Over 430 phone models support eSIM in 2026, but the feature is not always obvious in your phone's settings. Some devices have the hardware but lack software support due to carrier restrictions or regional firmware. Others list eSIM in the spec sheet but require a carrier unlock before it functions.
This guide walks through five reliable methods to confirm your phone supports eSIM, from the fastest 10-second check to the most thorough carrier verification.
Step-by-step instructions
- 1
Check your phone's Settings menu for eSIM options
The fastest check takes under 30 seconds using your phone's built-in settings. On iPhone running iOS 16 or later, go to Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data in some regions). If you see 'Add eSIM' or 'Set Up Cellular,' your device supports eSIM.
On older iOS versions (12.1 to 15), the option appears as 'Add Cellular Plan.' On Samsung Galaxy phones running One UI 4.0 or later, navigate to Settings > Connections > SIM Manager. An 'Add eSIM' button confirms support. On Google Pixel running Android 12 or later, go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs and look for 'Add' or the '+' button.
On other Android manufacturers (OnePlus, Xiaomi, Motorola, Sony), the path differs: try Settings > Mobile Network > SIM Management. If none of these options appear, your phone either lacks eSIM hardware or has it disabled by your carrier. Proceed to Step 2 for a hardware-level check.
Tip: On iPhone, you can also check Settings > General > About. Scroll down to find 'Available SIM.' If it says '1 eSIM available,' you have an open eSIM slot ready for activation.
- 2
Look up your EID by dialing *#06#
Dialing *#06# on any phone displays your device identifiers, including IMEI and, if eSIM hardware is present, an EID (Embedded Identity Document) number. The EID is a 32-digit string that uniquely identifies your eSIM chip manufactured by companies like STMicroelectronics or Infineon. If an EID appears on screen, your phone has eSIM hardware regardless of whether the software feature is currently enabled or hidden by your carrier.
On iPhone, the EID always starts with '89' followed by 30 more digits. On Android, the EID format is identical. If only IMEI numbers appear (15-digit strings) with no EID, your phone does not have eSIM hardware and cannot be made compatible through any software update.
This method works on locked phones, phones without active SIM cards, and phones in any region. It bypasses carrier software restrictions entirely and checks the hardware directly. Write down or screenshot the EID, as some eSIM providers require it during activation.
The EID is not sensitive information and cannot be used to compromise your device or clone your eSIM profile.
Tip: On some Android phones, the *#06# screen closes quickly. Take a screenshot immediately after dialing. You can also find the EID on the original retail box of your phone, printed near the IMEI barcode.
- 3
Verify your IMEI on the manufacturer's compatibility database
Each manufacturer maintains a database linking IMEI numbers to device capabilities. Apple's coverage checker at checkcoverage.apple.com shows your iPhone model and confirms eSIM support when you enter the serial number or IMEI. Samsung's IMEI lookup at samsung.com/levant/support/imei-search confirms model capabilities and regional variant details.
Google's support page lists every Pixel model with eSIM alongside specific carrier compatibility notes. For a manufacturer-independent check, enter your IMEI at imei.info, which returns your exact model number, manufacturing country, and supported technologies including eSIM. This step matters because the same phone model can ship with or without eSIM depending on the market it was sold in.
The Samsung Galaxy S21 sold in South Korea supports eSIM, while certain Southeast Asian variants of the same model do not. The iPhone 14 sold in the US is eSIM-only (no physical SIM tray), while the same model sold in China has no eSIM support at all. The Xiaomi 14 sold in Europe includes eSIM, but the mainland China variant does not.
Your IMEI reveals the exact hardware variant you own, removing any ambiguity about which regional model you have.
Tip: Find your IMEI without unlocking your phone by checking the SIM tray (older iPhones), the back panel (Pixel), or the original retail box. Every phone box has the IMEI printed near the barcode.
- 4
Confirm your phone is carrier-unlocked for eSIM use
A phone can have eSIM hardware but be restricted by a carrier lock. Carrier-locked phones from AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, and most global carriers often disable the eSIM functionality until the device is unlocked. On iPhone, check Settings > General > About and scroll to 'Carrier Lock.' If it reads 'No SIM restrictions,' your phone is unlocked and eSIM will work with any compatible provider.
If it reads 'SIM locked,' contact your carrier to request an unlock. US carriers are required by FCC rules to unlock phones after 60 days of active service (T-Mobile, AT&T) or upon request for fully paid devices (Verizon unlocks automatically after 60 days). On Android, the check differs by brand: Samsung shows lock status in Settings > Biometrics and Security > Other Security Settings.
Pixel shows it in Settings > Network & Internet. Alternatively, insert a SIM card from a different carrier. If the phone connects, it is unlocked.
If it displays 'SIM Not Supported' or 'Invalid SIM,' contact your original carrier to unlock it before attempting eSIM setup.
Tip: Phones purchased directly from Apple, Samsung, or Google (not through a carrier) are always sold unlocked. Refurbished phones from third-party sellers may or may not be unlocked, so verify before purchasing.
- 5
Test with an eSIM provider's compatibility checker tool
Most eSIM providers offer free compatibility checkers on their websites and apps. Some let you pick your phone manufacturer and model from a list before you buy. Others check the device automatically during sign-up and warn you when no eSIM is detected.
A few publish a static compatibility list organized by brand and model year. These tools check three things simultaneously: eSIM hardware presence, software support for the provider's activation method (QR code vs. app-based), and network band compatibility with the provider's partner carriers in your destination country. This third check matters because even if your phone supports e-sim, it must also support the LTE or 5G frequency bands used in your travel destination.
A phone sold in North America can lack Band 28 (700 MHz) used widely in Australia and parts of Europe. Provider compatibility tools flag these band mismatches before you buy. Run this check for your specific destination, not just as a general eSIM compatibility test.
Tip: If a provider's tool says your phone is incompatible, try a different provider. Each provider uses different partner carriers with different network bands, so incompatibility with one provider does not mean incompatibility with all.
Which phones support eSIM in 2026?
In 2026, over 430 phone models from 28 manufacturers support eSIM. Apple added eSIM starting with iPhone XS and iPhone XR in 2018. Every iPhone from the XS through the iPhone 17 series supports eSIM, and the iPhone 14 and later sold in the US are eSIM-only with no physical SIM tray.
Samsung introduced eSIM with the Galaxy S20 in 2020, and the feature is standard on the Galaxy S21 through S26 series, Galaxy Z Flip and Z Fold lines, and select Galaxy A series models (A35, A54, A55, A56). Google Pixel has supported eSIM since the Pixel 2 in 2017, making it the earliest mainstream Android adopter. The Pixel 3a through Pixel 9 Pro all support eSIM, and the Pixel 10 series (released 2025) continues full eSIM support.
Other manufacturers with eSIM support include OnePlus (12, 13), Xiaomi (14, 15 series), Sony (Xperia 1 V, 1 VI), Motorola (Razr 2023, Razr+ 2024, Edge 50), Oppo (Find X6 Pro, Find X7), and Nothing (Phone 2, Phone 3). Huawei phones include eSIM hardware in many models but face restrictions in most markets outside China due to software limitations. Tablets and smartwatches also support eSIM: iPad Pro (2018+), iPad Air (2022+), iPad (10th gen+), Apple Watch Series 3+, Samsung Galaxy Watch 4+, and Google Pixel Watch all include eSIM.
For a complete list with every supported model organized by brand and year, see our full device database.
Why does my phone have eSIM hardware but not support it?
Four common reasons explain why a phone with eSIM hardware cannot activate an eSIM. First, carrier locks: phones purchased on installment plans from carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, or Vodafone often have the eSIM feature disabled in firmware until the device is fully paid off and unlocked. The hardware exists, but the carrier's software blocks the Settings menu option entirely.
Second, regional firmware variants: manufacturers ship different firmware by region. A Samsung Galaxy S23 purchased in mainland China runs firmware without eSIM menus, even though the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset inside includes an integrated eSIM controller. Flashing international firmware can sometimes enable the feature, though this voids the warranty and can cause other compatibility issues.
Third, outdated software: iPhones need iOS 12.1 or later for eSIM, and Android phones typically need Android 10 or later with carrier-approved firmware. A Pixel 3a running Android 9 cannot use eSIM until updated. Samsung Galaxy S20 units that never received the One UI 3.0 update hide the eSIM options in the same way.
Fourth, regulatory restrictions: certain countries required carriers to disable eSIM functionality in phones sold domestically until regulations changed. India lifted its eSIM restrictions in 2023, and phones sold before that date need a software update to enable the feature. Brazil and Turkey had similar restrictions that have since been relaxed.
If your phone falls into any of these categories, a carrier unlock, software update, or firmware change is usually the fix.
Do carrier-locked phones support eSIM?
Carrier-locked phones have mixed eSIM support depending on the carrier and region. In the US, T-Mobile allows eSIM activation on locked phones but only for T-Mobile eSIM profiles, not third-party travel eSIMs. AT&T similarly restricts locked phones to AT&T eSIM plans.
Verizon automatically unlocks phones after 60 days, after which eSIM works with any provider. In the UK, EE, Three, and Vodafone lock phones for the first 6 to 12 months but allow their own eSIM profiles during that period. In practice, if you want to use a travel eSIM from any third-party provider, your phone must be carrier-unlocked.
The unlock process is free in most countries and takes 24 to 72 hours when requested through your carrier's app or website. US carriers must unlock devices within 2 business days of a valid request per FCC regulations. Once unlocked, your phone accepts eSIM profiles from any compatible provider worldwide.
The physical SIM from your home carrier continues to work in its existing slot, and the eSIM operates independently as a second line. This dual-SIM setup is the primary use case for travel eSIMs: keep your home number on the physical SIM and add a local data plan via eSIM.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my iPhone supports eSIM?
All iPhones from the XS (2018) onward support eSIM. Open Settings > General > About and scroll to the 'EID' field. A 32-digit EID means the iPhone has eSIM hardware. The same screen shows 'Available SIM,' which tells you how many eSIM slots are free. iPhone 14 and later sold in the US are eSIM-only with no SIM tray.
How do I know if my Android phone supports eSIM?
Dial *#06# and look for an EID alongside your IMEI. A 32-digit EID means the phone has eSIM hardware, even when the menu is hidden. You can also check Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs on a Pixel, or Settings > Connections > SIM Manager on a Samsung, and look for an 'Add eSIM' option.
Can I use eSIM if my phone is carrier-locked?
Carrier-locked phones normally accept eSIM profiles only from the locking carrier, not from third-party travel providers. Contact your carrier to unlock the device first. US carriers must process a valid unlock request within 2 business days, and T-Mobile and AT&T unlock eligible phones after 60 days of active service. Once unlocked, any provider's QR code works.
Does the iPhone SE support eSIM?
The iPhone SE 2nd generation (2020) and 3rd generation (2022) both support eSIM alongside a physical nano-SIM. The iPhone SE 4th generation (2025) supports eSIM and keeps a nano-SIM tray in most markets. The original iPhone SE from 2016 has no eSIM hardware, and no software update adds it. Check Settings > General > About for the EID field to confirm.
How many eSIMs can my phone hold?
iPhone 13 and later store up to 8 eSIM profiles, with 2 active simultaneously. iPhone XS through 12 store up to 5 profiles with 1 active eSIM at a time. Samsung Galaxy S23 and later support 2 active eSIMs. Google Pixel 7 and later support 1 active eSIM alongside 1 physical SIM.
Will checking eSIM compatibility activate anything or cost money?
No. Checking for e SIM support through Settings, dialing *#06#, or running a provider's compatibility tool is free and activates nothing. None of the 5 methods in this guide commits you to a plan or contacts a carrier. Charges start only when you buy an eSIM plan and install the profile.
What is the difference between IMEI and EID?
Your IMEI (15 digits) identifies the phone on cellular networks and is required for every mobile connection, physical SIM or eSIM. Your EID (32 digits) identifies the embedded eSIM chip itself. A phone without an EID has no eSIM hardware. Dial *#06# and both numbers appear on the same screen.
Can I use eSIM on a carrier-locked phone?
A locked phone accepts eSIM profiles from the locking carrier only, so a third-party travel e-sim will not install. Verizon unlocks automatically after full device payment. Once unlocked, Settings > General > About reads 'No SIM restrictions' on iPhone and any compatible profile installs. An unlock request clears in 24 to 72 hours through most carrier apps.
Which budget phones support eSIM?
Budget eSIM phones include the Samsung Galaxy A35 (around $300), Galaxy A55 (around $350), Motorola Edge 50 (around $280) and Google Pixel 8a (around $400 at launch). The iPhone SE 3rd generation runs around $430 new and supports both a physical SIM and eSIM. Most phones under $200 stay physical-SIM only, so check the spec sheet before buying at that tier.
Does my phone need 5G to use an eSIM?
No. eSIM is independent of network generation. A phone that only supports 4G LTE runs eSIM profiles as well as a 5G device does. The eSIM chip handles authentication and identity, not radio transmission. Your connection depends on the carrier's network where you are standing, not on whether the plan sits on an eSIM or a plastic SIM.
Can I check eSIM compatibility without an active SIM card in my phone?
Yes. The *#06# dial code works on any phone, with or without a SIM card inserted. The EID identifies the embedded eSIM chip at the hardware level and appears on a phone with no active line. Settings menus also show the 'Add eSIM' option without a SIM installed. Only a live provisioning check needs a Wi-Fi connection.
My phone's spec sheet lists eSIM support but I cannot find the option in settings. Why?
Four reasons explain the gap. Your phone is carrier-locked and the carrier hid the eSIM menu in firmware. Your device needs a software update: iPhone requires iOS 12.1 or later, Android requires 10 or later. Your unit is a regional variant that shipped without eSIM software. Or a carrier-branded Android build suppresses the menu until an unlock code is entered.
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