Which phones support eSIM? Full compatibility list
Before you buy a travel data plan, there's one thing to confirm: does your phone actually support eSIM? The good news is that if you've bought a flagship phone in the last five years or so, the answer is almost certainly yes. eSIM is now standard across Apple, Samsung, Google, and most major Android brands. This guide gives you the full list, plus a 30-second way to check your own device and the exceptions worth knowing about.
Check your phone in 30 seconds (do this first)
Faster than scrolling a list — try one of these:
- Any phone: Dial
*#06#. If an EID number appears on screen alongside your IMEI, your phone supports eSIM. - iPhone: Go to Settings → General → About and look for an EID entry, or Settings → Mobile and look for Add eSIM.
- Android: Open Settings and search for eSIM, or check SIM Manager / SIMs for an add-eSIM option.
One crucial extra step: your phone also needs to be carrier-unlocked to use a third-party travel eSIM. A supported but locked phone won't work. Contact your carrier to unlock it first.
Apple iPhone
Apple has supported eSIM since 2018, so the rule is simple: iPhone XS, iPhone XR, and every model since. The iPhone X, iPhone 8, and anything older do not support eSIM.
That covers the entire range from iPhone XS/XR through the iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17 lines, including SE models from the 2nd generation onward.
Two important notes
- eSIM-only models (no physical SIM tray): In the US, iPhones from the iPhone 14 onward are eSIM-only. The iPhone 17 Air is Apple's first eSIM-only phone worldwide. On these, eSIM isn't optional, it's the only way to connect.
- Mainland China models: iPhones sold in mainland China generally do not support eSIM, due to local regulations. Some Hong Kong and Macau variants do. Check where your device was sold.
Modern iPhones (13 and later) support dual eSIM and can store around 8 profiles, with 2 actives at once.
Samsung Galaxy
Samsung added eSIM with the Galaxy S20 series in 2020. Supported devices include:
- Galaxy S series: S20 and newer (including FE, +, and Ultra variants)
- Foldables: all Galaxy Z Flip and Z Fold models
- Note: Note 20 series
- A series (select): A35, A55, A56, and some A54 variants
Watch for regional variants. eSIM support on Samsung, especially A-series, varies by model and region, and some carrier-sold units have it disabled. Models sold in China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan often don't support it. Always confirm with *#06# or check Settings for an EID before buying a plan.
Google Pixel
Google was an early adopter, and eSIM is standard across the lineup: Pixel 3 and newer all support it (including the a-series budget models like the 6a, 7a, and later).
US models of the Pixel 10 are eSIM-only. As with other brands, a small number of regional variants can behave differently, so a quick EID check is worth it.
Other Android brands
eSIM support here is more model-specific, and the single biggest gotcha is regional variants. Typically only the global versions support eSIM, while China and Hong Kong models often don't. Verify your exact model before buying.
| Brand | Supported models (examples) |
|---|---|
| Motorola | Razr (2019 and later), Edge series (select) |
| OnePlus | 11, 12, 13 |
| Xiaomi | 12T Pro, 13 / 13 Pro, 14 series (global models) |
| Oppo | Find X3 Pro, Find X5 series, Find N2 Flip |
| Huawei | P40, P40 Pro, Mate 40 Pro (not the P40 Pro+) |
| Sony | Xperia 1 IV and later, Xperia 10 IV and later |
| Nothing / Fairphone / Honor | Select recent models |
When in doubt for any of these, dial *#06#. It's the most reliable check.
Tablets, watches, and other devices
eSIM isn't just phones:
- iPad: Cellular iPad Pro, Air, and Mini models from 2019 onward.
- Apple Watch: GPS + Cellular models, Series 3 and newer.
- Samsung Galaxy Watch: LTE models, Series 4 and newer.
- Tablets: Google Pixel Tablet and select Samsung Galaxy Tab models.
Important for travellers: A smartwatch eSIM is designed to mirror your home carrier plan. You cannot install a third-party travel eSIM directly on an Apple Watch or Galaxy Watch. The workaround is simple: install your travel eSIM on your phone as normal, and your paired watch stays connected through the phone.
Which phones don't support eSIM?
The common reasons a phone won't work:
- It's too old. Pre-2018 iPhones (X, 8, and earlier) and pre-2020 Samsung Galaxy phones (S10 and earlier) lack the hardware.
- It's a mainland China iPhone, or a China/Hong Kong/Taiwan variant of some Android phones, where eSIM is disabled by regulation.
- It's carrier-locked. The hardware supports eSIM, but the lock prevents a third-party travel eSIM from installing. An unlock fixes this.
- It's a budget model without eSIM hardware. Many entry-level phones still ship with physical-SIM-only.
If a software update is available, it's worth installing. Occasionally eSIM issues on supported phones are resolved by updating.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use an eSIM and a physical SIM at the same time?
Yes. On most modern phones this is "dual SIM" mode. Your physical SIM keeps working normally, and the eSIM acts like a second line. You choose which handles calls, texts, and data.
How many eSIMs can my phone hold?
Most phones store several profiles (iPhones around 8) but keep only one or two actives at a time. So you can save plans for different countries and switch between them without re-scanning QR codes.
Does adding an eSIM affect my existing SIM?
No. Adding an eSIM is like adding a second phone line. It doesn't touch your existing service.
My phone supports eSIM but the plan won't install. Why?
The most common cause is a carrier lock. Confirm your phone is unlocked, that you're on Wi-Fi, and that the QR code hasn't already been used.
Confirmed your phone works?
If your device is on this list and unlocked, you're ready to go.
Explore Vell Travel eSIM to choose your destination and buy a travel data plan.
Compatibility details, especially for newer and regional models change as manufacturers update their ranges. When in doubt, the *#06# EID check on your actual device is the most reliable answer.