eSIMs have become the new standard in telecommunications, allowing you to use your phone without a physical SIM card. However, while most recent phones are eSIM compatible, some still don’t support eSIM technology. So if you’ve never used an eSIM before, you might want to check if your phone works with eSIMs at all.
Here, we will explain how to determine whether your Android device or iPhone is compatible with eSIMs. By the end of this article, you will know how to confirm whether you can use eSIM technology and, likewise, the best way to buy one with the best eSIM providers.
How do I know if my phone supports eSIM?
Checking if your device supports eSIM differs slightly depending on the make of your device. In general, the steps are similar to the following:
Go to Settings Menu > Connections > SIM card manager > Add eSIM. If the “Add eSIM” option is available, it should mean that your device supports eSIMs.
You can also enter “IMEI” in the search bar of your settings, and the option “IMEI information” (or something similar) should appear. If “IMEI (eSIM)” is available, your device supports eSIM for international use.
Alternatively, you can simply look for the make of your device on our list of eSIM-compatible phones. If it’s there, you can use eSIMs.
If you need device-specific instructions, let’s take a look at how you can check if your phone supports eSIMs on different devices.
eSIM on iPhone
To find out if your iPhone supports eSIMs, simply follow the steps below:
Go to Settings
Go to Cellular
Look for the add eSIM option, if it’s there, your phone supports eSIMs.
You can also tell whether or not your iPhone supports eSIMs depending on the model of your phone. All iPhones starting with the XR and XS support eSIMs. So if you have an iPhone XR or newer, you can use eSIMs; if you have an iPhone X or older, you’ll have to stick to physical SIM cards.
eSIM on Samsung
Samsung is one of the most popular Android phone manufacturers in the world, with many eSIM-compatible Samsung phones in its fleet. However, it is also important that you verify that your model supports eSIM. You can do this by following the steps below:
Go to Settings > Connections > SIM card manager > Add eSIM
If the “Add eSIM” option is available, your device will support eSIMs.
Alternatively, can tap “IMEI” in the search bar of your settings, and the option “IMEI information” (or something similar) should appear. If “IMEI (eSIM)” is available, your device supports eSIM.
You can also use the IMEI to verify that your device is unlocked by your carrier.
eSIM on Google Pixel
There are several eSIM-compatible Google Pixel phones available. You can check if it is compatible with eSIM technology by following these steps:
Go to Settings
Then go to Networks and Internet
You will see an option called Advanced
Select this option, and you will see the option to Add Operator.
Finally, after this, you will be asked for authorization to use your phone’s camera to scan a QR code.
If all these steps are successful, your Google Pixel is eSIM capable.
eSIM on Huawei
Huawei is another Android brand with multiple Huawei eSIM-compatible phones. That said, Huawei is known for mainly including eSIM compatibility on its flagship phones, so do make sure to check for eSIM compatibility before buying an eSIM. Here’s how you can do that:
Go to Settings
Go to Mobile Networks
Go to the SIM Management submenu.
You will see the option to add SIM or eSIM.
Enter the activation code (provided by the local or international operator).
After that, you will have to scan the QR code of the eSIM in question.
After a few moments, the eSIM will be installed.
If you complete each step, you will see that your cell phone is compatible with eSIM.
eSIM on Xiaomi
If you have a Xiaomi device, you should know that most models do not support eSIM technology. However, the brand has expanded its list of Xiaomi eSIM-compatible devices, and now we have the Xiaomi 12T Pro models, all the Xiaomi 13 and 14 series, and finally, the Xiaomi Blackshark 3 model.
The option to add an eSIM appears in this cell phone’s network settings. According to Xiaomi’s presentation of this high-end smartphone, the models after these will only have the eSIM option, so the cellular network will no longer have a slot for physical SIM cards.
eSIM on Motorola
On the other hand, if your phone is a Motorola, you can follow these steps to check your phone’s compatibility with eSIM technology:
Go to Settings, Internet & Networks, Mobile Network.
Then Advanced, and then Carrier.
Tap on the Add Carrier option, then Next.
The screen for scanning the QR code will appear.
If you get to this point, you can be sure of one thing: your Motorola phone is compatible with an eSIM.
eSIM on Oppo
Finally, if you have an Oppo device, some of their latest generation phones are eSIM compatible. You can verify that your phone model is compatible by following the steps below:
Dial *#06# and press call. If your device is eSIM capable, you should be able to view your device’s eSIM unique identification number (EID).
You can also go to Settings > About > Status info. If your device is eSIM compatible, the EID field will be visible in the displayed menu. If not, then your device is not eSIM compatible.
Can eSIM be used internationally?
You can use it internationally if your phone is eSIM compatible and unlocked. This is one of the main advantages for travellers, as you can buy a data package abroad quickly, securely, and easily. eSIMs even allow you to purchase a service before you travel and activate it once you are in the destination country.