Locked vs. unlocked phones
What does it mean for a phone to be locked or unlocked?
Locked: the phone is tied to your current carrier's network through software and will not accept a line from another provider.
Unlocked: the phone is free to use on any compatible network, so it will accept a Love Mobile eSIM.
How can I check if my phone is unlocked?
iPhone: go to Settings, then General, then About. Scroll to Carrier Lock. If it says No SIM restrictions, your phone is unlocked.
Android: check Settings, then About phone or Connections, for network lock status. If you are not sure, your current carrier can confirm it for you in a minute.
Can Love Mobile unlock my phone?
No. Only the carrier that originally sold or locked the phone can unlock it. We cannot override another carrier's lock.
How do I get my phone unlocked?
Contact your current carrier and request a device unlock. Most carriers unlock within 24 to 48 hours as long as the device is fully paid off and your account is in good standing. Phones bought directly from Apple, Google, or Samsung as unlocked are already unlocked.
Can I switch if I still owe money on my phone?
Usually not right away. Most carriers will not unlock a device until the financing is paid off, and a locked phone will not accept a Love Mobile eSIM as your main line.
There is one exception worth asking about. Depending on which network your phone is currently locked to, we may be able to add a Love Mobile line to a locked device. It does not work on every phone and we cannot promise it in advance. Chat with us or call 1-888-271-LOVE and we will check your specific device before you buy anything.
Switching to Love Mobile
Does Love Mobile use eSIM or physical SIM cards?
Love Mobile activates by eSIM. There is no physical SIM card to wait for and nothing to insert. After checkout we email you a QR code, you scan it, and your line activates. Your phone needs to be eSIM capable.
What is the process for switching?
Confirm your phone is unlocked and eSIM capable.
Gather your account number and transfer PIN from your current carrier.
Choose your plan and network and complete checkout.
Scan the eSIM QR code we email you.
Your old service cancels automatically once your number transfers. Do not cancel it yourself beforehand.
Can I keep my current phone number?
Yes. Moving your number to Love Mobile is called porting, and it is free. Your current account needs to stay active during the transfer.
What information do I need to transfer my number?
Your current phone number
Your account number with your current carrier, which is often different from your phone number
Your transfer PIN, a temporary code your carrier generates for porting
How long does porting take?
Mobile to mobile transfers usually complete within a few minutes to a couple of hours, though they can take up to 24 to 48 hours. Landline or VoIP numbers, including Google Voice, can take 3 to 7 business days.
Will I lose service during the switch?
There may be a brief transition period while your old line stops and your Love Mobile line activates. It is best to do this while connected to Wi-Fi.
Do I need to back up my phone first?
Activating an eSIM does not delete anything on your phone. Backing up to iCloud or Google is always good practice, but it is not required.
What happens to my old bill?
Once your number ports, your old carrier closes the account and sends a final prorated bill.
Troubleshooting after activation
My phone says SIM Not Supported or will not accept the eSIM.
This usually means your phone is still locked to your previous carrier. Contact them to complete the unlock. We cannot bypass another carrier's lock.
I have service but no data.
Restart your phone first, which resolves most cases. Then check that your Love Mobile line is selected for mobile data in your SIM settings. If data still will not work, contact us and we will check your line from our side.
I can make calls but texts are not working.
iPhone: go to Settings, then Messages, and toggle iMessage off and back on.
Android: in your messaging app settings, toggle Chat features or RCS off and back on.
I am not getting two-factor codes from my bank.
When a number moves to a new network, a short code block sometimes activates as a fraud protection. It usually clears within 24 to 48 hours. If it does not, contact us and we will make sure short codes are enabled on your line.
Voicemail is not working.
Voicemail does not transfer between carriers, so you will set up a new inbox. Press and hold 1 on your dial pad and follow the prompts to set a new PIN and greeting.
My phone shows SOS or No Service.
Turn Airplane Mode on for 10 seconds, then off.
Restart your phone.
Make sure your software is up to date.
See No signal or service issues? Try this first for the full checklist.
Still stuck?
Chat with us using the messenger on this page
Call 1-888-271-5683 (1-888-271-LOVE)
Email [email protected]
Have your order number and phone model handy.