Does Your Phone Support eSIM? The 2026 Compatibility List
Before you buy a travel eSIM, make sure your phone can use one. Here is how to check in 20 seconds, the full list of eSIM-ready iPhones, Samsungs and Pixels, and the two gotchas that trip people up.
Buying a travel eSIM only makes sense if your phone can actually use one. The good news: if your phone is from roughly 2019 onward, it almost certainly can. Here is how to be sure in under a minute — plus the full model list and the two things people forget to check.
The 20-second check
Do one of these:
- **Dial
#06#on your phone. If you see an EID* number (a long string, separate from the IMEI), you have an eSIM. - iPhone: Settings → General → About, and look for an Available SIM or EID line. Or Settings → Mobile/Cellular → Add eSIM.
- Android: Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → Add SIM → Download a SIM instead?
If you can find "Add eSIM" or an EID, you are good to go.
Two gotchas to check first
- Your phone must be carrier-unlocked. A phone locked to your home carrier will reject other plans. If you bought it outright or it is paid off, it is usually unlocked — if unsure, ask your carrier.
- Some region-specific models have no eSIM. The biggest example: iPhones bought in mainland China ship without eSIM, and a few early Samsung units sold in certain regions disabled it. When in doubt, use the
*#06#test above — it never lies.
eSIM-ready iPhones
- iPhone XS, XS Max, XR and every model since (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and SE 2020 onward).
- US iPhone 14 and later are eSIM-only — they have no physical tray at all, so an eSIM is the only way to add a travel plan.
eSIM-ready Samsung Galaxy
- Galaxy S20 and newer (S20/S21/S22/S23/S24 and Ultra variants).
- Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip (all generations).
- Galaxy Note 20.
- Note: some early carrier-branded units disabled eSIM — the dial test confirms yours.
eSIM-ready Google Pixel
- Pixel 3 and newer (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and their a and Pro variants).
- Exception: the very first Pixel 3 sold in a few Asian and Australian markets lacked eSIM.
Other brands
Many recent Motorola (razr, edge), Oppo (Find X, Reno), Huawei (P40/P50, non-US), Sony Xperia and Rakuten phones support eSIM, plus most flagship 2022+ models. Again — trust the *#06# and EID test over any list.
What about tablets and watches?
Cellular iPads (Pro, Air, mini) support eSIM and make excellent travel data devices. Apple Watch and Galaxy Watch use eSIM too, but usually only with a home-carrier plan, not most travel eSIMs — so plan to tether your watch to your phone abroad instead.
Confirmed compatible? Here is what is next
Once you know your phone is eSIM-ready and unlocked:
- Pick a plan for your destination.
- Install it before you fly (our step-by-step install guide walks through iPhone and Android).
- Turn it on when you land.
Still unsure about your exact model? Our full, regularly updated device compatibility list has the details — and if your phone qualifies, you can be online abroad for a flat local price instead of daily roaming fees.