Does my phone support eSIM, and is it unlocked? How to check in 2 minutes

A travel eSIM needs two things from your phone. It has to support eSIM, and it can't be locked to your home carrier. Both take a minute to check, and it's worth doing before you buy.

Check 1: does your phone support eSIM?

The quickest test works on any phone: open the phone app and dial *#06#. If you see a long number labelled EID, your phone has an eSIM chip.

You can also check in the settings.

On iPhone, go to Settings > Mobile Service (or Cellular). If you see Add eSIM or Add Mobile Plan, it supports eSIM. Every iPhone from the XS and XR onwards does, except iPhones sold in mainland China.

On Android, go to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs (or Connections > SIM manager on Samsung). If there is an option to add an eSIM or download a SIM, you're set. Most Samsung Galaxy phones from the S20 onwards, and Google Pixel phones from the Pixel 3 onwards, support it.

Our full list of compatible phones covers more brands and models.

Check 2: is your phone unlocked?

A locked phone only works with the carrier that sold it. It can install a travel eSIM, but it won't connect with it. Phones bought outright from Apple, Samsung or a regular shop are usually unlocked. Phones from a contract often are not.

On iPhone, go to Settings > General > About and scroll to Carrier Lock. If it says No SIM restrictions, your iPhone is unlocked.

On Android, there is no single place that shows it. The simplest test is to put in a SIM card from another carrier, for example a friend's. If it connects and you can browse, your phone is unlocked. Some phones also show the lock status under Settings > About phone or in the network settings.

My phone is locked. What now?

Ask your carrier to unlock it. In many countries they have to, once the contract is paid off or after a set time, often for free. Do it a few days before you travel, because it can take a while.

What if my phone doesn't support eSIM?

You can still use a travel eSIM on a second phone, then share its data with your own phone through the hotspot. It isn't elegant, but it works. Or you can buy a local SIM card when you land.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use an eSIM on a phone from China?

iPhones sold in mainland China have two physical SIM slots instead of an eSIM, so they can't use one. Many Android phones from Chinese brands sold in Europe do support eSIM. Check with *#06#.

Does a dual-SIM phone always support eSIM?

No. Some dual-SIM phones take two physical cards and have no eSIM. Check for an EID with *#06#.

Can I install the eSIM before I check the lock?

You can, but if the phone is locked, the eSIM won't connect. Check the lock first.