Imagine arriving in a new country, excited to start your adventure, but the first thing you struggle with is getting your phone connected. You’re trying to switch SIM cards and wondering why it has to be so complicated. But what if there was an easier way? Meet eSIM—the future of mobile connectivity. With eSIM, you can forget about juggling tiny SIM cards and just enjoy your time and make some memories! In this guide, we’ll break down how eSIM is a game changer for travelers, how you can check if your device is ready to join the eSIM revolution and we list down some devices that are eSIM compatible.
The eSIM Revolution: What’s All the Buzz About?
The traditional SIM card has been a loyal companion for decades, but in our fast-paced, ever-connected world, it’s time for an upgrade. Enter the eSIM—short for embedded SIM—a game-changer that’s transforming the way we stay connected, especially when traveling. Unlike the physical SIM card, an eSIM is built directly into your device. This means no more hunting for tiny SIM cards, no more losing them in the depths of your luggage, and no more waiting in line at foreign airports to buy a local SIM.
With eSIM, switching networks is as easy as scanning a QR code or downloading a profile. Whether you’re hopping between countries or simply looking for a more flexible mobile plan, eSIM offers unparalleled convenience and versatility. But before you can jump on this trend, it’s crucial to know whether your device is eSIM-compatible.
How to Determine if Your Device is eSIM-Compatible
Before you get too excited, you need to make sure your device can actually support an eSIM. Thankfully, figuring this out is simpler than you might think. Here are a few easy steps to determine if your phone is eSIM-capable:
- Check Your Phone’s Settings: For iPhone users, it’s easy to find out if your device is eSIM-compatible. Just go to your Settings and then tap Cellular or Mobile Data. If you see the option to “Add Cellular Plan,” congratulations—your iPhone supports eSIM! For Android users, the process is just as simple. Open your Settings, then go to Network & Internet/ Connections. From there, select Mobile Network/ Sim Manager and look under Advanced. If you spot anything related to eSIM, your device is good to go.
- Dialing *#06#: Don’t worry, this is free of charge! By Dialing this number, your phone information will display on your screen and if there’s an EID associated with the device, that means your phone is an eSIM compatible!
- Consult the Manufacturer’s Website: Most phone makers list all the important details about their devices on their websites. To check if your phone supports eSIM, simply visit the manufacturer’s site, find your phone model, and look under the connectivity section for the word “eSIM.”
- Use Online Tools: Some websites provide simple tools that can quickly check if your phone supports eSIM. All you need to do is enter your phone model, and the tool will automatically tell you whether your device is eSIM-compatible. It’s an easy and hassle-free way to find out if your phone is ready for this modern technology.
eSIM-Compatible Devices: A Comprehensive List
"Apple iPhone and iPad models with eSIM"
iPhone XS, XS Max, XR
- iPhone SE (2020 and 2022)
- iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 Series
- iPad Pro (11-inch) – 1st generation and later
- iPad Pro (12.9-inch) – 3rd generation and later
- iPad Air – 3rd generation and later
- iPad (10.2-inch) – 7th generation and later
- iPad mini – 5th generation and later
- iPhones (except for iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone SE 2020, and iPhone XS) purchased from mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao don’t have eSIM capability.
- While iPhone 14 and 15 series that is purchased in the USA are not compatible with physical SIM cards.
"Samsung models with eSIM"
Galaxy A55 5G, XCover 7
- Galaxy Note20 / Note20 Ultra
- Galaxy S24 / S24+ / S24 Ultra, Galaxy S23, S23FE / S23+ / S23 Ultra, Galaxy S22 / S22+ / S22 Ultra, Galaxy S21 / S21+ / S21 Ultra, Galaxy S20 / S20+ / S20 Ultra
- Galaxy Z Fold6 / Flip6, Galaxy Z Fold5 / Flip5, Galaxy Z Fold4 / Flip4, Galaxy Z Fold3 / Flip3, Galaxy Z Fold2, Galaxy Z Flip 5G, Galaxy Z Flip, Galaxy Fold
NOTE:
- Depending on where you bought your device, it might not support eSIM. For example, some versions of Samsung phones only support eSIM in certain countries. Here are some examples: US versions of Samsung Galaxy S20/S21 and Galaxy Z Flip 5G. Devices such as Samsung Note 20 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 that is purchased in Hongkong were not eSIM compatible. So Better to follow our eSIM compatibility steps above.
"Google Pixel models with eSIM"
- Pixel 8, 8 Pro
- Pixel 7, 7 Pro
- Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 6a
- Pixel 5, 5a
- Pixel 4, 4 XL, 4a, 4a 5G
- Pixel 3, 3 XL, 3a, 3a XL
NOTE: If you have a Google Pixel 3 purchased from Australia, Japan, or Taiwan, or a Pixel 3a bought in Southeast Asia, your device won’t support eSIM. This is because certain market requirements and regulations in these regions meant that eSIM technology wasn’t included in those specific models. When considering eSIM, it’s essential to check where your device was purchased, as this can affect its compatibility.
"Other Phone models with eSIM"
Huawei:
- Huawei P40 / P40 Pro / P40 Pro+
- Huawei Mate 40 / 40 Pro / 40 Pro+
- Huawei Mate 50 / 50 Pro
- Huawei Mate Xs and Xs 2
- Oppo Find X3 Pro
- Oppo Find X5 Pro
- Oppo Reno 8 Pro
- Oppo A55s 5G
Xiaomi:
- Mi 11 Series (11 / 11 Pro / 12 Ultra)
- Mi 12 Series (12 / 12 Pro / 12 Ultra)
- Mi MIX 4
- OnePlus 9
- OnePlus 9 Pro
- OnePlus 10 Pro
- OnePlus 11
Alcatel:
- 1S (2021)
- 3X (2020)
LG:
- LG Velvet
- LG Wing
- TCL 10 5G
- TCL 20 Pro 5G
- Sharp Aquos R6
- Sharp Aquos R7
- Motorola Razr 5G
- Motorola Razr 2020
- Motorola Edge 20
- Motorola Edge 20 Pro
- Motorola Edge 30
- Motorola Edge 30 Pro
- Xperia 10 III
- Xperia 10 IV
- Xperia 1 II
- Xperia 5 II
- Xperia 1 III
- Xperia 5 III
As the world gets more connected, staying in touch while traveling shouldn’t be a hassle. With Aerobile’s eSIM plans, you can stay connected on your adventures without the need to switch SIM cards or worry about expensive roaming fees. Whether you’re walking the streets of Paris or relaxing on a beach in Bali, Aerobile keeps you online, wherever you go.
Why wait? Check out Aerobile’s eSIM plans today and see how easy it is to stay connected on all your travels.
