eSIM 'Plan Cannot Be Added'? How to Check if Your Phone is Locked

You’re excited for your trip, you’ve purchased an eSIM for seamless, affordable data, but when you try to install it, your phone hits you with a frustrating error: “Cellular Plan Cannot Be Added.” It’s a common roadblock, and before you worry about a faulty eSIM, there’s one crucial thing to check. The number one reason for this error is that your phone is likely locked to your home carrier’s network.

Don’t worry, this is a solvable problem. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to quickly determine if your phone is carrier-locked and what to do about it. Once your device is unlocked, you’ll be ready to experience the true freedom of travel with providers like Yoho Mobile.

What Exactly is a ‘Carrier-Locked’ Phone?

Simply put, a carrier-locked phone is a device that can only be used on the network of the specific carrier you bought it from. Carriers often sell phones at a discount as part of a contract, and they ‘lock’ the phone to their network to ensure you remain a customer for the duration of that contract.

An unlocked phone, on the other hand, is free from these restrictions. It can accept a SIM card or an eSIM from any carrier in the world. This is essential for using international eSIMs, as they operate on different networks from your home provider. Before purchasing any travel eSIM, it’s always a good idea to confirm your phone is on the official eSIM compatible devices list and is unlocked.

3 Quick Ways to Check if Your Phone is Unlocked

Unsure about your phone’s status? Here are three simple methods to find out if your phone is unlocked and ready for an eSIM.

1. Check in Your Phone’s Settings (The Easiest Method)

This is the fastest way to check, and you don’t need any extra equipment.

• For iOS (iPhone):

  1. Go to Settings > General > About.
  2. Scroll down to the Carrier Lock section.
  3. If it says “No SIM restrictions,” congratulations! Your iPhone is unlocked and ready for a Yoho Mobile eSIM.
  4. If it lists a carrier name or says “SIM locked,” your phone is locked.

• For Android:

  1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet (or Connections).
  2. Select Mobile Network or SIM Cards.
  3. Look for an option called Network Operators or a similar name.
  4. If you can see and select from a list of different network providers, your phone is likely unlocked. If the option is greyed out or only shows your current carrier, it’s probably locked.

2. The Physical SIM Card Test

If the settings menu is unclear, a real-world test is your next best bet.

1. Borrow a SIM card from a friend or family member who uses a different carrier than you.
2. Turn off your phone and swap your SIM card with theirs.
3. Turn your phone back on.
4. If you can make a call or use cellular data, your phone is unlocked. If you see an error message like “Invalid SIM” or it doesn’t connect, your phone is locked.

3. Contact Your Carrier Directly

This is the most definitive method. Call your mobile carrier’s customer service line and simply ask, “Is my phone unlocked for use with other carriers?” They can give you a clear answer and, if your phone is locked but eligible, they can start the unlocking process for you.

My Phone is Locked. What’s Next?

If you’ve discovered your phone is carrier-locked, your next step is to contact the original carrier and request an unlock. Typically, you’re eligible for an unlock if:

• You have completed your service contract.
• The phone is fully paid off.
• Your account is in good standing.

The process can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days, so it’s best to do this well before your trip. Once your carrier confirms the unlock is complete, you’ll be free to install any eSIM.

Unlocking your phone is the key to unlocking a world of travel convenience. Instead of paying exorbitant international roaming fees, you can use an affordable, flexible plan from Yoho Mobile. Imagine landing in Japan and activating your data plan in minutes, without hunting for a local SIM store. That’s the power an unlocked phone gives you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why does my phone say ‘eSIM plan cannot be added’?
The most common reason for the “eSIM plan cannot be added” or “eSIM setup failed” error is that the device is locked by your original carrier. Your phone must be unlocked to accept an eSIM from a different provider like Yoho Mobile.

Can I use a Yoho Mobile eSIM if my phone is carrier locked?
No, you cannot. A carrier lock restricts your phone to a single network. To use any international eSIM, including those from Yoho Mobile, you must first have your phone unlocked by the carrier you purchased it from.

How long does it take for a carrier to unlock my phone?
According to regulations in many regions like the U.S. established by the CTIA, carriers must process unlock requests in a timely manner, often within two business days for eligible devices. However, the exact time can vary, so it’s wise to request it at least a week before you travel.

What if my phone is unlocked but the eSIM setup still fails?
If you’ve confirmed your phone is unlocked, the issue might be related to a poor internet connection during setup or an incorrect QR code scan. For Yoho Mobile on iOS, remember you don’t need to scan a QR code; simply tap the ‘Install’ button after purchase to begin the seamless, 1-minute setup. If problems persist, our support team is ready to help.

Will unlocking my phone to use an international eSIM void my warranty?
No, it will not. Legitimate unlocking performed by your carrier after you’ve met their requirements is a standard procedure and does not void your device’s warranty. This is supported by consumer rights regulations in many countries.

Conclusion: Unlock Your Phone, Unlock the World

That dreaded “Plan Cannot Be Added” message is almost always a sign of a simple problem: a carrier-locked phone. By following the quick checks in your settings or with a different SIM card, you can diagnose the issue in minutes.

Once you’ve contacted your carrier and unlocked your device, a new world of flexible, affordable travel connectivity opens up. You’ll be ready to leave expensive roaming charges behind for good.

Is your phone unlocked and ready for adventure? Explore Yoho Mobile’s flexible eSIM plans and stay connected effortlessly on your next journey. For total peace of mind, learn about Yoho Care, which ensures you’re never left without a connection, even if your data runs out.