Before buying a travel eSIM: confirm your phone supports it and is carrier-unlocked. Both checks take 60 seconds. Here is exactly how to do both.
Quick Compatibility Check by Phone Model
| Phone | eSIM support | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone XS / XR (2018) | ✅ Yes | First iPhones with eSIM |
| iPhone 11, 12, 13 series | ✅ Yes | Dual SIM (nano + eSIM) |
| iPhone 14 series (US models) | ✅ eSIM only | No physical SIM slot on US iPhone 14+ |
| iPhone 14 series (international) | ✅ Yes (nano + eSIM) | International models have physical SIM slot |
| Samsung Galaxy S20, S21, S22 | ✅ Most models yes | Korea and China models: check specifically |
| Samsung Galaxy S23, S24, S25 | ✅ Yes | Wide eSIM support across all variants |
| Google Pixel 3 and newer | ✅ Yes | Pixel has supported eSIM since 2018 |
| OnePlus / Xiaomi / Oppo | ⚠️ Varies by model and region | Check EID specifically for each model |
| Huawei | ❌ Generally no | Huawei removed eSIM support on most models |
| Any phone before 2018 | ❌ No | eSIM did not exist in consumer phones before 2018 |
The 60-Second Compatibility Check
iPhone: Settings, General, About — scroll down and look for EID. If you see a long number starting with 89: your phone supports eSIM. If EID is absent: no eSIM support.
Samsung Android: Settings, Connections, SIM Manager — look for Download SIM or eSIM option. If you see it: supported. If only physical SIM options appear: no eSIM.
Other Android: Settings, Network, Mobile Network — look for Add Mobile Plan, Download SIM, or eSIM option. Alternatively search Settings for eSIM.
The Carrier Lock Check
eSIM support alone is not enough — your phone must also be carrier-unlocked to install international eSIM plans.
iPhone carrier lock check: Settings, General, About — look for Carrier Lock. If it says No SIM Restrictions: you are unlocked and can install any eSIM. If it shows a carrier name (AT&T, Vodafone, etc.): your phone is locked and you need to contact that carrier to unlock it before travel.
How to unlock: Contact your home carrier directly. Most carriers unlock phones after 12-24 months of account use or when the device is paid off. UK carriers must unlock for free if requested. US carriers have varying policies but most provide free unlocking for completed contracts.
Special Cases
China-bought iPhone: Some iPhone models sold specifically in mainland China have eSIM functionality disabled due to local regulations. Check for EID — if absent, the phone does not support eSIM regardless of model year.
China-bought Samsung Galaxy: Samsung Galaxy models sold in mainland China (including S20 and S21) often have eSIM disabled. Specifically check Settings, Connections, SIM Manager for the Download SIM option.
Korean Samsung Galaxy: Some Samsung models sold in South Korea have eSIM disabled on certain carrier-specific variants. Check SIM Manager specifically rather than assuming based on model number.
Carrier-locked iPhone in the US: AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile US phones purchased on installment plans are carrier-locked until the device is paid off. Check carrier lock status before purchasing a travel eSIM. Most US carriers unlock immediately on request if the device is fully paid.
FAQ
My phone has an EID but the eSIM installation fails — why?
The most common cause: carrier lock. Even with eSIM hardware support, a carrier-locked phone cannot install plans from other providers. Check carrier lock status in Settings, General, About on iPhone. If locked: contact your carrier to unlock before trying again.
Can I have multiple eSIMs installed at once?
Yes. Modern iPhones can store 8 or more eSIM profiles. Samsung Galaxy S23 and newer support multiple eSIM profiles. You can have Japan eSIM and South Korea eSIM both installed simultaneously and switch between them in Settings. Only one eSIM line can be active as mobile data at one time.
My phone shows EID but eSIM scanning does not work — what to try?
Check stable WiFi connection (not mobile data) during the scan. Ensure your phone is not in Low Power Mode. If scanning fails: request manual activation code (SM-DP+ address plus activation code) from your eSIM provider as an alternative to QR code scanning. Most providers support both methods.
Your phone is eSIM compatible? Japan eSIM from $1.49 — the easiest first eSIM to install and test.