Does my phone support eSIM? How to check in 10 seconds
Updated
A travel eSIM needs two things from your phone: eSIM support and no carrier lock. You can check both in under a minute, before you spend anything.
Check 1: does the phone have eSIM?
Open the phone app and dial *#06#. If the screen shows a number labelled EID, your phone supports eSIM. If you only see IMEI numbers, it doesn't.
On iPhone you can also open Settings › General › About and scroll down: an EID line means eSIM. On Android, look for Add eSIM under Settings › Connections › SIM manager or Settings › Network & internet › SIMs.
Check 2: is the phone unlocked?
A locked phone only accepts its own carrier's SIM. On iPhone, open Settings › General › About and find Carrier Lock: it should say No SIM restrictions. On Android there is no single setting; ask your carrier, or check your contract. Phones bought outright from Apple, Samsung or Google are usually unlocked. Carriers will often unlock a phone that is paid off if you ask.
Phones that usually support eSIM
- iPhone XS, XS Max, XR and every iPhone since, including iPhone SE (2nd generation and later).
- Samsung Galaxy S20 and later, Galaxy Z Flip and Z Fold, and some recent Galaxy A models.
- Google Pixel 3 and later.
- Some models sold in mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau have no eSIM, and some carriers disable it. Dial *#06# to be sure.
Your phone passed both checks
Good. Pick a plan for your trip and then follow how to install it. If your phone failed, a physical SIM card from the airport is the simpler choice: see eSIM vs airport SIM card.