Know What an eSIM Is?

eSIM stands for embedded SIM. It’s built right into your phone. No physical chip to insert. Instead, you download a mobile plan digitally. You can even have multiple plans on one device, switch between them, and skip the store trips.

Your phone needs to support eSIM as well. That’s why you should know how to check eSIM compatibility—so you can buy eSIM with confidence when you’re ready.

Phones That Support eSIM

Let’s go brand by brand. Here are some of the eSIM compatible devices:

Apple iPhones with eSIM Support

If you’ve got any of these, you’re all set:

• iPhone 15, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max
• iPhone 14 series (especially in the U.S. — they’re eSIM-only!)
• iPhone 13 series
• iPhone 12 series
• iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
• iPhone XS, XS Max, XR
• iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd Gen)

Note: iPhones sold in China, Hong Kong, and Macao usually don’t support eSIM.

Samsung Devices with eSIM

Samsung is pretty generous with eSIM support, but check your region and carrier too—some regions and carriers disable eSIM features. You can often use both a physical SIM and an eSIM on the latest phones at the same time.

Other Brands

More phones now come with eSIM:

• Motorola Razr (2019, 2022)
• Huawei P40 / P40 Pro / Mate 40 Pro
• Oppo Find X3, X5
• Sony Xperia 1 IV, 5 IV
• Microsoft Surface Duo 2

Just remember: even if your phone has eSIM tech, your carrier needs to support it too.

How to Know if Your Phone Supports eSIM (Even If You’re Not a Tech Person)

Option 1: Check Your Settings

Super easy.

• iPhone: Go to Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan. If that option appears, your device can use eSIM.
• Android: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Add eSIM.

Option 2: Dial This Code

Dial *#06# on your phone. If you see an EID number (Embedded Identity Document), your phone supports eSIM.

Option 3: Look Up Your Phone on the Brand Website

Go to Apple, Samsung, or Google’s website. They usually list whether a model supports eSIM.

Option 4: Ask Your Mobile Carrier

Call your carrier or check their website. They’ll know if your model and plan allow eSIM activation.

How to Set Up eSIM (Takes Just a Few Minutes)

iOS / iPhone

• Open Settings > Cellular
• Tap Add Cellular Plan
• Scan the QR code your eSIM provider gave you
• Follow the steps and restart if needed

Android

• Open Settings and tap Network & Internet
• Tap SIMs, then Add eSIM
• Scan the QR code or enter the eSIM details manually
• Follow the prompts to activate and restart your device if asked

Why Travelers Love eSIM (And Why You Should Too)

• No need to find a local SIM at the airport
• Switch between local and home data plans quickly
• Store multiple eSIMs for different countries (typically two lines active at once, depending on your phone)
• No risk of losing or damaging a physical SIM
• Great for remote workers, digital nomads, or anyone hopping between cities

Can I Use eSIM and Physical SIM Together?

Yes—on most compatible phones you can use both at the same time. That means two numbers on one phone: work and travel, or home SIM plus a local eSIM abroad.

Planning to Travel? Use the Airhub App

Whether you’re on iOS or Android, the Airhub app lets you buy eSIM instantly from your phone—fast setup so you can get online when you land. We support many countries and carriers, and the app is easy to use even if you’re not techy.

Switch to eSIM & Enjoy Freely

Switching to eSIM might sound fancy, but it’s simpler than you think. Now you have a clear answer on how to check eSIM compatibility. If you still want help choosing a plan, download the Airhub app (iOS/Android) and see what fits your travel or everyday needs. No plastic, no stress. Just tap, scan, and go.

FAQs