How to Check if Your Phone Supports eSIM

Every phone with eSIM hardware carries a hidden 32-digit number called an EID (Embedded Identity Document) that most people never see. Finding it takes about five seconds and tells you definitively whether your phone supports eSIM, no Googling required.

The Fastest Check (Works on Any Phone)

Open your phone's dialer and type *#06#. You don't need to press call on most devices. A screen pops up showing your device identifiers.

Look for a line labeled EID. It's a 32-digit number that uniquely identifies your phone's eUICC chip, the embedded hardware that stores eSIM profiles. If you see it, your phone has eSIM support. If you only see IMEI numbers and no EID, your phone doesn't support eSIM.

That's the universal method. But if you want more detail, or you want to confirm everything is actually working (not just that the hardware exists), keep reading.

iPhone: Three Ways to Check

Method 1: Look for the "Add eSIM" button

Go to Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data in some regions). If you see an option that says "Add eSIM" or "Set Up Cellular," your iPhone supports eSIM and is ready to go. This is the most reliable check because it confirms both hardware support and that nothing is blocking the feature. Apple's own eSIM setup guide walks through each activation method if you want the full details.

Method 2: Check your EID in About

Go to Settings > General > About and scroll down. If you see a field labeled EID with a 32-digit number, you have eSIM hardware.

Method 3: Look for Digital SIM IMEI

On that same About screen, scroll to find a second IMEI listed under "Digital SIM." If it's there, eSIM is supported.

Which iPhones Have eSIM?

Every iPhone from the XS (2018) onward supports eSIM. That includes the XS, XS Max, XR, the entire 11 through 17 lineup, and every iPhone SE from the 2nd generation (2020) onward.

One thing to know: iPhones sold in the US since the iPhone 14 don't have a physical SIM tray at all. They're eSIM-only. Models sold outside the US still have both options.

Regional exception: Most iPhones purchased in mainland China don't support eSIM. The iPhone Air and iPhone 17e are the first exceptions, supporting eSIM in China through select carriers. Some Hong Kong and Macau models are also excluded.

Samsung Galaxy: How to Check

Open Settings > Connections > SIM Manager. If you see "Add eSIM" as an option, you're set. Samsung's eSIM carrier support page lists compatible models and networks by region.

On some Samsung models, the path is slightly different: Settings > Connections > SIM Card Manager. Samsung has changed the menu name across software versions, but it's always under Connections.

Which Samsung Phones Have eSIM?

Samsung started including eSIM with the Galaxy S20 series in 2020. All flagship models since then support it:

• Galaxy S20 through S25 (all variants)
• Galaxy Note 20 and Note 20 Ultra
• Every Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip model

Mid-range Samsung phones are hit or miss. The Galaxy A54 and A55 have eSIM in some regional variants but not others. Budget Galaxy A-series phones generally don't support it. When in doubt, use the *#06# check.

Google Pixel: How to Check

Go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs. If you see "Download a SIM" or a plus icon to add a new SIM, your Pixel supports eSIM. Google's eSIM setup page covers the full activation flow.

Google has been consistent here. Every Pixel from the Pixel 3 onward supports eSIM, including the budget "a" series (Pixel 3a, 4a, 5a, 6a, 7a, 8a, 9a). If you have a Pixel made in the last six years, you almost certainly have eSIM support.

One exception: Pixel 3 models purchased through certain US and Canadian carriers (other than Google Fi and Sprint) had eSIM disabled. This was a carrier restriction, not a hardware limitation. Models from Japan, Australia, and Taiwan were also excluded.

Other Android Phones

The *#06# dialer trick works on all of these, but here's where to look in settings:

Motorola: Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs. Motorola Razr and Edge series support eSIM.

OnePlus: Settings > Mobile Network. OnePlus started adding eSIM with the OnePlus 12 in select markets.

Xiaomi: Settings > SIM Cards & Mobile Networks. The Xiaomi 13 and 14 series support eSIM in certain regions, but availability is inconsistent.

Oppo/Realme: Limited eSIM support across a handful of models. The Find X3 Pro and Find X5 Pro have it, most others don't.

Android is fragmented when it comes to eSIM. The same phone model might support eSIM in Europe but not in Asia. If you're unsure about your specific device, the EID check via *#06# gives you a definitive answer.

The Carrier Lock Problem

Here's where people get tripped up. Your phone can have eSIM hardware but still not let you use a travel eSIM. The culprit: carrier locks.

When you buy a phone on a payment plan from a carrier like AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile, that phone is typically locked to their network. Carrier locks restrict which SIMs your phone will accept, and that includes eSIMs.

How to check if your phone is locked:

On iPhone: Go to Settings > General > About and look for "Carrier Lock." If it says "No SIM restrictions," you're unlocked. If it shows a carrier name or "SIM locked," you'll need to contact them.

On Android: This varies by manufacturer. Try inserting a SIM from a different carrier. If it works, your phone is unlocked. You can also call your carrier directly and ask.

How to unlock: Contact your carrier. Most will unlock your phone for free once you've paid it off or completed your contract. Some carriers have online unlock request forms. The process usually takes 24 to 72 hours.

One more thing: some carriers temporarily disable eSIM functionality right after unlocking a device as a security precaution. If you just unlocked your phone and eSIM isn't working, wait a day or two, then try again. If it's still not cooperating, call your carrier and ask them to enable eSIM on your account.

Quick Reference

Phone has eSIM hardware? Dial *#06# and look for an EID number.

Phone is unlocked? iPhone: Settings > General > About > Carrier Lock. Android: try a different carrier's SIM, or call your carrier.

Both checks pass? You're ready to install an eSIM. If you're not sure what an eSIM actually is, we wrote a plain-English guide that covers the basics.

Heading somewhere soon? Browse eSIM plans for your destination and you can be set up in about two minutes. Or check out our Japan eSIM guide if that's where you're headed.

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Photos from Pexels (free license).