Guides · Updated September 2026

Does my phone support eSIM? The 10-second test

Dial one code and you know. Plus the list of iPhones, Samsungs and Pixels that work, and the two things that stop an eSIM from installing.

You do not need to look your phone up on a list. Open the phone app, dial **\*#06# and look at what comes up. If you see a line that says EID** followed by a long number, your phone has an eSIM chip. If you only see IMEI numbers and no EID, it does not.

That is the whole test. Everything below is for people who want to know why, or whose phone passed the test and still would not install.

Phones that have eSIM

• iPhone: XS, XR and everything newer, including every SE from 2020 on. iPhones sold in mainland China do not have eSIM at all. iPhone 14 and newer bought in the US have no SIM tray, so eSIM is the only option.
• Samsung: Galaxy S20 and newer, Note 20, every Z Fold and Z Flip. Some recent A-series phones (A54, A55, A35) have it in some countries and not others, which is exactly why the dial code is more reliable than a list.
• Google Pixel: 3a and newer. Pixel 3 works on most carriers.
• iPad: any cellular model from 2018 onward.
• Others: newer Motorola Razr and Edge phones, Sony Xperia from 2022 on, Fairphone 4 and 5, some OnePlus, Xiaomi and Oppo models depending on the region.

If your phone is on this list and the code shows no EID, you probably have a regional version without the chip. Nothing can be done about that on the software side.

Two things that block an eSIM even on a compatible phone

Carrier lock. A phone bought on a payment plan from a carrier is normally locked to that carrier until it is paid off, and sometimes for a while after. A locked phone will download the eSIM and then refuse to use it, or show an error like "Device is locked" or "Unable to complete cellular plan change". The phone may have worked fine on a trip before, because roaming on your own carrier is not the same as using another network.

• iPhone: Settings, General, About. Look for Carrier Lock. It should say "No SIM restrictions".
• Android: Settings, Connections (or Network), Mobile networks, Network operators, and turn off automatic selection. If your own carrier is the only one that appears, the phone is locked.
• The fix is to ask your carrier to unlock it. They will want the IMEI from the same \*#06# screen. In the US this usually takes between a few minutes and a day once the phone is paid off.

Full eSIM storage. Phones hold a limited number of eSIM profiles (iPhones hold eight or so, some Androids fewer). If you have old travel eSIMs sitting on the phone, delete the ones you no longer use before installing a new one.

What about Wi-Fi only tablets, smartwatches and laptops?

Wi-Fi only tablets have no cellular radio, so no. Cellular Apple Watches use an eSIM but need a carrier plan tied to your phone number, so a travel data eSIM will not work on them. Some Windows laptops have eSIM and work fine with a data-only plan. Check the laptop maker's spec sheet.

Common questions

Can I use an eSIM and my regular SIM at the same time?

Yes. That is the normal way to use a travel eSIM. Your regular line stays active for calls and texts and the eSIM handles data. See keeping your number.

My phone shows an EID but the install fails.

Almost always a carrier lock or full eSIM storage. Check both above. If neither applies, reply to your order email with the exact error message.

Does a Galaxy A14 or A34 have eSIM?

No. Among the A-series, only some recent models such as the A54, A55 and A35 have it, and only in some regions. Dial \*#06# to be sure.