How to know if your phone is compatible with eSIM

The eSIM feature is spreading like wildfire among progressive phone-making companies. Users also want to ensure their devices are eSIM-compatible more often than a few years ago. No wonder that eSIMs are becoming an essential feature of smartphones.

And there’s a good reason for that—this technology offers a flexible way to connect to cellular networks, especially when traveling. Moreover, a virtual SIM is easier to use than the usual SIM card. But before you jump on the refined tech wave, there's one crucial question: Is your phone compatible with eSIM?

In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about eSIM compatibility so you can ensure your phone is ready for the future of mobile connectivity.

What you should know about eSIM compatibility

There are a few aspects you should know about the compatibility of eSIMs to make an informed decision and know what steps to take:

• Not all phones have an equal setup when it comes to eSIM. Unlike traditional SIM cards, eSIM compatibility can vary depending on where you bought your phone. This means a phone model that supports eSIM in the US might not work with eSIM in another country. So, if you travel internationally frequently, it's important to check compatibility for the specific region.
• Locked phones won’t let you use eSIM. If your phone is locked to a specific carrier, you most likely won't be able to use eSIM with another provider. Buying an unlocked phone or unlocking the one you have ensures greater flexibility when it comes to choosing a top-tier eSIM carrier.
• Some carriers don’t play nice with all eSIMs. Even if your phone is unlocked and generally supports eSIM, it might not be compatible with every carrier offering eSIM plans. It's always best to check directly with your desired carrier or visit their website to see if your specific phone model is supported on their eSIM network.

How to check eSIM compatibility?

Checking eSIM compatibility is simple once you know where to look. In this section, I explore which popular phone models support eSIM and show you easy, step-by-step instructions on how to check eSIM availability on each brand.

eSIM on iPhone

Starting in 2018 with the iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR, Apple began supporting eSIM technology, so these models and all newer ones can use eSIMs.

This means iPhones from 2018 and later – including the iPhone 11, SE (2nd and 3rd generation), 12, 13, 14, and 15 series – are eSIM compatible. However, eSIM availability can differ depending on your region, so it’s a good idea to check if your specific iPhone supports it. Here are a few simple ways to find out.

Option 1: Check the settings:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Tap on General.
3. Then, select About.
4. Scroll down and look for the section called Digital SIM (on older iPhones) or Available SIM (iOS 15 and later)

If you see a 15-digit IMEI number listed here, great! It means your iPhone is eSIM compatible.

Option 2: Check for IMEI (eSIM) Information:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone phone.
2. In the search bar at the top of the Settings menu, type IMEI.

If you see an option labeled IMEI information (eSIM) or similar, your phone is most likely eSIM compatible.

Option 3: Check by dialing on iPhone:

1. Open the Phone app on your iPhone
2. Tap the Keypad tab at the bottom
3. Dial #06# and press the call button

After that, a screen will appear showing your device’s IMEI number. If your iPhone supports eSIM, you’ll also see an EID (Embedded Identity Document) number listed below or near the IMEI.

Option 4: Check mobile data settings:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone
2. Tap Mobile Data (or Cellular, depending on your region)
3. Look for a button or link that says Add eSIM or Add Mobile Plan

If you see this option, your iPhone supports eSIM.

eSIM on Samsung

Starting around 2020, many Samsung Galaxy phones began supporting eSIM technology. This includes flagship models from the Galaxy S20 series and newer, Galaxy Z Fold and Flip series from Fold2 and Flip 5G onward, as well as the Galaxy Note20 and some Galaxy A and FE models. However, since eSIM availability can vary by model and region, it’s best to check if your Samsung device supports eSIM yourself. Here are a couple of easy ways to do that.

Option 1: Look for the "Add eSIM:"

1. Open the Settings app on your Samsung phone
2. Tap on Connections (or Connections and mobile hotspot on some models)
3. Then, select the SIM card manager

If you see an option labeled Add eSIM or Add Mobile Plan (depending on your model), your phone likely supports eSIMs.

Option 2: Check for IMEI (eSIM) Information:

1. Open the Settings app on your Samsung phone
2. In the search bar at the top of the Settings menu, type IMEI

If you see an option labeled IMEI information (eSIM) or similar, your phone is most likely eSIM compatible.

Option 3: Check compatibility by dialing #06#:

1. Open the Phone app on your Samsung device
2. Go to the Keypad and dial #06#
3. Your device will display your IMEI number

If you also see an EID number near the IMEI, it means your Samsung phone supports eSIM.

eSIM on Google Pixel

Starting around 2017, Google Pixel phones introduced eSIM support beginning with the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL. Thus, most newer Pixel models, including Pixel 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and their variants, support eSIM technology. However, availability may vary by model and region, so it's best to check if your specific Pixel supports eSIM yourself. Here are some easy ways to do that.

Option 1: Look for the "Download a SIM" option:

1. Open the Settings app on your Pixel phone
2. Tap on Network & internet
3. Then, select SIMs

If you already have a physical SIM card in your Pixel, tap the plus icon (+) in the SIMs section. Also, if you see an option labeled Download a SIM instead of just adding a physical SIM, then your Pixel phone is most likely eSIM compatible.

Option 2: Check compatibility by dialing #06#:

1. Open the Phone app on your Google Pixel
2. Go to the Keypad and dial #06#
3. Your device will display the IMEI number

If you see an EID number near the IMEI, your Pixel supports eSIM.

eSIM on Xiaomi

Xiaomi started using eSIM with the Xiaomi 12T Pro in October 2022. However, it still depends on the model and where you bought it. For example, the Xiaomi 13 Pro works with eSIM outside China, but the Chinese version does not. Also, some phones, like the Xiaomi 13 Ultra, don’t support eSIM at all. If you’re not sure if your Xiaomi phone supports eSIM, here are some easy ways to check yourself.

Option 1: Check in Settings:

1. Open the Settings app
2. Go to mobile networks (or SIM cards, depending on your OS version)
3. Look for the option Add eSIM or Turn on eSIM

If you see one of these options, your Xiaomi supports eSIM.

Option 2: Dial #06#:

1. Open the Phone app
2. Go to the keypad and dial #06#
3. Your phone will display your IMEI number

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

Option 3: Check Xiaomi’s official eSIM support list:

1. Visit Xiaomi’s official eSIM compatibility page
2. Search for your phone model
3. Check the correct region/version, as support may differ

If your model and region are listed, your phone supports eSIM.

Option 4: Check in Settings near IMEI:

1. Open Settings
2. Go to About phone > Status (or Detailed info and specs > Status)
3. Scroll down near the IMEI information

If you see the EID listed there, your phone supports eSIM.

eSIM on Motorola

Motorola began adding eSIM support around 2020, starting with the Motorola Razr, their first phone that uses only eSIM without a physical SIM card. Since then, newer models like the Motorola Edge series and Moto G100 have also supported eSIM. However, since eSIM availability can be different depending on the model and where you live, it’s best to check if your phone supports it yourself. Here are some ways to do it yourself.

Option 1: Look for the "Add Carrier" Option:

1. Open the Settings app on your Motorola phone
2. Tap on Internet & Networks (or Network & internet, depending on your model)
3. Then, select Mobile network
4. Go to Advanced and then tap on Carrier

If you see an option labeled Add Carrier followed by Next, and the next screen allows you to scan a QR code, then your Motorola phone is likely eSIM compatible

Option 2: Check compatibility by dialing #06#:

1. Open the Phone app on your Motorola device
2. Enter #06# using the keypad
3. Your IMEI number will appear on the screen

If an EID number is also displayed near the IMEI, your Motorola phone supports eSIM.

How to make your phone eSIM compatible

Unfortunately, there's no magic trick to physically alter your phone and make it eSIM compatible if it wasn't designed with eSIM functionality from the start. However, there are a couple of alternatives depending on your situation:

1. Upgrade your phone. If your current phone isn't eSIM compatible and you prioritize having eSIM, consider upgrading to a newer model with eSIM support. Many flagship smartphones these days come equipped with eSIM technology. Some brands may even offer to exchange your old phone for the newer, eSIM-compatible phone version (terms and conditions may apply).
2. Use an eSIM carrier adapter (limited solution). An eSIM carrier adapter is a recent development, but it isn’t as comfortable or widely spread yet. It may not also be compatible with all phone models.
3. Check with your carrier. Some carriers might offer alternative solutions for using multiple lines or data plans without needing a separate eSIM-compatible phone. For instance, they might have multi-SIM options with traditional physical SIM cards.

Can eSIM be used internationally?

Absolutely! eSIM can be a great companion for international travel (but not only), offering several advantages over traditional physical SIM cards:

• Convenience. No need to fumble with tiny trays or carry multiple SIM cards. You can easily switch between eSIM profiles for different countries.
• Flexibility. Purchase data plans from local carriers or international providers with eSIM coverage.
• Security. If your phone gets lost or stolen, an eSIM can't be physically removed like a traditional SIM card.
• Instant setup. Activate an eSIM in minutes after you land, no need to mess with physical SIM cards
• Multiple plans. Store several eSIM profiles on your phone and switch between them in seconds if needed.

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