Is my phone eSIM-compatible?
eSIM compatibility comes down to one thing: does your phone have an embedded SIM chip built in. Most phones sold since 2018 do. The fastest way to know for sure is to dial *#06# on your phone and look for an "EID" number in the response. If you see one, you're good. If you only see an IMEI and no EID, your phone is physical-SIM only.
Skip to your make below for a quick answer.
The fastest way to check (10 seconds)
Open your phone dialer, type *#06#, and read the screen. You'll see a list of identifiers. Usually one or two IMEI numbers, and on eSIM-capable phones, an EID. The EID is a 32-digit number unique to the embedded SIM chip.
- See an EID? Your phone supports eSIM.
- See only IMEI(s)? Your phone is physical-SIM only.
This works on iPhone, Android, and pretty much any modern phone. It costs nothing and doesn't trigger a call.
If your phone is recent but *#06# doesn't show an EID, the next step is to check your make and model below. Some older Android builds hide the EID until you tap "Show More."
iPhones that support eSIM
If you have any iPhone from the XS or later, you're set:
- iPhone XS, XS Max, XR (2018). First generation with eSIM
- iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max (2019)
- iPhone SE 2nd gen (2020) and 3rd gen (2022)
- iPhone 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 series
- iPhone 14 and later in the US are eSIM-only (no physical SIM tray). Outside the US, they keep the tray.
iPhones support running two lines at once: usually one physical SIM and one eSIM, or for US iPhone 14+ owners, two eSIMs. So you can keep your home line active and add an Eflexsim travel line as a second profile.
Samsung Galaxy phones that support eSIM
Most Samsung phones from the S20 onward support eSIM in regions where the carrier model includes the chip. The big exceptions are some India and South Korea variants, which historically ship eSIM-disabled by Samsung policy.
Generally compatible:
- Galaxy S20, S21, S22, S23, S24, S25 series
- Galaxy Note 20, Note 20 Ultra
- Galaxy Z Fold 2 and later, Z Flip and later
- Galaxy A54, A55 in most regions
If you bought your Galaxy in India, check Settings → Connections → SIM card manager. If "Add eSIM" doesn't appear, the chip is disabled for your region. You can use Eflexsim on a different phone, or request a refund if you've already bought a plan.
Google Pixel and other Android phones
Most Pixels from the 3 onward support eSIM (Pixel 3 through 9, plus Pixel Fold).
Other Android phones with eSIM support include recent flagships from Motorola, OnePlus, Sony, and Oppo. The rule of thumb: if your phone shipped after late 2020 and was sold in the US or Europe, it probably has eSIM. When in doubt, dial *#06#.
Carrier-locked phones: the catch
A phone can have the embedded chip and still not let you install a third-party eSIM. That happens when your home carrier (US: AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile; UK: EE, Vodafone, Three; etc.) ships the phone "locked" to their network until you pay it off or meet their unlock requirements.
How to check:
- iPhone: Settings → General → About → Carrier Lock. "No SIM restrictions" means you're unlocked.
- Android: dial
*#7465625*638*#on Samsung, or contact your carrier directly. The exact code varies by manufacturer.
If your phone is locked, you'll need to request an unlock from your home carrier before Eflexsim's eSIM will install. But most carriers unlock within 24 hours if you meet their criteria (usually: device paid off, account in good standing, 60+ days of service).
What to do if your phone isn't compatible
Two real options:
- Use a physical travel SIM instead. We don't sell them, but airport kiosks and online sellers do. The trade-off is the usual one. Eject your home SIM, lose your home number for the trip, swap it back when you return.
- Borrow or buy an eSIM-compatible phone for travel only. A used iPhone 11 runs around $200; cheaper Android phones with eSIM start near $100. Worth it if you travel more than twice a year.
If you've already bought an Eflexsim plan and your phone turns out not to support eSIM, no problem. We'll refund you under our 14-day refund policy as long as you haven't activated.
Frequently asked questions
QWhat's the difference between IMEI and EID?
IMEI is your phone's device identifier (every phone has one or two). EID is the unique identifier for an embedded SIM chip. If your phone has both, it supports eSIM. If it has only an IMEI, it's physical-SIM only.
QMy phone has an EID but my carrier disabled eSIM. Can I still use Eflexsim?
If your carrier has fully disabled eSIM at the firmware level (some Indian and Korean Samsung models), no. The chip is locked at the hardware level. If they've just locked it to their network, an unlock request from the carrier usually fixes it.
QDoes eSIM work on tablets and watches?
Yes, on supported devices: iPad Pro and iPad Air with cellular, Galaxy Tab cellular versions, Apple Watch with cellular, Galaxy Watch with LTE. The QR code installs onto the device's embedded chip the same way it does on a phone.
QCan I install an Eflexsim eSIM on a phone I don't own?
Yes, as long as their phone is compatible and unlocked. The QR code is a profile install. It's not tied to your account in a way that locks it to one device. But you can only install on one phone at a time per plan. The QR is single-use.
Ready to install? Once you've confirmed your phone supports eSIM, install on iPhone or install on Android. If you're still figuring out what an eSIM is, our eSIM primer covers the basics.
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