as when speaking with a representative, your account number or password will work.
  5. A completed contract and/or device payment plan

All Steps to unlock a phone

  • How to unlock iPhone

    In addition to the requirements listed above, here’s what you’ll need to do to unlock your iPhone:

    1. Make sure you’re eligible to unlock your phone
      Haven’t paid off your phone or signed up for a long-term contract? You may not be able to unlock your phone just yet.
    2. Contact your carrier
      Either via phone, email or online request form. 
    3. Verify your identity with your current carrier

    4. Wait for confirmation that they’ve begun the unlocking process
      This process may take a few days to complete.
    5. Complete the unlocking process per their instructions
      Every carrier may have slightly different instructions for unlocking.
    6. Receive confirmation that your phone is unlocked
      You’re good to go ahead and switch carriers at this point!

  • How to unlock Android

    In addition to the requirements listed above, here’s what you’ll need to do to unlock your Android. Like with an iPhone, only your current carrier can unlock your phone.

    1. Make sure you’re eligible to unlock your phone
      Haven’t paid off your phone or signed up for a long-term contract? You may not be able to unlock your phone just yet.
    2. Contact your carrier
      Either via phone, email or online request form. 
    3. Verify your identity with your current carrier

    4. Wait for confirmation that they’ve begun the unlocking process
      This process may take a few days to complete.
    5. Complete the unlocking process per their instructions
      Every carrier may have slightly different instructions for unlocking.
    6. Receive confirmation that your phone is unlocked
      You’re good to go ahead and switch carriers at this point!

Conclusion

That wraps up our guide on GSM unlocked phones. Even though our focus was on GSM phones, much of what we covered can be applied to CDMA phones too.

Your carrier will be able to assist you with unlocking your phone via support chat / email or hotline.