The quick check: look for an EID
Every phone with an eSIM has an EID, a 32-digit number that identifies its eSIM chip.
- iPhone: open Settings › General › About and scroll down. If you see EID, your iPhone supports eSIM.
- Android: dial *#06#. If an EID appears, your phone supports eSIM. You can also look in Settings › About phone.
This check is more reliable than a list of models. The same phone can be sold with or without eSIM in different countries.
Which phones support eSIM
- iPhone: the XS, XR and every model since. iPhone 14 and later models sold in the US have no SIM tray at all.
- Google Pixel: most models from the Pixel 3 onward.
- Samsung Galaxy: recent S-series flagships, the Z Fold and Z Flip series, and some newer A-series phones.
- Others: many recent phones from Motorola, OnePlus, Xiaomi and others. Check for an EID to be sure.
Check your phone is unlocked
A travel eSIM only works if your phone accepts other carriers.
- iPhone: in Settings › General › About, Carrier Lock should say "No SIM restrictions".
- Android: there's no single menu for this. Ask your carrier, or try a SIM from another carrier.
Phones bought outright are usually unlocked. Phones from a carrier contract or payment plan are often locked until they're paid off. Most carriers unlock a paid-off phone on request, so ask before your trip, not at the airport.
If your phone doesn't support eSIM
You still have options:
- A local SIM card, bought on arrival.
- A pocket Wi-Fi rented for the trip.
- Your carrier's roaming pass, which is simple but usually costs more.
Our guide to eSIM vs local SIM vs pocket Wi-Fi compares them.