eSIM-compatible phones: complete updated list 2024

In short: eSIM-compatible phones include iPhone XS (2018) and later, Samsung Galaxy S20 and later, and Google Pixel 3 and later. To quickly check in 30 seconds, dial *#06# on your phone: if an EID number appears next to the IMEI, your phone supports eSIM, and you can travel with internet without roaming.

Before buying an eSIM for your trip, the deciding question is simple: does my phone support it? The good news is that most mid-to-high-end smartphones launched since 2019 are already prepared. Here is the complete and updated list of eSIM-compatible phones, sorted by manufacturer, plus a universal trick to check it yourself in under a minute. You’ll land with data, no roaming, and no need to search for a SIM store at the airport.

How to check if your phone has eSIM in 30 seconds

No need to search the manual or call support. There are three quick ways to confirm, and any of them will give you the answer instantly.

• iPhone: Go to Settings → General → About and look for "EID Number" in the list. If it appears, your iPhone has eSIM. You can also confirm this in Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM (or "Add Cellular Plan").
• Android: Go to Settings → Connections (or Network & Internet) → SIM Manager → Add eSIM. If the menu exists, the device is compatible.
• Universal method: Open the dial pad and dial *#06#. If, in addition to the IMEI, you see an EID number (Embedded Identity Document), your phone supports eSIM. Without an EID, there is no support.

The EID is the digital equivalent of a physical SIM's serial number: it is the definitive proof. If you want a step-by-step visual guide, we have one dedicated to how to check if your phone is eSIM compatible.

eSIM-compatible iPhones

Apple was a pioneer: it debuted the technology on the Apple Watch and brought it to the iPhone starting in 2018. Since then, all main models include it.

Beware of iPhones purchased in the United States: Since the iPhone 14 (2022), models sold there are eSIM-only, meaning they do not have a physical slot. In Spain and the rest of Europe, all models combine physical SIM + eSIM. If you bought your iPhone on a trip to the US, it's good to understand this difference before choosing your plan.

eSIM-compatible Samsung Galaxy

Samsung was the major Android manufacturer to popularize eSIM, starting with the Galaxy S10 in 2019. High-end coverage is complete; in the mid-range, it depends on the model and market.

Galaxy S series (high-end)

Galaxy Z series (foldables)

• Galaxy Z Fold 2, 3, 4, 5, 6: Yes
• Galaxy Z Flip 3, 4, 5, 6: Yes

Galaxy Note series

• Galaxy Note 20 / Note 20 Ultra: Yes

Galaxy A series (mid-range)

• Galaxy A54 5G: Yes
• Galaxy A55 5G: Yes
• Galaxy A35 5G: Yes (in some markets)
• Galaxy A34 5G: Yes (in some markets)
• Older A models and low-end: generally no

Important note for Samsung: some Galaxy models are sold in variants with and without eSIM depending on the country. "Duos" versions with dual physical SIM, common in Asia, usually do not come with eSIM. If you bought your Samsung outside of Spain, verify the EID first, especially in the mid-range, where compatibility varies by market.

eSIM-compatible Google Pixel

Pixels are among the most reliable Android phones with eSIM: they have included it by default since the Pixel 3 (2018), without the regional variants that complicate other brands.

Activation on Pixel is one of the cleanest in the Android ecosystem. If you have one, follow our guide on how to activate an eSIM on Google Pixel and you'll have it ready before packing your bags.

Other manufacturers with eSIM support

Motorola

• Motorola Edge 30, 40, 50: Yes
• Motorola Razr (foldable, 2022 onwards): Yes
• Moto G (mid-range): most do not; check the specific model

Motorola is inconsistent: the high-end Edge and Razr foldables do, but the popular Moto G series almost never. When in doubt, dial *#06# and confirm the EID of your specific model.

Xiaomi / Redmi / POCO

Xiaomi is the most complicated case in the market: most of their phones sold in Spain do not have eSIM. Exceptions are rare and usually high-end export models.

• Xiaomi 12S Ultra, 13 Pro, 13 Ultra, 14 Ultra (export versions): yes in some models
• Redmi: generally no
• POCO: generally no

If you have a Xiaomi, don't take anything for granted: dial *#06# and check the EID before buying any plan.

OnePlus

• OnePlus 11, 12: yes (in export versions)
• Older models: generally no

Huawei

Huawei includes eSIM technical support in some recent models, but due to restrictions with Google services, activating eSIM profiles may fail or be limited. We do not recommend trying without first confirming specific compatibility with the provider.

Oppo / Realme

• Oppo Find N3: yes
• Oppo Reno (recent high-end): verify model
• Realme: generally no

iPads and other eSIM devices

eSIM is not just for phones. Many iPads support it, which is very convenient for having data on your tablet during a long or business trip:

• iPad Pro 11" and 12.9" (3rd gen, 2018 onwards): Yes
• iPad Air (3rd gen, 2019 onwards): Yes
• iPad mini (5th gen, 2019 onwards): Yes
• iPad (7th gen, 2019 onwards): Yes

Keep in mind that plans are designed for smartphones; for tablets, it is advisable to check the specific plan's compatibility before purchasing.

How many eSIM profiles can my phone store?

The technical specification allows multiple profiles to be stored, but each manufacturer sets its own limits for storage and simultaneous use:

In practice, for travel, this means something very useful: you can have plans for multiple destinations stored at once without deleting and reinstalling each time. If you want to make the most of this feature, see how many eSIM profiles an iPhone supports.

Phones WITHOUT eSIM support (most common)

If you have any of these, you'll need a local physical SIM or wait for your next phone upgrade:

• iPhone 8, iPhone X, and all earlier models
• Samsung Galaxy A series below A34/A54 and low-end models
• All Xiaomi Redmi and POCO models
• Most low-to-mid-range phones from Chinese brands
• Models purchased in China or India with dual physical SIM variants without eSIM

Common myths and errors (what almost no one tells you)

Compatibility causes more trouble than it should, almost always due to details not mentioned in the box. These are the stumbling blocks we see time and again.

• "It's the same model, so it doesn't matter where I bought it." False. The same phone may or may not have an eSIM depending on the country of sale. The EID governs; the trade name does not.
• Confusing unlocked phone with eSIM compatibility. These are different things. A phone can be carrier-unlocked and still not have an eSIM chip. Always check the EID, not just if it's unlocked.
• Leaving the check for the destination airport. The worst time to discover that your phone is not compatible is upon landing, with jet lag and no data. Verify the EID from home, calmly.
• Installing the eSIM at the destination hoping it "will activate itself." Installation requires internet (Wi-Fi or data). Ideally, install it at home with your Wi-Fi before leaving and have it ready; it activates automatically upon arrival. We detail this in how to install an eSIM step by step.
• Believing that eSIM replaces your Spanish number. No: it adds to it. Your usual line remains active for bank SMS and calls, and the travel eSIM handles data. This is precisely the big saving compared to roaming, as we compare in eSIM vs roaming.
• Thinking that "eSIM" guarantees 5G. eSIM is just the chip; speed depends on the country's network and your phone. An eSIM-compatible device without 5G will still navigate in 4G.

If your phone is compatible, what's next?

With the EID confirmed, the rest is easy. You choose your destination plan, receive a QR code or activation link, install it in two minutes from home, and travel with internet from the moment you land. No queues, no roaming, and no changing your physical card.

For the most sought-after destinations by travelers from Spain, you can start with the eSIM Europe for getaways across the continent, the eSIM United States if you cross the pond, or the eSIM Spain if you come from outside and want data as soon as you arrive. All are installed before leaving and activate automatically when you connect to the local network.

General rule of thumb

If you don't want tables, remember this:

• iPhone XS (2018) or later: compatible.
• Samsung Galaxy S20 (2020) or later: compatible (high-end).
• Google Pixel 3 (2018) or later: compatible.
• Any other: dial *#06# and look for the EID number.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if my phone is eSIM compatible?

The quickest and most universal way is to dial *#06# on the dial pad: if an EID number appears in addition to the IMEI, your phone supports eSIM. On iPhone, you can also see it in Settings → General → About by searching for "EID," and on Android in the SIM Manager, within Connection Settings.

What is the EID number?

The EID (Embedded Identity Document) is the unique identifier of the eSIM chip integrated into your phone, the digital equivalent of a physical SIM's serial number. Its presence is definitive proof that the device supports eSIM. If no EID appears when you dial *#06#, your phone is not compatible.

Do all iPhones have eSIM?

Not all, but they have since the iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR (2018) onwards. The iPhone X and earlier models do not include it. Additionally, iPhones purchased in the United States since the iPhone 14 are eSIM-only and do not have a physical SIM slot, while those sold in Spain combine both.

Will my Samsung or Xiaomi bought in Asia have eSIM?

It depends on the model and market. Many Asian dual physical SIM ("Duos") variants do not include eSIM, and a good portion of the Xiaomi, Redmi, and POCO ranges do not. The only reliable way to know is to dial *#06# and check if the EID appears, without relying solely on the model name.

Can I use eSIM and my physical SIM at the same time?

Yes, and it is recommended for travel. On Dual SIM phones, you can keep your Spanish number active (for calls and verification SMS from your bank) and use the travel eSIM only for data. This way, you avoid roaming without losing your usual line.

How many eSIMs can I store on my phone?

It depends on the manufacturer: iPhones store up to 8 profiles (with 1 or 2 active at a time depending on the model), and Samsung and Google Pixel usually allow up to 5 stored with 1 active. For travel, this allows you to have plans for multiple destinations ready without deleting and reinstalling them each time.

My phone is not eSIM compatible, what are my options?

If your phone does not have an EID, you will not be able to use an eSIM on it. Alternatives include buying a local physical SIM upon arrival, using a second device that does support it, or considering changing your phone on your next upgrade. Most mid-to-high-end models launched since 2020 already include it as standard.

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.