Does your phone support eSIM?
Check your exact model in seconds — and the regional variants (China, Hong Kong, US, South Korea) that quietly ship without eSIM. That's where travellers get caught, and most checkers miss it.
Check your device
Popular devices
Not sure of the exact model or region? Dial *#06# on the phone — a 32-digit EID means eSIM hardware is present.
Pick a popular device above, or select your brand and model to check eSIM compatibility instantly.
The regional traps that catch travellers
A phone's eSIM support is decided by where it was sold, not just its model name. The same model can have eSIM in one market and a second physical SIM slot in another. These are the variants to watch:
Mainland-China iPhones
No eSIM hardware at all — dual physical nano-SIM. Only the iPhone 17e and iPhone Air support eSIM in mainland China.
Hong Kong / Macao iPhones
Mostly dual-physical-SIM. Only a handful of models support eSIM there (XS, SE 2nd/3rd gen, 12 mini, 13 mini, 16e, and the 17-series/Air).
US Samsung Galaxy S20
Has the hardware but never got reliable eSIM firmware — treat it as not usable. The S21 did get eSIM via a later One UI 4 update.
South Korean Samsung (pre-Sept 2022)
Models made before the September 2022 rule change physically lack the eSIM chip. Korean Z Flip4/Fold4 work only with domestic carriers.
Chinese-market Android flagships
Xiaomi, Oppo, OnePlus and Huawei phones sold in mainland China usually ship without eSIM, even when the global version supports it.
Pixel 3 / 3a regional units
Pixel 3/3 XL from Australia, Taiwan or Japan — and Pixel 3a from Japan, Verizon or SE Asia — don't work with eSIM. Pixel 4 onward is fine.
Whatever the list says, the definitive 10-second test is to dial *#06# on the device — a 32-digit EID means eSIM hardware is present. The phone must also be carrier-unlocked, and not jailbroken or rooted.
Compatible? Here's how to set up your eSIM
Confirm compatibility
Use the checker above, or dial *#06# and look for a 32-digit EID. Make sure the phone is carrier-unlocked.
Buy your plan before you fly
Choose a destination plan and complete checkout while you still have Wi-Fi at home. You'll get a QR code by email.
Scan the QR code to install
Open Camera or Settings, then Add eSIM, and scan the code. This installs the profile — it does not start your data yet.
Turn on data when you land
Enable the travel eSIM for data abroad; keep your home SIM in slot one for calls, SMS and bank 2FA codes.
eSIM
- Built into your device — nothing to insert or lose
- Install a plan by scanning a QR code in minutes
- Keep your home number active on a second line
- Switch or add plans without a store visit
Physical SIM
- A plastic card you swap into a tray
- Usually bought in person at a store or kiosk
- Easy to lose or damage while travelling
- Swapping means your home SIM comes out
Frequently asked questions
How do I check if my phone supports eSIM?
Dial *#06# on your phone. If a 32-digit EID appears alongside the IMEI, your device has eSIM hardware. You can also look for an 'Add eSIM' option in your network settings, or use the checker above to look up your exact model and region.
Why does my iPhone from China or Hong Kong not support eSIM?
iPhones sold in mainland China have no eSIM hardware — they use dual physical nano-SIM instead. Most Hong Kong and Macao iPhones are also dual-physical-SIM; only a few models (iPhone XS, SE 2nd/3rd gen, 12 mini, 13 mini, 16e, and the 17-series/Air) support eSIM there.
Does the region I bought my phone in matter for eSIM?
Yes — for many Android brands and some iPhones, eSIM support depends on the market of purchase, not just the model. US Samsung Galaxy S20, pre-September-2022 Korean Samsungs, and Chinese-market Xiaomi/Oppo/OnePlus flagships often lack eSIM even when the global version of the same model supports it.
My phone supports eSIM but the travel eSIM won't install — why?
The most common cause is a carrier lock. A locked phone cannot use a third-party eSIM even if the hardware supports it. Check your unlock status, and make sure the phone is not jailbroken or rooted.
Does eSIM hardware (EID) guarantee a travel eSIM will work?
Not always. An EID confirms the hardware is present, but locked, carrier-restricted, MDM-managed, or region-disabled devices can still block third-party eSIM installation. Confirm the exact model and region, and that the phone is unlocked.
What is an eSIM and how is it different from a physical SIM?
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a chip built into your device that's programmed digitally — there's no plastic card to insert. You install a mobile plan by scanning a QR code, so you can add a travel data plan in minutes without visiting a store or swapping trays, while keeping your home SIM active.