How do I know if my phone has eSIM?

Dial *#06# in the phone’s dialler. If the screen shows an EID — a 32-digit number listed alongside the IMEI — the phone supports eSIM. If there is no EID line, it does not, and no update will add it.

Which iPhones support eSIM?

iPhone XS, XS Max and XR and every model released since. iPhone 14 and later sold in the United States have no physical SIM tray at all and use eSIM exclusively.

Can a locked phone use a travel eSIM?

No. A carrier-locked phone refuses profiles from other networks, and that is independent of whether it supports eSIM. Have the phone unlocked by your carrier first — installing on a locked phone consumes the single installation the profile allows.

Does an eSIM replace my physical SIM?

No. It is added as a second line and both work at once on any dual-SIM phone. Your physical SIM keeps your number for calls and texts while the eSIM carries data.

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Does my phone support eSIM? How to check in ten seconds

The one dialler code that answers it on any phone, the full list of eSIM-capable iPhone, Samsung and Pixel models, and the carrier lock that stops an otherwise capable phone from working.

The short answer

Dial *#06# on the phone. If an EID number appears alongside the IMEI, the phone supports eSIM; if there is no EID, it does not. Broadly, that means iPhone XS and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, and Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer. Being eSIM-capable is only half of it — the phone must also be carrier-unlocked, which is a separate thing and the more common reason an install fails.

The check that works on every phone

Open the phone’s dialler, as if making a call.
Type *#06# — no need to press call, the screen changes on its own.
Look for a line labelled EID. It is a 32-digit number.

An EID is the serial number of the eSIM chip itself. A phone that has one has the hardware. A phone that shows only an IMEI does not, and no software update will add it.

Which models have it

Make	Supports eSIM	Notes
iPhone	XS, XS Max, XR and every model since	iPhone 14 and later sold in the United States have no SIM tray at all and are eSIM-only.
Google Pixel	Pixel 3 and newer	The Pixel 3 sold in Australia, Japan, Taiwan and on some carriers is the exception and has no eSIM.
Samsung Galaxy S	S20 and newer	The S20 FE 4G and some regional variants are excluded. The US Galaxy S20, S21 and S22 supported eSIM only from later software.
Samsung Galaxy Z	Z Flip and Z Fold, all generations
Samsung Galaxy A	A54, A55 and newer mid-range	Most older A-series models have no eSIM.
iPad	Any cellular iPad from the 2018 Pro onward	Wifi-only iPads cannot use one.
Others	Recent Motorola Razr, Oppo Find, Huawei P40 and later, Sony Xperia flagships	Support varies by region on all of these — the dialler code is the reliable answer.

Regional variants are the reason this list can only be a guide. A model sold in one country supports eSIM while the identical-looking model sold in another does not. *#06# is the only answer that is always right about the phone in your hand.

The other half: carrier lock

A locked phone is tied to the carrier that sold it and will refuse any other network’s profile, including a travel eSIM. It is the most common reason an installation that looked fine ends with no service, and it has nothing to do with eSIM support.

Phones bought outright are almost always unlocked. Phones bought on a monthly instalment plan are often locked until the plan is paid off. To check, ask your carrier directly, or on iPhone open Settings › General › About and look for Carrier Lock — "No SIM restrictions" means it is unlocked.

Common questions

How do I know if my phone has eSIM?: Dial *#06# in the phone’s dialler. If the screen shows an EID — a 32-digit number listed alongside the IMEI — the phone supports eSIM. If there is no EID line, it does not, and no update will add it.
Which iPhones support eSIM?: iPhone XS, XS Max and XR and every model released since. iPhone 14 and later sold in the United States have no physical SIM tray at all and use eSIM exclusively.
Can a locked phone use a travel eSIM?: No. A carrier-locked phone refuses profiles from other networks, and that is independent of whether it supports eSIM. Have the phone unlocked by your carrier first — installing on a locked phone consumes the single installation the profile allows.
Does an eSIM replace my physical SIM?: No. It is added as a second line and both work at once on any dual-SIM phone. Your physical SIM keeps your number for calls and texts while the eSIM carries data.

Written by Ahoray · Last revised 6 September 2026

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