Before you buy an eSIM, it’s worth two minutes to confirm your phone can take one. Two things have to be true: the phone has eSIM hardware, and it’s not locked to your home carrier. This page covers both, with the model list for iPhone, Samsung and Pixel.
The 10-second check: dial *#06#
Open your phone app and dial *#06#. If the screen that appears shows an EID (a long number labelled EID), your phone has an eSIM chip. If you only see IMEI numbers, it doesn’t.
You can also look in Settings for an option to add an eSIM:
- iPhone: SettingsthenCellularthenAdd eSIM (Cellular may be called Mobile Service or Mobile Data).
- Samsung: SettingsthenConnectionsthenSIM manager and look for Add eSIM.
- Pixel: SettingsthenNetwork & internetthenSIMs and look for an option to download a SIM.
Phones that support eSIM
Apple iPhone
- iPhone XS, XS Max and XR
- iPhone 11, 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max
- iPhone SE (2nd generation, 2020) and later
- iPhone 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 (all models, including mini, Plus and Pro)
- iPhone 16e
- iPhone 17 series and iPhone Air
Exceptions: iPhones sold in mainland China use two physical SIM slots instead of eSIM, as do most sold in Hong Kong and Macao. iPhone 14 and later sold in the US have no SIM tray at all and run on eSIM only, as does iPhone Air everywhere.
Samsung Galaxy
- Galaxy S20, S21, S22, S23, S24 and S25 series
- Galaxy Note 20 and Note 20 Ultra
- Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip series
- Selected recent Galaxy A models, such as the A35, A36, A54, A55 and A56
Exceptions: Support varies by country and carrier: some models sold in mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, and some carrier-branded US models, have eSIM disabled. Check with *#06# or look for Add eSIM in SIM manager.
Google Pixel
- Pixel 3 and 3 XL, 3a and 3a XL
- Pixel 4, 4a, 5 and 5a
- Pixel 6, 6a, 7, 7a, 8, 8a, 9, 9a and 10 series
- Pixel Fold and Pixel 9 Pro Fold and later
Exceptions: Some Pixel 3 models, depending on where they were bought, shipped without eSIM. Every Pixel since the Pixel 4 supports it.
Other Android phones
- Many recent models from Motorola, Xiaomi, Oppo, OnePlus, Sony, Honor, Huawei, Nothing and Fairphone
Exceptions: Outside the big three, support depends on the exact model and the country it was sold in, and budget models often skip it. Use the checks below rather than relying on the model name.
Cellular iPads from recent generations (iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad mini and the standard iPad) support eSIM too, and a travel data plan works on them the same way.
Your phone must also be unlocked
A phone bought on a contract or from a carrier is sometimes carrier-locked: it will only accept that carrier’s plans. A locked phone will refuse a travel eSIM even if it has eSIM hardware, usually with a message that the plan isn’t supported.
- iPhone: go to SettingsthenGeneralthenAbout. Next to Carrier Lock it should say “No SIM restrictions”.
- Android: the easiest test is to try another carrier’s SIM. Otherwise, ask your carrier.
Unlocking is often free once your contract or device repayments are finished, but it can take a few days to process. Ask your carrier well before you travel, not at the airport.
What if my phone doesn’t support eSIM?
You still have options for data abroad: your home carrier’s roaming add-on, a local SIM card bought on arrival, or a pocket Wi-Fi device. They’re each more hassle or more expensive than an eSIM, but they work on any phone. If you’re replacing your phone soon, almost every current mid-range and flagship model supports eSIM.
Compatible? Here’s what to do next
Read how to install and use an eSIM for the step-by-step setup on your phone, or what is an eSIM if you’d like the background first.