Does your phone support eSIM?

Does iPhone 17 support eSIM?

Yes. Every iPhone released since September 2025 supports eSIM outside mainland China: iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, iPhone Air, iPhone 17e, iPhone 18 Pro, 18 Pro Max and the foldable iPhone Duo. iPhone Air and iPhone Duo are eSIM-only everywhere; the others are eSIM-only in the US, Canada, Mexico, Japan and a few Gulf countries, and keep a nano-SIM tray elsewhere. A travel eSIM such as Nomad, Saily or GigSky installs on any of them if the phone is carrier-unlocked; Nomad’s device list includes the iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, iPhone Air, 18 Pro and iPhone Duo. The exception: China-model iPhone 17, 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max have no eSIM.

The newest Android flagships support eSIM too: the Pixel 10 and 11 series and the Galaxy S26 series. Model lists by brand are below.

Checked October 21, 2026 against Apple’s SIM type by country and eSIM in mainland China articles, Google’s Pixel SIM specs, Samsung’s eSIM phone list and Nomad’s device list.

The big picture, in three numbers

The two exceptions, both covered in detail below: most iPhones bought in mainland China (no eSIM at the hardware level), and US carrier-locked phones (need to be unlocked or unlocked-from-new). Past those, if your phone is a flagship from the last six years, it almost certainly works. If you are still deciding whether to use eSIM at all, our eSIM vs physical SIM vs roaming guide covers that decision in full.

iPhone (XR / XS and newer)

Every iPhone since the late-2018 generation. Models below sorted newest to oldest.

Where iPhones are eSIM-only. According to Apple, iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, 17e, 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max have no SIM tray when bought in the United States, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, Canada, Mexico, Japan, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and Oman; elsewhere they have a nano-SIM tray plus eSIM. iPhone 14, 15 and 16 models are eSIM-only only when bought in the US. iPhone Air and iPhone Duo are eSIM-only everywhere.

How many eSIMs can iPhone hold? Every eSIM iPhone can store several eSIMs, and Apple says current models store eight or more. Per Apple’s Dual SIM guide, iPhone 13 and newer can have two eSIMs active at once; iPhone XS to 12 use one physical SIM plus one active eSIM. A travel data eSIM can sit beside your home line.

Older iPhones (X, 8, 7, 6, SE 1st gen) do not support eSIM. No software update can add it; the hardware is not there.

Google Pixel (3 and newer)

Every Pixel since the Pixel 3 has eSIM hardware. Stock Android keeps the setup flow simple.

Pixel 8 and newer hold two active eSIMs. Older Pixels can have multiple eSIM profiles installed but only one active at a time alongside the physical SIM.

Pixel 7 and newer have a hidden bonus: you can convert your physical SIM to an eSIM directly from settings. That frees up the SIM slot for a second eSIM-capable line or for a local physical SIM. Carrier support is required.

Samsung Galaxy (S20 and newer)

Hardware support starts at Galaxy S20. The software-disabled exception on US carrier models is the catch.

Other Android brands

Support exists but is fragmented. Pattern: international/global model numbers usually have eSIM, Chinese domestic models usually do not, budget tier usually does not.

iPads, smartwatches, and laptops

eSIM is not just for phones. Here is the rough cut for non-phone devices.

Carrier locks: the second exception

Phones bought on US carrier installment plans are often locked. Locked phones refuse third-party eSIMs. Here is how to know, and how to unlock.

US carriers sell phones at a discount in exchange for a 24- or 36-month installment plan. Until that plan is paid (or until the carrier's minimum service period is met), the phone is locked to that carrier's network. A locked phone has eSIM hardware, but the operating system refuses any eSIM profile from outside the carrier.

How to check: on iPhone, go to Settings, General, About, and scroll to Carrier Lock. If it shows No SIM restrictions, the phone is unlocked. On Android, the path varies; try Settings, About phone, SIM status, or try installing an eSIM from a different carrier and see if the system rejects it.