How to Check eSIM Compatibility and Carrier-Locked Status on Your Device

Updated : 2024-02-22
Are you interested in trying out an eSIM (embedded SIM) for your trip to Japan, but unsure if your smartphone or tablet can use it? This article will help you figure that out.
To use an eSIM or SIM card in Japan, you need to make sure of two things
The confirmation process is very simple and easy and takes less than 30 seconds.

What is EID?

What is EID
So, what is EID? It's a unique identifier linked to the eSIM chip inside devices like smartphones. Think of the eSIM chip as a container. When you install an eSIM 'Profile' into this chip, it enables it to function similarly to a physical SIM card. This is essentially how eSIM technology works in devices.
Having an EID number on your device means it has an eSIM chip, confirming that your phone can handle eSIMs.

How to check for the EID

There are several ways to verify if a device has an EID, but the most common and easy methods are the following.
Now, let's see how to check for the EID.


Using Dial Pad (USSD code)

This method works for iPhone and Android devices.
You can check for the EID by dialing a specific code:
*#06#
*#06#
This won't make an actual call. Once you enter the code, you'll see a screen displaying various numbers and barcodes.
eid
If 'EID' is listed among the information, your device supports eSIM.

From Settings Menu

For iPhones
Go to 'Settings' > 'General' > 'About'.
If your iPhone supports eSIM, you'll find the EID displayed on this screen.
If the 'Carrier Lock' status shows No SIM restrictions
iphone unlock
your iPhone is not SIM-locked, meaning you can use any eSIM/SIM.
If it's SIM-locked, only eSIMs/SIMs from specific carrier(s) can be used. Before using an eSIM in Japan, you should unlock .


For Android devices
go to 'Settings' > 'About phone'.
You'll usually find the EID number listed there. Initially, it might say 'Tap to show info'. Once you tap, the EID number will appear.


Once you confirm that your device supports eSIM, you're all set to enjoy the benefits of eSIM technology, like flexible connectivity!

How to Check Carrier-Locked Status on Your Device

What means carrier lock?

Some mobile operators lock their customers by iPhone IMEI number, a unique identifier.
A mobile carrier lock blocks the device from connecting to other networks rather than the original one. many other carriers are known not to allow their clients to switch out SIM cards by locking the phones.
When an US iPhone user inserts a Japanese SIM card/eSIM into the device, there will be no signal. The same thing happens to handsets locked to other mobile networks.

iOS devices (iPhones and iPads)

If it says "No SIM restrictions". It means your phone is able to connect to more than one network.
If it says the name of a carrier, that means your phone is locked to carrier and it won't be able to accept a new carrier until this is changed. Please contact your carrier to have the phone unlocked.


Android devices (Samsung, Google, etc.)

If you see more than one carrier listed It means your phone is able to connect to more than one network.
If you see only one carrier displayed, it likely means your phone is locked to that particular carrier and won't be able to accept a new carrier until this is changed. Please contact your carrier to have the phone unlocked.