You've purchased an eSIM for your trip, but it won't install or connect. In many cases the problem isn't the eSIM — it's that the phone doesn't support it, or is locked to a carrier. Here's how to check before you buy (or before you panic).
The 30-second check (works on any phone)
- Open the phone dialer and enter *#06#
- If an EID (Embedded Identity Document) number appears → your phone has eSIM hardware
- No EID → no eSIM support; you'll need a physical SIM
Note: on some Samsung models the EID only appears after an eSIM is activated — use the settings check below as a backup.
Check from your settings
- iPhone: Settings > Cellular — if you see "Add eSIM" (or "Add Cellular Plan"), you're compatible.
- Android: Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs (or Connections > SIM manager) — look for "Add eSIM" or "Download a SIM instead."
Compatibility by brand
iPhone
All models from the iPhone XS / XS Max / XR onward support eSIM. US-market iPhone 14 and later are eSIM-only (no physical SIM slot). Carrier-locked models may still block third-party eSIMs.
Google Pixel
Pixel 3 and newer support eSIM — with one classic trap: the Japanese version of the Pixel 3 does not.
Samsung Galaxy
Global models of the Galaxy S20 series and newer support eSIM: S20/S21/S22/S23/S24 series, Note20 series, Z Flip and Z Fold (2nd generation onward), and selected A-series (e.g., A54 5G, A73 5G). Two warnings: carrier-branded units sometimes ship with eSIM disabled even when the global version supports it, and older software versions can cause install failures — update first.
Other brands
OPPO, Xiaomi and other flagships increasingly include eSIM, but support varies by country and carrier — check the manufacturer's spec page for "Dual SIM (nano-SIM and eSIM)."
Two more things that block eSIMs
- Carrier lock: phones sold by carriers are often locked and will refuse third-party eSIMs. Ask your carrier to unlock (usually free after a minimum ownership period).
- Old software: outdated OS versions cause install and activation errors. Update before installing.
Compatible and ready to go?
Phone is compatible but the eSIM still won't connect? See the full fix list: eSIM not working — the 5 real causes →
FAQ
How do I know if my phone supports eSIM?
Dial *#06#. If an EID number appears, the phone has eSIM hardware. You can also look for "Add eSIM" in your SIM settings.
Can a carrier-locked phone use a travel eSIM?
Usually not. The lock restricts the phone to that carrier's SIMs. Ask the carrier to unlock it first.
Can I use an eSIM and a physical SIM at the same time?
On most eSIM-capable phones, yes — keep your home SIM for calls/SMS and use the travel eSIM for data.