Before buying a travel eSIM, check two things: your phone supports eSIM, and it is not locked to your operator. It takes a minute.
The quickest check: your EID
Dial *#06#. If an EID (a long 32-digit number) appears, your phone has an eSIM chip. On iPhone you can also go to Settings › General › About and look for "EID" or "Digital SIM".
Where to look in the settings
- iPhone: Settings › Mobile/Cellular › Add eSIM.
- Samsung: Settings › Connections › SIM manager › Add eSIM.
- Google Pixel: Settings › Network & internet › SIMs › Download a SIM instead.
Main compatible families
- iPhone XS, XR and later models (iPhones sold in mainland China generally use two physical SIMs instead).
- Google Pixel 3 and later.
- Samsung Galaxy S20 and later, plus recent Z Fold and Z Flip models (some regional variants excluded).
Model lists change and vary by country of purchase: always confirm with the EID check above.
Is your phone unlocked?
A phone locked to your operator will refuse another eSIM. Check in your phone settings (iPhone: Settings › General › About › "Carrier lock") or ask your operator.