Does my phone support eSIM?

The quickest check

• iPhone: open Settings, then Cellular (or Mobile Data). If you see Add eSIM or Add Cellular Plan, your iPhone supports eSIM.
• Android: open Settings, then Network & internet (or Connections), then SIMs or SIM manager. Look for Add eSIM or Download a SIM instead.
• Any phone: on most eSIM phones, dialling *#06# shows an EID — a long number that identifies the eSIM chip — next to the IMEI. No EID usually means no eSIM.

Phones that support eSIM

iPhone

iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR and every iPhone since, including the iPhone SE (2nd generation and later).

The exception: some iPhones sold in mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao take two physical SIM cards instead of an eSIM. If yours was bought there, use the Settings check above.

Google Pixel

Pixel 3a and every Pixel since. Pixel 7 and later can hold two eSIMs at once, and the Pixel 10, 10 Pro and 10 Pro XL sold in the US are eSIM-only.

Samsung Galaxy

• Galaxy S20, S20+ and S20 Ultra, and every Galaxy S model since, including the FE models.
• Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip 5G, and every foldable since.
• Some Galaxy A models — including the A54, A55 and A56 — and the XCover7 and XCover7 Pro.

Samsung notes that eSIM support depends on the country the phone was made for, so the same model can differ between regions. The Settings check above settles it.

Other brands

Many recent phones from Motorola, OnePlus, Xiaomi, Oppo, Sony and others support eSIM too, but it varies by model and by the country the phone was sold in. Use the Settings check.

Your phone must also be unlocked

A phone that's locked to your home carrier usually can't install another operator's plan, even if it supports eSIM. Your carrier can tell you whether it's locked, and can often unlock it for free — ask before you travel, because it can take a few days.

Then install it before you fly

You'll need Wi-Fi to install the eSIM, so do it at home. Step-by-step guides: install an eSIM on iPhone or install an eSIM on Android.