eSIM compatibility: is my smartphone eligible?
Not every smartphone supports eSIM. Full Apple, Samsung, Google, Xiaomi, Motorola list, how to check in 30 seconds and pitfalls to avoid before you buy.
The eSIM (embedded SIM) is a virtual SIM card built directly into the phone. No more plastic to slot in, no more cutting: a QR code activates a plan in seconds. But not every smartphone carries the eUICC chip required for it. Before you buy a travel eSIM, take two minutes to confirm your device is eligible.
1. Why compatibility varies so much
A smartphone can be incompatible for three reasons:
- Hardware generation: the eUICC chip only became standard from 2018 onwards on iPhone (XS), 2020 on Samsung (S20) and 2022 on most mid-range Android handsets.
- Sales market: Apple and Samsung disable the eSIM on some regional variants (mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao) for regulatory reasons. An iPhone 16 bought in Shanghai has no eSIM function whatsoever, even after a software reset.
- Carrier lock (simlock): a subsidised phone may block third-party SIMs, eSIM included, until it has been unlocked.
2. Three ways to check in 30 seconds
Method 1: system settings
On iPhone: Settings, General, About. If you see "EID" (a 32-digit number), your iPhone supports eSIM. No EID = no eSIM, period.
On Android: Settings, About phone, SIM status or SIM card manager. Look for "eSIM", "embedded SIM" or an "Add eSIM" button.
Method 2: the USSD code
On any phone, open the dialer and type `*#06#`. A pop-up shows your IMEI. If an EID (starting with 89) is also displayed, eSIM is available.
Method 3: the manufacturer's checker
- Apple: apple.com/iphone/cellular lists every eSIM-compatible iPhone by country.
- Samsung: samsung.com/global/galaxy/esim gives the status by model and region.
- Google: the Pixel support page details US and international variants.
3. Apple: every eSIM-compatible iPhone
Since the iPhone XS (Sept. 2018), every iPhone sold in Europe accepts an eSIM alongside the physical SIM (Dual SIM eSIM + nano-SIM). US iPhones from iPhone 14 onward are eSIM-only: no physical tray at all.
| Model | Year | eSIM? |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone XS / XS Max / XR | 2018 | Yes (except China) |
| iPhone 11 / 11 Pro / 11 Pro Max | 2019 | Yes |
| iPhone SE (2nd gen.) | 2020 | Yes |
| iPhone 12 / mini / Pro / Pro Max | 2020 | Yes |
| iPhone 13 / mini / Pro / Pro Max | 2021 | Yes |
| iPhone SE (3rd gen.) | 2022 | Yes |
| iPhone 14 / Plus / Pro / Pro Max | 2022 | Yes, eSIM-only in the US |
| iPhone 15 / Plus / Pro / Pro Max | 2023 | Yes, eSIM-only in the US |
| iPhone 16 / Plus / Pro / Pro Max | 2024 | Yes, eSIM-only in the US |
iPad: iPad Pro 11" and 12.9" (since 2018), iPad Air (since 2019), iPad mini (since 2019), iPad (since 2019). iPad Pro M4 and iPad Air M2 are eSIM-only.
Apple Watch: every Series 3 cellular and above (but a watch eSIM must be paired with an iPhone and activated through a carrier that supports Apple Watch).
4. Samsung Galaxy: compatibility by series
| Series | First eSIM model | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Galaxy S | S20, S20+, S20 Ultra | Every later generation (S21, S22, S23, S24, S25) |
| Galaxy Note | Note 20, Note 20 Ultra | Last series, since discontinued |
| Galaxy Z Fold | Every Fold (2 to 6) | eSIM is standard |
| Galaxy Z Flip | Every Flip (3 to 6) | eSIM is standard |
| Galaxy A | A54 5G, A55 5G | Varies by market; A34 and below often shipped without eSIM |
| Galaxy Xcover | Xcover6 Pro | Built for field / rugged use |
⚠️ Beware of regional variants: the Galaxy S24 sold in Hong Kong has the eSIM disabled. Check the model code (SM-S921B/DS = international Dual SIM with eSIM; SM-S9210 = China, no eSIM).
5. Google Pixel
Every Pixel supports eSIM from the Pixel 2 (2017), with the exception of pre-Pixel 5 Japanese variants and certain Asian SKUs.
- Pixel 2 / 3 / 3a / 4 / 4a / 5 / 5a: eSIM yes, except specific JP/SEA variants.
- Pixel 6 / 6a / 6 Pro / 7 / 7a / 7 Pro / 8 / 8a / 8 Pro / 9 / 9 Pro / 9 Pro XL / 9 Pro Fold: eSIM available on every Europe and US variant.
6. Other Android brands
Motorola
- Razr 40 / Razr 40 Ultra (2023), Razr 50 / 50 Ultra (2024): foldables with eSIM.
- Edge 40 / Edge 40 Pro / Edge 50 Pro: eSIM yes.
- Moto G entry and mid-tier: mostly no eSIM.
Huawei
- P40, P40 Pro, P50 Pro, Mate 40 Pro, Mate 50, Mate 60: eSIM yes, but no Google services which complicates a few carrier-app setups.
Honor
- Magic 4 Pro, Magic 5 Pro, Magic 6 Pro, Magic V2: eSIM yes on global versions.
Oppo and OnePlus
- Oppo Find X3 Pro, X5 Pro, X6 Pro, X7 Ultra, X8 Pro: eSIM yes.
- OnePlus 11, OnePlus 12, OnePlus Open: eSIM yes on international versions (not in India).
Xiaomi
- Xiaomi 12T Pro, 13, 13 Pro, 13T Pro, 14, 14T Pro, 15: eSIM yes on European global versions.
- Chinese versions (suffix "CN" on the model code) have no eSIM.
Sony
- Xperia 1 IV, 1 V, 1 VI, 5 IV, 5 V, 10 V, 10 VI: eSIM yes.
Nothing
- Nothing Phone (2), Phone (2a), Phone (3a): eSIM yes (Europe).
Fairphone
- Fairphone 5: eSIM yes (the only modular smartphone with eSIM).
7. Watch out for China, Hong Kong and Macao variants
Apple and Samsung have long sold specific SKUs for mainland China (and historically Hong Kong / Macao) where the eSIM is disabled in hardware. Those phones do, however, ship with two physical nano-SIM trays.
Red flags:
- Model code suffix `CH`, `ZA` (China), `CN`.
- Imported through an Asian reseller at a steep discount.
- "Dual Physical SIM" listed on the spec sheet.
If you buy second-hand or grey market, check the EID before paying (method 2 above).
8. Compatible tablets and watches
| Category | Models |
|---|---|
| iPad cellular | Pro 11"/12.9" since 2018, Air since 2019, mini since 2019, standard iPad since 2019. Pro M4 and Air M2 are eSIM-only. |
| Apple Watch | Series 3 and above (GPS + Cellular versions only). |
| Samsung Tab | Tab S7+/S8+/S9+/S10+ 5G variants. |
| Samsung Watch | Watch 4 Classic LTE, Watch 5 Pro LTE, Watch 6 LTE, Watch 7 LTE, Watch Ultra. |
| Pixel Watch | Pixel Watch 1, 2 and 3 (LTE versions). |
| Garmin | Garmin Venu 3 and Forerunner 945 LTE. |
Note: regular travel eSIMs do not work on smartwatches. Watches require a companion eSIM linked to the phone's main number through the carrier. For standalone data, only dedicated "watch" eSIMs (rare) are compatible.
9. Minimum iOS and Android versions
- iOS 12.1 or higher on iPhone (Apple recommends iOS 17 for dual eSIM).
- iPadOS 12.1 or higher on iPad.
- Android 9 minimum for the Pixel 2, Android 10 for most other manufacturers, Android 12 or higher recommended for fast eSIM transfer.
- watchOS 5 minimum on Apple Watch.
Before activating a travel eSIM, update your system. The vast majority of activation issues come from an outdated OS.
10. My phone is compatible but the eSIM won't activate
Most frequent causes:
- Carrier-locked phone (simlock). Request a free unlock after 6 months on contract (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile in the US; Orange, EE, O2, Vodafone in Europe).
- Outdated iOS / Android. Update before activating.
- Wrong APN. If the eSIM is active but data won't flow, manually add the APN provided by the carrier in Settings, Cellular, Cellular Network.
- Roaming disabled. Settings, Cellular, Data Roaming must be on for travel eSIMs.
- Plan incompatible with 4G or 5G. A 5G phone needs a 5G plan; otherwise, force the line to 4G in settings.
- eSIM already installed elsewhere. A travel eSIM is bound to a QR code. Once scanned on one phone, transfer is usually impossible; contact the carrier's support.
Frequently asked questions
How many eSIMs can an iPhone store? Up to 8 eSIM profiles (since iOS 16), with 2 active simultaneously.
Can I switch between two eSIMs while travelling? Yes, Settings, Cellular, Lines, choose the line to enable. On Android, switch via the SIM icon in the quick settings tray.
Are refurbished phones eSIM-compatible? Yes if the original model is (a refurbished iPhone 13 still has eSIM). Check the EID in Settings before buying.
Does eSIM drain more battery than a physical SIM? No, the impact is imperceptible. What drains the battery abroad is the network search when signal is weak, not the SIM type.
What happens when I switch phones? On iPhone, since iOS 16, fast eSIM transfer over Bluetooth works between two iPhones. On Android, transfer is rolling out (Pixel 7 and above). Otherwise, request a new QR code from the carrier.
Do iMessage and FaceTime work normally with eSIM? Yes, iOS treats eSIM as a standard SIM. iMessage and FaceTime stay tied to the main number (your physical SIM) if you keep Dual SIM.
If your phone still refuses to activate after these checks, your eSIM provider is your best contact: most carriers (Airalo, Holafly, Saily, Ubigi) offer 24/7 chat support in English.