How to Check if Your Phone Supports eSIM
Before purchasing a travel eSIM, it's worth confirming your phone actually supports the technology. Most phones sold since 2019 do — but there are exceptions. Here's how to check in under two minutes.
Check via your phone settings
The quickest method is to look directly in your phone's settings. On iPhone, go to Settings > Mobile Data > Add eSIM or Add Data Plan. If the option exists, your phone supports eSIM. On Android (Samsung, Google Pixel, etc.), go to Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > Add eSIM or similar. The exact path varies by manufacturer.
Common eSIM-compatible phones
- iPhone XS, XR (2018) and all later iPhones
- Samsung Galaxy S20, S21, S22, S23, S24 series
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip series
- Google Pixel 3 and all later Pixel phones
- Motorola Razr and Edge series (select models)
Phones that do NOT support eSIM
- Most Android phones sold in China (eSIM is often hardware-disabled)
- Budget Android devices under approximately £200
- Older phones from 2017 and earlier
- Some market-specific variants of otherwise eSIM-compatible phones
Why market variant matters
The same phone model can support eSIM in the UK but not in other markets. This is because manufacturers configure hardware differently per region. If you bought your phone in China, South Korea, or India, even a normally eSIM-capable model may not have eSIM functionality enabled. Always check the IMEI on your specific device.
Check IMEI and spec sheets
Dial *#06# on your phone to see your IMEI number. If two IMEI numbers appear, your phone is Dual SIM and likely supports eSIM. You can then search your exact model number (found in Settings > About Phone) on your manufacturer's website to confirm eSIM specification.