eSIM Compatible Phones: How to Check Yours

eSIM compatible phones: the short list

• Apple iPhone: iPhone XS, XS Max, XR and newer, including the iPhone SE (2nd generation and later). Exceptions: most iPhones sold in mainland China have no eSIM (only a few recent models do), and some models from Hong Kong and Macao use two physical SIM cards instead.
• Google Pixel: Pixel 3 and newer. Some early models sold in certain countries or by certain carriers may not support it.
• Samsung Galaxy: Galaxy S20 and newer, the Z Fold and Z Flip series, and some recent A-series models. Support varies by region and carrier version.
• Oppo, Vivo, Xiaomi and others: many newer models, especially flagships, support eSIM, but it varies by model and by the country where the phone was sold.

How to check if your phone supports eSIM

1. Dial the code. Open the phone app and type *#06#. On many phones, an EID (a long number) appears next to the IMEI if the phone supports eSIM.
2. Look in Settings. If the mobile network settings offer Add eSIM, Add Cellular Plan or Add mobile plan, your phone supports eSIM.
3. Check About phone. On iPhone, Settings → General → About lists an EID on eSIM models; on Android, look under About phone. You can also compare your exact model number with the maker’s website.

Make sure the phone is unlocked

A travel eSIM works only if your phone isn’t locked to one carrier. Phones bought outright are often unlocked; phones that came with a carrier contract may not be.

• iPhone: go to Settings → General → About and find Carrier Lock. “No SIM restrictions” means the phone is unlocked.
• Android: there’s no single setting for every brand. Ask your carrier, or try a SIM card from another network — if it works, the phone is unlocked.

Regional versions can differ

The same model name can hide different versions. A phone made for one market may lack eSIM even when the same model has it elsewhere. Most iPhones sold in mainland China are a well-known example, and some Galaxy and Pixel versions sold in certain countries or by certain carriers differ too.

If you bought your phone abroad, second-hand or through a carrier, check the exact model number, not just the name.

If your phone doesn’t support eSIM

You can still get online abroad; it just takes a different route:

• Buy a local physical SIM card after you land, for example at the airport or a phone shop. Many countries ask for your passport to register it.
• Use your home carrier’s roaming package — check what it costs first.
• Rely on Wi-Fi at your hotel, in cafés and at airports, and download offline maps before you go.

Before you buy a travel eSIM

• Check eSIM support and unlock status first. An eSIM is installed on one phone and usually can’t be moved to a phone without eSIM support.
• Plan for two lines. Most eSIM phones are dual SIM: your own SIM keeps your number for calls and SMS while the eSIM provides data.
• Install before you travel, on Wi-Fi — see how to install an eSIM.
• Choose a plan for your trip: Japan, South Korea, Umrah, or about 190 countries on the eSIM page.