Does your phone support eSIM?
Most phones from about 2019 onward support eSIM. That means every iPhone from the XS and XR (2018) on, every Google Pixel from the Pixel 3a on, and Samsung Galaxy from the S20 on, plus the Note 20 and the Z Fold and Z Flip lines. The main catch is that some carriers and regional versions disable it, and a carrier-locked phone will not take a travel eSIM. Newer iPhones go the other way: in a growing list of countries they have no SIM tray at all, so an eSIM is the only option. Got a compatible, unlocked phone? See our best travel eSIM guide. Checked against Apple, Google and Samsung support pages on August 1, 2026.
An eSIM is a built-in digital SIM, so whether you can use one comes down to your phone model. The good news is that eSIM has been standard on flagship phones for years, so if your handset is reasonably recent it almost certainly qualifies. Here is the model-by-model picture, how to check in under a minute, and the one iPhone change that trips people up.
eSIM support by brand
| Brand | Supports eSIM | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone | iPhone XS, XR and later (2018 on) | iPhone 14, 15 and 16 bought in the US have no SIM tray. From the iPhone 17 that also covers Canada, Mexico, Japan, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Guam and the USVI |
| Google Pixel | Pixel 3a and later | Google documents Pixel 3a as the starting point; two eSIM profiles at once from the Pixel 7 |
| Samsung Galaxy | S20 and later (through the S26 line), Note 20, the Z Fold and Z Flip lines | Samsung notes eSIM service varies by country and carrier, so check your exact version |
| Others | Many recent flagships (Motorola Razr, Huawei, Oppo, Sony and more) | Support varies by model and region; confirm before buying |
How to check in under a minute
- iPhone: Settings, then Cellular or Mobile Data, and look for Add eSIM or Add Data Plan.
- Android: Settings, then Network and internet or Connections, and look for Add eSIM or a mobile-plan option.
- Any phone: dial *#06# and look for an EID number; if one shows, your phone has an eSIM.
If the option is missing on a phone that should support it, the device may be carrier-locked or a regional version with eSIM disabled. Unlock it or confirm support for your exact model before buying a plan.
Got a compatible phone? Pick a travel eSIM
Once your phone is eSIM-capable and unlocked, a travel eSIM installs from a QR code in minutes. Our value pick is eSimania, with Jetpac an option that covers many countries on one install. Start with our best travel eSIM guide, or see how eSIMs work in our setup guide. Network speeds depend on the local carrier.
Frequently asked questions
Does the iPhone 11, 12 or 13 have eSIM?
Yes. Every iPhone from the iPhone XS and XR in 2018 onward supports eSIM, so the iPhone 11, 12 and 13 all have it, alongside a physical SIM. You can store several eSIMs and keep two lines active at once. Just make sure the phone is carrier-unlocked before installing a travel eSIM.
Which iPhones are eSIM only, with no SIM tray?
It depends on the model and where you bought it, and the list grew with the iPhone 17. Apple lists the iPhone 14, 15 and 16 families as eSIM only when purchased in the United States. For the iPhone 17, iPhone 17e, iPhone Air, 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max, eSIM only also covers models bought in Canada, Mexico, Japan, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Guam and the US Virgin Islands. Elsewhere those models still have a SIM tray. Either way they all work with a travel eSIM. Source: Apple Support, checked August 1, 2026.
How do I check if my phone supports eSIM?
On an iPhone, open Settings, then Cellular or Mobile Data, and look for Add eSIM or Add Data Plan. On Android, open Settings, then Network and internet or Connections, and look for an option to add an eSIM or a mobile plan. You can also dial *#06# and check for an EID number, which indicates eSIM support.
My phone should support eSIM but the option is missing. Why?
Some carriers and regional versions disable eSIM even on models that otherwise support it, and a carrier-locked phone will not accept a travel eSIM. Check that your device is unlocked and, if the option is still missing, confirm eSIM support for your exact model and region with the manufacturer or your carrier.
Sources, so you can check them yourself: the Apple Support article listing which SIM type each iPhone and iPad model uses, Google's Pixel Help page on using an eSIM, and Samsung's Galaxy eSIM support pages. All three were read on August 1, 2026. We name them rather than link out because they are manufacturer sales sites. Regional and carrier variations exist, so confirm your exact model if in doubt.