¿Cómo sé si mi iPhone es compatible con eSIM?

Los iPhone compatibles con eSIM son el iPhone XS, XS Max y XR en adelante (lanzados desde 2018). Para confirmarlo, ve a Ajustes > General > Información y busca el apartado eSIM disponible o un número de EID. También puedes marcar *#06# y ver si aparece el EID junto al IMEI. Si ambos campos están presentes, tu iPhone soporta eSIM.

¿Todos los Samsung son compatibles con eSIM?

No, no todos los Samsung son compatibles. La compatibilidad eSIM en Samsung depende del modelo y la región de compra. La serie Galaxy S20 en adelante, la serie Note20, la serie Z Fold y Z Flip, y los Galaxy A54 y superiores suelen ser compatibles en sus versiones internacionales. Sin embargo, los modelos vendidos en China (identificados por el sufijo /DS o numeración SM-XXXX específica para ese mercado) pueden no incluir eSIM aunque el resto del hardware sea idéntico.

¿Puedo usar eSIM con un móvil desbloqueado?

Sí, los móviles desbloqueados son perfectos para usar eSIM. De hecho, un móvil desbloqueado te da total libertad para instalar cualquier eSIM de cualquier operador del mundo sin restricciones. Si tu móvil está bloqueado a una operadora específica, es posible que esa operadora solo permita instalar eSIM de su propia red, lo que limitaría el uso con proveedores de eSIM de viaje internacionales. Verifica con tu operador si existe esa restricción.

¿La compatibilidad eSIM depende del país donde se compró el móvil?

Sí, puede depender significativamente. Algunos fabricantes desactivan la función eSIM en modelos vendidos en determinados mercados, principalmente China. El caso más conocido es el iPhone: los modelos comprados en China (identificados por la letra CH al final del número de modelo, ej. A2846CH) no tienen eSIM disponible. Lo mismo ocurre con ciertos Samsung. Si compraste tu móvil fuera de España o Europa, busca el número de modelo exacto en los ajustes del teléfono y compáralo con la lista oficial del fabricante.

¿Qué hago si mi móvil no soporta eSIM?

Si tu móvil no es compatible con eSIM, tienes varias opciones: (1) usar una SIM física de datos local en destino, comprándola en el aeropuerto o en tiendas locales; (2) contratar una SIM física internacional antes de salir; (3) comprar un router WiFi de viaje MiFi para compartir conexión entre varios dispositivos; o (4) valorar actualizar a un modelo más reciente que sí incluya eSIM. Consulta nuestra guía de eSIM para viajeros para comparar todas las opciones.

How to Check if Your Phone is eSIM Compatible

Quick Answer: To find out if your mobile is eSIM compatible, you have three main methods:

Dial *#06# on your phone's dialer — if an EID (32-digit number) appears in addition to the IMEI, your phone has eSIM.
Go to Settings — on iPhone: Settings > General > About > eSIM available. On Android: Settings > Connections > SIM Manager and look for the option to add a digital SIM.
Check your manufacturer's list of compatible models (included further down in this guide).

What does it mean for a mobile to be eSIM compatible?

The eSIM (embedded SIM) is a SIM card chip soldered directly to the device's motherboard. Unlike traditional physical SIMs, it cannot be physically removed or changed: the operator profile is downloaded digitally via a QR code or an app.

For your mobile to be eSIM compatible, it needs to meet two requirements:

Hardware: the device must include the integrated eSIM chip inside (present since 2018 in most high-end models).
Software: the operating system and the manufacturer's firmware must have the eSIM function enabled (some models have the hardware but the function is disabled depending on the sales region).

When both requirements are met, you can install eSIM profiles from any compatible operator — including PuraSim's data eSIMs for Europe or international eSIMs for travel outside the continent.

A key advantage of eSIM is that you can have several profiles active at once (depending on the device) and switch between them without physically handling the mobile. This makes it the ideal solution for frequent travelers who need mobile data abroad without paying exorbitant roaming fees.

How to check if your iPhone is eSIM compatible (by model)

Apple was one of the first manufacturers to massively adopt eSIM. Since the iPhone XS (2018), all iPhone models sold outside China include eSIM support. Here is the complete list:

Model	Year	eSIM	Notes
iPhone 16 / Plus / Pro / Pro Max	2024	✅	eSIM only on US models
iPhone 15 / Plus / Pro / Pro Max	2023	✅	Dual SIM (nano + eSIM) on international models
iPhone 14 / Plus / Pro / Pro Max	2022	✅	eSIM only on US models; Dual on international
iPhone 13 / mini / Pro / Pro Max	2021	✅	Dual SIM (nano + eSIM)
iPhone 12 / mini / Pro / Pro Max	2020	✅	Dual SIM (nano + eSIM)
iPhone SE (3rd gen)	2022	✅	Dual SIM
iPhone 11 / Pro / Pro Max	2019	✅	Dual SIM (nano + eSIM)
iPhone XS / XS Max / XR	2018	✅	First iPhone with eSIM
iPhone X, 8, 8 Plus and older	≤2017	❌	No eSIM
iPhone SE (1st and 2nd gen)	2016/2020	❌ / ❌	Physical SIM only

How to verify on iPhone step-by-step

Open Settings on your iPhone.
Tap General and then About.
Scroll down until you find eSIM available or eSIM Number (EID). If this field appears with a number, your iPhone supports eSIM.
Alternatively, go to Settings > Mobile Data and check if the option Add Data Plan or Add eSIM exists.

If you already have an eSIM installed or want to know how to do it, check our iPhone eSIM installation guide, where we explain the step-by-step process for all compatible models.

How to check if your Android is eSIM compatible (Samsung, Google Pixel, Xiaomi, etc.)

In the Android ecosystem, eSIM compatibility varies much more depending on the manufacturer, device range, and target market. Below is a breakdown by brand.

Samsung Galaxy — eSIM compatibility

Samsung Series	eSIM	Compatible models
Galaxy S24 / S24+ / S24 Ultra	✅	All except China versions
Galaxy S23 / S23+ / S23 Ultra	✅	International models (SM-S91xB)
Galaxy S22 / S22+ / S22 Ultra	✅	European and American models
Galaxy S21 / S21+ / S21 Ultra	✅	International models
Galaxy S20 / S20+ / S20 Ultra	✅	First Galaxy phones with eSIM
Galaxy Z Fold 5 / Z Flip 5 and older	✅	All foldable models
Galaxy Note 20 / Note 20 Ultra	✅	International models
Galaxy A54 / A55 / A35	✅	Mid-range with eSIM
Galaxy A34 and lower A models	❌	No eSIM in most

For detailed installation instructions on Samsung, check our eSIM guide for Samsung Galaxy.

How to verify on Samsung step-by-step

Go to Settings on your Samsung.
Tap Connections and then SIM Manager.
If you see the option Add mobile plan or Add a data plan, your device supports eSIM.
On newer models with One UI 5+, you can also go to Settings > Biometrics and Security and view the device's EID.

Google Pixel — eSIM compatibility

Google Pixel Model	eSIM	Notes
Pixel 9 / 9 Pro / 9 Pro XL / 9 Pro Fold	✅	Dual eSIM
Pixel 8 / 8 Pro / 8a	✅	Dual eSIM
Pixel 7 / 7 Pro / 7a	✅	Dual SIM (nano + eSIM)
Pixel 6 / 6 Pro / 6a	✅	Dual SIM
Pixel 3 / 3 XL / 3a / 4 / 5	✅	eSIM only (no dual)
Pixel 1 / 2	❌	No eSIM

Other Android manufacturers

Manufacturer / Model	eSIM	Notes
Motorola Edge 40 / 40 Pro / 50	✅	European models
Motorola Razr (foldable)	✅	All recent Razr models
Xiaomi 13 / 14 / 14 Ultra	✅	Global models only, NOT Chinese versions
Xiaomi 12 and older / Redmi / POCO	❌	No eSIM on most models
OnePlus 12 / Open	✅	Global models
Oppo Find X6 Pro / X7 Ultra	✅	International models
Sony Xperia 1 VI / 5 VI / 10 VI	✅	European models
Honor Magic 6 Pro / Magic V2	✅	Global versions

How to check on Android (generic method)

Open Settings and go to Network & internet or Connections.
Look for SIM or SIM Manager.
If an option like Add SIM, Download SIM, or Digital SIM appears, your device supports eSIM.
If you don't find that option, also try in Settings > About phone and look for the EID field — if it exists, you have eSIM.

Verification by IMEI — the fastest method

The most universal and fastest way to know if your mobile is eSIM compatible is to check the EID (Embedded Identity Document), which is the unique identifier of your device's eSIM chip. If your mobile has an EID, it has an eSIM.

Step 1: Dial *#06# on your keypad

Open the phone app, go to the dial pad, and type *#06#. You will see a screen with your device's identification information:

IMEI 1 — identifier of your primary SIM (always present).
IMEI 2 — identifier of the second SIM slot, if it exists.
EID — identifier of the embedded eSIM. If this field appears, your mobile has an eSIM.

The EID is a 32-digit number that typically starts with 89049... or 89033.... If the EID does not appear, it is possible that your mobile does not have an eSIM or that the function is disabled at the software level.

Step 2: Check the model number

Find the exact model number of your device (available in Settings > About phone) and check it on the manufacturer's official website or on the list of eSIM-compatible phones that we keep updated at PuraSim.

Step 3: Contact manufacturer support

If the EID does not appear but you believe your phone should have an eSIM, contact the manufacturer's technical support, providing your model number and serial number. In some cases, a firmware update can enable the feature.

Important about phones purchased in China: Many iPhones, Samsung, and Xiaomi commercialized in the Chinese market have eSIM hardware, but the function is disabled at the firmware level due to regulatory requirements. Although the EID may appear on some of these devices, the operating system may not allow the installation of foreign eSIM profiles. Always verify the specific model number.

What to do if your phone is not compatible

Not having an eSIM doesn't mean you're out of options when traveling abroad. Here are the best alternatives:

Alternative 1: Local physical data SIM

You can buy a prepaid physical SIM in your destination country upon arrival at the airport or in local stores. The disadvantage is that you will lose your usual phone number during the trip and will have to physically swap cards.

Alternative 2: International data SIM

There are international physical SIMs that you can buy before you leave and that cover multiple countries. They are practical but are usually more expensive per MB compared to eSIMs.

Alternative 3: Travel WiFi router (MiFi)

A portable MiFi router with a data SIM can connect several devices to the internet simultaneously. Ideal if you are traveling in a group or need to connect a laptop and phone at the same time.

Alternative 4: Upgrade your phone

If you travel frequently, the investment in an eSIM-enabled phone quickly pays for itself thanks to savings on roaming. Current mid-range models like the Samsung Galaxy A54 or the iPhone SE (3rd gen) already include eSIM at affordable prices.

If your phone is compatible, the next step is to choose the best eSIM for Europe or the international eSIM that best suits your destination and duration of travel. At PuraSim, you will find plans from 1 day to 90 days for more than 180 countries.

Conclusion

Knowing if your phone is eSIM compatible is simpler than it seems. The *#06# code method will give you the answer in less than 30 seconds: if an EID appears, you have an eSIM. If it doesn't appear, consult the model tables in this guide to confirm based on your device.

As a general rule:

iPhone XS (2018) onwards: eSIM compatible if not a Chinese version.
Samsung Galaxy S20 onwards and high-end/upper-mid-range from 2022: eSIM compatible in international versions.
Google Pixel 3 onwards: eSIM compatible.
Other Android devices: verify the exact model number.

Once compatibility is confirmed, installing and activating an eSIM takes less than 5 minutes. You can do it from home before your trip and have mobile data ready at your destination from the first moment, without airport queues or surprise bills.

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Frequently asked questions

How do I know if my iPhone is eSIM compatible?

eSIM-compatible iPhones are the iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR onwards (released from 2018). To confirm, go to Settings > General > About and look for the eSIM available section or an EID number. You can also dial *#06# and see if the EID appears next to the IMEI. If both fields are present, your iPhone supports eSIM.

Are all Samsung phones eSIM compatible?

No, not all Samsung phones are compatible. eSIM compatibility on Samsung depends on the model and region of purchase. The Galaxy S20 series onwards, Note20 series, Z Fold and Z Flip series, and Galaxy A54 and above are usually compatible in their international versions. However, models sold in China (identified by the /DS suffix or specific SM-XXXX numbering for that market) may not include eSIM even if the rest of the hardware is identical.

Can I use an eSIM with an unlocked phone?

Yes, unlocked phones are perfect for using eSIM. In fact, an unlocked phone gives you total freedom to install any eSIM from any operator in the world without restrictions. If your phone is locked to a specific operator, that operator may only allow you to install eSIMs from their own network, which would limit use with international travel eSIM providers. Check with your operator if this restriction exists.

Does eSIM compatibility depend on the country where the phone was purchased?

Yes, it can vary significantly. Some manufacturers deactivate the eSIM function in models sold in certain markets, primarily China. The best-known case is the iPhone: models purchased in China (identified by the letter CH at the end of the model number, e.g., A2846CH) do not have eSIM available. The same applies to certain Samsung models. If you bought your phone outside of Spain or Europe, look for the exact model number in your phone settings and compare it with the manufacturer's official list.

What do I do if my phone doesn't support eSIM?

If your phone is not eSIM compatible, you have several options: (1) use a local physical data SIM at your destination, buying it at the airport or in local stores; (2) purchase an international physical SIM before you leave; (3) buy a MiFi travel WiFi router to share the connection among several devices; or (4) consider upgrading to a newer model that does include eSIM. Consult our eSIM for travelers guide to compare all options.

Written by Marc González Sáez Founder of PuraSim and a specialist in eSIM and connectivity for travelers. He has been helping people travel connected worldwide for years without overpaying for roaming, and personally tests eSIMs in each destination before recommending them.