You've found the perfect eSIM plan. You go to purchase — and the checkout page asks for your device model. You type iPhone and realize you don't know which specific regional variant you have. Or you bought your phone in China and something says it might not work.
This is the step that causes more wasted purchases than any other. Here's exactly how to check in two minutes — and the regional exceptions nobody warns you about.
The 60-Second Check
iPhone: Settings, General, About, scroll down and look for EID or Available SIM. If EID appears: eSIM compatible. If no EID: not compatible.
Android: Settings, About Phone, Status, look for EID. Or dial *#06# — if an EID number appears alongside your IMEI, your phone supports eSIM.
Carrier lock check: Settings, General, About, Carrier Lock. No SIM restrictions means unlocked. Any carrier name listed means locked — contact your carrier before purchasing any eSIM.
The Regional Exceptions That Catch People Off Guard
iPhones from mainland China and iPhone devices from Hong Kong and Macau (except for iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone SE 2020, and iPhone XS) don't have eSIM capability. The iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max are SIM-only in Mainland China. This catches travelers frequently — someone buys an iPhone 15 Pro in mainland China, assumes it's eSIM-compatible because the global version is, and discovers their specific regional variant is not.
Samsung exceptions: The following Samsung models purchased in South Korea do not support eSIM: Galaxy S20, S20+ 5G, S20 Ultra, S21, S21+ 5G, S21 Ultra 5G, S22, S22+, S22 Ultra, Note 20 Ultra 5G, Note 20, Galaxy Fold, Z Fold2, Z Fold3, Z Flip, Z Flip 5G, and Z Flip3 5G.
Situation 1: iPhone 15 bought in China, eSIM error
A traveler purchases a Japan eSIM and receives the QR code. They scan it and get an error. Support confirms their China-region iPhone 15 doesn't support eSIM regardless of model generation. The hardware is physically different from global variants.
Situation 2: Samsung S21 from South Korea
A Korean traveler visiting Europe installs a Europe eSIM on their Galaxy S21. The S21 purchased in South Korea is on the incompatibility list for that market. The global S21 variant supports eSIM; the Korean market version does not.
Situation 3: Carrier-locked iPhone, flying tomorrow
A traveler's iPhone from U.S. Cellular is carrier-locked. Devices purchased through carriers are often restricted unless unlocked by the carrier. They need to call U.S. Cellular to request an international unlock before any eSIM will work. Most carriers will unlock devices once contract terms are met or paid off.
The Full Compatibility Checklist
| Check | How to verify | If fails |
|---|---|---|
| Phone supports eSIM | Settings, About, find EID | Check model on provider compatibility list |
| Phone is carrier-unlocked | Settings, General, About, Carrier Lock | Contact carrier, request unlock |
| Not a China/HK region iPhone | Check original purchase receipt or box | Use physical SIM for travel |
| Not a South Korean Samsung on excluded list | Check model vs Samsung excluded list | Use physical SIM or contact Samsung |
| iOS/Android is up to date | Settings, Software Update | Update before scanning QR code |
FAQ
Does iPhone from China support eSIM?
No — iPhones purchased in mainland China do not support eSIM regardless of model generation. The hardware is physically different from global variants. This includes iPhone 15, 16, and 17 bought in China. Use a physical SIM card for travel instead.
My phone shows eSIM in settings but the QR code won't scan — why?
Three common reasons: the phone is carrier-locked (Settings, General, About, Carrier Lock), iOS/Android needs updating, or the QR scan requires stable WiFi. Try on home WiFi, update to latest OS, confirm carrier lock status.
Can I use an eSIM and keep my physical SIM active at the same time?
Yes — this is dual-SIM. Your physical home SIM stays active for calls, SMS, and 2FA codes. The eSIM handles data abroad. Set the eSIM as the data line in Settings and keep your physical SIM active for the phone line. Both run simultaneously on supported devices.
Confirmed compatible? Choose your destination: Japan · Europe · Global · UK · Australia