Before you buy a travel plan, it is worth taking 60 seconds to answer one question: does my phone support eSIM? Two things have to be true — your phone needs eSIM hardware, and it must be carrier-unlocked. Here is a simple checklist to verify both on iPhone and Android.
The two-part eSIM compatibility check
A phone can only use an eSIM when both of these are true:
- It has eSIM hardware — the embedded chip built into the device.
- It is carrier-unlocked — not tied to a single network. A locked phone will reject a third-party eSIM even if the hardware exists.
Quick way to check: the *#06# trick
On almost any phone, open the dialer and type *#06#. A panel of identifiers appears. If you see an EID number listed alongside your IMEI, your phone has eSIM hardware. No EID usually means no eSIM support.
Check on iPhone
- As a rule of thumb, iPhone XS and newer support eSIM (XS, XR, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and later, plus recent SE models).
- Go to Settings ▸ General ▸ About and scroll to find an Available SIM or EID entry.
- Or open Settings ▸ Cellular and look for an Add eSIM option — if it is there, you are set.
Check on Android
- Go to Settings ▸ Network & internet ▸ SIMs (or Connections ▸ SIM manager on Samsung) and look for Add eSIM.
- Common eSIM models include recent Samsung Galaxy S and Z phones, Google Pixel 3 and newer, and many current Motorola and Oppo devices — but always verify with the steps above rather than assuming.
- If there is no Add eSIM option, the phone likely lacks the hardware.
Is my phone unlocked?
- iPhone: Settings ▸ General ▸ About ▸ Carrier Lock. It should read No SIM restrictions.
- Android: check under the security or connection settings, or simply ask your carrier.
- If it is locked, contact your carrier to request an unlock before you travel.
Important honesty note
We cannot guarantee any specific handset is eSIM-capable or unlocked — model variants and carrier configurations differ. Always confirm on your actual device using the *#06# EID check and the Settings steps above before purchasing. If you are new to all this, start with what an eSIM is.
FAQ
My phone has an EID but no Add eSIM button — what now?
That usually means the hardware exists but the phone is carrier-locked or running old software. Update the OS and ask your carrier to unlock it.
Do budget phones support eSIM?
Some do and many do not. Do not assume by price — run the *#06# check and look for the Add eSIM option in settings.
Does a SIM-free phone bought outright work?
Usually yes, because phones sold unlocked are not tied to a carrier. Still confirm the EID is present.
What if my phone is not eSIM-compatible?
Then a travel eSIM will not work on it. You would need a phone with eSIM hardware, or a traditional physical SIM instead.
Confirmed you are compatible? Great — browse plans and install over Wi-Fi before you fly. Next, learn how to install an eSIM on iPhone or on Android.