How to Check if Your Device is eSIM Compatible

Before You Buy: Make Sure Your Phone Supports eSIM

Not every phone can use an eSIM. Before you purchase a travel data plan, take 60 seconds to confirm your device is compatible. The steps are slightly different depending on whether you have an iPhone, Samsung, or Google Pixel.

There are also two requirements that apply to every device:

• Your phone must be carrier-unlocked. A carrier-locked phone may block eSIM installation even if the hardware supports it. Not sure if yours is locked? Check our guide on carrier-locked phones.
• Your software should be up to date. On iPhone, you need iOS 16 or later. On Android, you need Android 10 or later.

How to Check on iPhone

Method 1: Look for the EID number

1. Open Settings
2. Tap General
3. Tap About
4. Scroll down and look for a field labeled EID
5. If you see a long string of numbers next to EID, your iPhone supports eSIM

Method 2: Look for the Add eSIM option

1. Open Settings
2. Tap Cellular (or Mobile Data in some regions)
3. Look for Add eSIM or Set Up Cellular
4. If you see either option, your device is eSIM-ready

Compatible iPhones: iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, and every iPhone released since (iPhone 11 through iPhone 16 series). The iPhone 14 and later models sold in the US do not have a physical SIM tray at all — they are eSIM-only.

How to Check on Samsung Galaxy

1. Open Settings
2. Tap Connections
3. Tap SIM manager
4. Look for Add eSIM — if it appears, your Samsung phone supports eSIM

Compatible Samsung devices: Galaxy S20 and newer (S21, S22, S23, S24, S25 series), Galaxy Z Flip series, Galaxy Z Fold series, and Galaxy Note 20 and newer.

How to Check on Google Pixel

1. Open Settings
2. Tap Network & Internet
3. Tap SIMs
4. Tap Add SIM (or the + icon)
5. If you see an option to download a SIM, your Pixel supports eSIM

Compatible Pixels: Google Pixel 3 and newer (Pixel 3, 3a, 4, 4a, 5, 5a, 6, 6a, 6 Pro, 7, 7a, 7 Pro, 8, 8a, 8 Pro, 9 series).

Other eSIM-Compatible Devices

Several other manufacturers also support eSIM:

• Motorola: Razr (2019 and newer), Edge series (select models)
• Oppo: Find X3 Pro, Find X5 series, and newer flagships
• Xiaomi: 12T Pro, 13 series, 14 series (varies by region)
• Huawei: P40 series and newer (note: may not support Google services)

If your device isn't listed here, check the manufacturer's website or search for your exact model number along with "eSIM support."

What If My Device Isn't Compatible?

If your phone doesn't support eSIM, you still have options for staying connected while traveling:

• Upgrade your phone — most phones released after 2020 include eSIM support
• Use a physical SIM card — though this means swapping out your current SIM
• Use pocket WiFi — a portable hotspot you rent or buy at your destination

That said, eSIM is by far the simplest and most affordable option for travel data, so if you're due for an upgrade, it's worth choosing an eSIM-compatible device.

Next Steps

Once you've confirmed your device supports eSIM, you're ready to purchase a plan and install it. Head over to onlyesim.com to browse data plans for your destination, then follow our installation guide for iPhone or Android.