One of the most common questions about eSIM is: “Will my phone work?” This guide covers every major phone brand, specific models, and the settings you need to check to ensure your device is eSIM-ready. We’ll also cover unlocking requirements, OS versions, and how to verify compatibility before buying a plan.
How to Check Your Phone’s eSIM Support
The fastest way: Visit our eSIM device checker and enter your phone model. It’ll confirm support in 10 seconds.
Manual method: Check the settings section below for your phone type.
iPhone eSIM Compatibility
iPhones That Support eSIM
- iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR (2018) — First generation iPhone with eSIM support.
- iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max (2019)
- iPhone SE (2nd gen, 2020) and later
- iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max (2020)
- iPhone 13 series (2021)
- iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max (2022)
- iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max (2023)
- iPhone 16 series (2024)
iPhones That Do NOT Support eSIM
- iPhone X and earlier (X, 8, 8 Plus, 7, etc.)
- iPhone XR does support, but original iPhone 6s and earlier do not.
iPhone Settings to Enable eSIM
- Go to Settings → Cellular (or Mobile Service)
- Tap Add eSIM
- Choose Scan QR Code
- Scan your eSIM QR code (you’ll get this via email after purchasing)
- Follow prompts to add the plan
- Once added, go to Settings → Cellular → [Your eSIM Plan]
- Toggle Data Roaming ON (critical for international use)
- Go to Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data and select your eSIM
- For your primary SIM, go to Cellular Data Options and toggle Mobile Data OFF to prevent roaming charges
Android eSIM Compatibility
Google Pixel (eSIM Support)
- Pixel 3a and 3a XL (2019) — First Pixel with eSIM.
- Pixel 4, 4 XL (2019)
- Pixel 4a series (2020)
- Pixel 5, 5a (2020-2021)
- Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 6a (2021)
- Pixel 7, 7 Pro, 7a (2022)
- Pixel 8, 8 Pro, 8a (2023)
Samsung Galaxy (eSIM Support)
- Galaxy S20, S20+, S20 Ultra (2020) — First Samsung with eSIM.
- Galaxy S21 series (2021)
- Galaxy S22 series (2022)
- Galaxy S23 series (2023)
- Galaxy A series (A51 and newer) — Various A-series models support eSIM; check your specific model.
- Galaxy Fold and Z Flip series — All generations support eSIM.
Samsung Settings to Enable eSIM
- Settings → Connections → SIMs (or Mobile Networks)
- Tap Add eSIM or Scan QR Code
- Scan your eSIM QR code
- Complete the setup
- Go to Settings → Connections → SIMs, select your eSIM
- Toggle Data Roaming ON
- For your primary SIM, go to Mobile Networks and toggle Mobile Data OFF
Other Android Phones (eSIM Support)
- OnePlus 7 Pro and newer
- Motorola Razr (2019, 5G) — Newer Motorola models may support eSIM; check your specific device.
- Sony Xperia: Select newer models (check your specific phone).
- Nothing Phone 1 and newer
- OPPO Find series (recent models)
- Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra and newer (limited availability in some regions)
Android Phones That Do NOT Support eSIM
- Most phones before 2019
- Budget Android phones (check your specific model)
- If your phone isn’t listed above, it likely doesn’t support eSIM
Requirements: Unlocking Your Phone
eSIM works with locked or unlocked phones. However, if your phone is carrier-locked, you may encounter issues:
- If locked to your home carrier: Your carrier usually allows eSIM use, but they may need to unlock it remotely. Contact them before traveling.
- If locked to another carrier: That carrier would need to unlock it (good luck).
- Best practice: Confirm your phone is unlocked before buying an eSIM, or contact your carrier to unlock it remotely.
OS Requirements
- iPhone: iOS 12.1 or later (all modern iPhones meet this)
- Android: Android 10 or later (most modern phones meet this)
If your phone is old enough that it doesn’t meet these OS requirements, it likely won’t support eSIM anyway.
How to Verify Your Phone’s Unlocking Status
iPhone
- Go to Settings → General → About
- Scroll down to Carrier Lock
- If it says “No SIM restrictions,” you’re unlocked
- If it shows a carrier name, it’s locked
Android
- Go to Settings → About Phone
- Scroll down; some Androids show unlock status directly
- If not visible, contact your carrier
Troubleshooting: eSIM Not Connecting
- Forgot to enable Data Roaming? Go back to your eSIM settings and toggle it ON.
- Primary SIM still has mobile data enabled? Turn it OFF.
- eSIM not appearing after scan? Make sure you’re on Wi-Fi and your phone has enough storage.
- In airplane mode? Turn it OFF (obviously).
- Still stuck? Check our FAQs or message real humans on WhatsApp.
Ready to Use eSIM?
Confirmed your phone works? Browse eSIM plans → and read our installation guide.