eSIM Compatible Phones: How to Check if Yours Supports eSIM (2026)

Before you buy a travel eSIM, you need one thing confirmed: that your phone actually supports it. The good news is that almost every flagship sold since 2018 does. The catch is the exceptions — some regional models, older budget phones, and a few surprises ship without eSIM hardware. Here is how to check in 30 seconds and the full compatibility picture.

Key Takeaways

- Most phones released since 2018 support eSIM, including iPhone XS and later, Google Pixel 3 and later, and Samsung Galaxy S20 and later.

- The fastest check: dial *#06# — if you see an EID number, your phone has an eSIM.

- A few regional variants ship without eSIM (some China and Hong Kong iPhone models use dual physical SIM instead).

How do you check if your phone supports eSIM?

The quickest test takes seconds: open your dialer and type *#06#. If the screen shows an EID (a long 32-digit number) alongside your IMEI, your phone has an eSIM. No EID means no eSIM.

You can also check in settings. On iPhone, go to Settings, then Cellular or Mobile Data, and look for "Add eSIM" or "Add Data Plan". On Android, open Settings, then Network and internet, then SIMs, and look for "Download a SIM instead". If the option is there, you are ready. New to the technology? Read what an eSIM is first.

Which phones support eSIM?

Coverage is broad across recent models. On Apple: iPhone XS, XR and every iPhone since, including all SE models from 2020 onward. On Google: Pixel 3 and later (with minor early exceptions). On Samsung: Galaxy S20 and later, Z Flip and Z Fold, and recent Note and A-series flagships.

Most 2023–2026 flagships from Motorola, Oppo, Huawei and Sony also include eSIM. The reliable rule: a flagship from 2020 or later almost certainly supports it, while older or budget devices may not. When in doubt, run the *#06# check above.

Which phones do NOT support eSIM?

The notable exceptions are regional variants. iPhones bought in mainland China use two physical SIM slots and have no eSIM. Some Hong Kong and Macau models differ too. A handful of budget Android phones and older devices (pre-2018) also lack the hardware entirely.

US iPhone 14 models and later go the other way — they are eSIM-only, with no physical SIM tray at all, which makes a travel eSIM the only way to add a local plan. Once you have confirmed support, see how to install an eSIM and compare plans for your destination.

Frequently asked questions

How do I find my EID number?

Dial *#06# on your phone's keypad and the EID appears with your IMEI, or check Settings — on iPhone under General, then About, and on Android under About phone, then SIM status. The EID is the 32-digit ID that proves your device has eSIM hardware.

Is my phone eSIM compatible if it was bought in China?

Usually not. iPhones sold in mainland China use dual physical SIM slots instead of eSIM, and some Hong Kong and Macau models follow suit. If you bought your phone there, run the *#06# check — no EID means you will need a physical SIM rather than a travel eSIM.

Sources

• Apple, Use eSIM on iPhone, retrieved 2026-06-28, https://support.apple.com/en-us/118233
• Google, Set up an eSIM, retrieved 2026-06-28, https://support.google.com/android/answer/9449293