eSIM is the future of mobile connectivity — a built-in digital SIM that replaces the physical plastic card. In 2025, most flagship and mid-range phones support eSIM, and Apple has gone fully eSIM-only for US iPhones. This guide covers which phones support eSIM, what to check before assuming your device qualifies, and how eSIM actually works in practice.
What is eSIM?
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a SIM card built directly into the device's hardware. Instead of inserting a physical nano-SIM card, you activate a carrier plan digitally — typically by scanning a QR code from your carrier, or through a carrier's app.
eSIM enables:
- Dual SIM on single-slot phones (one physical + one eSIM)
- Instant carrier switching without waiting for a new SIM
- International data plans without swapping SIM cards
- eSIM-only operation on newer iPhones sold in the US
eSIM Compatible iPhones (2025)
All of the following iPhone models support eSIM:
| Model | eSIM Support | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone XS, XS Max, XR | Dual SIM (nano + eSIM) | First eSIM iPhones |
| iPhone 11 series | Dual SIM (nano + eSIM) | |
| iPhone 12 series | Dual SIM (nano + eSIM) | |
| iPhone 13 series | Dual SIM (nano + eSIM) | Dual eSIM on some models |
| iPhone 14 (non-US) | Dual SIM (nano + eSIM) | |
| iPhone 14 (US) | eSIM only — no physical SIM tray | Significant change |
| iPhone 15 series | Dual SIM internationally; eSIM-only US | |
| iPhone 16 series | Dual SIM internationally; eSIM-only US |
Important: Carrier-locked iPhones may have eSIM restricted to the locking carrier. Unlock the device before trying to activate an eSIM from a different carrier.
eSIM Compatible Samsung Galaxy Devices (2025)
Samsung has added eSIM support progressively. Supported models include:
- Galaxy S20 series and later (S20, S20+, S20 Ultra)
- Galaxy S21, S22, S23, S24, S25 series
- Galaxy Z Fold 2 and later
- Galaxy Z Flip and later
- Galaxy Note 20 series
- Galaxy A54 5G, A55 5G (eSIM varies by region)
Not all Samsung Galaxy models support eSIM — particularly budget A-series and M-series phones often omit eSIM support. Check your specific model using our eSIM Check tool.
Regional caveat: eSIM availability on Samsung devices varies by regional variant. Some models sold in specific markets have eSIM disabled.
eSIM Compatible Google Pixel Devices (2025)
Google has supported eSIM since Pixel 3a:
- Pixel 3a, 3a XL and later
- Pixel 4, 4 XL, 4a, 4a 5G
- Pixel 5, 5a
- Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 6a
- Pixel 7, 7 Pro, 7a
- Pixel 8, 8 Pro, 8a
- Pixel 9, 9 Pro
All Pixel 6 and later support eSIM. Pixel phones in China and Japan may have eSIM disabled.
Other Brands with eSIM Support (2025)
OnePlus: OnePlus 9 and later support eSIM in global variants. Check specific model.
Motorola: Select Edge and Razr models support eSIM. Most Moto G and budget models do not.
OPPO / OnePlus: Find X3, X5, X6, and later; Reno 6 and later (varies by region).
Nothing: Nothing Phone (1) and later support eSIM.
Huawei: Very limited eSIM support due to trade restrictions; check specific models.
Xiaomi: Select models (Xiaomi 12 and later, in global variants).
Sony Xperia: Xperia 1 III and later support eSIM.
How to Check eSIM Support for Your Specific Phone
eSIM support is not just about the phone model — it also depends on the regional variant, carrier lock, and software version. Use our eSIM Compatibility Check to verify your specific device by IMEI. This confirms:
- Whether your specific device hardware supports eSIM
- Whether eSIM may be restricted by carrier lock
- The model and variant for reference
Setting Up eSIM
Once you have confirmed your device supports eSIM and your carrier offers eSIM plans:
iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM. Scan the QR code from your carrier, or enter the activation details manually. Some carriers support eSIM activation entirely through their app.
Android (Samsung, Pixel, etc.): Settings > Connections > SIM Manager (Samsung) or Network & Internet > SIMs (Pixel). Select "Add eSIM" and follow the on-screen instructions.
eSIM and Carrier Switching
eSIM makes switching carriers dramatically easier — no physical SIM to wait for. Most carriers in the UK, US, EU, and Australia support eSIM plan provisioning. Download the new carrier's app or visit their website, select your plan, and scan the QR code.
You can keep multiple eSIM profiles stored on your device (iPhone stores up to 8; Android varies) and switch between them in settings, though only one (plus one physical SIM) can be active simultaneously on most devices.
Verify Before You Buy
If eSIM support is important to your planned use — for international travel, dual SIM, or switching to an eSIM-only carrier — verify your specific device's support before purchasing, particularly for used devices where the regional variant may differ from your expectation. Use our eSIM Check with the device's IMEI.