How to Tell if Your Phone is eSIM Compatible: Complete Guide 2026

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

An 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 replaced: the operator's profile is digitally downloaded via a QR code or an app.

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

• Hardware: The device must include the eSIM chip integrated inside (present since 2018 in most high-end models).
• Software: The operating system and 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 phone. This makes it an 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 widely adopt eSIM. Since the iPhone XS (2018), all iPhone models sold outside China include eSIM support. Here is the complete list:

How to verify on iPhone step-by-step

1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
2. Tap General and then About.
3. Scroll down until you find Available eSIM or eSIM Number (EID). If this field appears with a number, your iPhone supports eSIM.
4. 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 eSIM installation guide for iPhone, where we explain the process step-by-step 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

For detailed installation instructions on Samsung, please refer to our eSIM guide for Samsung Galaxy.

How to verify on Samsung step-by-step

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

Google Pixel — eSIM compatibility

Other Android manufacturers

How to check on Android (generic method)

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

Verification by IMEI — the fastest method

The most universal and fastest method to know if your mobile is compatible with eSIM 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 main 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: Verify the model number

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

Step 3: Contact manufacturer support

If the EID does not appear but you believe your mobile 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.

What to do if your mobile is not compatible

Not having an eSIM does not mean running out of options when traveling abroad. Here are the best alternatives:

Alternative 1: Local data physical SIM

You can buy a prepaid physical SIM in the 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 change the card.

Alternative 2: International data SIM

There are international physical SIMs that you can buy before you leave that cover multiple countries. They are practical but tend to be 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 travel in a group or need to connect a laptop and phone at the same time.

Alternative 4: Mobile upgrade

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

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

Conclusion

Knowing if your mobile 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 does not appear, consult the model tables in this guide to confirm it according to your device.

As a general rule:

• iPhone XS (2018) onwards: eSIM compatible if it is 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: 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 bill surprises.

Frequently asked questions

Escrito por Marc González Sáez Fundador de PuraSim y especialista en eSIM y conectividad para viajeros. Lleva años ayudando a viajar conectado por todo el mundo sin pagar de más por el roaming, y prueba personalmente las eSIM en cada destino antes de recomendarlas.