Which Phones Support eSIM? Full 2026 Compatibility List

Most flagship phones released since 2018 support eSIM — including every iPhone from the XS onward, Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer, and all Google Pixel models from the Pixel 3. But the model number alone doesn't settle it: your phone also has to be carrier-unlocked, and a handful of region-specific variants ship without eSIM hardware even when the model normally has it. Here's the full list, plus a 30-second check that gives you a definitive answer for your exact device.

The 30-second check: on iPhone, go to Settings → General → About and look for an "Available SIM" or EID entry. On Android, dial *#06# — if an EID number appears alongside the IMEI, your phone has eSIM hardware. No EID, no eSIM.

Apple: which iPhones support eSIM

Apple has supported eSIM since 2018. Every iPhone below works with a travel eSIM, provided it's unlocked.

Two important exceptions. Mainland-China iPhone models use dual physical SIM trays instead of eSIM and will not work with a travel eSIM. And from the iPhone 14 onward, US models removed the SIM tray entirely — great for eSIM users, but it means a US iPhone can't fall back to a physical SIM abroad. Apple's iPhone User Guide documents the setup flow, and we cover it step by step in our iPhone eSIM install guide.

Samsung: which Galaxy phones support eSIM

Samsung is the brand where regional variation bites hardest. The same Galaxy model number can ship with eSIM in Europe and without it in another market, and A-series support is genuinely inconsistent. Never assume from the model name alone — dial *#06# and look for the EID. Our Samsung eSIM guide has the full model breakdown and setup steps.

Google Pixel: eSIM support

Pixel has the cleanest eSIM story of any Android line: support is near-universal from the Pixel 3 onward with few regional gotchas. Google's dual-SIM help page covers the specifics.

Other Android brands

Support across these brands is patchy enough that the model list is only a starting point. The *#06# check is the only reliable answer.

Tablets, watches and laptops

eSIM isn't limited to phones, though data plans behave slightly differently on each:

• iPad: all cellular iPad Pro, Air and Mini models from 2018 onward support eSIM.
• Apple Watch: cellular models use eSIM, but they're tied to your home carrier's plan and generally can't use a travel eSIM.
• Samsung Galaxy Tab: cellular Tab S7 and newer.
• Windows laptops: many recent business laptops with "Always Connected" or WWAN options include eSIM.

The thing most compatibility lists leave out: unlocking

Having eSIM hardware is only half the requirement. A phone that is carrier-locked to the network that sold it will refuse third-party eSIM profiles, and the error message it shows almost never mentions locking — which is why so many travellers spend an hour troubleshooting the wrong thing.

You're most likely to be locked if you bought the phone on a contract or an instalment plan and haven't finished paying. Most carriers will unlock the handset on request once it's paid off, but it can take a few days — so check before your trip, not at the airport. If you hit an install error, our guide to fixing an eSIM QR code that won't work walks through diagnosing it.

How to check your specific phone in 30 seconds

• Any phone: dial *#06#. If an EID appears below the IMEI, you have eSIM hardware. This is the most reliable single test.
• iPhone: Settings → General → About, and scroll to look for an EID or "Available SIM" entry.
• Android: Settings → Network & internet → SIMs. If you see an option like "Download a SIM instead" or "Add eSIM", you're supported.
• Still unsure: check our device compatibility page.

If the EID is present and the phone is unlocked, a travel eSIM will work. Those two conditions together are the whole answer.

Frequently asked questions

Does my phone support eSIM if it has a SIM tray?

Possibly — the two aren't mutually exclusive. Most eSIM phones have both a physical SIM tray and an eSIM, which is exactly what makes travel eSIMs convenient: your home SIM stays in the tray for calls while the eSIM handles data. Only US iPhone 14 models and newer dropped the tray entirely.

Do all iPhone 11 and newer models support eSIM?

Yes, with one exception: iPhones sold in mainland China use two physical SIM slots instead of an eSIM and cannot use a travel eSIM. Every other regional variant of the iPhone 11 and later supports it.

Why doesn't my Samsung A-series phone support eSIM?

Samsung's mid-range A-series has inconsistent eSIM support that varies by both model and region — the same model number can include eSIM in one market and omit it in another. Dial *#06# and look for an EID; if there isn't one, the hardware isn't present and no software update will add it.

Can I use an eSIM on a locked phone?

No. A carrier-locked phone rejects eSIM profiles from other providers. Contact the carrier that sold you the phone to request an unlock — most will do it free once the device is fully paid off, though it can take a few days to process.

How many eSIMs can one phone store?

Most modern phones store between 5 and 10 eSIM profiles, though only one or two can be active at once. If an install fails on a phone full of old travel eSIMs, delete one you no longer need — but be aware that deletion is permanent and the original QR code can't be reused.

Ready to travel?

If your phone passed the EID check and it's unlocked, you're set. EzSim delivers your eSIM QR code by email within minutes, so you can install it at home on Wi-Fi and land already connected.

Find an eSIM plan for your destination →

Popular right now: Japan, Thailand, the United Kingdom and Turkey. New to eSIMs? Start with what an eSIM actually is or compare eSIM vs SIM vs roaming.