Is my phone eSIM compatible? The complete device guide
The quickest answer: if your phone was released in the last few years and is not locked to a single network, it almost certainly supports eSIM. Most flagship and mid-range phones sold since around 2020 include the technology, and every recent iPhone, Google Pixel, and Samsung Galaxy flagship supports it. This guide shows you how to check for certain in under a minute, which devices are compatible, and what to do if yours is not.
If you are new to the idea entirely, start with our explainer on what an eSIM is, then come back here to confirm your device works.
Two things your phone needs
For a travel eSIM to work, your phone needs to satisfy two conditions:
- eSIM hardware. The phone must include an embedded SIM chip. This is a hardware feature, so it is either present or it is not.
- Network unlocked. The phone must not be locked to a single carrier. A locked phone can refuse an eSIM from a different provider even if the hardware supports it. If you bought your phone outright or it is out of contract, it is usually unlocked. If you are unsure, your original carrier can confirm.
Both conditions matter. A phone with eSIM hardware that is still carrier-locked will not accept a travel eSIM until it is unlocked.
How to check in under a minute
The fastest way to check is built into your phone.
On an iPhone: open Settings, go to Mobile Service or Mobile Data, and look for an option to add an eSIM or add a mobile plan. If that option appears, your iPhone supports eSIM. You can also dial the code that displays your device identifiers, and an EID number confirms eSIM hardware is present.
On a Google Pixel or Android phone: open Settings, then Network and internet or Connections, tap SIMs or Mobile network, and look for the option to add an eSIM or download a SIM instead. If it is there, your device is eSIM capable. Wording varies slightly between manufacturers.
If the option to add an eSIM simply is not present anywhere in your settings, the hardware is most likely not supported.
Which devices support eSIM
Rather than an exhaustive list, here are the reliable rules of thumb.
Apple. Every iPhone from the iPhone XS, XR, and 11 generations onward supports eSIM, as do recent iPad models with mobile data. Newer iPhones sold in some regions are eSIM-only and have no physical SIM tray at all.
Google. The Pixel 3 and later support eSIM in most regions, and every recent Pixel does.
Samsung. The Galaxy S20 and later flagship models support eSIM, along with recent Note, Z Fold, and Z Flip devices.
Other Android makers. Many recent Motorola, Oppo, Huawei, Sony, and other flagship phones include eSIM, though support is less consistent across mid-range and budget ranges. The in-settings check above is the definitive test for any Android device.
Because model availability varies by region and manufacturers change specifications between generations, treat these as guidance and confirm using the settings check on your own handset.
What to do if your phone is not compatible
If your device does not support eSIM, you still have options. A traditional physical SIM remains available for most destinations, and our comparison of an eSIM versus a physical SIM weighs up the trade-offs. If you are close to upgrading anyway, checking that your next phone supports eSIM is worthwhile, since the technology is becoming the default.
Getting an eSIM once you have confirmed compatibility
Once you know your phone is compatible and unlocked, buying a travel eSIM is straightforward. You choose a plan for your destination, receive it by email or in an app, and install it before you leave home so you land connected. Saily offers travel eSIM plans that you can set up in advance, which means your data is ready the moment you arrive.
Set up your Saily eSIM before you travel →
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For the practical setup steps, our walkthrough on how to install an eSIM on iPhone covers the process, and our guide to local, regional, and global eSIM plans helps you pick the right one for your trip.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my phone is eSIM compatible?
Open your phone settings and look for an option to add an eSIM or add a mobile plan. On an iPhone this is under Mobile Service, and on Android it is under the SIMs or mobile network settings. If the option appears, your phone supports eSIM.
Do all new phones support eSIM?
Most flagship and many mid-range phones released since around 2020 support eSIM, including every recent iPhone, Google Pixel, and Samsung Galaxy flagship. Some budget models still omit it, so it is worth checking your specific device.
Can a locked phone use a travel eSIM?
Usually not. A phone locked to a single carrier may refuse an eSIM from a different provider even if the hardware supports it. You will need the phone unlocked first, which your original carrier can arrange.
Does my iPhone support eSIM?
Every iPhone from the XS, XR, and 11 onward supports eSIM. Some newer iPhones in certain regions are eSIM-only, with no physical SIM tray at all.
Does my Samsung or Android phone support eSIM?
Samsung Galaxy S20 and later flagships support eSIM, as do many recent Pixel, Motorola, and other flagship Android phones. The most reliable test is to check your settings for an add-eSIM option, since support varies by model and region.
Can I use an eSIM and my normal SIM at the same time?
Most eSIM-capable phones support using an eSIM alongside a physical SIM, so you can keep your home number active for calls and texts while using eSIM data abroad. Exact behaviour depends on your device.
What if my phone does not support eSIM?
You can still use a traditional physical SIM for most destinations. If you are due an upgrade, choosing a new phone that supports eSIM is sensible, as it is increasingly the default connectivity option.
Do I need to be online to install an eSIM?
Yes. Installing an eSIM requires an internet connection, so it is best to buy and install it over Wi-Fi before you leave home. Once installed, it activates when you reach your destination.