How do I know if my phone supports eSIM?

Dial *#06#. If the screen shows an EID number, your phone has an eSIM. You can also look in settings: on iPhone under Settings, General, About, and on Android under About phone or SIM status.

Does my phone need to be unlocked to use an eSIM?

Yes. A phone locked to one carrier only accepts that carrier's plans, eSIM or not. Phones bought on contract or financed through a carrier are sometimes locked; ask your carrier to unlock it before you travel.

Do iPhones from mainland China support eSIM?

Most iPhones sold in mainland China use two physical SIM cards instead and do not support eSIM, and some models sold in Hong Kong and Macao are the same. If your iPhone was bought there, check its model with the maker.

Can I use a travel eSIM on a smartwatch?

Generally not. Watch eSIMs are set up through your home carrier as part of your phone plan, so travel data eSIMs are for phones and tablets.

My phone is not on this list. What now?

Do the *#06# check first. If you see an EID, your phone supports eSIM. If you are still unsure, check the model's specifications on the maker's website, or ask them.

eSIM compatible phones

Makers change their models and regional versions, so if you are unsure, check with the maker of your phone.

To use a travel eSIM, your phone needs two things: eSIM support and no carrier lock. Most iPhones from the XS and XR onward, Google Pixel phones from the Pixel 3 onward and Samsung Galaxy phones from the S20 series onward support eSIM, with some regional exceptions listed below.

Check your phone in 10 seconds

Open the phone app and dial *#06#.
If you see an EID (a long number, separate from the IMEI), your phone supports eSIM.
No EID? Your phone probably does not, or that model's eSIM is switched off for its region or carrier.

You can also look in settings: on iPhone go to Settings, General, About and look for EID or Digital SIM; on Android look under About phone or SIM status. Then make sure the phone is carrier-unlocked (see below).

iPhone

iPhone XS, XS Max and XR, and every iPhone since.
iPhone SE from the 2nd generation (2020) onward.
Some recent iPhone models sold in the US have no SIM tray at all and use eSIM only. They work with travel eSIMs the same way.

Not supported: iPhone X and earlier, and the first iPhone SE.

Samsung Galaxy

Galaxy S20 series and every Galaxy S series since.
Galaxy Note20 series.
Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip foldables.
Some recent Galaxy A models. Support varies by model and country, so do the *#06# check.

The same phone is sold in different versions in different countries, and some regional or carrier versions have eSIM switched off. The EID check tells you about your exact phone.

Google Pixel

Pixel 4 and every Pixel since, including the a-series models.
Pixel 3, 3 XL and 3a also support eSIM, except some bought in certain countries or through certain carriers.

Other Android phones

Many other makers sell eSIM phones, but support differs from model to model and often from country to country for the same model. Do the *#06# check, or look for "eSIM" in the model's specifications on the maker's website.

Tablets and watches

Many Wi-Fi + Cellular iPads support eSIM, and so do some Android tablets with mobile data. A Wi-Fi-only tablet cannot use one. On an iPad, look under Settings, then Mobile Data (Cellular Data), for an option to add an eSIM.

Smartwatches with mobile data use an eSIM too, but it is set up through your home carrier as part of your phone plan. Travel data eSIMs are for phones and tablets.

Exceptions to know

iPhones from mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao: most iPhones sold in mainland China use two physical SIM cards and do not support eSIM, and some models sold in Hong Kong and Macao are the same.
Carrier-locked phones: a phone locked to one carrier will not accept another provider's eSIM. Phones bought on contract or financed through a carrier are the usual case. Ask your carrier to unlock it before you travel.
Regional and carrier versions: the same model can support eSIM in one country and not in another. The EID check settles it.

Phone supports eSIM? How an eSIM works, Find a plan for your destination.

eSIM compatible phones: questions

How do I know if my phone supports eSIM?: Dial *#06#. If the screen shows an EID number, your phone has an eSIM. You can also look in settings: on iPhone under Settings, General, About, and on Android under About phone or SIM status.
Does my phone need to be unlocked to use an eSIM?: Yes. A phone locked to one carrier only accepts that carrier's plans, eSIM or not. Phones bought on contract or financed through a carrier are sometimes locked; ask your carrier to unlock it before you travel.
Do iPhones from mainland China support eSIM?: Most iPhones sold in mainland China use two physical SIM cards instead and do not support eSIM, and some models sold in Hong Kong and Macao are the same. If your iPhone was bought there, check its model with the maker.
Can I use a travel eSIM on a smartwatch?: Generally not. Watch eSIMs are set up through your home carrier as part of your phone plan, so travel data eSIMs are for phones and tablets.
My phone is not on this list. What now?: Do the *#06# check first. If you see an EID, your phone supports eSIM. If you are still unsure, check the model's specifications on the maker's website, or ask them.