Not every phone supports eSIM, and even phones with eSIM hardware may have the feature disabled by carriers. Before buying a travel eSIM plan, verify that your specific device can actually use it. This guide shows you how to check on every major platform and lists the most common eSIM-compatible models as of 2026.
Step-by-step instructions
- 1
Check on iPhone
Go to Settings > General > About. Scroll to find the EID (Embedded Identity Document) field. If you see a 32-digit EID number, your iPhone supports eSIM.
If there is no EID field, your device does not have eSIM hardware. Compatible iPhones include every model from the XS (2018) onward: XS, XS Max, XR, 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max, SE (3rd gen), 12 mini, 12, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max, 13 mini, 13, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max, 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max, 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max, 17, 17 Air, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max.
Tip: Also check Settings > General > About > Carrier Lock. If it says anything other than 'No SIM restrictions,' your carrier may block third-party eSIM activation even though the hardware supports it.
- 2
Check on Samsung Galaxy
Go to Settings > About Phone > Status information (or SIM Status). Look for an EID field. Alternatively, go to Settings > Connections > SIM Manager.
If 'Add eSIM' appears, your device supports it. Compatible Samsung models include Galaxy S21 and later, Z Flip 3 and later, Z Fold 3 and later, and select A-series phones (A35, A55, A56) in certain markets. Galaxy S20 and earlier do not support eSIM.
Tip: Some carrier-branded Samsung devices hide the 'Add eSIM' option until the phone is unlocked. The hardware supports eSIM, but the carrier firmware blocks the menu item.
- 3
Check on other Android phones
Go to Settings > About Phone > look for EID or IMEI2. On Google Pixel, go to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs and look for 'Download a SIM instead.' Compatible Pixel models include Pixel 2 and later. OnePlus supports eSIM starting from OnePlus 12.
Xiaomi supports eSIM on the 14 series and later in select markets. Motorola, Sony, and ASUS have eSIM on select flagship models. If unsure, search your exact model number plus 'eSIM support' on the manufacturer's website.
Tip: Dial *#06# on your phone to display your IMEI and EID information. If an EID number appears, eSIM hardware is present.
- 4
Dial *#06# for a hardware-level check
Dialing *#06# on any phone displays your IMEI and, if present, your EID (Embedded Identity Document). The EID is a 32-digit number that always starts with '89' and confirms eSIM hardware regardless of whether your carrier has enabled the feature in Settings. This method works even on locked phones or phones without an active SIM card, because it checks the hardware directly instead of relying on carrier-controlled menus.
Tip: Screenshot the *#06# screen right away. On some Android phones it closes automatically after a few seconds.
- 5
Rule out a carrier lock blocking the feature
Some phones have eSIM hardware but show no eSIM option in Settings because a carrier lock disables it. On iPhone, check Settings > General > About > Carrier Lock. If it reads 'No SIM restrictions,' any provider's eSIM will work.
If it reads 'SIM locked,' contact your carrier to request an unlock. In the US, carriers must process eligible unlock requests within 2 business days under FCC rules. On Android, insert a SIM card from a different carrier: if the phone connects, it is unlocked; if it shows 'SIM Not Supported,' contact your carrier first.
Tip: Phones purchased directly from Apple, Samsung, or Google at full price are always sold unlocked, so this step usually applies only to carrier-subsidized or installment devices.
Frequently asked questions
Can a software update add eSIM to my phone?
No. eSIM requires a dedicated eUICC chip that must be physically present on the phone's motherboard. No software update can add eSIM hardware. However, software updates can enable eSIM features that were present but disabled by the manufacturer or carrier.
Why does my phone have eSIM hardware but no eSIM option in settings?
This usually means your carrier has disabled the eSIM menu through firmware restrictions. Carrier-locked phones from some prepaid carriers and MVNOs block third-party eSIM activation. Contact your carrier to unlock the device, or check if a software update enables the feature.
Do all 5G phones support eSIM?
No. 5G capability and eSIM support are independent hardware features. Many budget 5G phones lack eSIM. Similarly, some older 4G phones (like iPhone XS) support eSIM without 5G. Check the eSIM-specific specifications rather than assuming 5G implies eSIM support.
Ready to choose your eSIM?
Compare plans from 20+ providers across 215+ destinations.
Compare eSIM Plans