Device compatibility
Check eSIM support, carrier unlock and your exact device model before choosing a plan.
Is your phone ready for an eSIM?
An eSIM is a digital SIM downloaded to a compatible device. Check the three requirements below on the phone you will use while travelling. A familiar model name or two SIM slots alone does not confirm compatibility.
eSIM support
Your exact phone variant must support downloading an eSIM.
Carrier unlocked
The phone must allow a SIM from another provider.
Correct regional model
Features can differ by country of purchase and carrier.
iPhone
Check the cellular menu and the information about your iPhone.
Open Settings, then Cellular or Mobile Data. Look for Add eSIM or Add Cellular Plan.
Open Settings, General, About. Note the model number and check Carrier Lock.
No SIM restrictions indicates that the phone is unlocked. If another message appears, ask the original carrier to confirm or unlock it.
The eSIM option is present, the phone is unlocked, and Apple confirms support for your regional model.
Many iPhones from XS, XS Max and XR onward support eSIM, but regional exceptions apply. Check the exact model, especially devices bought in mainland China, Hong Kong or Macao.
Samsung Galaxy
Use SIM manager on your Galaxy phone.
Open Settings, then Connections, then SIM manager.
Look for Add eSIM. In Settings, About phone, note the complete model number.
Check that model on Samsung's regional support site. Ask your carrier whether the phone is unlocked.
Add eSIM is available and both the model's support and carrier unlock are confirmed.
Not every Galaxy supports eSIM. Similar names in the S, Z or A families can have different regional features.
Google Pixel
Look under Network & internet on your Pixel.
Open Settings, Network & internet, then SIMs.
Choose Add SIM and look for Set up an eSIM or Download a SIM instead. You can stop before downloading anything.
Check the model in About phone and confirm its regional support and unlock status with Google or the original carrier.
An eSIM setup option is available, with no carrier restriction preventing another provider's SIM.
Some older Pixel models have country or carrier exceptions. Do not rely on the Pixel name alone.
Other Android phones
For other brands, follow the settings and support guide for your model.
Search Settings for eSIM. Also check Mobile network, SIM cards or SIM management.
Look for Add eSIM or Download SIM. Find the complete model number under About phone.
Confirm eSIM support for that model and country of purchase with the manufacturer, and carrier unlock with your carrier.
The exact model supports eSIM and accepts another provider's service.
Android version, 5G support and dual physical SIM slots do not by themselves prove eSIM support.
What does the EID tell you?
EID identifies the embedded SIM hardware. Its presence is useful evidence, but it does not confirm carrier unlock or plan coverage.
- On iPhone: Settings, General, About; look for EID.
- On Android: About phone, then SIM status or Status information; the location varies by manufacturer.
- Some phones also display EID after entering *#06# in the dialler. This shortcut is not supported on every device.
Two IMEI numbers are not a substitute for this check. If EID is absent, verify the exact model with the manufacturer before buying.
eSIM support and carrier unlock are different
A phone may support eSIM while remaining restricted to the carrier that sold it.
- On iPhone, check Carrier Lock under Settings, General, About.
- On Android, there is no universal unlock indicator. Ask the original carrier to confirm the status.
- A screen PIN or fingerprint lock is unrelated to a carrier lock.
Only the relevant carrier can approve an unlock. Buying a travel eSIM does not remove the restriction.
Can't find the eSIM option?
Check these points before deciding that the phone is incompatible.
Install official system updates and restart the phone. Menu names can change between software versions.
Check the full model number and country of purchase. Work-managed devices may also have restrictions set by their administrator.
Contact us with the model, system version and a screenshot of the relevant menu. Do not reset the phone or delete an existing SIM just to check support.
Common questions
Does every 5G phone support eSIM?
No. 5G and eSIM are separate features. Verify eSIM support for the exact model.
Can I keep my physical SIM?
Often yes, if the phone supports that SIM combination. The number of stored profiles and simultaneously active lines depends on the device.
Does a tablet or smartwatch work too?
Do not assume so. Wi-Fi-only tablets have no cellular service, and watches may require a special carrier plan. Confirm both device and plan compatibility first.
Can an app add eSIM support to my phone?
A standard app cannot add missing embedded SIM hardware. A system update may enable a feature only on supported hardware.
Does checking compatibility start my plan?
Looking through settings does not install an eSIM. Downloading a purchased profile may start validity on some plans; read the activation rule before installation.
Ready to choose your plan?
Complete these checks before payment, then use the installation guide after your eSIM is ready.
- Exact model supports eSIM and the phone is carrier unlocked.
- The plan covers your destination and the services you need.
- You have checked data, validity, activation and hotspot conditions.