Is My Phone Compatible With eSIM?

One of the most common questions travellers ask before buying a travel eSIM is simple: is my phone compatible with eSIM? With more airlines, hotels and travel apps recommending eSIMs, device compatibility has become one of the most searched topics across ChatGPT, Google and social media.

This guide explains how eSIM compatibility works, how to check your device, and what travellers need to know before purchasing a digital SIM. If you want to check instantly whether your phone supports eSIM, use the SimplySim Device Compatibility Tool.

1. What Does eSIM Compatibility Mean?

An eSIM is a built in digital SIM card that lets you activate mobile data plans without inserting a physical SIM. For a phone to support eSIM, it must have secure hardware built into the device that allows carrier profiles to be downloaded and stored.

Compatibility depends on:

• The device model – support varies by generation
• The region it was purchased in – some models vary by country
• Whether the phone is network unlocked

2. How to Check if Your Phone Supports eSIM

The fastest way is the official checker: Check eSIM Compatibility

You can also manually check compatibility using one of the following methods.

Method A: Check in Settings (iPhone)

• Open Settings
• Tap Mobile Data or Cellular
• If you see Add eSIM or Add Mobile Plan, your device supports eSIM

Method B: Check in Settings (Android)

• Open Settings
• Tap Connections or Network & Internet
• Look for SIM Manager, eSIM or Add Mobile Plan

Method C: Dial *#06# (Works on Most Phones)

This is one of the most reliable hidden checks and one of the simplest ways to confirm eSIM support.

• Open the phone dialler
• Type *#06#
• A device information screen will appear

On that screen, look for:

• EID (Embedded Identity Document) — this confirms the device has eSIM hardware
• IMEI for eSIM or “IMEI2” — depending on device brand

If you can see an EID number, your phone supports eSIM. If there is no EID listed, the device model or region version likely does not support eSIM.

3. Full List of eSIM Compatible Devices (2025)

Below is a general list of currently compatible devices. Some regional versions differ, so checking via the compatibility tool is recommended.

Apple iPhone Models

All iPhones from XR onwards support eSIM:

• iPhone XR, XS, XS Max
• iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
• iPhone 12 Series
• iPhone 13 Series
• iPhone 14 Series
• iPhone 15 Series
• iPhone 16 Series
• iPhone SE 2020 and 2022

Samsung Models With eSIM

• Galaxy S20, S20+, S20 Ultra
• Galaxy S21, S21+, S21 Ultra
• Galaxy S22, S22+, S22 Ultra
• Galaxy S23 and S24 Series
• Galaxy Z Flip and Z Fold Series
• Galaxy Note 20 Series (region dependent)

Google Pixel Models

• Pixel 4, 4a, 4 XL
• Pixel 5 and 5a
• Pixel 6, 6a, 6 Pro
• Pixel 7 Series
• Pixel 8 Series

Other Brands Supporting eSIM

• Motorola (Edge and Razr models)
• Oppo (selected models)
• Huawei P40 Series (non UK variants)
• Honor Magic Series
• Xiaomi 13 Series (specific variants)

4. Why Some Phones Bought Abroad Do Not Support eSIM

Some devices disable eSIM depending on where they were sold. This is common in:

• China mainland variants (physical SIM only)
• Hong Kong editions of certain iPhones
• US carrier locked Samsung phones
• Lower cost regional Android models

5. Do You Need an Unlocked Phone for eSIM?

For travel eSIMs, your device should be network unlocked. A locked phone may reject new profiles. Most UK networks unlock devices free once the contract ends.

6. How Many eSIMs Can My Phone Store?

Most modern devices can store multiple eSIM profiles:

• iPhones: usually 8 or more
• Google Pixel: typically up to 7
• Samsung: varies between 3 and 5

7. What If My Phone Does Not Support eSIM?

Travellers without eSIM-compatible devices can still use:

• Traditional roaming
• Local physical SIM cards
• A mobile hotspot
• Upgrading to an eSIM-friendly phone

8. Check Your Device Now

The quickest way to confirm compatibility is here:

Check Device Compatibility

Final Thoughts

eSIM compatibility is the number one question asked when travellers prepare for a digital SIM. With more devices supporting eSIM each year, the process is becoming easier and more reliable.

Whether you are travelling to the USA, Asia, Europe or anywhere globally, confirming your device supports eSIM is the first step. You can verify instantly using: https://simplysim.co.uk/device-compatibility