Does your phone support eSIM?

The big picture, in three numbers

The two exceptions, both covered in detail below: 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.

How many eSIMs can iPhone hold? iPhone XS through 13 support one physical SIM plus one eSIM. iPhone 14 and newer (US models) hold up to ten installed eSIMs with two active simultaneously. International iPhone 14+ models still have a physical SIM slot, so they support one physical SIM plus one active eSIM (with more dormant profiles available).

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.