How to Check if Your Phone Supports eSIM

Why eSIM Compatibility Matters (and How to Check Fast)

eSIM makes travel simpler: no waiting in line for a local SIM, no tiny trays or paperclips, and you can set everything up before you fly. But not every phone or region supports eSIM the same way. This guide shows you how to confirm—quickly and reliably—whether your device is eSIM-ready, plus how to prepare it for a smooth trip.

As you go, remember: IQ Travel provides flexible eSIM data plans for popular destinations worldwide. If your phone supports eSIM, you can install your plan on Wi‑Fi at home and land connected.

The 2-Minute Compatibility Check (TL;DR)

• On iPhone:

1. Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data) > Add eSIM or Add eSIM from Nearby Device. If you see this, your iPhone supports eSIM.
2. Or go to Settings > General > About and look for EID. Presence of an EID confirms eSIM hardware.
3. Optional: Dial *#06# to display EID on screen.

• On Android:

1. Settings > Network & Internet (or Connections) > SIMs. Look for Add eSIM, Download a SIM instead, or Mobile plan > Add carrier.
2. Dial *#06# and check for an EID entry. If you see EID, the device has eSIM hardware.

• Check carrier lock:
• iPhone: Settings > General > About > Carrier Lock. If it says “No SIM restrictions,” you’re unlocked.
• Android: Look for Network Unlock in Settings > Connections (Samsung) or ask your carrier. A locked device may block non‑carrier eSIMs.
• Region caveat: Phones from Mainland China often disable eSIM for phones. Some regional variants of Android devices may disable eSIM even if the global model supports it.

If you pass the steps above, your phone likely supports eSIM and can use an IQ Travel plan.

What “eSIM-Compatible” Really Means

eSIM compatibility isn’t just about hardware—it also depends on software and carrier policies.

Three Layers of Compatibility

1. Hardware: Your device must have an eSIM chip (indicated by an EID number).
2. Software: Your operating system must expose eSIM features in Settings and support activation flows (QR scan, activation code).
3. Carrier policy: Even if your hardware supports eSIM, your mobile network might lock the phone or disable adding third‑party eSIMs.

All three must align for eSIM to work properly, especially with data‑only travel eSIMs like those from IQ Travel.

How to Check eSIM Support on iPhone

Apple added eSIM to most models from 2018 onward. Here’s how to verify support and prepare your device.

Step-by-Step on iOS

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Cellular (or Mobile Data).
3. Look for:

• Add eSIM, Set Up eSIM, or Add eSIM from Nearby Device (iOS 16+), or
• Add Cellular Plan (older iOS versions).

1. If present, your iPhone supports eSIM. If not, continue:
2. Go to Settings > General > About and check for:

• EID: Confirms eSIM hardware.
• Digital SIM or Available SIM: Confirms software support.

1. Optional: Dial *#06#; an EID entry confirms eSIM hardware.

If you see EID but don’t see Add eSIM, your carrier or region may have restricted eSIM features. Update iOS (Settings > General > Software Update) and Carrier Settings (you’ll be prompted if an update is available), then check again.

iPhone Models That Generally Support eSIM

• iPhone XR, XS, XS Max and newer
• iPhone SE (2nd gen, 2020) and newer
• iPhone 14/15 (USA) are eSIM‑only (no physical SIM tray)

Note: iPhones sold in Mainland China do not support eSIM for phones. Hong Kong/Macau variants vary by model and year. If your iPhone was purchased in those regions, check the Settings steps above carefully.

Check Carrier Lock Status (Important)

• Go to Settings > General > About > Carrier Lock.
• “No SIM restrictions” means unlocked—you can use travel eSIMs like IQ Travel.
• If locked, contact your carrier for unlocking terms. A locked device often blocks third‑party eSIMs.

Dual SIM on iPhone and eSIM

• iPhone 13 and later can store multiple eSIMs and use Dual eSIM (two active eSIM lines) in many regions.
• Earlier iPhones typically allow one eSIM active plus one physical SIM.
• For travel: keep your home number (physical/eSIM) for iMessage/WhatsApp while using IQ Travel’s eSIM for data. Set the IQ Travel eSIM as the default line for cellular data and keep “Data Roaming” ON for that line only.

How to Check eSIM Support on Android

Android menus differ by brand and Android version, but the logic is the same: you want to find the eSIM add/download option or confirm an EID.

Universal Quick Check on Android

• Settings > Network & Internet (or Connections) > SIMs/ SIM manager.
• Look for Add eSIM, Download a SIM instead, or Add mobile plan.
• Dial *#06# and check for an EID entry (eSIM hardware).
• Update to the latest Android and vendor software, then check again.

Google Pixel

• How to check:

1. Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs.
2. Tap + Add SIM, then Choose Download a SIM instead if prompted.

• Supported models:
• Pixel 3 and newer generally support eSIM (support on Pixel 3 can vary by region/carrier).
• Pixel 4 and later have broad eSIM support.
• Tips:
• If you don’t see Add eSIM, update Android, reboot, and try again.
• Pixel allows multiple eSIM profiles stored; one active at a time (except certain dual eSIM capabilities on newer models).

Samsung Galaxy

• How to check:

1. Settings > Connections > SIM manager (or Mobile networks).
2. Look for Add eSIM or SIMs > Add mobile plan.
3. Dial *#06# to confirm EID.

• Models that commonly support eSIM:
• Galaxy S20/S21/S22/S23/S24 series
• Galaxy Note20 series
• Galaxy Z Flip and Z Fold series
• Select Galaxy FE and A‑series models (varies by region and software update)
• Important caveats:
• Some carrier‑branded units (especially older US models) initially disabled eSIM; later software updates often enabled it.
• Regional variants from Mainland China commonly disable eSIM on phones.
• If your exact model supports eSIM globally but you don’t see Add eSIM, your carrier or region likely disabled it.

Other Android Brands

• Motorola, OnePlus, Sony, Xiaomi, OPPO, vivo, Huawei, Honor:
• Many recent mid‑range and flagship devices support eSIM, but availability varies heavily by region/firmware.
• How to check:

1. Settings > Network & Internet (or SIM & network).
2. Look for Add eSIM, eSIMs, or Download a SIM instead.
3. Dial *#06# for EID confirmation.

• Chinese‑market variants often disable eSIM entirely.
• Some models require the latest system update to expose eSIM menus.

Regional and Model Caveats to Know

• Mainland China variants: eSIM for phones is generally disabled due to local regulations. This is true across iPhone and many Android brands.
• Hong Kong/Macau variants: iPhone and Android support has varied by model and year. Check your Settings for Add eSIM and EID rather than relying on model names alone.
• Carrier‑branded phones: Some carriers ship devices with eSIM disabled or locked to their own profiles. A later software update may enable it; otherwise, unlocking and/or unbranding may be required.
• Dual‑SIM trays vs eSIM: Some devices prioritize dual physical SIM over eSIM in certain regions. Don’t assume eSIM is present—verify via Settings or EID.
• Corporate/managed phones: Mobile Device Management (MDM) policies can restrict adding eSIMs, even on compatible hardware.

How to Confirm Your Phone Is Unlocked

Even with eSIM hardware, a carrier lock can block adding a travel eSIM.

• iPhone:
• Settings > General > About > Carrier Lock. Look for “No SIM restrictions.”
• If locked, call your carrier for unlock eligibility. After unlocking, reboot and check again.
• Samsung:
• Settings > Connections > More connection settings > Network unlock (exact path varies).
• If you see options like Permanent unlock or Temporary unlock, follow prompts or contact carrier.
• Other Android:
• Insert a different carrier’s physical SIM (if you have one). If it connects, you’re likely unlocked.
• Or attempt to add a non‑carrier eSIM; if blocked or you see an error like “SIM not allowed,” you’re probably locked.
• When in doubt, ask your carrier to confirm SIM lock status for travel.

Prepare Your Phone for a Travel eSIM (Test Before You Fly)

Good news: you can add and store an IQ Travel eSIM on Wi‑Fi before your trip, then activate it when you land.

iPhone Setup Tips

1. Buy your IQ Travel plan and open the QR code or activation details.
2. On Wi‑Fi: Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM.
3. Scan the QR code, or choose Use QR Code > Enter Details Manually if provided (SM‑DP+ address and activation code).
4. When prompted:

• Label the line (e.g., “IQ Travel”).
• Turn On This Line: you can leave it OFF until you arrive.
• Set Default Line: keep your home line for calls/SMS if you like; set IQ Travel as the data line once abroad.

1. After landing:

• Settings > Cellular > tap your IQ Travel eSIM > Turn On This Line.
• Toggle Data Roaming ON for the IQ Travel line.
• Set Cellular Data to your IQ Travel line. Keep your home line’s data roaming OFF to avoid charges.

1. If provided, set APN under Cellular Data Network for the IQ Travel line.

Android Setup Tips

1. Purchase your IQ Travel plan and have the QR code/activation info ready.
2. On Wi‑Fi: Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs (or Connections > SIM manager).
3. Tap Add eSIM or Download a SIM instead.
4. Scan the QR code or enter activation details manually.
5. After landing:

• Enable the IQ Travel eSIM line.
• Turn Data Roaming ON for that line.
• Set Preferred SIM for Mobile data to the IQ Travel line.

1. If needed, add the APN under Access Point Names for the IQ Travel eSIM.

Pro tip: Install the plan at home to avoid airport Wi‑Fi glitches. You don’t have to turn it on until you need it.

Troubleshooting: If You Don’t See “Add eSIM”

• Update everything:
• iOS/Android to the latest version.
• Carrier settings (on iPhone, you’ll be prompted; on Android, check About phone > Software update).
• Reboot your phone after updates.
• Confirm EID via *#06#. If there’s no EID, your device likely lacks eSIM hardware or the region model disables it.
• Check for SIM restrictions:
• iPhone: Carrier Lock must say “No SIM restrictions.”
• Android: Contact your carrier to confirm it’s unlocked.
• Remove old or unused eSIMs:
• Some phones limit stored eSIM profiles (e.g., 5–8). Delete inactive ones to free a slot.
• Try manual activation:
• Use the SM‑DP+ address and activation code from your eSIM provider if QR scan fails.
• Reset network settings:
• iPhone: Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
• Android: Settings > System > Reset options > Reset Wi‑Fi, mobile & Bluetooth (paths vary).
• Corporate device policies:
• If work‑managed, your admin may need to allow adding eSIMs.
• Regional firmware:
• If your model is known to support eSIM globally but not in your region, it may be disabled by firmware. Check with the manufacturer or retailer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a travel eSIM if my phone is carrier‑locked?

Usually no. A SIM lock often prevents adding or using eSIMs from other providers. Check your lock status and request an unlock before travel.

Can my phone store multiple eSIMs?

Yes, most modern phones can store several eSIM profiles. Typically only one can be active at a time, though newer iPhones support two eSIMs active simultaneously in many regions.

Do I need internet to install an eSIM?

Yes. You need Wi‑Fi or mobile data to download the eSIM profile. That’s why it’s smart to install your IQ Travel eSIM at home on Wi‑Fi, then activate it when you land.

Will WhatsApp or iMessage change if I use a travel eSIM?

You can keep your home number active for iMessage/FaceTime/WhatsApp while using the travel eSIM for data only. Ensure your home line remains enabled for messages/calls (but keep its data roaming OFF).

Can I move my eSIM to a new phone?

• iPhone: Many carriers and providers support eSIM Quick Transfer or Convert to eSIM directly on‑device.
• Android: Typically you’ll need a new QR code from your provider. Remove from the old phone first if required by your plan’s terms.

Do tablets support eSIM?

Many recent iPad models support eSIM for data. The steps are similar to iPhone. For travel data on an iPad, confirm EID in Settings > General > About.

Buying a Phone Soon? How to Ensure It’s eSIM‑Ready

• Verify the exact model number and region (e.g., Samsung SM‑G99xB vs SM‑G99xU).
• Check for EID in a store demo unit with *#06# if possible.
• Confirm with the seller that the device is:
• Unlocked (no SIM restrictions).
• A global/international variant with eSIM enabled.
• Avoid Mainland China variants if you need eSIM on phones.
• If you’re getting a used phone, ask for a screenshot of:
• Settings > Cellular (showing Add eSIM) on iPhone, or
• Settings > SIMs (showing Add eSIM) on Android,
• Plus the Carrier Lock screen (iPhone) or confirmation it’s unlocked.

How IQ Travel Fits In

Once you’ve confirmed eSIM support, getting connected with IQ Travel is straightforward:

• Choose your destination plan on iqtravel.net.
• Receive your eSIM as a QR code with setup instructions.
• Install over Wi‑Fi before departure, label it (e.g., “IQ Travel”), and keep it off until you need it.
• On arrival, turn it on, enable data roaming for that line, and start browsing.

Because IQ Travel eSIMs are data‑only, you can keep your home number active for calls and messages on the same phone—ideal for seamless travel communications.

Conclusion: Confirm Today, Travel Smarter Tomorrow

Checking eSIM support takes just a couple of minutes: look for Add eSIM in Settings, confirm EID via *#06#, and make sure your phone is unlocked. Be mindful of regional quirks (especially Mainland China variants) and carrier branding. With a compatible, unlocked device, you can install your IQ Travel eSIM at home and land connected—no queues, no paperclips, just data when you need it.

If you’re still unsure, run through the steps above on your phone right now. Once you see that Add eSIM option—or your EID—you’re ready to pick a plan and travel with confidence.