Is my phone eSIM compatible? It is the first question to answer before you buy a travel eSIM, and it only takes a minute to check. Most phones released since 2018 do, but not every version of every model, and a phone that is locked to one carrier won't accept an eSIM from anyone else.
Here are the quickest ways to check if your phone supports eSIM, step by step for iPhone, Samsung, Google Pixel, and other Android phones, plus the common exceptions that catch travelers out.
In this guide:
- The 10-second test for any phone
- iPhone
- Samsung Galaxy
- Google Pixel
- Other Android phones
- Common exceptions
- Check that your phone is unlocked
- FAQs
The 10-Second Test for Any Phone
Open your phone's dialer, the app you use for normal calls, not WhatsApp. Type *#06#. A screen with your device codes will appear.
- If you see an EID (a long 32-digit number), your phone supports eSIM.
- If you only see IMEI numbers, your phone probably doesn't support eSIM, or it is a regional version without it.
The EID is the unique ID of your phone's eSIM chip. No EID means no eSIM. It is that simple. Prefer to check by model? See our full list of eSIM-compatible devices.
Does My iPhone Support eSIM?
Every iPhone from the iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR onward supports eSIM, including the iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation). To double-check:
- Go to Settings > General > About.
- Scroll down. If you see an EID line or a "Digital SIM" / "Available SIM" section, your iPhone supports eSIM.
- While you are there, check Carrier Lock. It should say "No SIM restrictions".
Two exceptions: iPhones sold in mainland China don't support eSIM, and most iPhones sold in Hong Kong and Macao don't either (the iPhone 12 mini, 13 mini, XS, and SE 2020 are exceptions). If your iPhone was bought there, check the model number under Settings > General > About against Apple's support pages.
Does My Samsung Galaxy Support eSIM?
- Go to Settings > Connections > SIM manager.
- If you see Add eSIM or Add mobile plan, your Galaxy supports eSIM.
Most recent Galaxy S, Z Fold, and Z Flip models support eSIM, but Samsung's rules vary by region:
- Galaxy phones from mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan don't support eSIM.
- Galaxy FE (Fan Edition) models don't, except the S23 FE and S24 FE.
- The US versions of the Galaxy S20, S21, and Note 20 Ultra don't.
- Most Galaxy phones bought in South Korea don't, except some recent flagships.
Does My Google Pixel Support eSIM?
- Go to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs.
- Tap Add SIM or the + icon. If you see an option like "Download a SIM instead?", your Pixel supports eSIM.
Every Pixel from the Pixel 3 onward supports eSIM, with one catch: some Pixel 3 models from Australia, Taiwan, and Japan, and Pixel 3 phones sold by certain US and Canadian carriers, don't.
Other Android Phones
Many phones from Xiaomi, OPPO, Motorola, OnePlus, Huawei, Sony, and others support eSIM, but usually only on higher-end models or certain regional versions. The dialer test above is the most reliable check. Some phones also show an EID under Settings > About phone, or an "Add eSIM" option under the SIM settings.
Not on the list and no EID? The safest move is to check with the manufacturer before you buy an eSIM.
Common Exceptions to Watch For
| Situation | Will an eSIM work? |
|---|---|
| Phone bought in mainland China | Usually not, including iPhones |
| Phone locked to a carrier | No, it must be unlocked first |
| Jailbroken iPhone or rooted Android | Not supported |
| iPad, Wi-Fi only model | No, only Wi-Fi + Cellular iPads support eSIM |
| Older budget or "lite" model | Often not, check the EID |
Check That Your Phone Is Unlocked
Supporting eSIM is only half of it. Your phone also needs to be carrier-unlocked, meaning it isn't tied to one mobile operator. If you bought your phone outright, it is probably unlocked. If it came on a contract, it may still be locked.
- iPhone: Settings > General > About > Carrier Lock should say "No SIM restrictions".
- Android: The quickest test is to insert a SIM from a different carrier. If it works, your phone is unlocked. You can also ask your carrier.
Here is a full guide to checking whether your phone is unlocked.
Ready to Go?
If your phone shows an EID and is unlocked, you are all set. Choose a plan for your destination in the egoViet eSIM store and install it at home before your trip. Our installation guide walks you through it. New to eSIMs? Start with what an eSIM is and how it works.
FAQs: Is My Phone eSIM Compatible?
How do I know if my phone supports eSIM?
Dial *#06# on your phone's keypad. If an EID number appears, your phone supports eSIM. You can also look for an "Add eSIM" option in your SIM settings.
Do all iPhones support eSIM?
iPhones from the XS, XS Max, and XR onward support eSIM, as do the iPhone SE 2nd and 3rd generation. iPhones sold in mainland China don't, and most models sold in Hong Kong and Macao don't either.
Can I use an eSIM on a carrier-locked phone?
No. A locked phone only accepts SIMs and eSIMs from its own carrier. Ask your carrier to unlock it before you travel.
Does an iPad support eSIM?
Wi-Fi + Cellular iPads from recent generations support eSIM, including the iPad (7th generation and later), iPad Air (3rd generation and later), iPad mini (5th generation and later), and iPad Pro models. Wi-Fi only iPads don't.