eSIM compatibility is usually confirmed by an Add eSIM option or an EID number in your phone's settings. The check takes about 30 seconds.

Your phone must also have a supported model, region, carrier and software version. To use an eSIM from a different carrier, the phone usually needs to be unlocked.

Quick eSIM Compatibility Check

Phone type Typical eSIM support
iPhone iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR and newer generally support eSIM
Google Pixel Pixel 4 and newer support eSIM, with some regional exceptions
Samsung Galaxy Many Galaxy S, Note, Z Fold, Z Flip and selected A-series models support eSIM
Older or budget Android phones Support varies by model and country
US iPhone 14 and newer eSIM-only, with no physical SIM tray

Apple lists the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max and iPhone XR as the first iPhones with eSIM support, although restrictions apply in some countries.

Google says all Pixel 4 and later phones support eSIM. Support for the Pixel 3, Pixel 3a and Pixel 2 depends on the phone's purchase region and carrier.

How to Check Whether Your Phone Supports eSIM

Use your phone's mobile network settings first. If you see Add eSIM, the phone has eSIM support enabled. You can also look for an EID number.

iPhone

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap Cellular or Mobile Service.
  3. Look for Add eSIM or Set Up Cellular.

To find the EID:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap General.
  3. Tap About.
  4. Scroll down to EID.

Apple identifies the EID in the iPhone's About screen as the device number used for eSIM identification.

Google Pixel

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap Network & internet.
  3. Tap SIMs.
  4. Select Add SIM.
  5. Look for Set up an eSIM or Download a SIM instead?

To find the EID:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap About phone.
  3. Tap SIM status.
  4. Look for EID.

Google says a phone needs an EID number to use an eSIM.

Samsung Galaxy

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap Connections.
  3. Tap SIM manager.
  4. Look for Add eSIM.

Samsung says eSIM availability can vary by Galaxy model, software version, country of origin and carrier.

Which iPhones Support eSIM?

The following iPhone models generally support eSIM:

  • iPhone XS and XS Max
  • iPhone XR
  • iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and newer series
  • iPhone SE, 2nd generation and newer

The iPhone 13 and newer support two active eSIMs. iPhone XS, XR, 11 and 12 models support one eSIM alongside a physical SIM.

Regional configurations can change this list. US iPhone 14 and newer models are eSIM-only. Some iPhones sold in mainland China, Hong Kong or Macao use different SIM configurations.

Which Google Pixel Phones Support eSIM?

Google's compatibility guidance is:

  • Pixel 4 and later: eSIM supported
  • Pixel 3a: some Verizon and Japan models do not support eSIM
  • Pixel 3: support depends on the carrier and purchase region
  • Pixel 2: eSIM works only on certain Google Fi models
  • Original Pixel: does not support eSIM

US versions of the Google Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL are eSIM-only and do not use physical SIM cards.

Which Samsung Galaxy Phones Support eSIM?

Samsung includes eSIM support in many newer Galaxy phones, including selected models from these families:

  • Galaxy S20 through Galaxy S26 series
  • Galaxy Note20 series
  • Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip models
  • Selected A-series models, including the A35, A36, A54, A55, A56 and newer variants

Samsung's compatibility list also includes selected Galaxy tablets and other A-series phones. The same model name may have different eSIM support in different countries. A Galaxy phone bought in one region may support eSIM while a similar version sold elsewhere does not.

Why an eSIM May Not Work Even When Your Phone Supports It

A compatible phone is only one part of the setup. You also need:

  1. An eSIM-compatible carrier or travel eSIM provider.
  2. A mobile plan that supports eSIM activation.
  3. An unlocked phone if you are changing carriers.
  4. A model intended for your region.
  5. Current phone software in some cases.

A carrier may support eSIM on an iPhone but not on a particular Samsung Galaxy model. Samsung advises checking with the carrier because eSIM features can differ between carriers and Galaxy devices.

The Fastest Way to Confirm Compatibility

Check these three items:

  • Your settings include Add eSIM.
  • Your phone displays an EID number.
  • Your carrier confirms that the phone's IMEI is eligible for eSIM activation.

If all three checks pass, the phone should be ready for an eSIM. If both Add eSIM and EID are missing, the phone may not support eSIM, or its regional software and hardware may restrict the feature.

For a carrier-level check, use the phone's full model name and region, such as Samsung Galaxy S23 SM-S911U or iPhone 13 purchased in the UK. Check those details in the carrier's device compatibility tool before buying an eSIM plan.