Which Phones Support eSIM in 2026? Complete Compatible Device List

The most widely used eSIM-compatible phones in 2026:

• Apple — iPhone XS and newer (all models from 2018 onwards)

• Samsung — Galaxy S20 and newer, select A-series models

• Google Pixel — Pixel 4 and newer

• Motorola — select Edge and Razr models

• Xiaomi, Oppo, Honor — global flagship variants only

To confirm eSIM support on any phone, dial *#06# — a 32-digit EID number confirms eSIM hardware is present. No EID means no eSIM support.

eSIM availability varies by device model, region, and carrier.

• iPhone XS and newer → eSIM supported

• Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer → eSIM supported

• Google Pixel 4 and newer → eSIM supported

• Device must be unlocked to use third-party eSIM plans

• Region and carrier can affect compatibility — always verify with *#06#

An eSIM is a digital SIM card permanently embedded in a phone's hardware. It can be programmed with a mobile plan remotely — no physical card, no store visit, no swapping required.

Most eSIM phones support dual SIM — two lines running simultaneously on one device. For travellers, this means keeping a home number active while running a separate international data plan on the same phone.

eSIM is now accepted by carriers in over 100 countries and supported by most major networks across Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East.

For a full breakdown of how eSIM works across devices and carriers, see our guide on what is eSIM.

For travellers, eSIM compatibility is a practical necessity. It removes the need to source a local SIM at every destination, eliminates physical card damage risk, and allows instant plan activation from anywhere with an internet connection.

Apple has the most consistent and mature eSIM ecosystem of any manufacturer. eSIM has been standard on every iPhone since the XS in 2018, and US models of iPhone 14 and newer are eSIM-only — the physical SIM tray has been removed entirely.

iPhone eSIM Compatibility:

Device compatibility last verified: May 2026. Always confirm with the manufacturer's official spec page for your regional variant.

iPad with eSIM (select models):

• iPad Pro — 3rd generation and newer

• iPad Air — 3rd generation and newer

• iPad mini — 5th generation and newer

• iPad — 7th generation and newer

Key note: US models of iPhone 14 and newer support dual eSIM — two eSIM profiles active simultaneously, with no physical SIM tray. The number of active eSIM profiles varies by model — some support one active eSIM, others support two.

Samsung Galaxy Phones with eSIM

Samsung has the broadest eSIM rollout of any Android brand. eSIM is standard across Samsung's entire S-series and expanding into select A-series mid-range models.

Device compatibility last verified: May 2026. Always confirm with the manufacturer's official spec page for your regional variant.

eSIM support on Samsung A-series devices may vary depending on region and carrier availability. Always confirm your specific unit using *#06# before purchasing a plan.

For full activation steps, regional caveats, and troubleshooting, see our dedicated Samsung eSIM guide.

Google Pixel Phones with eSIM

Google Pixel devices offer one of the cleanest and most reliable eSIM experiences on Android — consistent software implementation, fast activation, and broad carrier support across major markets.

Device compatibility last verified: May 2026. Always confirm with the manufacturer's official spec page for your regional variant.

Motorola Phones with eSIM

Motorola's eSIM support is strongest in its Razr foldable and Edge flagship lines. Most G-series budget models do not support eSIM, though some newer G-series variants may include it in select regions.

eSIM availability on Motorola varies significantly by regional variant. Always confirm with *#06# before purchasing.

Xiaomi Phones with eSIM

Xiaomi's eSIM rollout is highly selective. Only global variants of Xiaomi flagship models support eSIM. Devices sold in China do not include eSIM functionality — regardless of the model name or series.

Oppo, OnePlus, and Honor

Other Brands

• Sony — Xperia 1 IV, Xperia 5 IV, Xperia 10 V and newer (select markets)

• Nokia — XR21, G60 (select models and regions)

• ASUS — Zenfone 10, ROG Phone 8 Pro (select markets)

• Huawei — limited and inconsistent eSIM support post-2020 due to trade restrictions

The Android eSIM ecosystem is large but uneven. Unlike Apple — where eSIM is consistent across every compatible model — Android eSIM support depends on multiple factors at once.

What determines eSIM support on Android:

• Hardware — the device must include an embedded SIM chip

• Regional variant — the same model may support eSIM in Europe but not in Asia

• Carrier approval — some carriers must whitelist your device before eSIM activation works

• Software version — some Android phones need a specific OS version for eSIM menus to appear

Most reliable Android brands for eSIM: Google Pixel offers the most consistent eSIM experience across all supported models. Samsung S-series and Z-series are the strongest performers in the Android segment. Motorola Edge and Razr flagships are reliable across most international markets. Xiaomi, Oppo, and Honor require verification of the specific regional variant before purchasing — only global models support eSIM.

Always dial *#06# to verify eSIM support before buying any plan on Android.

The most affordable phones with eSIM in 2026 include the Samsung Galaxy A25, Google Pixel 7a, and iPhone SE 3rd generation. Prices vary by region — check your local retailer for current pricing.

Affordable iPhones with eSIM

Affordable Android Phones with eSIM

Device compatibility last verified: May 2026. Always confirm with the manufacturer's official spec page for your regional variant.

Best value pick: The Motorola G56 offers one of the best balances of affordability, battery life, and eSIM support for travellers. For Samsung, Google Pixel, and Apple alternatives, see our guide to the best eSIM phones for travel.

Looking for more affordable options? Compare our top 5 budget eSIM phones in the UK to find the best device for travel, battery life, and value.

Switching to a new phone with eSIM is not the same as moving a physical SIM card. eSIM profiles are tied to the device they are installed on — they cannot be removed and reinserted. The correct process depends on your device type and provider.

Switching your eSIM to a new phone involves two steps: removing the profile from your old device while connected to WiFi, and installing it on the new device.

The Core Rule: eSIM Cannot Be Physically Moved

Method 1: eSIM Quick Transfer (iPhone to iPhone)

The fastest option for iPhone users — no carrier contact needed for most plans.

1. Turn on your new iPhone near your old iPhone

2. Follow the Quick Start setup prompts

3. Select Transfer from iPhone when prompted

4. Choose which eSIM profiles to move across

5. Complete the process on both devices

Most carrier eSIMs transfer instantly. Travel eSIMs may require a separate reinstall through your provider's account or app.

Method 2: Reinstall via Provider Account (All Devices)

Works for travel eSIMs and most carrier eSIMs on Android:

1. Connect the old device to WiFi and delete the eSIM

2. Log into your eSIM provider's account on your new device

3. Locate your existing plan

4. Activate via Settings → Connections → SIM Manager → Add eSIM

Key Limitations to Know

• Factory resets delete eSIM profiles — note your plan details before resetting any device. Most providers can reissue at no cost.

• Travel eSIM reinstalls — most travel eSIM providers allow reinstallation through your account portal while the plan is still active. Check your provider's policy before switching devices.

The fastest way to check eSIM support on any phone is to dial *#06# — if a 32-digit EID number appears, your device has eSIM hardware.

Method 1: Dial *#06# (Fastest and Most Reliable)

• Open your dialer and enter *#06#

• A screen will appear with your IMEI and device details

• 32-digit EID number shown → eSIM is supported

• No EID displayed → no eSIM hardware present

Method 2: Check in Settings

• iPhone: Settings → Cellular → look for "Add eSIM"

• Samsung: Settings → Connections → SIM Manager → look for "Add eSIM"

• Google Pixel: Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → Add eSIM

• Other Android: Settings → Network & Internet → SIM Cards → look for eSIM option

Method 3: Check the Official Spec Sheet

• Look for "Nano-SIM + eSIM" or "Dual SIM (eSIM + Nano SIM)" in the device specifications

• Check the manufacturer's product page for your exact regional model number

Carrier lock note: A carrier-locked device may restrict eSIM to that carrier's own plans only. Check your lock status before purchasing a third-party eSIM plan:

• iPhone: Settings → General → About → Carrier Lock (should say "No SIM restrictions")

• Samsung: Contact your carrier or dial *#7465625#

Best overall eSIM phone: iPhone 16 series — eSIM-only in the US on supported models, dual eSIM support, and broad compatibility with major travel eSIM providers.

Best Android phone for eSIM: Google Pixel 9 Pro — the cleanest eSIM implementation on Android, fast activation, and strong carrier support across 60+ countries.

Best foldable with eSIM: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 — physical SIM plus eSIM for maximum flexibility, ideal for power users and frequent travellers.

Best budget phone with eSIM: Samsung Galaxy A35 — solid eSIM support, hybrid SIM tray, mid-range price without compromising connectivity.

Best eSIM phone for travel: iPhone 14 or newer (US model) — eSIM-only simplicity, dual eSIM capability, and supported by virtually every travel eSIM provider worldwide.

For UK travellers, roaming charges can quickly add up when using your home network abroad, especially across Europe and international destinations. A travel eSIM offers a much more cost-effective alternative.

Travellers heading abroad — whether across Europe, Asia, or the Americas — face roaming charges from their home carrier that can significantly increase the cost of a trip. A travel eSIM connects you to local networks at pre-paid rates, with no contract and no SIM swap required.

Travel eSIM plans are now available for 200+ destinations worldwide, with most plans activating in under five minutes from any location with an internet connection.

Why eSIM beats roaming for international travel:

• No roaming charges — connect to local networks at pre-paid data rates from the moment you land

• Global coverage — regional and global plans cover Europe, Asia, the Americas, and beyond under a single plan

• Install before you fly — purchase and set up your plan at home so you have data running the second you arrive

• Keep your home number active — dual SIM means your primary number stays live for calls and texts while your travel eSIM handles data

• Instant activation — most travel eSIM plans go live within seconds of connecting to a local network

• No airport queues — no hunting for SIM kiosks, no language barriers, no waiting

For a full side-by-side comparison of the top providers, pricing, and destination coverage, see our best travel eSIM guide for 2026.

A travel eSIM is one of the easiest ways to stay connected abroad without swapping SIM cards or paying expensive roaming fees.

Get your easySim eSIM for Europe travel →

Last updated: May 2026. eSIM device compatibility and carrier support are subject to change. Always verify support with your carrier and check for an EID using *#06# before purchasing any eSIM plan.