Most smartphones released from 2018 onward support eSIM — including iPhone XS and later, Google Pixel 3 and later, and recent Samsung Galaxy flagships. The fastest way to be certain takes ten seconds and does not require reading any spec sheet.
The 10-second check
- iPhone: open Settings → General → About and scroll to the bottom. If you see Available SIM or an EID number, your iPhone supports eSIM.
- Android: open Settings → Network & internet (or Connections → SIM manager) and look for an option to Add eSIM or Download a SIM. Or dial **`*#06#` — if an EID** appears alongside the IMEI, you have eSIM.
Common eSIM-compatible phones
| Brand | eSIM-supported models |
|---|---|
| Apple iPhone | iPhone XS, XR, SE (2020) and every model since (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and later) |
| Google Pixel | Pixel 3 and later (a few early carrier variants excluded) |
| Samsung Galaxy | Galaxy S20 and later, Z Flip / Z Fold series, Note 20 |
| Other Android | Motorola Razr, Oppo Find X, Huawei P40, Sony Xperia 10 IV and select others |
| iPad | Most cellular iPad, iPad Air, iPad Pro and iPad mini models |
Two things that catch people out
Region variants. Some phones sold in mainland China (and a few Hong Kong models) ship without eSIM support to allow a second physical SIM. The US iPhone 14 and later, by contrast, are eSIM-only with no SIM tray at all — great for travel eSIMs.
Carrier locks. A phone bought on a contract may be network-locked, which can block third-party eSIMs. If your travel eSIM will not activate, ask your carrier to unlock the device. A phone bought outright is almost always unlocked.
Confirmed your phone works? Learn how to install the eSIM, or jump straight to a plan for France, Spain or Turkey.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check if my iPhone has eSIM?
Go to Settings → General → About and scroll down. If you see "Available SIM" or an EID number, your iPhone supports eSIM. This applies to iPhone XS/XR and later.
Does my phone need to be unlocked for an eSIM?
Yes. A carrier-locked phone can block third-party eSIMs. If your travel eSIM will not activate, ask your carrier to unlock the device. Phones bought outright are usually unlocked already.
Do all Samsung and Pixel phones support eSIM?
Most recent ones do — Galaxy S20 and later, and Pixel 3 and later — but a few early carrier variants were shipped without it. Use the *#06# dial check to confirm.
Can an older phone use an eSIM?
Only if it has the eSIM hardware, which generally means a 2018-or-later model. If no EID appears in your settings, the phone cannot use an eSIM and you would need a physical SIM instead.
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