How to Verify Your Phone’s Compatibility With a New Carrier

Step by step

1. 1 min

   Find your device's IMEI

   On iPhone, navigate to Settings > General > About and scroll down to locate the IMEI. On Android, dial *#06# in the Phone app to display your device's unique identifier immediately.

   Note: Keep this 15-digit number copied to your clipboard for use in the next steps.
2. 30 sec

   Access the carrier compatibility tool

   Visit the official website of the target carrier. Search for 'Bring Your Own Device' or 'Check Compatibility' in the site’s search bar to find their dedicated verification portal.

   Note: Avoid third-party checkers; always use the official carrier site to ensure the data is accurate.
3. 30 sec

   Enter your device information

   Paste or type your 15-digit IMEI into the carrier’s input field. Select your device manufacturer and model if prompted to refine the search results.

   Note: If the site requests a SIM type, select eSIM if your device supports it for a faster activation process.
4. 30 sec

   Verify network band support

   Analyze the result provided by the carrier. A 'compatible' status confirms the phone supports the necessary 4G LTE and 5G frequency bands required for that specific network.

   Note: If the result is 'incompatible,' do not attempt to force activation as you will experience dropped calls and no data.
5. 1 min

   Confirm your device is carrier-unlocked

   Even if hardware is compatible, the device must be unlocked. On iPhone, check Settings > General > About > Carrier Lock; it must display 'No SIM restrictions.' If it is locked, contact your current carrier to request an unlock.

   Note: Carriers are legally required to unlock your device once the financial agreement for that hardware is satisfied.