Is Your Phone eSIM Compatible? Easy Ways to Check

The Quickest Way to Check Any Phone

Before we dive into specific instructions for different phone types, here's the fastest universal method that works for most smartphones:

The Settings Check (Works for Most Phones)

1. Open your phone's Settings app
2. Look for Mobile Data, Cellular, or Connections
3. Look for "Add eSIM" or "Add Cellular Plan" or "Add Mobile Plan"
4. If you see these options, your phone supports eSIM
5. If you don't see them, your phone likely doesn't support eSIM

That's it. This quick check tells you immediately. If the option exists, you can use eSIM. If not, you'll need to use physical SIM cards for travel.

How to Check iPhone eSIM Compatibility

iPhones have had eSIM support since the iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR released in 2018. Here's how to check your specific iPhone:

Method 1: Check Your Settings (Fastest)

1. Open the Settings app
2. Tap on Cellular or Mobile Data
3. Look for "Add eSIM" or "Add Cellular Plan"
4. If you see it, your iPhone supports eSIM

Method 2: Check Your iPhone Model

1. Open Settings
2. Tap General
3. Tap About
4. Look at your Model Name (like iPhone 14, iPhone 13 Pro, etc.)
5. Check the compatible list below

Important Note About US iPhones

iPhones sold in the United States from iPhone 14 onward don't have physical SIM trays. They're eSIM-only. This means you must use eSIM. If you have one of these phones, eSIM is your only option.

iPhones sold outside the US still have both eSIM and physical SIM card slots through current models.

Need help setting up eSIM on your iPhone? Check our complete iPhone eSIM setup guide.

How to Check Android eSIM Compatibility

Android phones vary more than iPhones. Not all Android phones support eSIM, even newer ones. Here's how to check:

Method 1: Check Your Settings

1. Open Settings
2. Tap Connections or Network & Internet
3. Tap SIM card manager or SIMs
4. Look for "Add eSIM" or "Add mobile plan"
5. If present, your phone supports eSIM

The exact menu names vary by manufacturer. Samsung says "Connections." Google says "Network & Internet." Other brands use different terms. But the general path is similar.

Method 2: Dial a Code (Some Androids)

Some Android phones let you check eSIM support using a dialer code:

1. Open your Phone app (dialer)
2. Dial *#06#
3. If you see an EID (eSIM Identifier) number listed, your phone has eSIM
4. If you only see IMEI numbers, your phone might not have eSIM

The EID is a 32-digit number. It's like a serial number for your eSIM chip. If your phone shows this, you have eSIM capability.

Method 3: Check Your Phone Model

1. Open Settings
2. Tap About Phone
3. Look at your Model name
4. Check the compatible list below

Ready to set up eSIM on your Android? Follow our Android eSIM setup guide.

Other Smartphone Brands

Besides iPhone and the major Android brands, here are other phones with eSIM support:

Huawei

• Huawei P40, P40 Pro
• Huawei Mate 40 Pro

Note: Newer Huawei phones may have eSIM but availability varies by region.

Sony

• Sony Xperia 1 IV, 1 V
• Sony Xperia 5 IV, 5 V
• Sony Xperia 10 IV, 10 V

Xiaomi

• Xiaomi 14, 14 Pro
• Xiaomi 13, 13 Pro, 13T Pro
• Xiaomi 12T Pro

Honor

• Honor Magic 5 Pro, Magic 4 Pro
• Honor 90, Honor 70

For these brands, always check your specific model's settings using the methods described earlier. Regional variations exist, so your specific device might differ.

Understanding Phone Locks vs eSIM Compatibility

Here's something important: Having eSIM hardware doesn't automatically mean you can use any eSIM. Your phone also needs to be unlocked.

What "Locked" Means

A locked phone only works with one carrier. Your carrier locked it to prevent you from switching. An unlocked phone works with any carrier worldwide.

Your phone might have eSIM capability but be locked to one carrier. This prevents you from using international eSIM plans.

How to Check If Your Phone Is Unlocked

For iPhone:

1. Open Settings
2. Tap General
3. Tap About
4. Scroll down to Carrier Lock
5. If it says "No SIM restrictions," your phone is unlocked
6. If it shows a carrier name, your phone is locked

For Android:

1. Open Settings
2. Tap About Phone
3. Look for "SIM lock status" or "Network lock"
4. If it says "Unlocked" or "Allowed," you're good
5. If it shows a carrier name or "Locked," it's locked

How to Unlock Your Phone

Contact your carrier directly. Most carriers unlock phones for free if you've finished your contract or paid off your device. The process typically takes 24-48 hours.

You usually need to:

• Have your account in good standing
• Have completed your contract term
• Have paid off the phone completely
• Request unlock through carrier's website or customer service

What If Your Phone Doesn't Support eSIM?

If your phone isn't eSIM compatible, you have several options:

Option 1: Use Physical SIM Cards

Physical SIM cards work perfectly well for travel. They're available at airports and shops worldwide. You'll need to:

• Find a SIM card shop when you arrive
• Buy a local SIM card
• Swap it into your phone
• Store your home SIM safely

It takes more time than eSIM, but it gets you connected. Millions of travelers still use this method successfully.

Option 2: Use International Roaming

Check with your home carrier about international roaming rates. Some carriers offer reasonable daily rates or packages for specific countries. This might be simpler than buying local SIMs.

Option 3: Rely on Wi-Fi

For short trips, using hotel and cafe Wi-Fi might be enough. Download offline maps before you leave. Use messaging apps on Wi-Fi. This works for basic connectivity needs.

Option 4: Upgrade Your Phone

If you travel frequently and your phone is older, upgrading to an eSIM-compatible phone might make sense. Most phones from 2019 onward support eSIM. You'll get better performance plus eSIM convenience.

Consider this especially if your phone is already due for replacement. The travel convenience might justify the upgrade cost.

Learn more about your options in our guide on eSIM vs Physical SIM cards.

Common Questions About eSIM Compatibility

Can I add eSIM support to my phone?

No. eSIM requires specific hardware built into the phone at the factory. You can't add eSIM capability to phones that don't have it. If your phone doesn't support eSIM, you need a different phone to use eSIM.

Does having an older phone mean no eSIM?

Generally yes. Phones made before 2018 don't support eSIM. Some phones from 2018-2019 do, but not all. Most phones from 2020 onward support eSIM, especially flagship models.

Why doesn't my new phone have eSIM?

Some budget and mid-range phones skip eSIM to reduce costs. Also, some manufacturers don't include eSIM in specific regional versions. Check your exact model and region.

Can I use eSIM and physical SIM together?

Yes, if your phone supports both. This is called dual-SIM. You can keep your physical SIM for your home number and add an eSIM for travel data. Both work simultaneously.

Do all 5G phones support eSIM?

Not automatically. Most newer 5G phones do support eSIM, but 5G and eSIM are separate features. Check specifically for eSIM, not just 5G capability.

Will eSIM work in all countries?

If your phone supports eSIM, it works worldwide. However, eSIM plans might not be available for all countries. Check provider coverage for your specific destination.

Does checking compatibility cost anything?

No. All the checking methods in this guide are free. You're just looking at your phone's settings or specifications. No charges involved.

What to Do After Confirming eSIM Support

Found out your phone supports eSIM? Great! Here's what to do next:

Step 1: Confirm Your Phone Is Unlocked

Follow the unlock checking instructions earlier in this article. If your phone is locked, contact your carrier to unlock it. This usually takes 1-2 days.

Step 2: Research Your Destination

Look at which countries you're visiting. Check if eSIM providers offer coverage there. Most popular destinations have excellent eSIM support. Our destination guides help with this research.

Step 3: Understand Your Data Needs

Estimate how much data you'll use. Light users need 1-3GB per week. Moderate users need 5-10GB. Heavy users need 15GB or more. This helps you choose the right plan size.

Step 4: Compare eSIM Providers

Different providers offer different coverage and prices. Compare a few options. Look at coverage maps, data amounts, prices, and reviews.

Step 5: Install Your eSIM Before Traveling

Don't wait until you arrive. Install your eSIM at home where you have good Wi-Fi and time to troubleshoot if needed. It takes about 5 minutes and ensures you're ready when you land.

Step 6: Test It (Optional)

Some eSIMs can be activated early to test. If yours allows it, turn it on briefly at home to confirm it's installed correctly. Then turn it off until your trip.

Keeping Track of eSIM Support

If you're buying a new phone and want eSIM support, here's what to look for:

Check Specifications Before Buying

Look at the official specs on the manufacturer's website. Search for "eSIM" or "dual-SIM" in the specifications list. Don't assume - verify before purchasing.

Ask About Regional Differences

Some phone models have eSIM in certain regions but not others. If buying from abroad, confirm the specific region's model includes eSIM. Don't assume all versions are identical.

Future-Proofing Your Purchase

If you're choosing between two phones and one has eSIM, get the eSIM-compatible one. Even if you don't need it now, you might later. It's a valuable feature for travelers.

Watch for eSIM-Only Phones

More manufacturers are releasing eSIM-only phones with no physical SIM slot. This is fine if you primarily use eSIM, but consider your needs. Can you manage with eSIM-only?

Troubleshooting Compatibility Checks

I see eSIM settings but can't add one

Your phone might be locked to your carrier. Check the lock status as described earlier. Contact your carrier to unlock it if needed.

Settings look different than described

Menu names vary by manufacturer and phone model. Look for similar terms like "Mobile plans," "SIM manager," "Cellular plans," or "Network settings." The option exists but might be worded differently.

The *#06# code doesn't work

Some phones don't support this code. Try the settings method instead. The code is a shortcut but not universal across all Android phones.

My phone is on the compatible list but I don't see eSIM options

Your specific regional variant might not have eSIM enabled. Contact your phone's manufacturer or check their website for your exact model number. Regional variations are common.

I'm still not sure after checking

Contact your phone manufacturer's support. Give them your exact model number. They can confirm definitively if your specific device supports eSIM.

For more troubleshooting help, visit our complete troubleshooting guide.