How to Unlock Network-Locked Device: 2026 Guide to eSIM Freedom

Smartphones are upgrading at a high speed providing more and more of the technology marvels. Different manufacturers are in the race to provide more than others, intorducing devices that are carrier locked. Where carrier locked phones are introduce to keep the user on their network only, many users especially travelers have report serious issues.

What happened is that locked devices do not allow you to switch between carriers leaving you stuck with your physical SIM card that allowed by the carrier. This mean you are not able to use eSIM on a locked device. But here comes me with my research to unlock network locked device.

To utilise the modern communication technology eSIM, I have done some research and find out that unlocking a network locked device is not that difficult, its just the hype. Let’s get started!

What Does Network Locked Device Really Means?

Have you ever felt that your freedom is a hostage? Like you have the power to do something but you are forcefully stopped from doing that. Network locked devices doen the same with you by stopping you from using the eSIM.

Once you bought your device from the carrier of your choice, they will restrict you to use any other SIM on that device, making it a network locked device. Now you can not use any other SIM while traveling and only pay the high roaming fee of the carrier your are locked to.

The Frustration is Real:

• Sounds hurting that you cannot switch to any other local SIM when you are travelling.
• You know about eSIM and its perks but unable to use it because you have a locked device.
• You paid the full price of the device you bought but you can only use one single SIM on that. How brutal is that?

But I have good news: This frustrating problem has solutions that allow you to have your freedom.

Signs Your Device is Locked

How can you tell that your device is locked or how to know about this? The following are the situations that refers to your locked device:

• When you isert any other SIM in your device, “SIM Not Supported” message pops up.
• No use of eSIM is allowed but your device model is eSIM supported.
• No carrier settings and no switching networks options available.
• You cannot use dual SIM functionality.

How to Unlock a Network Locked Device?

When you purchase a phone from a specific carrier, it means either you are buying that phone on installments or you are just attracted towards the low price. That low price attraction could cost you your freedom of using other SIMs or eSIM.

The following are the steps you can follow to unlock network locked device:

Check Your Contract

Most carriers offer cheap installments on latest devices so that users can find them attractive. Buy actually they are taking your freedom of switching networks or use eSIM. I your installaments are not paid yet, there is no way you can unlock your device until you paid off.

Contact Your Carrier

When you are in need of unlocking your locked device because you are planning a trip to any country, Contact your carrier. The only way to unlock your device is to give an application to the carrier. Some carriers have their app or some offer customer service extensions to file your applications. They may ask for your IMEI number. Dial *#06# to find out the IMEI number.

Wait For Confirmation

After submitting your application to unlock the network-locked device, you need to wait. Once everything is verified on the carrier’s end, you will receive the confirmation of the device status to be unlocked.

Insert a New SIM or Add an eSIM

The end to the frustration where you are able to use other network SIM or finally add an eSIM like Yaalo eSIM by just scanning QR code. Your Yaalo eSIM will get activated in seconds.

Why Unlocking Matters More Than Ever in 2026?

Tech trends are evolving so does the usage. Users demand convenience, flexibility, more freedom, and comfort. But with locked device you lost your freedom, pay higher, and get slow speed Internet. eSIM allows you all what you wish when you are traveling. A fast Internet, unintruptable connectivity, freedom of calling or using data anywhere.

All the users even students are now shifting towards eSIM because of the facilities. When you have a carrier locked device, you are limited and miss all the perks. That’s why it matters to have unlocked device so that you can enjoy the perks of eSIM services.

Switch to Yaalo eSIM After Unlocking - Why?

Now you have unlocked your locked device and able to switch between any network or eSIM. Try Yaalo eSIM because with Yaalo you can Roam the world, not the fees. Other than this the perks of using a Yaalo eSIM are:

Global, Regional, and Local eSIM Plans

When you buy from Yaalo you are buying the opportunity to connect across 200+ destinations in the world. You are planning for a world tour, a trip to Europe, or visiting a your dream destination country, Yaalo offers you an instant connectivity with different data only and data+voice eSIM plans.

Instant Activation Via QR Code

After selecting your eSIM plan by searching it from the Yaalo.com search bar, you will receive a QR code on your email. You just need to scan the QR code or add manually to enjoy seamless connectivity. No visiting carrier center to get registered and no paying sky high roaming fees.

Budget-Friendly Options

With as low as $2.28 for 1 GB for 7 days, Yaalo offers you extremely affordable eSIM plans with a promise of reliable and fast connectivity. Yaalo believes on pay as you go plan, so that you only pay for what you are using. No hidden or high roaming charges, just pure seamless connectivity.

Unlimited Hotspot Sharing

While most eSIM providers dont allow you hotspot sharing, Yaalo offer unlimited hotspot sharing asper your eSIM plan. You can connect all your devices with Yaalo eSIM hotspot sharing, keeping you online and functional while on a trip to Maldives or anywhere you want.

How to Use Yaalo eSIM after unlocking you locked device?

Once you unlocked your locked device, you are ready to use eSIM if your device is eSIM-compatible. If you choose Yaalo eSIM which may be the best decision for you, you can follow these steps:

• Visit Yaalo eSIM website.
• In the search bar, type your destination and see eSIM plans.
• Buy the relevant eSIM plan and receive your QR code in seconds.
• Scan the QR code under Mobile Data settings of the device or manually enter the code from there.
• After following the on-screen instruction your eSIM is activated instantly.

Note: Your device should be eSIM compatible to use eSIM. You can check for your device eSIM compatibility here! Moreover, It is recommended that you activate your eSIM before your departure so that you can avoid any issues like public internet use or no internet to activate.

Conclusion: Freedom Begins With Unlocking

You can unlock your locked device to enjoy the freedom of connectivity. Switching to other networks and using an eSIM all is possible when you have an unlocked device. By reading this blog, you will find out that unlocking a locked device is much easier that your thought. Never compromise on your freedom of connectivity because it comes with perks of eSIM. Buy Yaalo eSIM online and enjoy the affordability that will save you more to spend on your travel ventures.

FAQs

Can I use eSIM without unlocking my phone?

No, eSIM only works with unlocked devices. You need to unlock your device or buy a new one that is unlocked and eSIM compatible. Visit Yaalo eSIM-compatible device page to see your device is listed there.

How long does it take to unlock a phone?

Average time span could be between 24 to 48 hours. It also involves carrier policies and your contract with them and model of the phone if eSIM compatible.