eSIM Compatibility Check: Does Your Phone Support eSIM in 2026?
Donald Bogle
June 5, 2026 14:00
eSIM Guide
You've found a great eSIM deal, you're ready to buy — and then it hits you: does my phone actually support eSIM?
It's the one thing most travelers forget to check. And it matters, because a plan you can't install is money wasted. This guide covers every major phone that supports eSIM in 2026, how to check your own device in under a minute, and what to do if you're still not sure.
What Is eSIM and Why Does Compatibility Matter? #
An eSIM is a digital SIM built directly into your phone's hardware. Instead of inserting a physical card, you scan a QR code or enter an activation code — and you're on a network. No card, no tray, no scrambling for a SIM pin at the airport.
The catch is that not every phone has this chip. Older devices, budget Android phones, and some regional variants simply don't support eSIM. Buying a plan before confirming compatibility is a frustrating, avoidable mistake — so check first.
eSIM Compatible iPhones in 2026 #
Apple has been the most consistent eSIM adopter across its lineup. Here's where each model stands:
Fully eSIM compatible:
- iPhone XS, XS Max, XR
- iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
- iPhone 12 series (all models)
- iPhone 13 series (all models)
- iPhone 14 series (all models)
- iPhone 15 series (all models)
- iPhone 16 series (all models)
eSIM-only (no physical SIM tray):
- iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max (US models)
- iPhone 15 and 16 series (US models)
Bought your iPhone in the US from the 14 onward? It's eSIM-only — which actually makes setup faster since there's no physical SIM in the picture.
Not compatible:
- iPhone X and older
- iPhone SE (1st and 2nd generation)
Worth noting: the iPhone SE 3rd generation does support eSIM, so check which SE you have before assuming.
eSIM Compatible Samsung Galaxy Phones in 2026 #
Samsung's eSIM support is broad across its flagship and mid-range lines, but it varies by region and carrier lock status.
Compatible Samsung models:
- Galaxy S20, S20+, S20 Ultra
- Galaxy S21, S21+, S21 Ultra
- Galaxy S22, S22+, S22 Ultra
- Galaxy S23, S23+, S23 Ultra
- Galaxy S24, S24+, S24 Ultra
- Galaxy S25, S25+, S25 Ultra
- Galaxy Z Fold 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
- Galaxy Z Flip 3, 4, 5, 6
- Galaxy Note 20, Note 20 Ultra
One important caveat: some Samsung models sold in China, South Korea, or through specific carriers ship without eSIM support — even when other variants of the same phone have it. Always verify your exact model number, not just the series name.
eSIM Compatible Google Pixel Phones in 2026 #
Google has supported eSIM since the Pixel 2, making Pixels some of the most eSIM-friendly Android phones out there.
Compatible Pixel models:
- Pixel 2, 2 XL (limited support)
- Pixel 3, 3 XL, 3a, 3a XL
- Pixel 4, 4 XL, 4a, 4a (5G)
- Pixel 5, 5a
- Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 6a
- Pixel 7, 7 Pro, 7a
- Pixel 8, 8 Pro, 8a
- Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, 9 Pro Fold
On a Pixel 3 or newer? You're almost certainly good to go.
Other Android Phones With eSIM Support in 2026 #
eSIM support has spread well beyond Samsung and Google:
OnePlus: The 11, 12, and 13 support eSIM in select markets. Earlier models generally don't.
Motorola: Razr foldables from 2019 onward, Edge+ from 2020 onward, and several Moto G Power models from 2022 onward.
Sony: Xperia 10 III and newer, Xperia 1 III and newer.
Huawei: Most current Huawei devices are not compatible with standard eSIM profiles due to software restrictions.
Xiaomi: Support is inconsistent. The Xiaomi 13 Pro works in some regions, but coverage varies. Check your specific model before buying.
How to Check If Your Phone Supports eSIM Right Now #
Skip the Googling — check directly on your device.
On iPhone:
- Go to Settings
- Tap General
- Tap About
- Scroll down and look for "Available SIM" or "Digital SIM" — an EID number means your phone supports eSIM
On Android (Samsung, Pixel, others):
- Go to Settings
- Tap Connections or Network & Internet
- Tap SIM Manager or SIM Card Manager
- If you see an option to "Add eSIM" or "Add mobile plan," you're compatible
There's also a universal shortcut: dial *#06# on your phone. If an EID number appears alongside your IMEI, you're good.
What About Carrier-Locked Phones? #
Even a fully eSIM-capable phone can block you from activating a travel eSIM if it's carrier-locked. This is most common with phones bought on contract or subsidized through a carrier.
To check, contact your carrier directly, or on iPhone go to Settings > General > About and look for "Carrier Lock: No SIM Restrictions." On Android, the path varies by manufacturer.
Most phones unlock automatically once the contract period ends. If you're traveling soon, you can request an early unlock — most carriers will process it without much hassle.
Dual SIM: Keep Your Home Number While You Roam #
Most eSIM-compatible phones support Dual SIM, so you can run your home SIM and a travel eSIM at the same time. Your regular number stays active for calls and texts while the travel eSIM handles your data abroad.
For travelers, this is one of the most practical advantages of eSIM. No swapping cards, no risk of losing your home SIM somewhere between the airport and your hotel.
Ready to Connect? Plans Start at $2 #
Once you've confirmed your phone supports eSIM, the rest is simple. Search your destination, pick a plan, pay once, and install before you board. No physical card, no airport queue, no roaming bill waiting for you when you land.
Roamify covers 200+ countries and regions with plans starting at $2 — named the cheapest overall eSIM provider in Travel eSIM Expert's 2026 analysis. Use code ROAM5 at checkout for 5% off your plan.
FAQs #
Does iPhone XR support eSIM?
Yes. The iPhone XR was one of the first iPhones to include eSIM support, alongside the XS and XS Max. Any iPhone XR running a current iOS version can activate a travel eSIM without issues.
Can I use an eSIM on a Samsung Galaxy S21?
Yes, the Galaxy S21 series supports eSIM. That said, some regional variants may not include eSIM functionality, so if you're unsure, confirm your exact model number before purchasing a plan.
What does EID mean on my phone?
EID stands for Embedded Identity Document — it's the unique identifier for your phone's built-in eSIM chip. If you can find an EID in your settings or by dialing *#06#, your device supports eSIM.
Can I use a travel eSIM if my phone is carrier-locked?
Not always. A carrier lock can prevent you from activating an eSIM from a different provider. Request an unlock from your carrier before you travel — most will process it once your contract period is complete.
Do budget Android phones support eSIM?
Most don't. eSIM support is still concentrated in mid-range and flagship devices. If you're on a budget Android, use the *#06# method to check your specific model before assuming either way.
Can I install multiple eSIMs on one phone?
Yes. Most eSIM-compatible phones can store multiple eSIM profiles, though they typically only run one at a time alongside a physical SIM. You can switch between stored profiles in your settings without deleting them.
Is eSIM available on all iPhone 15 models?
Yes. Every iPhone 15 model supports eSIM. US variants are eSIM-only with no physical SIM tray. Models sold outside the US include both a physical SIM slot and eSIM support.
Checking compatibility takes about 60 seconds. Once you know your phone is ready, picking a plan is the easy part. Browse plans for your next destination at getroamify.com and get connected before you even leave home.
Planes de destino eSIM relacionados
Preguntas frecuentes
- ¿Qué aprenderé en eSIM Compatibility Check: Does Your Phone Support eSIM in 2026??
- Aprenderá cómo funciona la activación de eSIM, cómo comparar planes de datos y qué pasos de configuración son más importantes antes y durante su viaje.
- ¿Cómo elijo el plan eSIM correcto para Japón?
- Haga coincidir su plan con la duración del viaje, el uso diario esperado de datos, las necesidades de puntos de acceso y la calidad de la red en su destino. Las estancias cortas suelen necesitar menos datos, mientras que el trabajo remoto y las videollamadas necesitan más.
- ¿Dónde puedo comprar planes eSIM de viaje para Japón y Tailandia?
- Utilice los enlaces de destino en esta guía para ir directamente a las páginas de países de Roamify, comparar opciones de planes y completar el pago antes de la salida.