Does your phone support eSIM?

Before buying, check eSIM support in settings, your exact model and whether the phone is carrier-unlocked. A model name or release year alone is not enough.

Checked against manufacturer guidance: .

Three checks before you buy

  1. Find the “Add eSIM” option

    Open your phone settings and look for the option to add an eSIM. You do not need to buy a plan for this check.

    iPhone
    Settings → Cellular / Mobile Data → Add eSIM.
    Samsung Galaxy
    Settings → Connections → SIM manager → Add eSIM.
    Google Pixel
    Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → Add SIM → Set up an eSIM.

    Menu names vary by software version and language. On other Android phones, search settings for “eSIM”. If the option is missing, check the manufacturer specifications for your exact device variant.

  2. Check for an EID

    In the Phone app, enter *#06#. Many phones display device information automatically; you do not need to make a call. Look for the EID field: it is a 32-digit eSIM identifier, not a number starting with the letters “EID”.

    If the code does not show an EID, check device information: on iPhone, General → About; on Pixel, About phone → SIM status. The path may differ on other Android phones.

    An EID confirms that the device has an eSIM identifier, but does not guarantee that any particular plan will work. An IMEI, or even two IMEI numbers, does not replace checking eSIM support and carrier locks.

  3. Check that the phone is carrier-unlocked

    On iPhone, open Settings → General → About. The Carrier Lock entry should say “No SIM restrictions”.

    Android has no single check that works on every model. Ask the seller or carrier whether the phone accepts other carriers’ SIMs and eSIMs, especially if it was sold with a carrier contract.

    This is a mobile network restriction, not your screen passcode or SIM PIN. If your phone is carrier-locked, ask the carrier to unlock it before buying a travel eSIM.

    How to check an iPhone carrier lock — Apple

What to do next

If your phone supports eSIM, is unlocked and has a suitable regional variant, choose your destination. If you are unsure, contact support with the device name, full model code, purchase region and software version.

Choose a country Get help checking

Models and important exceptions

Support depends on the exact variant, sales region and sometimes the carrier. A model family list is a guide, not a guarantee for every device in that family.

iPhone: model and sales region

Compatible versions of iPhone XS, XS Max, XR and newer models support eSIM. The first-generation iPhone SE does not; the second- and third-generation SE support eSIM, subject to regional restrictions.

iPhones sold for China mainland, Hong Kong and Macao differ: some use two physical SIMs, while others support eSIM. Check the full A… model number against Apple specifications. In General → About, tap the model number to reveal it.

Special rules apply to eSIM-capable iPhones purchased in China mainland: you cannot install a foreign carrier’s eSIM while in China mainland. Apple requires Location Services to be enabled when installing one abroad. Check Apple’s separate guidance before traveling.

Samsung Galaxy: check the full model code

Many Galaxy S20 and newer S-series models, Note20, Z Fold and Z Flip devices, and selected Galaxy A models support eSIM. Support for a series does not cover every variant: FE editions, region and carrier software matter.

Compare the full SM-… code in About phone with the specifications for its sales region. For example, do not assume Galaxy S20 FE supports eSIM just because its name includes S20. Check for Add eSIM and consult Samsung’s official list.

Google Pixel: restrictions on early models

Google lists Pixel 4 and newer models as supporting eSIM. You still need to check for a carrier lock.

Earlier models have exceptions: Pixel 2 requires a device bought with Google Fi; Pixel 3 has restrictions for Australia, Taiwan, Japan and some US and Canadian carriers; Pixel 3a excludes Verizon versions and devices bought in Japan. The original Pixel (2016) does not support eSIM.

Xiaomi, Huawei, OPPO, Motorola and other Android phones

Check the manufacturer’s eSIM specifications for your exact model and sales region. Similar names, Pro, Lite or Plus editions, and two SIM slots do not confirm eSIM support.

If the specifications include eSIM but the option is missing, check for official software updates and contact the manufacturer. Installing an ordinary app cannot add built-in eSIM to a device that lacks support.

Tablets and laptops

A direct mobile connection needs a cellular modem with eSIM support. For iPad, this means a compatible Wi-Fi + Cellular model; a Wi-Fi-only version does not qualify. LTE or 5G alone does not confirm eSIM support.

On Windows, check Settings → Network & internet → Cellular for an eSIM option and profile management. Also confirm that your chosen plan works with the device.

Watches with eSIM

eSIM support on a watch does not mean it accepts a travel plan intended for a smartphone. For example, Apple Watch needs a suitable plan from a supported carrier and setup through iPhone. Confirm watch and plan compatibility separately.

Before installation and travel

  • Have a stable internet connection, such as Wi-Fi, ready to download the eSIM profile.
  • Check the destination coverage and when your plan starts. Having no network outside the covered country does not by itself mean your phone is incompatible.
  • Select the travel eSIM for mobile data and enable data roaming for that line as instructed. Check your home SIM settings separately to avoid using it for paid roaming data.
  • The number of stored and simultaneously active SIMs depends on the model. Do not delete an active eSIM just to test support: reinstalling it may require help from the carrier.
Guides for your next steps

The installation guide is available in English. The other detailed guides are currently in Russian.