If you’re considering a travel eSIM and the first question in your head is “will my phone even support it?” — good instinct. Here’s the 30-second answer.
The definitive check: find the EID
Every eSIM-capable phone has something called an EID — an Embedded Identity Document, basically a serial number for the eSIM chip inside. If your phone has one, it can use an eSIM. If it doesn’t, it can’t.
On iPhone
Settings → General → About → scroll down. Look for EID or Available SIM. If you see either, you’re good.
On Android
Settings → About phone → SIM status. (On some Samsungs: Settings → Connections → SIM manager.) Look for EID. If it’s there, you’re good.
That’s it. The EID is the only reliable test — if your phone has one, eSIMs work. If it doesn’t, your phone is physical-SIM-only.
If you’d rather check the model
Roughly: any phone sold by Apple, Google, Samsung, OnePlus, Oppo or Huawei since 2020 will support eSIM. The fast lookup:
- iPhone: XS, XR, 11, SE 2020, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and later — all support eSIM. iPhones sold in the USA since the 14 are eSIM-only.
- iPad: Most cellular iPads since 2018.
- Google Pixel: Pixel 4 and newer.
- Samsung Galaxy: S20 series and newer, plus all Note 20, Fold 2+, Flip 2+.
- OnePlus: 11 5G and newer, depending on region.
- Huawei: P40, P40 Pro, P50 Pro, Mate 40 Pro.
Or use the full compatibility list →
The one catch: carrier locks
An eSIM-capable phone can still be blocked from using non-carrier eSIMs if it’s locked to a specific network. This is mostly a thing in the US, UK and Australia for phones bought on contract.
Easiest way to check: call your home carrier and ask, “is my device network-locked?” Most carriers will unlock for free once the phone is paid off. If it’s still on a payment plan, they’ll usually unlock anyway with a request.
Phones bought outright (from Apple’s store, Google’s store, or a phone reseller) are always unlocked.
If your phone isn’t compatible
Sorry. Phones older than 2019 or budget phones often skip the eSIM chip. Your options are: borrow an eSIM-capable phone for the trip, get a physical SIM at your destination (clunky but works), or use roaming from your home carrier (expensive but easy).
If you’re actively phone-shopping, every reasonably modern flagship supports eSIM now — it’s a safe assumption to make on any 2023+ release.