eSIM is quickly becoming the new standard for mobile connectivity – especially for travelers, digital nomads, and privacy-conscious users. Instead of inserting a physical SIM card into your phone, an eSIM (embedded SIM) lets you activate a mobile plan digitally. No plastic, no swapping, no hassle.
But while eSIM is growing fast, not all devices support it yet. So how do you know if your phone is compatible?
In this guide, we’ll break down what eSIM is, how it works, and most importantly – provide a complete list of eSIM-compatible phones, smartwatches, and tablets (updated for 2025). Whether you’re planning to buy a digital SIM for your next trip or looking to ditch physical cards altogether, this is the place to start.
What Is eSIM?
eSIM stands for embedded SIM – a digital version of the traditional plastic SIM card. Instead of inserting anything into your phone, the eSIM is built directly into the device’s hardware. It can store multiple mobile plans and lets you switch between them with just a few taps.
You activate an eSIM by scanning a QR code from your carrier or by installing it through a mobile app. There’s no need to visit a store or wait for a SIM card in the mail. It’s fast, flexible, and perfect for people who want to manage their connectivity on the go.
Why is eSIM useful?
- Travel easily without swapping physical SIM cards
- Use multiple numbers (e.g. work + personal) on the same device
- Try new carriers without commitment
- Stay connected privately with short-term or anonymous plans
In short, eSIM gives you more control over how you connect – and it’s becoming the standard on most modern smartphones.
How to Know If Your Phone Supports eSIM
Before you purchase an eSIM or switch carriers, it’s important to confirm whether your phone actually supports the technology. Fortunately, there are a few simple ways to check:
Option 1: Check in your phone’s settings
Most smartphones that support eSIM will show the option under mobile or cellular settings.
On iPhone:
- Go to Settings → Cellular (or Mobile Data)
- Tap Add Cellular Plan
- If you see a prompt to scan a QR code or download a plan, your phone supports eSIM.
On Android (may vary by brand):
- Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Mobile Network
- Look for options like Download SIM, eSIM, or Add carrier
- If these appear, your phone likely supports eSIM
Option 2: Check your phone model
Look up your exact model (including regional version) on the manufacturer’s website or support page. Some phones support eSIM only in certain markets or carrier versions.
Option 3: Use a shortcode (Android only)
You can try dialing:*#06#
If your phone displays an EID number, that’s a unique identifier for the embedded SIM – and a clear sign that your device supports eSIM.
eSIM Compatible Phones (2025 Update)
Here’s a complete and regularly updated list of smartphones that support eSIM technology. Keep in mind that availability may vary by region and carrier, so always double-check with your provider before purchasing or activating an eSIM plan.
iPhone Models with eSIM Support
- iPhone XR
- iPhone XS, XS Max
- iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
- iPhone SE (2nd generation and later)
- iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max
Note: In the United States, all iPhone 14 and newer models are eSIM-only and do not support physical SIM cards.
Samsung Phones with eSIM Support
- Galaxy S20, S20+, S20 Ultra
- Galaxy S21, S21+, S21 Ultra
- Galaxy S22, S22+, S22 Ultra
- Galaxy S23, S23+, S23 Ultra
- Galaxy S24, S24+, S24 Ultra
- Galaxy Note 20, Note 20 Ultra
- Galaxy Z Fold 2, 3, 4, 5
- Galaxy Z Flip 3, 4, 5
Support may vary by country and model variant.
Google Pixel Phones with eSIM Support
- Pixel 3, 3 XL (eSIM disabled on some US carrier-locked models)
- Pixel 3a, 3a XL
- Pixel 4, 4 XL
- Pixel 4a, 4a (5G)
- Pixel 5
- Pixel 5a
- Pixel 6, 6 Pro
- Pixel 6a
- Pixel 7, 7 Pro
- Pixel 7a
- Pixel 8, 8 Pro
Other Android Phones with eSIM Support
Support is more limited among other brands, but some notable models include:
- Huawei P40, P40 Pro (not P40 Lite)
- Motorola Razr 2019, Razr 5G
- Oppo Find X3 Pro
- Sony Xperia 10 III Lite
- Fairphone 4
- Xiaomi 12T Pro (global variant)
Availability may depend on market and firmware version.
Devices That Don’t Support eSIM
While eSIM is becoming more common, many phones still do not support it — especially older models and budget-friendly devices. If your phone isn’t on the compatibility list, chances are it either lacks eSIM hardware or the feature is disabled by your carrier.
Common types of phones that don’t support eSIM:
1. Older smartphones
Any phone released before 2018 is unlikely to support eSIM unless explicitly designed for it.
2. Entry-level or budget models
Affordable models often skip eSIM hardware to keep costs down. Examples include many Samsung Galaxy A-series, Motorola Moto G-series, and most devices under $300.
3. Carrier-locked phones (especially in the US)
Some phones sold by carriers like Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile may have eSIM disabled, even if the device technically supports it. This is particularly common with Pixel 3 and 3a phones.
4. Most feature phones and non-smart devices
Classic flip phones, basic phones, and older wearables generally do not support eSIM.
Important note:
Even if your phone is on the supported list, eSIM activation also depends on your carrier. Some carriers don’t support eSIM at all, or only on select plans or devices.
How to Activate an eSIM
Once you’ve confirmed that your device supports eSIM, activating it is usually a quick and straightforward process. Most providers offer a digital method that lets you get started within minutes.
Activation methods:
1. QR code from your carrier
This is the most common method. Your carrier will give you a unique QR code that you scan using your phone’s camera through the mobile settings. Once scanned, your new eSIM profile is downloaded and activated.
2. Activation via app
Many modern eSIM providers (especially international or travel-focused ones) let you install your plan directly through their app, with no QR code needed. This is often the fastest and easiest option.
3. Manual entry
In some cases, your carrier may give you an activation code and SM-DP+ address, which you can enter manually in your device’s eSIM setup screen.
What you’ll need:
- A supported device (see list above)
- A Wi-Fi connection during activation
- An active eSIM plan (prepaid or subscription) from a compatible carrier or provider
Recommended eSIM providers:
You can purchase eSIM plans directly from mobile carriers or from specialized providers that focus on travel, privacy, or short-term plans. Some trusted options include:
- Airalo – Travel-focused, easy app activation
- Nomad – Global coverage with flexible data plans
- Mobimatter – Compares and resells eSIMs from multiple carriers
- Holafly – Unlimited data plans for travel (select regions)
Each of these providers offers instant activation, and many of them have affiliate programs available.
Conclusion
eSIM is transforming how we stay connected — offering more flexibility, privacy, and convenience than traditional SIM cards. But support isn’t universal yet, which is why it’s important to know whether your phone is compatible before choosing a provider or buying a plan.
In this guide, you’ve seen how to check if your phone supports eSIM, which models are compatible, which ones aren’t, and how to activate an eSIM step by step.
If your phone supports eSIM, you’re ready to explore a whole new way of managing your mobile connectivity — whether you’re switching carriers, traveling internationally, or simply looking for a cleaner, card-free experience.
