Which Phones Support eSIM in 2025? Complete Compatibility List

Does Your Phone Support eSIM? The 60-Second Check

Before buying an eSIM travel plan, the first question to answer is whether your phone actually supports eSIM. I have seen travelers purchase plans only to discover at the airport that their device is incompatible — and most providers do not issue refunds once the QR code is delivered. Checking this takes literally one minute and prevents genuine frustration.

The fastest method: Settings, General, About on iPhone — or Settings, About Phone on Android. Look for a number labeled EID (Embedded Identity Document). If you see an EID, your phone has eSIM hardware. No EID means no eSIM support. Check the detailed lists below to confirm your specific model and understand any carrier lock restrictions that might block third-party eSIM use even on compatible hardware.

iPhone Models Supporting eSIM — Complete 2025 List

Apple introduced eSIM in September 2018 with the iPhone XS generation. Every iPhone released since then includes eSIM hardware, though the specific implementation varies by model and purchase region.

• iPhone XS, XS Max, XR (2018) — dual SIM with nano-SIM plus eSIM, the original eSIM iPhones
• iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max (2019) — dual SIM, eSIM supported across all regions
• iPhone SE 2nd generation (2020) — compact form factor with full eSIM support
• iPhone 12 series (2020) — all models, dual eSIM in some regional variants
• iPhone 13 series (2021) — all models, dual eSIM without physical SIM in some regions
• iPhone 14 series (2022) — US models are eSIM-only with no physical SIM tray; international models retain nano-SIM
• iPhone SE 3rd generation (2022) — eSIM supported in all purchase regions
• iPhone 15 series (2023) — eSIM plus nano-SIM internationally; eSIM-only in US
• iPhone 16 series (2024) — all models, eSIM plus nano-SIM internationally

Critical caveat: carrier-locked iPhones may not accept third-party eSIM providers even though the hardware supports it. If you purchased on a carrier contract in the US, Canada, or certain other markets, verify your unlock status before buying a travel eSIM. On iPhone: Settings, General, About — Carrier Lock should say No SIM restrictions. Most iPhones unlock automatically after the contract period ends or if purchased outright from a retailer.

Samsung Galaxy Models With eSIM

Galaxy S Flagship Series

Samsung has included eSIM in the Galaxy S flagship lineup since 2020. All models across these generations include the hardware, though regional carrier variants sometimes restrict functionality:

• Galaxy S20, S20 Plus, S20 Ultra (2020)
• Galaxy S21, S21 Plus, S21 Ultra (2021)
• Galaxy S22, S22 Plus, S22 Ultra (2022)
• Galaxy S23, S23 Plus, S23 Ultra (2023) — excellent multiple-profile storage
• Galaxy S24, S24 Plus, S24 Ultra (2024)
• Galaxy S25 series (2025)

Galaxy Z Foldable and Flip Series

All Galaxy Z Fold models from Z Fold 2 onwards and all Galaxy Z Flip models from the original through current generations include eSIM hardware. These are popular among tech-forward travelers for large-screen real estate and comprehensive connectivity features.

Galaxy A Mid-Range Series

eSIM support in the A series is inconsistent. Galaxy A54 5G and A55 5G both support eSIM. The A34 varies by regional purchase market. Most Galaxy A-series phones below the A34 tier do not include eSIM hardware. Use the EID check method described above for your specific A-series model before purchasing a plan. Regional note: Samsung devices sold in the South Korean domestic market sometimes have eSIM restricted by carrier policy — internationally purchased Samsung phones are generally unrestricted. I use a Samsung Galaxy S24 as my primary travel device and have had zero eSIM compatibility issues with Airalo or Nomad across dozens of countries. See the complete Android eSIM setup guide for configuration steps.

Google Pixel Models With eSIM

Google introduced eSIM in the Pixel 3 in 2018 and every Pixel model since includes the hardware, making Pixel the most consistently eSIM-friendly Android lineup available:

• Pixel 3 and 3 XL — first Pixel models with eSIM
• Pixel 3a and 3a XL
• Pixel 4, 4 XL, and 4a
• Pixel 5 and 5a
• Pixel 6, 6 Pro, and 6a
• Pixel 7, 7 Pro, and 7a
• Pixel 8, 8 Pro, and 8a
• Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, and 9 Pro Fold (2024)

Pixel phones receive Android updates directly from Google without manufacturer delays, meaning eSIM improvements and security patches arrive earliest here. For frequent travelers who prioritize eSIM reliability above all else, Pixel is my top Android recommendation.

Other Major Android Brands

OnePlus

OnePlus has been rolling out eSIM across its lineup but availability varies by region and model generation. OnePlus 12, 11, and Nord 3 support eSIM in international variants. Older models are inconsistent — use the EID check for your specific device. North America and European purchase variants are most likely to have eSIM enabled.

Motorola

Select Motorola devices support eSIM: Motorola Razr 40 and 40 Ultra, Edge 40 and 50 series, and some Moto G Power models. When hardware is present, Motorola’s eSIM implementation is reliable. Verify your specific model on the official Motorola device pages before purchasing a plan.

Sony Xperia

Sony’s flagship Xperia lineup has included eSIM since the Xperia 1 IV. The Xperia 5 IV, Xperia 10 V, and newer 2024 models all support eSIM. Sony devices are particularly popular in Japan and European markets where eSIM infrastructure is mature and widely used.

Xiaomi, OPPO, and Vivo

eSIM support among these brands has expanded but remains inconsistent. Xiaomi 13 Pro and 14 series support eSIM in international variants. OPPO Find X7 and X6 series support eSIM in select markets. For these brands specifically, I strongly recommend confirming via the EID check rather than relying on model name alone — regional variants of the same model can differ on eSIM support.

Tablets and Wearables With eSIM Support

• iPad: iPad Pro (all models from 2018 onwards), iPad Air (3rd generation and later), iPad Mini (5th generation and later), iPad standard (7th generation and later)
• Apple Watch: All cellular models from Series 3 onwards
• Samsung Galaxy Watch: LTE variants of Galaxy Watch 4, 5, and 6 series
• Microsoft Surface: Surface Pro X and Surface Pro 9 5G include eSIM for mobile data connectivity

Verifying Your Phone Is Unlocked

eSIM hardware support and carrier unlock status are separate requirements that both need to be confirmed. On iPhone: Settings, General, About — Carrier Lock should say No SIM restrictions. On Android: insert a physical SIM from a different carrier; if calls work normally, the phone is unlocked. For eSIM-only Android phones without a physical SIM slot, contact your carrier and specifically ask about eSIM unlock status before purchasing a travel plan.

EU regulations generally require unlocked sales. US carriers must unlock devices after the contract period by law. Australia and UK phones purchased from retailers are usually unlocked from the start. Discovering a carrier lock on departure day is entirely avoidable with a five-minute check done at home a few days before your trip.

Pre-Purchase Compatibility Checklist

• EID number visible in About settings — confirms eSIM hardware is present in your specific device
• Phone confirmed unlocked — ensures third-party eSIM plans will actually be accepted and installed
• OS version current — outdated firmware can cause activation failures that have nothing to do with the plan itself
• Provider compatibility page checked for your specific model — some providers maintain tested device lists worth consulting
• If buying a new phone specifically for travel — prioritize iPhone, Samsung S-series, or Google Pixel for the most reliable and well-documented eSIM management experience available

Five boxes checked and you are ready to purchase your travel eSIM with full confidence. The compatibility research takes five minutes and prevents frustration on departure morning.

Samsung Galaxy eSIM Compatibility — Complete List

Samsung introduced eSIM support in 2018 and now includes it across nearly the entire Galaxy lineup above entry level. Compatible Galaxy S series models: S20, S20 Plus, S20 Ultra, S21, S21 Plus, S21 Ultra, S22, S22 Plus, S22 Ultra, S23, S23 Plus, S23 Ultra, S24, S24 Plus, S24 Ultra, S25, S25 Plus, S25 Ultra. Galaxy Z Fold series: Fold 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. Galaxy Z Flip series: Flip 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. Galaxy A series with eSIM from 2022 onward: A34, A54, A35, A55, A36, A56. Notably absent from eSIM support: Galaxy A14, A15, A25 — these budget models retain physical SIM only in most markets.

Important Samsung nuance: some Galaxy models sold in specific countries have eSIM hardware disabled by carrier agreements. A Samsung Galaxy S24 purchased through a US carrier may have full eSIM function while the same model purchased in certain Asian markets has eSIM locked. Always purchase Samsung phones unlocked or confirm eSIM functionality before traveling with a carrier-purchased device.

Google Pixel eSIM History and Current Support

Google Pixel introduced eSIM with the Pixel 3a in 2019 and has included it in every model since. Supported models: Pixel 3a and 3a XL, Pixel 4 and 4 XL, Pixel 4a, Pixel 5, Pixel 5a, Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8a, Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Pixel 9a. Google pushes Android updates directly to Pixel devices without manufacturer delays, meaning eSIM bug fixes and improvements arrive first on Pixel — historically relevant when Android eSIM implementations had rough edges in 2021 to 2022. Current Pixel eSIM stability is excellent across all major providers.

Other Android Manufacturers With eSIM Support

OnePlus: OnePlus 11, 12, 13 support eSIM in most regional variants. OnePlus Nord 3, Nord 4 include eSIM in select markets. Check the OnePlus website for your specific model’s regional specifications. Motorola: Razr 40, 40 Ultra, 50, 50 Ultra (folding range) all include eSIM. Motorola Edge 30, 40, 50 series support eSIM in most variants. Xiaomi: Mi 12, 12 Pro, 13, 13 Pro, 14, 14 Pro, 15, 15 Pro — upper-tier models support eSIM in global variants. OPPO: Find X3, X5, X7 series support eSIM in global firmware. Huawei: eSIM supported on Mate 40, P50, Mate 50 and Pura 70 series, though Huawei’s restricted US market status affects availability. Sony Xperia 1 and 5 series from 2021 onward support eSIM.

Carrier Lock — The Hidden Blocker

The most common reason an eSIM-compatible phone cannot use a travel eSIM is carrier lock, not hardware incompatibility. A carrier-locked phone accepts only eSIM plans issued by or authorized by the carrier that locked it. AT&T-locked iPhones reject Airalo. Vodafone-locked Samsungs reject Nomad. Carrier lock is separate from hardware compatibility.

How to check for carrier lock: on iPhone go to Settings, General, About — look for Carrier Lock field showing either No SIM restrictions or the carrier name. On Android the method varies; the most reliable way is to insert a SIM from a different carrier or attempt eSIM installation. If it fails immediately, you are likely carrier-locked. Unlocking a carrier-locked phone requires either completing the carrier’s contract term, paying an early termination fee, or requesting an unlock through the carrier’s customer service. Most major US carriers (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile) now unlock devices automatically after 60 to 180 days of active service, but check your specific carrier’s current policy.

Checking eSIM Slots: How Many Plans Can You Store?

Modern phones vary in how many eSIM profiles they can store simultaneously. iPhone 13 and later US models are eSIM-only with up to eight stored profiles and two active simultaneously (Dual SIM). iPhone XS through 12 support one active eSIM plus one physical SIM. Most Android eSIM phones store four to twelve profiles but activate one or two simultaneously. The iPhone 14 and 15 US models push this furthest — no physical SIM tray at all, with up to eight simultaneous stored profiles and dual eSIM active at once.

For travelers visiting multiple destinations in quick succession, the multi-profile storage means you can pre-install plans for every destination before leaving home. A round-Asia trip through Japan, Thailand, and Bali can have all three eSIMs installed at departure. Switching between them as you travel takes seconds. This forward-loading strategy eliminates the need to activate each plan under the time pressure of a border crossing or airport arrival.

A propos de l'auteur

James Whitfield

Travel Tech Journalist & Digital Nomad

James Whitfield is a travel tech journalist with 8 years of experience covering mobile connectivity abroad. A former editor at TechRadar's travel section, he has tested over 40 eSIM providers across 60+ countries. He shares honest reviews on best-esim-travel.com.

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