Do I need to unlock the phone to use eSIM from a different carrier?

I’m taking an international trip and must use a local line for business. eSIM seems like an obvious solution, but my phone is still within the lease, so it’s still locked. Unlocking the phone is out of the question, but can I use an eSIM from a local carrier without unlocking the phone?

iPhone 12 Pro Max

Posted on Aug 15, 2022 6:19 PM

Similar questions

traveling to europe next month and i just got my iphone 14 plus question is is my esim locked by apple or my carrier when delivered? Secondly does any one knows traveling to europe who is best carrier to buy esim from in europe that works properly? was advise by verizon my carrier that my newly purchase iphone 14 Plus esim is locked by apple &/or carrier and cannot be used right away since it was just recently purchased. Apple locks it since it is less than 60 days travel to europe? Any suggestions of european carrier that works and tested well with my esim phone?
527 2
Adding an Additional eSIM to Carrier-Locked iPhone 15 for International Travel As the title says, I currently have a phone plan with AT&T with my iPhone 15, bought in the US. My phone is currently "SIM Locked" when checking Settings>General>About>Carrier Lock. But I have read through various places online that "Carrier lock does not affect the number of eSIMs a iPhone 15 can have" and that "Even if a phone is locked to a carrier, you can still have two active eSIMs on an iPhone 15." I will be traveling to Europe in the next month, and was wanting to go with a travel eSIM service like Airalo (data only, no messaging/calls), so I wanted to understand if I could still go forward with using a service like that for my locked phone or not.
3518 1
Esim isn’t supported by my carrier Hello I bought an iPhone 14 pro max, esim is not supported by my Carrier. Can I switch it back?
569 1

1 reply

Phil0124

Level 10

215,630 points

Aug 15, 2022 6:25 PM in response to Cornfly888

No. The phone must be unlocked to use sim cards from different carriers.

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Do I need to unlock the phone to use eSIM from a different carrier?

Welcome to Apple Support Community

A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.

Learn more Sign up