How to Check If Your Phone Supports eSIM (2026)

Why Checking eSIM Compatibility Matters

Before you buy an eSIM data plan for your next trip, you need to confirm that your phone actually supports eSIM technology. Not every phone does, and even some phones that shipped with eSIM hardware may have it disabled by your carrier. Spending two minutes on a compatibility check now saves you from frustration at the airport.

The good news is that eSIM support has expanded dramatically. As of 2026, most mid-range and flagship smartphones sold in the last four to five years include eSIM capability. This guide covers every method to check eSIM support, provides a complete device list by brand, and explains the carrier lock issue that trips up many travelers.

Method 1: Check on iPhone (iOS)

If you own an iPhone, the fastest way to confirm eSIM support is through your device settings. The process takes about 15 seconds.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Tap General.
3. Tap About.
4. Scroll down and look for one of these indicators:

- EID — a 32-digit number listed under your device information. If you see an EID, your iPhone has eSIM hardware.

- Digital SIM or eSIM section — on newer iOS versions, you may see a dedicated section showing available eSIM slots.

If you see an EID number, your phone supports eSIM.

Alternative iOS method: Go to Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data in some regions) and look for Add eSIM or Add Cellular Plan. If this option exists, your device supports eSIM. On iPhones running iOS 16 or later, you may also see a Convert to eSIM option, which confirms eSIM hardware is present.

Method 2: Check on Android (Samsung, Google Pixel, Others)

Android settings vary by manufacturer, but the general path is consistent.

For Samsung Galaxy: Go to Settings > Connections > SIM Manager and look for an Add eSIM option. Alternatively, check Settings > About Phone > Status Information for an EID field.

For Google Pixel: Go to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs and look for a + button or Download a SIM instead option.

For OnePlus, Xiaomi, Motorola, and Oppo: Navigate to Settings > Mobile Network (or SIM & Network or Connections) and look for any option referencing eSIM or Digital SIM. You can also check Settings > About Phone for an EID listing.

If your Android device runs Android 10 or later and was manufactured after 2020, there is a reasonable chance it has eSIM support, but this varies by model and region. Always verify on your specific handset.

Method 3: The Universal *#06# Dial Code

This method works on virtually every phone regardless of operating system or brand. Open your phone's dialer app, type \*#06#, and press call (on some phones, the information appears immediately).

Your screen will display your device's identity numbers. Look for an EID — a 32-digit number that uniquely identifies your eSIM chip. If you see an EID, your phone supports eSIM. If you only see IMEI numbers and no EID, your phone does not have eSIM hardware. This is the definitive test — the EID is tied to the physical eUICC chip, and if the chip is not there, no EID appears.

This method is particularly useful when buying a used phone and wanting to verify eSIM capability before purchasing.

Complete List of eSIM-Compatible Phones by Brand (2026)

Below is a comprehensive list of phones with confirmed eSIM support. Note that carrier-locked devices may have eSIM disabled even if the hardware is present — see the carrier lock section below.

Apple iPhone

Apple has the broadest eSIM support of any smartphone manufacturer. Every iPhone from the XS/XR generation onward includes eSIM:

• iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 (US models: eSIM only, no physical SIM tray)
• iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 (US models: eSIM only)
• iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 (US models: eSIM only; international models: nano-SIM + eSIM)
• iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 (nano-SIM + eSIM, supports dual eSIM)
• iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 (nano-SIM + eSIM, supports dual eSIM)
• iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 (nano-SIM + eSIM)
• iPhone XS Max, iPhone XS, iPhone XR (nano-SIM + eSIM)
• iPhone SE (3rd generation, 2022) (nano-SIM + eSIM, supports dual eSIM)
• iPhone SE (2nd generation, 2020) (nano-SIM + eSIM)

Note: iPhone models sold in mainland China typically use dual nano-SIM instead of eSIM. Hong Kong models of the iPhone 13 and later do support eSIM.

Samsung Galaxy

Samsung's eSIM rollout has been extensive across its flagship and upper-mid-range lines:

• Galaxy S25, S24 (including FE), S23 (including FE), S22, S21 (including FE), S20 series (all Ultra, Plus, and standard variants)
• Galaxy Z Fold 6, 5, 4, 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 6, 5, 4, 3
• Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, Galaxy Note 20
• Galaxy A55, Galaxy A54 (eSIM support varies by region)

Regional note: Samsung eSIM availability depends heavily on your region and the carrier that sold the device. A Galaxy S23 bought unlocked directly from Samsung almost always has eSIM enabled. The same model bought through a specific carrier may have eSIM disabled. Always verify using the methods above.

Google Pixel

Google has supported eSIM since the Pixel 2, making it one of the earliest Android adopters:

• Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Pixel 9 Pro XL, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9
• Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8, Pixel 8a
• Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7, Pixel 7a
• Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6, Pixel 6a
• Pixel 5, Pixel 5a
• Pixel 4 XL, Pixel 4, Pixel 4a, Pixel 4a 5G
• Pixel 3 XL, Pixel 3, Pixel 3a XL, Pixel 3a

Google Pixel devices purchased directly from the Google Store are virtually always eSIM-enabled. Carrier-purchased Pixels may have restrictions.

OnePlus

• OnePlus 13, OnePlus 12, OnePlus 12R
• OnePlus 11
• OnePlus Open (foldable)
• OnePlus Nord 4, OnePlus Nord CE 4

Xiaomi

• Xiaomi 14 Ultra, Xiaomi 14 Pro, Xiaomi 14
• Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Xiaomi 13 Pro, Xiaomi 13
• Xiaomi 12T Pro (select markets)
• Xiaomi Mix Fold 4, Xiaomi Mix Flip

Motorola

• Motorola Razr+ (2024), Motorola Razr (2024)
• Motorola Razr+ (2023), Motorola Razr (2023)
• Motorola Edge 50 Ultra, Motorola Edge 50 Pro
• Motorola Edge 40 Pro, Motorola Edge 40 Neo
• Motorola G54 5G (select markets)

Oppo

• Oppo Find X7 Ultra, Oppo Find X7
• Oppo Find N3, Oppo Find N3 Flip
• Oppo Reno 11 Pro (select markets)

Other Brands

• Sony Xperia 1 VI, Xperia 1 V, Xperia 10 VI, Xperia 10 V
• Huawei P60 Pro, Huawei Mate X5 (eSIM support varies by region)
• Nothing Phone 2a, Nothing Phone 2
• Fairphone 5, Fairphone 4

Carrier Lock: The Hidden eSIM Blocker

This is the single biggest issue travelers run into. Your phone may have eSIM hardware but still refuse to accept an eSIM plan because it is carrier-locked.

When you buy a phone through a carrier (AT&T, Vodafone, T-Mobile, EE, etc.) on an installment plan or contract, the carrier often locks the device to their network. This lock prevents you from using SIM cards or eSIM profiles from other carriers — including travel eSIM providers like tukango.

How to check if your phone is carrier-locked:

On iPhone:

1. Go to Settings > General > About.
2. Scroll to Carrier Lock or Network Provider Lock.
3. If it says "No SIM restrictions", your phone is unlocked and ready for eSIM.
4. If it says anything else, your phone is locked.

On Android:

1. Insert a SIM card from a different carrier than your current one.
2. If you get a message asking for an unlock code or saying the SIM is not supported, your phone is locked.
3. Alternatively, contact your carrier and ask them directly.

How to unlock your phone:

• Contact your carrier. Most carriers will unlock your phone for free once you have paid off the device in full or completed your contract period. In many countries, carriers are legally required to unlock phones upon request after the contract ends.
• Processing time varies. Some carriers unlock instantly over the phone. Others take 2-5 business days.
• Get confirmation. Ask for written confirmation that the unlock has been processed. On iPhones, the unlock typically happens automatically after connecting to WiFi — check the Carrier Lock status again in Settings.

Do this well before your trip. Do not wait until the day before departure to discover your phone is locked. Give yourself at least a week to handle the unlock process.

Tablets with eSIM Support

Tablets are excellent travel companions, especially for working remotely or navigating with a larger screen. Many modern tablets include eSIM support:

Apple iPad

• iPad Pro 13-inch (M4), iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)
• iPad Air 13-inch (M3), iPad Air 11-inch (M3)
• iPad Air (5th generation, M1)
• iPad mini (7th generation, A17 Pro), iPad mini (6th generation)
• iPad (10th generation) — first standard iPad with eSIM
• iPad Pro models from 2018 onward (3rd generation and later, both 11-inch and 12.9-inch)

Note that WiFi-only iPads do not have eSIM or any cellular capability. You need the WiFi + Cellular model specifically.

Samsung Tablets

• Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra 5G, Galaxy Tab S10+ 5G
• Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra 5G, Galaxy Tab S9+ 5G, Galaxy Tab S9 FE 5G
• Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra 5G, Galaxy Tab S8+ 5G

Samsung tablets with 5G or LTE connectivity in their name generally include eSIM in addition to a physical SIM slot.

Other Tablets

• Microsoft Surface Pro 10, Surface Pro 9 5G — these use eSIM for cellular connectivity.
• Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold, various Lenovo tablets with LTE/5G — select models include eSIM.

Smartwatches with eSIM

Cellular smartwatches from Apple (Watch Series 4 and newer, Ultra, SE), Samsung (Galaxy Watch 4 and newer), and Google (Pixel Watch 2 and newer) include eSIM in their GPS + Cellular or LTE models.

Important for travelers: Smartwatch eSIMs work differently from phone eSIMs. Most smartwatch eSIM plans are companion plans tied to your primary carrier, not standalone data profiles. This means travel eSIMs generally do not work on smartwatches. tukango provides data-only plans designed for phones and tablets. If you need smartwatch connectivity abroad, check with your home carrier about international add-ons for your watch plan.

What If Your Phone Does Not Support eSIM?

If your phone lacks eSIM support, you have three main options: buy a local physical SIM card at your destination, upgrade to an eSIM-compatible phone (even mid-range phones like the Pixel 7a or Samsung Galaxy A55 now include eSIM), or use a portable WiFi hotspot with eSIM support.

For the simplest experience, using a phone with built-in eSIM support remains the best option. Browse available plans on the tukango destinations page and have your eSIM ready before you pack.

Quick Compatibility Check Summary

Here is a decision tree to quickly determine your eSIM compatibility:

1. Dial \*#06#. Do you see an EID number? Yes = eSIM hardware present. No = No eSIM support.
2. Check settings. Can you find an "Add eSIM" or "Add Cellular Plan" option? Yes = eSIM is enabled. No = It may be carrier-locked or regionally disabled.
3. Check carrier lock. Is your phone showing "No SIM restrictions"? Yes = You are ready. No = Contact your carrier to unlock.

If all three checks pass, you are ready to purchase and install a travel eSIM. Visit the tukango device compatibility checker for an instant answer, or browse our step-by-step installation guide to see exactly how the setup process works.

Checking Compatibility Before You Buy

At tukango, every eSIM plan you purchase is backed by a money-back guarantee. Your purchase is protected, so you can buy with confidence knowing that if any issue arises, you are covered. Powered by GSMA-certified infrastructure, our eSIM profiles work on every device listed in this guide, and our dedicated support team is available to help with any questions about compatibility or setup.

Before purchasing, we recommend using the tukango compatibility checker — simply select your phone brand and model for an instant answer. If you want to understand more about how eSIM technology works at a deeper level, our What Is an eSIM? guide covers everything from the eUICC chip to remote provisioning.

Can I use eSIM if my phone has a physical SIM card slot too?

Yes, absolutely. Most eSIM-compatible phones are "dual SIM" devices, meaning they support both a physical nano-SIM and an eSIM simultaneously. This is actually ideal for travelers: you keep your regular physical SIM for your home number (calls and texts) and use the eSIM for affordable local data at your destination. Both can be active at the same time — your phone lets you choose which SIM handles data and which handles calls.

My phone has eSIM hardware but the "Add eSIM" option is missing. What should I do?

This almost always means your phone is carrier-locked. Contact your carrier and request a device unlock. Once unlocked, restart your phone and check settings again — the eSIM option should appear. In rare cases, a software update may be required to enable eSIM functionality, so also make sure your phone is running the latest operating system version. If you have confirmed the phone is unlocked and updated but still do not see the option, try resetting your network settings (this will erase saved WiFi passwords, so note them down first).

Do I need to remove my physical SIM to use an eSIM?

No. On dual-SIM phones, your physical SIM and eSIM work side by side. You do not need to remove anything. In your phone's settings, you designate one SIM for cellular data (your eSIM travel plan) and the other for calls and texts (your physical home SIM). This dual-SIM setup is the recommended configuration for international travel, as it lets you stay reachable on your home number while using affordable local data through your eSIM.

How many eSIM profiles can my phone store at once?

The number varies by device, but most modern smartphones can store between 8 and 20 eSIM profiles on the eUICC chip. However, only one or two can be active at any given time (the exact limit depends on your phone model and operating system). The inactive profiles remain stored on your device and can be activated when needed — useful if you travel to the same countries frequently. For example, you could keep profiles for the US, Japan, and the EU stored on your phone and simply activate the right one before each trip.