eSIM compatibility
Is my phone eSIM compatible? The list by brand
Your phone is eSIM compatible if its settings let you add an eSIM and it’s unlocked. That’s every iPhone since the iPhone XS, every Google Pixel since the Pixel 3a and most recent Samsung Galaxy models: find yours in the list below.
Check
How to check if your phone supports eSIM
Type your phone’s name, or do two quick checks on the phone itself, without installing anything. New to eSIM? Start with what is an eSIM and eSIM vs physical SIM, then see how our travel eSIM works.
Type your phone’s name: the answer appears as you type.
Based on the lists from Apple, Samsung, Google, Xiaomi and Oppo, checked on 15 Oct 2026.
Or check on your phone
Look in your settings
On iPhone: Settings > Mobile Service (Mobile Data on older versions of iOS). On Samsung: Settings > Connections > SIM manager. On Pixel: Settings > Network & internet > SIMs. If there’s an option to add an eSIM, your phone is compatible.
Dial *#06#
In the Phone app, type this code as if it were a number. If an EID number appears, your phone has an eSIM chip.
Words worth knowing
- eSIM: a SIM built into the phone. Your plan downloads instead of going into a SIM tray.
- EID: the unique number of your phone’s eSIM chip.
- Unlocked phone: a phone that accepts SIM cards and eSIMs from any network.
Unlocking
Locked phones: yours must be unlocked
A phone locked to a network only accepts that network’s SIM cards and eSIMs. It will refuse yours.
A phone bought from a network, on contract or in instalments, may be locked to that network. Bought on its own, from the manufacturer or an electronics shop, it’s usually unlocked.
- On iPhone: go to Settings > General > About. If “No SIM restrictions” appears next to “Network Provider Lock”, your iPhone is unlocked. The details are on Apple’s page.
- On Android: the path depends on the brand. The surest way is to ask your network.
Apple
eSIM-compatible iPhones
According to Apple, every iPhone has had eSIM since the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max and iPhone XR, released in 2018. They must also be unlocked.
| Model | Released | eSIM |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max | 2026 | Yes |
| iPhone 17e | 2026 | Yes |
| iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone Air | 2025 | Yes |
| iPhone 16e | 2025 | Yes |
| iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max | 2024 | Yes |
| iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max | 2023 | Yes |
| iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max | 2022 | Yes |
| iPhone SE (3rd generation) | 2022 | Yes |
| iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max | 2021 | Yes |
| iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max | 2020 | Yes |
| iPhone SE (2nd generation) | 2020 | Yes |
| iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max | 2019 | Yes |
| iPhone XS, XS Max, XR | 2018 | Yes |
| iPhone X, iPhone 8, first iPhone SE and older | 2017 and earlier | No |
Is your iPhone newer than the ones in the table? It has eSIM too: Apple says so for every model after the iPhone XS and iPhone XR. Source: Apple’s eSIM page. Once you’ve bought your plan, here’s how to activate it on your iPhone.
Samsung
eSIM-compatible Samsung Galaxy phones
At Samsung, eSIM comes on Galaxy S phones since the S20, every Galaxy Z foldable, a few Galaxy A models and the XCover7, according to Samsung’s official list for European models.
| Model | Released | eSIM |
|---|---|---|
| Galaxy S26, S26+, S26 Ultra, S26 FE | 2026 | Yes |
| Galaxy S25, S25+, S25 Ultra, S25 Edge, S25 FE | 2025 | Yes |
| Galaxy S24, S24+, S24 Ultra, S24 FE | 2024 | Yes |
| Galaxy S23, S23+, S23 Ultra, S23 FE | 2023 | Yes |
| Galaxy S22, S22+, S22 Ultra | 2022 | Yes |
| Galaxy S21, S21+, S21 Ultra | 2021 | Yes |
| Galaxy S20, S20+, S20 Ultra | 2020 | Yes |
| Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Z Fold8, Z Flip8 | 2026 | Yes |
| Galaxy Z TriFold, Z Fold7, Z Flip7, Z Flip7 FE | 2025 | Yes |
| Galaxy Z Fold6, Z Flip6 | 2024 | Yes |
| Galaxy Z Fold5, Z Flip5 | 2023 | Yes |
| Galaxy Z Fold4, Z Flip4 | 2022 | Yes |
| Galaxy Z Fold3, Z Flip3 | 2021 | Yes |
| Galaxy Z Fold2, Z Flip, Z Flip 5G, Galaxy Fold | 2019 and 2020 | Yes |
| Galaxy A57, A37 | 2026 | Yes |
| Galaxy A56, A36 | 2025 | Yes |
| Galaxy A55, A35 | 2024 | Yes |
| Galaxy A54 | 2023 | Yes |
| Galaxy XCover7 Pro, XCover7 | 2025 and 2024 | Yes |
| Galaxy S20 FE, S21 FE | 2020 and 2022 | Not on the list |
Other Galaxy A models aren’t on Samsung’s list for Europe: some, like the A26 and A16 5G, are only listed for North America. Source: Samsung’s eSIM list.
eSIM-compatible Google Pixel phones
According to Google, every Pixel since the Pixel 3a can take an eSIM alongside a physical SIM card.
| Model | Released | eSIM |
|---|---|---|
| Pixel 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro XL, 11 Pro Fold | 2026 | Yes |
| Pixel 10a | 2026 | Yes |
| Pixel 10, 10 Pro, 10 Pro XL, 10 Pro Fold | 2025 | Yes |
| Pixel 9a | 2025 | Yes |
| Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, 9 Pro Fold | 2024 | Yes |
| Pixel 8, 8 Pro, 8a | 2023 and 2024 | Yes |
| Pixel 7, 7 Pro, 7a, Pixel Fold | 2022 and 2023 | Yes |
| Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 6a | 2021 and 2022 | Yes |
| Pixel 5, 5a | 2020 and 2021 | Yes |
| Pixel 4, 4 XL, 4a, 4a (5G) | 2019 and 2020 | Yes |
| Pixel 3a, 3a XL | 2019 | Yes |
To check: Settings > Network & internet > SIMs, then look for the option to add a SIM. Is your Pixel older than the Pixel 3a? It isn’t on Google’s list. Source: Google’s Pixel help.
Your Galaxy or Pixel is on the list? Once you’ve bought your plan, here’s how to activate it on Samsung or Pixel.
Other brands
Xiaomi, Oppo, Motorola and the rest
Elsewhere, eSIM depends on the model, and sometimes on the country where the phone was sold. The settings test is still the surest way to know.
| Model | Released | eSIM |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 17, 17 Ultra, 17T, 17T Pro | 2026 | Yes |
| Xiaomi 15, 15 Ultra, 15T, 15T Pro | 2025 | Yes |
| Oppo Find X9 Ultra | 2026 | Yes |
| Oppo Find X9, Find X9 Pro | 2025 | Yes |
| Oppo Find X8, Find X8 Pro | 2024 | Yes |
| Oppo Find X3 Pro | 2021 | Yes |
- Redmi: not every model has eSIM. Check the specs for your version.
- Other Oppo phones: check the specs for your version.
- Motorola, Sony, Honor and other brands: eSIM depends on the model, and the same model can differ depending on the country where it’s sold.
Your model isn’t listed? Try the settings test or dial *#06#, as explained above.
Where it was bought
Bought in China, Hong Kong or Macao?
The same model can come with or without eSIM, depending on the country where it was sold. Apple flags this for China mainland, Hong Kong and Macao.
- iPhones sold in China mainland: most don’t have eSIM. Apple only lists the iPhone Air, iPhone 17e, iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.
- iPhones sold in Hong Kong and Macao: some models have two slots for physical SIM cards instead of eSIM.
- Samsung and other brands: depending on the country of origin, eSIM may be missing, even on a model that’s compatible in Europe.
Was your phone bought there, or from an import website? Do the settings test or the *#06# test before you buy your plan.
Your phone is on the list? Choose from our eSIM plans for Japan, then install the eSIM at home before you fly.
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Changing phone before you go?
Install your Mobile Companion eSIM on the phone you’re taking to Japan.
The simplest way: get your new phone before you buy your plan. Check that it supports eSIM and is unlocked, then install your eSIM straight onto it, at home on Wi-Fi.
For your UK network’s SIM, or an eSIM that’s already installed, the steps depend on the phone and the network: ask your network how to move your number to the new phone.
Not compatible?
Your phone isn’t compatible?
Without an eSIM chip, you can’t install an eSIM. Here are the honest options for getting online in Japan anyway.
- A travel companion’s hotspot: if you’re travelling with someone whose phone is compatible, their Mobile Companion eSIM can share its connection with you. It’s allowed.
- A physical SIM card: it takes the place of your usual SIM card in the SIM tray.
- A pocket WiFi: a small device you rent, which shares its connection over Wi-Fi.
- Roaming on your UK plan: check what your plan includes in Japan, and what it costs, before you go.
FAQ
Your questions about compatibility
How do I check if my phone is eSIM compatible?
Look for an option to add an eSIM in your settings, or dial *#06#: if an EID number appears, it is. Your phone must also be unlocked.
Is the iPhone 13 eSIM compatible?
Yes. According to Apple, every iPhone 13 model has eSIM: the iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max. It must be unlocked, and models sold in China mainland, Hong Kong or Macao may not have it.
Are the iPhone 11, 12, 14 and 15 eSIM compatible?
Yes, according to Apple, every model in these ranges has eSIM, including the mini, Plus, Pro and Pro Max versions. They must be unlocked, and those sold in China mainland, Hong Kong or Macao may not have it.
Is my Samsung Galaxy eSIM compatible?
According to Samsung, Galaxy S phones since the S20, every Galaxy Z, the Galaxy A35, A36, A37, A54, A55, A56 and A57 and the XCover7 sold in Europe are. The Galaxy S20 FE and S21 FE aren’t on its list.
Are cheap phones eSIM compatible?
Some are. According to Samsung, mid-range models such as the Galaxy A35, A36, A37, A54, A55, A56 and A57 sold in Europe support eSIM. Check your model in the lists above.
What does eSIM compatible mean?
Your phone has a built-in eSIM chip, so it can install a mobile plan without a physical SIM card, for example by scanning a QR code.
Can I put an eSIM on a phone that isn’t compatible?
No. Without an eSIM chip, you need another option: a physical SIM card, a pocket WiFi or a travel companion’s hotspot.
Can I use an eSIM if my phone is locked?
Only once it’s unlocked, so it can accept another network’s eSIM. Ask your UK network to unlock it a few days before you travel.
What is the EID?
The unique number of your phone’s eSIM chip. If it appears when you dial *#06#, your phone has eSIM.
Do I keep my usual SIM card?
Yes. The eSIM is added alongside your SIM card: your UK number stays in place for calls and texts.
Does the app check compatibility?
Yes: the Mobile Companion app checks that your phone is eSIM compatible before you buy.