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10 Feb 2026
There are three ways to check your Android device whether its network is unlocked or locked. The fastest one is to insert another carrier network SIM and restart to see if the call or data is working. If not, it means your phone is locked to a specific network. You can also check the status from the settings.
When you are on an international trip, you grab a local SIM at the airport, slide it into your phone… and nothing happens. Calls fail, data won’t load, and frustration sets in. Most of the time, it’s not the SIM. It’s because your phone is still locked to your old carrier.
An unlocked Android saves you from that mess. It lets you slip in a new SIM or download an eSIM profile and get online in minutes.
This is where Yaalo eSIM becomes handy. Instead of lining up at an airport kiosk or worrying if your phone will accept a local SIM, Yaalo partners with global carriers to give you instant coverage on your Android, provided it’s unlocked. That’s why checking your lock status now is worth the five minutes it takes. If it turns out locked, follow our detailed guide to unlock your network-locked device easily.
A locked phone limits your choices. You’re stuck with one carrier, one set of roaming rates, and no flexibility. For travelers, that usually means paying more than you should.
If your phone is unlocked, the story changes. You can use eSIMs like Yaalo to jump between local plans in different countries, avoid surprise roaming bills, and even keep your main number active while running data on another line. The freedom comes down to one thing: knowing whether your Android phone is unlocked.
When something technically happens to people with little or no knowledge about tech, they get very frustrated. This is because of no guidance among them. However, not knowing about your Android device's locked or unlock status is alarming, especially for travellers.
The following are the 3 methods that anyone is able to follow, and without any frustration, confirm the status of the device before travelling:
This is the most practical test, and you can do it right now if you have a spare SIM.
If you see bars after a restart, it means you can connect to any network because the phone is not locked. If no bars and the screen flashes “SIM not supported” or asks for an unlock code, your phone is carrier-locked.
Not everyone has a spare SIM lying around, so Android’s settings menu is the next best place. The following two brands have the most eSIM-compatible devices in the market, with different style menus:
If you only see your current carrier with no way to add another, you’re probably still locked.
If you want a definite answer, your IMEI is the key. Every Android phone has this unique ID, and carriers use it to confirm the device’s lock status. Just perform the following steps on your Android device:
1. Dial *#06# and your IMEI number will pop up instantly.
2. Or go to Settings → About Phone → Status.
Once you have the IMEI, check it against your carrier’s website or contact their support. Some networks even have online tools where you paste in the IMEI and instantly see if your phone is unlocked.
Yes, it takes a bit longer than the SIM test, but it’s the most reliable way if you don’t want to guess.
Don’t panic! Most carriers will unlock your device once certain conditions are met. Usually, that means the contract is paid off or you’ve been a customer for a set period. You can request an unlock code, enter it when prompted, and free your phone for good.
It’s worth doing because an unlocked phone gives you full flexibility. Travelers will get cheaper data, smoother roaming, and the option to use eSIM technology without restrictions.
No one will tell you this because their sales get hurt, but if you’re planning to use an eSIM service like Yaalo, your Android must be unlocked. Why?
Because buying and activating an eSIM is the digital version of swapping SIM cards, if your device is locked, it will reject the activation.
With an unlocked phone, you can scan a QR code, activate a plan, and connect to cellular data without ever touching a plastic SIM. That’s what makes unlocked Android phones a perfect match for modern travelers and digital nomads.
Staying connected on the move starts with an unlocked phone. Once you know your Android is free from carrier limits, you can swap networks or set up eSIM without hassle.
And when it comes to eSIM, a simple QR code setup, transparent data plans, and local, regional, or Global coverage is only offer by Yaalo.
No hunting for SIM cards, no hidden catches. Just reliable service when you need it most. Unlock your phone, activate Yaalo, and travel with confidence.
Yes! But you’ll likely hit problems if it’s locked. A locked phone may refuse to accept a foreign SIM, show error messages, or block data. If you're planning travel, this is a good test. Insert the local SIM. If it works (calls, texts, data connect), your phone is unlocked. If not, you’ll need to verify via IMEI or get an unlock code from the original carrier.
No! Checking unlock status via settings, trying another SIM, or querying IMEI doesn’t affect warranty or harm your device. These are read-only acts. Just avoid third-party unlocking software that asks for root access or changed firmware, which can risk warranty voiding or worse. Always use carrier-approved methods or well-known tools.
It depends on the carrier and your country. In many places, once you meet the eligibility requirements (like having paid off your device or completing minimum contract time), the unlock process happens within 24-72 hours. Sometimes it’s instantaneous if the unlock is software-based. If you’re working with Yaalo eSIM later, getting unlocked ahead of travel gives you more time to set up without stress.
