Does My Phone Support eSIM? Compatibility Guide 2026

Most smartphones released since 2020 support eSIM — including every iPhone from the XS onwards, Samsung Galaxy S20 and later, and Google Pixel 3 and newer. You can verify your phone's compatibility in under a minute by checking your device settings for an "Add eSIM" option.

If you are planning to use a travel eSIM for your next trip, the first step is confirming your phone supports it. This guide covers which devices work with eSIM, how to check, and what to do if yours does not.

Complete eSIM Compatibility List

Apple Devices

Apple has supported eSIM since 2018, and starting with the iPhone 14 in the US market, some models are eSIM-only (no physical SIM tray).

iPhones with eSIM:

• iPhone XS, XS Max, XR (2018)
• iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max (2019)
• iPhone SE 2nd generation (2020)
• iPhone 12 series (2020)
• iPhone 13 series (2021)
• iPhone 14 series (2022)
• iPhone 15 series (2023)
• iPhone 16 series (2024)
• All newer models (2025+)

iPads with eSIM:

• iPad Pro (3rd generation and later)
• iPad Air (3rd generation and later)
• iPad (7th generation and later)
• iPad mini (5th generation and later)

Samsung Devices

Samsung introduced eSIM support with the Galaxy S20 series in 2020.

Samsung phones with eSIM:

• Galaxy S20, S21, S22, S23, S24, S25 series
• Galaxy Z Flip (all generations)
• Galaxy Z Fold (all generations)
• Galaxy A54, A55 and later A-series models
• Galaxy Note 20 series

Note: Some Samsung models sold through specific carriers may have eSIM disabled. If you bought your phone through a carrier, check that eSIM is enabled in settings.

Google Devices

Pixel phones with eSIM:

• Pixel 3, 3a and later (all Pixel models from 2018 onwards)
• Pixel Fold, Pixel Tablet

Other Manufacturers

Huawei: P40, P40 Pro, Mate 40 Pro Motorola: Razr (2019 and later), Edge series (select models) Oppo: Find X3 Pro, Find X5 series, Find N2 Flip Xiaomi: 13, 13 Pro, 14 series Sony: Xperia 1 IV and later, Xperia 10 IV and later

How to Check if Your Phone Supports eSIM

On iPhone

1. Open Settings
2. Tap Mobile Data (or Cellular)
3. Look for Add eSIM or Set Up Mobile Service
4. If the option is there, your iPhone supports eSIM

Alternatively, dial *#06# — if an EID (Embedded Identity Document) number appears alongside your IMEI, your phone has eSIM capability.

On Android

1. Open Settings
2. Go to Connections → SIM Manager (Samsung) or Network & Internet → SIMs (Pixel/stock Android)
3. Look for Add eSIM or Download SIM
4. If the option exists, your phone supports eSIM

The *#06# dialler code also works on Android — look for an EID number in the results.

Important: Carrier Lock Check

Even if your phone supports eSIM hardware, it must be carrier-unlocked to use a travel eSIM from a third-party provider. A phone bought on a contract may be locked to the original carrier.

How to check if your phone is unlocked:

• iPhone: Settings → General → About → look for "No SIM restrictions"
• Android: Insert a SIM from a different carrier — if it connects, your phone is unlocked
• Contact your carrier: Most carriers unlock phones after the contract period ends or upon request

If your phone is locked, contact your carrier to request an unlock. In the EU, carriers must unlock devices after the minimum contract period.

What if My Phone Does Not Support eSIM?

If your device lacks eSIM support, you still have options for staying connected abroad:

• Buy a local physical SIM at your destination — available at airports, convenience stores, and mobile shops
• Use a portable WiFi hotspot — rent one or buy a travel router that accepts SIM cards
• Upgrade your phone — many mid-range phones now include eSIM, so your next upgrade will likely support it

For travellers with eSIM-compatible phones, getting connected is as simple as choosing a plan for your destination — whether that is Spain, Turkey, Thailand, or Japan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use eSIM on a tablet?

Yes, many tablets support eSIM including iPads (3rd gen Pro and later), select Samsung tablets, and the Google Pixel Tablet. Check your tablet's connectivity settings for an eSIM option.

Does eSIM work on older iPhones?

No. eSIM support starts with the iPhone XS (2018). The iPhone X, iPhone 8, and older models do not support eSIM.

My phone supports eSIM but I cannot find the option — why?

This usually means your phone is carrier-locked. Contact your carrier to request an unlock. Some carriers also disable eSIM in certain regions or on specific firmware versions — a software update may resolve the issue.

Can I have multiple eSIM profiles on one phone?

Yes. Most eSIM-capable phones can store multiple profiles (iPhones support 8–10). However, you can typically only have one or two active simultaneously. Inactive profiles remain stored and can be switched on when needed.

Do I need to remove my physical SIM to use eSIM?

No. Most modern phones support dual-SIM functionality — one physical SIM and one eSIM can be active at the same time. You can keep your home SIM for calls and use the eSIM for travel data.

Ready to pick a provider? See our eSIM provider comparison guide.