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Guide

Device Compatibility

Check if your phone, tablet, or laptop supports eSIM. Complete device lists and how to verify compatibility before purchasing an eSIM plan.

7 min read
Updated January 2025

How to check if your device supports eSIM

Before purchasing an eSIM plan, it's crucial to confirm your device supports the technology. Here are several methods to check:

Method 1: Check device settings

For iPhone:

  1. Open Settings → General → About
  2. Look for Available SIMs or Digital SIM
  3. If present, your iPhone supports eSIM
  4. Alternatively: Settings → Cellular → if you see "Add Cellular Plan" or "Add eSIM," you're good to go

For Android:

  1. Open Settings → Connections (or Network & Internet)
  2. Look for SIM card manager or SIMs
  3. If you see options like "Add mobile plan," "Download a SIM," or "Add eSIM," your device supports it
  4. On some devices: Settings → About phone → tap on IMEI multiple times to see if there's a separate eSIM IMEI listed

Method 2: Dial IMEI code

On most devices, dial *#06# to display IMEI information. If you see two IMEI numbers or one labeled "EID" (eSIM Identifier), your device has eSIM capability.

Method 3: Check manufacturer specs

Visit your device manufacturer's official website and search for your exact model number plus "eSIM" or check the technical specifications sheet. This is the most reliable method, especially for newer or region-specific models.

iPhone models with eSIM support

Apple has been a leader in eSIM adoption. All iPhones from the XR/XS generation (2018) onward support eSIM:

eSIM-compatible iPhone models

iPhone 15 series (2023):

  • iPhone 15
  • iPhone 15 Plus
  • iPhone 15 Pro
  • iPhone 15 Pro Max

iPhone 14 series (2022):

  • iPhone 14
  • iPhone 14 Plus
  • iPhone 14 Pro
  • iPhone 14 Pro Max

* U.S. models are eSIM-only (no physical SIM slot)

iPhone 13 series (2021):

  • iPhone 13
  • iPhone 13 mini
  • iPhone 13 Pro
  • iPhone 13 Pro Max

iPhone 12 series (2020):

  • iPhone 12
  • iPhone 12 mini
  • iPhone 12 Pro
  • iPhone 12 Pro Max

iPhone 11 series (2019):

  • iPhone 11
  • iPhone 11 Pro
  • iPhone 11 Pro Max

iPhone XR/XS series (2018):

  • iPhone XR
  • iPhone XS
  • iPhone XS Max

iPhone SE:

  • iPhone SE (2020, 2nd generation)
  • iPhone SE (2022, 3rd generation)
Older iPhones without eSIM

iPhone X, iPhone 8, iPhone 7, iPhone 6, and all earlier models do NOT support eSIM and can only use physical SIM cards.

Samsung Galaxy eSIM-compatible devices

Samsung started adding eSIM support from the Galaxy S20 series onward, though availability varies significantly by region and carrier:

eSIM-compatible Samsung models

Galaxy S series:

  • Galaxy S24, S24+, S24 Ultra (2024)
  • Galaxy S23, S23+, S23 Ultra, S23 FE (2023)
  • Galaxy S22, S22+, S22 Ultra (2022)
  • Galaxy S21, S21+, S21 Ultra, S21 FE (2021)
  • Galaxy S20, S20+, S20 Ultra, S20 FE (2020)

Galaxy Z Fold series:

  • Galaxy Z Fold 5 (2023)
  • Galaxy Z Fold 4 (2022)
  • Galaxy Z Fold 3 (2021)
  • Galaxy Z Fold 2 (2020) - select regions

Galaxy Z Flip series:

  • Galaxy Z Flip 5 (2023)
  • Galaxy Z Flip 4 (2022)
  • Galaxy Z Flip 3 (2021)
  • Galaxy Z Flip (2020) - select regions

Galaxy Note series:

  • Galaxy Note 20, Note 20 Ultra (2020)

Google Pixel eSIM support

Google has been an early and consistent supporter of eSIM technology in the Pixel line:

eSIM-compatible Google Pixel models

All Pixel phones from Pixel 3 onward:

  • Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro (2023)
  • Pixel 7a (2023)
  • Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro (2022)
  • Pixel 6a (2022)
  • Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro (2021)
  • Pixel 5a (2021)
  • Pixel 5 (2020)
  • Pixel 4a 5G, Pixel 4a (2020)
  • Pixel 4, Pixel 4 XL (2019)
  • Pixel 3a, Pixel 3a XL (2019)
  • Pixel 3, Pixel 3 XL (2018)

Pixel Fold:

  • Pixel Fold (2023)

Other Android manufacturers with eSIM

eSIM support is expanding across the Android ecosystem, though availability varies by model, region, and carrier:

Motorola
  • Motorola Razr series (2019+)
  • Moto G series (select models)
  • Edge series (Edge+, Edge 30 Pro, etc.)
Oppo
  • Find X5, Find X5 Pro
  • Find X3 Pro
  • Reno series (select models)
OnePlus
  • OnePlus 11
  • OnePlus 10 Pro (select regions)
  • OnePlus 9 Pro (select regions)
Xiaomi
  • Xiaomi 13, 13 Pro
  • Xiaomi 12T Pro
  • Mi 11 series (global versions)
Sony
  • Xperia 1 IV, 1 V
  • Xperia 5 IV, 5 V
  • Xperia 10 series (select models)
Honor
  • Magic 4 Pro
  • Magic 5 series
  • Honor 90 (select regions)

Tablets, laptops, and wearables with eSIM

eSIM technology extends beyond smartphones to other connected devices:

Tablets

Apple iPad:

  • iPad Pro (2018 and newer, cellular models)
  • iPad Air (2019 and newer, cellular models)
  • iPad (2019 and newer, cellular models)
  • iPad mini (2019 and newer, cellular models)

Samsung tablets:

  • Galaxy Tab S9 series (select variants)
  • Galaxy Tab S8 series (select variants)

Smartwatches

Apple Watch:

  • Apple Watch Series 9, Ultra 2 (2023, cellular)
  • Apple Watch Series 8, Ultra (2022, cellular)
  • Apple Watch SE (2020, 2022, cellular)
  • Apple Watch Series 3-7 (cellular models)

Samsung watches:

  • Galaxy Watch 6, Watch 6 Classic (LTE)
  • Galaxy Watch 5, Watch 5 Pro (LTE)
  • Galaxy Watch 4, Watch 4 Classic (LTE)

Laptops

Select laptops with cellular connectivity support eSIM:

  • Microsoft Surface Pro (7+ and newer with LTE/5G)
  • Microsoft Surface Go (LTE models)
  • Microsoft Surface Laptop Go (select models)
  • Lenovo ThinkPad X1 series (select configurations)
  • Dell Latitude 9000 series (select 5G models)
  • HP Elite Dragonfly (G2 and newer with 5G)

Carrier locks and restrictions

Having eSIM hardware doesn't always guarantee you can use third-party eSIM plans. Here are common restrictions:

Device locks

Phones purchased on contract or installment plans from carriers are often carrier-locked, preventing eSIM use with other providers until you:

  • Complete your device payment plan
  • Fulfill the minimum contract period (typically 30-90 days of active service)
  • Request an unlock from your carrier

How to unlock your device

Unlocking process by carrier

U.S. carriers:

  • Verizon: Automatically unlocks devices after 60 days of service
  • AT&T: Unlock via att.com/deviceunlock after contract completion
  • T-Mobile: 40 days of service required, request via customer service or app

International carriers:

Contact your carrier's support. Most require the account to be in good standing and the device fully paid off.

Software restrictions

Some carriers disable eSIM functionality through software even on unlocked devices. This is common with:

  • U.S. carrier-branded Samsung phones (eSIM often disabled)
  • Some Chinese-market Android phones (regulatory restrictions)
  • Older phones that received eSIM via software update (feature may be hidden)

Compatibility checklist

  • Your device must have eSIM hardware (check your model in the lists above or use dial *#06# to see EID)
  • The device must be carrier unlocked (if purchased from a carrier, request an unlock)
  • eSIM functionality must not be disabled by software (check settings for "Add eSIM" option)
  • You need iOS 12.1+ for iPhone or Android 9+ for Android devices (most modern phones qualify)
  • Regional variants matter—international/global versions typically have better eSIM support than carrier-specific models

Related guides

Learn the basics of eSIM technology

Step-by-step installation instructions

Expert tips for using eSIMs abroad

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