Your phone can use a travel eSIM if it has eSIM hardware, it is not locked to an operator, and the version sold in your country includes eSIM. The quickest test is to look in your settings for an option to add an eSIM. Then check the carrier lock, and check your exact model on our compatible devices page before you buy.
Three things your phone needs
- eSIM hardware. Not every phone has an eSIM, even in the same model family.
- No carrier lock. An esim0 eSIM needs a phone that is not locked to one operator.
- The right regional version. Some models sold in some countries or by some operators have no eSIM. Our compatible devices page notes that country- and carrier-specific restrictions may apply.
You can check all three at home in a few minutes, without buying anything.
Step 1: Look for the "Add eSIM" option
Open your settings and look for the option to add an eSIM. Only look for now. Do not start an installation until you have a plan and have read its activation rule.
| Device | Where to look | What you should see |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone | Settings, then Cellular (or Mobile Data) | Add eSIM |
| Samsung Galaxy | Settings, then Connections, then SIM manager (SIM card manager on some versions) | Add eSIM (on some versions, Add mobile plan) |
| Google Pixel | Settings, then Network & internet, then SIMs | Add SIM, then Set up an eSIM |
| iPad | Check that it is a Wi-Fi + Cellular model | Wi-Fi-only iPads cannot use a mobile eSIM |
Menu names change with the model, the language and the software version. If you see the option, your phone was built with eSIM. You still need to check the carrier lock in step 3.
Step 2: Find the EID
The EID is a number that identifies the eSIM in your phone. An operator may ask you for it. It is also a second way to confirm that your phone has an eSIM.
- iPhone: go to Settings, then General, then About. Scroll down to find the EID, next to the IMEI and ICCID.
- Samsung Galaxy: Samsung says you can find the EID on the box of the phone, or in Settings, then About phone, then Status.
- Other Android phones: look in the About phone section of Settings.
You do not need the EID to install an esim0 eSIM. The QR code or the manual details are enough.
Step 3: Check that the phone is not carrier-locked
An eSIM-compatible phone can still be locked to the operator that sold it. A locked phone may not accept an eSIM from another provider.
- iPhone: go to Settings, then General, then About. If "No SIM restrictions" appears next to Carrier Lock, the iPhone is unlocked. If you do not see this message, contact your operator.
- Samsung, Pixel and other Android phones: there is no single menu for this on every model. Ask the operator that sold you the phone whether it is unlocked.
- Allow time. Apple says only your operator can unlock your iPhone, and that it can take a few days. Ask well before your trip.
Step 4: Check your model and where it was sold
The makers publish notes about models and regions. At the time of writing (September 2026), their official pages say this:
| Maker | What the official page says |
|---|---|
| Apple | eSIM needs an iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR or later. In China mainland, only iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, iPhone 17e and iPhone Air support eSIM. In Hong Kong and Macao, certain iPhone models have Dual SIM with two nano-SIM cards. |
| All Pixel 4 and later phones work with eSIM. Pixel 3a phones bought with Verizon service or in Japan have eSIM restrictions. Pixel 3 phones from US and Canadian carriers (except Sprint and Google Fi), and Pixel 3 phones sold in Australia, Taiwan and Japan, do not support eSIM. | |
| Samsung | Samsung Australia's eSIM list is for Australian versions, and settings may vary in other versions. To check a model, open its specifications on Samsung's support site. Under Network/Bearer, the SIM size shows "Embedded-SIM" if the model has eSIM. |
So if you bought your phone in another country, or from an operator, check the exact version you have. Our model pages, for example iPhone 15, Samsung Galaxy S24 and Google Pixel 8, show the maker's notes for each model, with a link to the maker's page.
iPads, tablets and other devices
- iPad: only Wi-Fi + Cellular models can use a mobile eSIM. Wi-Fi-only iPads cannot.
- One device per plan: an esim0 plan installs on one phone or tablet. It cannot run on two devices at the same time. To connect a second device, share the phone's connection with a hotspot, or buy a second plan.
- Other devices: our installation guides cover iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel and iPad. For another device, contact us with your model and the country where you bought it, before you install.
Checklist before you buy
- Your settings show an option to add an eSIM.
- Your phone is not locked to an operator. On iPhone, Carrier Lock shows "No SIM restrictions".
- Your exact model, in the version sold in your country, supports eSIM.
- You know when your plan's validity starts. Depending on the plan, it can begin at installation or at the first network connection. Read the activation rule shown on your plan, and see the activation guide.
- You will install on the phone you travel with. A prepaid travel profile is issued for one installation and generally cannot be downloaded again.
Please check before you pay. The refund policy does not cover device incompatibility.
What the eSIM gives you
The esim0 eSIM is prepaid and data only. It has no phone number, no calls and no SMS. Your home SIM stays in the phone, so your number stays active for calls and SMS. The eSIM arrives by email within minutes of payment, with a QR code, and it is also in your esim0 account. If you have a problem after you install, see our guide to common eSIM problems, or write to [email protected], 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
FAQ
My phone is not on the compatible devices list. Can it still work?
Our list says that a model which is not on it was not built to support eSIM. If you think your model is missing, contact us with the model and the country where you bought it, before you buy.
How do I know if my phone is locked?
On iPhone, go to Settings, then General, then About, and look for "No SIM restrictions" next to Carrier Lock. On Android phones, ask the operator that sold you the phone.
I bought my phone in another country. Does that matter?
It can. Some versions have no eSIM, for example iPhone models sold in China mainland, apart from the four models Apple names, and some Pixel 3 and Pixel 3a versions. Check the notes for your model and region in step 4.
Do I need the EID to buy or install an eSIM?
No. You install an esim0 eSIM with the QR code, or with the SM-DP+ Address and Activation Code from your email. The EID is only a useful way to check that your phone has an eSIM.
Can I use a travel eSIM and my home SIM at the same time?
Yes, on phones with dual SIM. Apple says that with Dual SIM on iPhone, both SIMs can make and receive calls, and one number at a time can use cellular data. Google says Pixel 3a and later can use a physical SIM and an eSIM together, and Pixel 7 and later can use two eSIMs at the same time, if the operator allows it. In the US, Google says Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL cannot use a physical SIM. Our dual SIM guide shows the settings.
Will I get a refund if my phone is not compatible?
No. The refund policy does not cover device incompatibility, so check your phone before you buy. You can ask [email protected] if you are not sure.
