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Most phones released since 2020 support eSIM. All iPhone models from XS (2018) onward, Samsung Galaxy S20+ and newer, and Google Pixel 3+ work with travel eSIMs. Your phone must also be carrier-unlocked to use a travel eSIM profile.
Apple introduced eSIM support with the iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR in 2018. Every iPhone released since then includes eSIM. The iPhone SE (2nd generation, 2020) also supports eSIM despite its compact size.
The iPhone 14 range launched in the United States as eSIM-only. These models have no physical SIM tray at all. If you bought a US iPhone 14 and plan to travel, you only need an eSIM plan. No physical card slot is available.
| Model | eSIM support | Note |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max | Yes | US models are eSIM-only |
| iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max | Yes | US models are eSIM-only |
| iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max | Yes | US models are eSIM-only (no physical SIM tray) |
| iPhone 13, 13 Mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max | Yes | |
| iPhone 12, 12 Mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max | Yes | |
| iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max | No | Physical SIM only |
| iPhone XS, XS Max, XR | Yes | First eSIM-capable iPhones (2018) |
| iPhone SE (2nd gen, 2020) and SE (3rd gen, 2022) | Yes | |
| iPhone X and earlier | No | Physical SIM only |
Go to Settings, then General, then About. Scroll down and look for Available SIM or an EID number. An EID confirms your phone has an embedded SIM chip and supports eSIM profiles.
Samsung added eSIM to its flagship Galaxy S series starting with the S20+ in 2020. The base Galaxy S20 model did not include eSIM in most regions, but the S20+, S20 Ultra, and all subsequent flagship models do.
The Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip foldable series has supported eSIM since the Fold 2 and Flip 5G. Mid-range models like the Galaxy A54 5G also include eSIM, though most A series phones below that level do not.
| Model family | eSIM support |
|---|---|
| Galaxy S24, S24+, S24 Ultra | Yes |
| Galaxy S23, S23+, S23 Ultra | Yes |
| Galaxy S22, S22+, S22 Ultra | Yes |
| Galaxy S21, S21+, S21 Ultra | Yes |
| Galaxy S20+, S20 Ultra | Yes |
| Galaxy S20 (base model) | No (most regions) |
| Galaxy Z Fold 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 | Yes |
| Galaxy Z Flip 5G, Flip3, Flip4, Flip5, Flip6 | Yes |
| Galaxy Note 20 Ultra | Yes |
| Galaxy A54 5G | Yes |
Go to Settings, then Connections, then SIM manager. If you see an option to add a mobile plan or an eSIM, your device supports it.
Google has included eSIM in every Pixel phone from the Pixel 3 onward. The full list covers Pixel 3, 3a, 4, 4a, 4a 5G, 5, 5a, 6, 6a, 6 Pro, 7, 7a, 7 Pro, 8, 8a, and 8 Pro. The Pixel 2 and original Pixel do not support eSIM.
All recent Pixel models also support dual SIM setups, so you can keep your home physical SIM active while running a travel eSIM at the same time.
To check: go to Settings, then Network and internet, then SIM cards. Look for an option labeled Download a SIM instead or Add eSIM.
eSIM support has expanded well beyond Apple and Samsung. Several other manufacturers now ship eSIM-capable devices, though coverage varies by market and model variant.
Always verify the specific regional variant you own. Manufacturers sometimes release the same model name without eSIM in certain countries.
Follow these three steps before buying any eSIM plan. The check takes under two minutes.
A phone that passes the eSIM hardware check but is carrier-locked still cannot use a travel eSIM. Both conditions must be true: hardware support and carrier-unlocked status.
eSIM support is not limited to phones. Many tablets and laptops now include embedded SIM chips.
For tablets and laptops, check the manufacturer's spec page under connectivity. Look for eSIM, nano-SIM, or cellular in the network section.
No. The iPhone 11 does not support eSIM for travel plans. eSIM compatibility on iPhone starts with the iPhone XS, XR, and XS Max (2018 models). Any iPhone from XS onward works with travel eSIMs.
No. A carrier-locked phone can only connect to its original carrier's network. You must have an unlocked phone to install a travel eSIM. Contact your carrier to request an unlock, or check your phone's settings for an unlock status indicator.
iPhone models from iPhone XS through iPhone 13 store up to 8 eSIM profiles (only one active at a time). iPhone 14 and later store 8 or more. Samsung Galaxy devices vary by model, typically supporting 2 to 5 stored eSIM profiles. Check your specific model's spec sheet for the exact limit.
Yes. Most recent iPad models support eSIM, including iPad Pro (all sizes from 2018 onward), iPad Air (3rd generation and later), and iPad Mini (5th generation and later). The standard iPad (7th generation and later) also includes eSIM support.
That depends on your eSIM provider's coverage, not your device. A compatible phone simply reads the eSIM profile. The provider determines which countries and networks are included in your plan. Always check the provider's coverage map before purchasing.
Your phone is eSIM-ready. Now pick the right plan for where you are going.