eSIM Compatible Phones 2026: Complete Device List
Full list of eSIM compatible phones, tablets, laptops, and smartwatches updated for 2026. Check if your device supports eSIM before you travel.
Before you buy a travel eSIM, you need to know one thing: does your phone actually support it? eSIM technology has expanded rapidly since Apple and Google introduced it in 2017-2018, and by 2026 the vast majority of smartphones sold worldwide include eSIM hardware. But “vast majority” is not “all” — and even phones with eSIM chips can have the feature disabled by carriers or restricted by region.
We’ve compiled the most comprehensive list of eSIM-compatible devices available, covering phones, tablets, laptops, and smartwatches. This list is updated regularly and reflects the state of eSIM compatibility as of February 2026. If your device is on this list and is carrier-unlocked, you’re ready to grab a travel eSIM from a provider like Airalo and stay connected anywhere in the world.
Not sure what an eSIM actually is? Read our What Is an eSIM? explainer first, then come back here to check your device.
How to Check if Your Phone Supports eSIM
Before scrolling through the device lists below, here are three quick ways to check whether your specific phone supports eSIM right now.
On iPhone (iOS)
- Go to Settings > General > About
- Scroll down and look for a field labeled Available SIM, Digital SIM, or EID
- If you see an EID number (a long string of digits), your iPhone supports eSIM
- Alternatively, go to Settings > Cellular — if you see Add eSIM or Add Cellular Plan, you’re good
On Android
- Go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs (on Pixel) or Settings > Connections > SIM Manager (on Samsung)
- Look for an option that says Add eSIM, Download SIM, or Add Mobile Plan
- If the option exists, your phone supports eSIM
Universal Method: Dial *#06#
On any phone, open the dialer and type *#06#. This displays your device identifiers. If you see an EID (Embedded Identity Document) number alongside your IMEI, your phone has eSIM hardware.
The Carrier Lock Check
This is the step most people forget. Even if your phone has eSIM hardware, it must be carrier-unlocked to use a third-party travel eSIM from providers like Airalo or Holafly . If you bought your phone through a carrier on an installment plan, it may be locked to that carrier’s network. Contact your carrier to request an unlock — most will do it for free once the phone is paid off.
Quick compatibility test: Download the Airalo app and start the process of adding an eSIM. The app will tell you immediately whether your device is compatible before you spend a cent.
Apple Devices with eSIM Support
Apple was one of the earliest adopters of eSIM technology in consumer devices, and every iPhone released since 2018 supports it. Apple also made a bold move in 2022 by removing the physical SIM tray entirely from US-sold iPhone 14 models — a decision that has since extended to more markets with newer models.
iPhones with eSIM
| Model | Year | eSIM Support | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone XS / XS Max | 2018 | Yes | First iPhones with eSIM. Single eSIM + 1 nano SIM |
| iPhone XR | 2018 | Yes | Single eSIM + 1 nano SIM |
| iPhone 11 / 11 Pro / 11 Pro Max | 2019 | Yes | Single eSIM + 1 nano SIM |
| iPhone SE (2nd generation) | 2020 | Yes | Single eSIM + 1 nano SIM |
| iPhone 12 / 12 mini / 12 Pro / 12 Pro Max | 2020 | Yes | Single eSIM + 1 nano SIM |
| iPhone 13 / 13 mini / 13 Pro / 13 Pro Max | 2021 | Yes | Dual eSIM support — two eSIMs active simultaneously |
| iPhone SE (3rd generation) | 2022 | Yes | Dual eSIM support |
| iPhone 14 / 14 Plus / 14 Pro / 14 Pro Max | 2022 | Yes | US models: eSIM only (no SIM tray). Other markets: dual eSIM + nano SIM |
| iPhone 15 / 15 Plus / 15 Pro / 15 Pro Max | 2023 | Yes | US models: eSIM only. Other markets: dual eSIM + nano SIM |
| iPhone 16 / 16 Plus / 16 Pro / 16 Pro Max | 2024 | Yes | US models: eSIM only. Other markets: dual eSIM + nano SIM |
| iPhone 16e | 2025 | Yes | Replaces SE line. Dual eSIM support |
Key details for iPhone users:
- Dual eSIM support (two eSIMs active at the same time without a physical SIM) started with the iPhone 13 in 2021. On the iPhone XS through iPhone 12, you can use one eSIM alongside one physical nano-SIM.
- iPhone 14 and later (US models) have no physical SIM tray whatsoever. They are eSIM-only devices. International models retain the nano-SIM slot alongside dual eSIM.
- iPhones can store up to 20 eSIM profiles at once, though only two can be active simultaneously (or one eSIM plus one physical SIM on older models).
- To manage your eSIMs, go to Settings > Cellular where you can add, remove, label, and switch between profiles.
iPads with eSIM
All iPads listed below must be the WiFi + Cellular model. WiFi-only iPads do not have eSIM hardware.
| Model | Year | eSIM Support |
|---|---|---|
| iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation and later) | 2018+ | Yes |
| iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later) | 2018+ | Yes |
| iPad Air (3rd generation and later) | 2019+ | Yes |
| iPad (7th generation and later) | 2019+ | Yes |
| iPad mini (5th generation and later) | 2019+ | Yes |
Important: WiFi-only iPad models do not include eSIM. When purchasing an iPad for travel, make sure you select the “WiFi + Cellular” variant. The cellular model typically costs $130-$150 more but gives you eSIM connectivity anywhere.
Apple Watch with eSIM
| Model | eSIM Support | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) | Yes | First Apple Watch with eSIM |
| Apple Watch Series 4-9 (GPS + Cellular) | Yes | Must be cellular model |
| Apple Watch SE 1st & 2nd gen (GPS + Cellular) | Yes | Must be cellular model |
| Apple Watch Ultra / Ultra 2 | Yes | Cellular included on all models |
Limitation for travelers: Apple Watch eSIM is designed to mirror your iPhone’s carrier plan, not to work with third-party travel eSIMs. You typically can’t install an Airalo or Holafly eSIM on an Apple Watch. The watch’s eSIM is for maintaining your existing phone number and data plan on your wrist.
Samsung Devices with eSIM Support
Samsung has included eSIM support in its flagship lineup since 2020, but regional variation is a bigger factor with Samsung than any other manufacturer. A Galaxy S24 purchased in the US from Samsung.com will have full eSIM support, but the same model purchased from a carrier in certain markets might have eSIM disabled at the software level.
Galaxy S Series
| Model | Year | eSIM Support | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galaxy S20 / S20+ / S20 Ultra | 2020 | Yes | First Galaxy S with eSIM. Regional restrictions apply |
| Galaxy S20 FE 5G | 2020 | Yes | 5G version only. LTE-only S20 FE does not support eSIM |
| Galaxy S21 / S21+ / S21 Ultra | 2021 | Yes | Regional restrictions apply |
| Galaxy S22 / S22+ / S22 Ultra | 2022 | Yes | Broader regional availability than S21 |
| Galaxy S23 / S23+ / S23 Ultra | 2023 | Yes | Available in most markets |
| Galaxy S24 / S24+ / S24 Ultra | 2024 | Yes | Widest eSIM availability of any Samsung |
| Galaxy S25 / S25+ / S25 Ultra | 2025 | Yes | eSIM standard across all markets |
Galaxy Note Series
| Model | Year | eSIM Support | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galaxy Note 20 / Note 20 Ultra | 2020 | Yes | Limited to select markets. Last Note series phones |
Galaxy Z Fold Series
| Model | Year | eSIM Support |
|---|---|---|
| Galaxy Z Fold2 | 2020 | Yes |
| Galaxy Z Fold3 | 2021 | Yes |
| Galaxy Z Fold4 | 2022 | Yes |
| Galaxy Z Fold5 | 2023 | Yes |
| Galaxy Z Fold6 | 2024 | Yes |
Galaxy Z Flip Series
| Model | Year | eSIM Support | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galaxy Z Flip (original) | 2020 | Limited | eSIM available in select markets only |
| Galaxy Z Flip3 | 2021 | Yes | Note: Z Flip2 was never released |
| Galaxy Z Flip4 | 2022 | Yes | |
| Galaxy Z Flip5 | 2023 | Yes | |
| Galaxy Z Flip6 | 2024 | Yes |
Galaxy A Series (Budget/Mid-Range)
| Model | Year | eSIM Support | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galaxy A54 5G | 2023 | Limited | Available in select markets only |
| Galaxy A55 5G | 2024 | Limited | Available in select markets only |
Note: The Galaxy A series has very limited eSIM support. Samsung reserves full eSIM functionality primarily for its flagship S and Z series. If you’re buying a budget Samsung phone specifically for travel eSIM use, verify eSIM support for your exact model and market before purchasing.
Samsung Tablets with eSIM
| Model | eSIM Support | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Galaxy Tab S9 5G / Tab S9+ 5G / Tab S9 Ultra 5G | Yes | 5G cellular models only |
| Galaxy Tab S8 5G / Tab S8+ 5G / Tab S8 Ultra 5G | Yes | 5G cellular models only |
WiFi-only Samsung tablets do not support eSIM.
Samsung Galaxy Watch with eSIM
| Model | eSIM Support | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Galaxy Watch4 / Watch4 Classic (LTE) | Yes | Must be LTE model |
| Galaxy Watch5 / Watch5 Pro (LTE) | Yes | Must be LTE model |
| Galaxy Watch6 / Watch6 Classic (LTE) | Yes | Must be LTE model |
| Galaxy Watch Ultra (LTE) | Yes | LTE included |
Like Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch eSIM is tied to your carrier and generally cannot be used with third-party travel eSIM providers.
The Samsung Regional Variation Problem
This is the single biggest gotcha with Samsung eSIM support, and we want to be very clear about it. Samsung manufactures different hardware and software variants of the same phone model for different markets. A Galaxy S24 sold by Samsung.com in the United States has eSIM enabled. The same Galaxy S24 sold by a carrier in India, Russia, or parts of Latin America may have the eSIM feature disabled — either through software restrictions or by using a different hardware configuration without the eSIM chip.
How to verify: Before buying a Samsung phone for eSIM use, check the specific model number (found in Settings > About Phone). Samsung’s US models (ending in “U” or “U1”) and international unlocked models (ending in “B” variants) typically have eSIM. Carrier-specific models vary.
If you purchased a Samsung phone and don’t see the eSIM option in Settings > Connections > SIM Manager, contact Samsung support or your carrier to confirm whether your specific model variant supports eSIM.
Google Pixel Devices with eSIM Support
Google was actually the first major manufacturer to ship eSIM in a consumer smartphone — the Pixel 2 in 2017, one year before Apple’s iPhone XS. However, that early implementation was limited to Google Fi. Since the Pixel 3a, Google has offered full eSIM support compatible with any provider.
Pixel Phones
| Model | Year | eSIM Support | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pixel 2 / 2 XL | 2017 | Very limited | Google Fi only. Not usable with travel eSIM providers |
| Pixel 3 / 3 XL | 2018 | Limited | Primarily Google Fi. Some third-party support but inconsistent |
| Pixel 3a / 3a XL | 2019 | Full support | First Pixels with universal eSIM support |
| Pixel 4 / 4 XL | 2019 | Full support | |
| Pixel 4a | 2020 | Full support | |
| Pixel 4a 5G | 2020 | Full support | |
| Pixel 5 | 2020 | Full support | |
| Pixel 5a 5G | 2021 | Full support | |
| Pixel 6 / 6 Pro | 2021 | Full support | |
| Pixel 6a | 2022 | Full support | |
| Pixel 7 / 7 Pro | 2022 | Full support | |
| Pixel 7a | 2023 | Full support | Excellent budget option for eSIM users |
| Pixel 8 / 8 Pro | 2023 | Full support | |
| Pixel 8a | 2024 | Full support | |
| Pixel 9 / 9 Pro / 9 Pro XL | 2024 | Full support | Dual eSIM support |
| Pixel 9 Pro Fold | 2024 | Full support | Google’s foldable with eSIM |
Why Pixel phones are great for eSIM travelers: Pixel phones purchased directly from the Google Store are always unlocked with full eSIM support. There’s no regional variation problem like Samsung, and no carrier restrictions to worry about. If you buy a Pixel from Google, eSIM just works.
The Pixel 7a and Pixel 8a are particularly noteworthy for budget-conscious travelers — they offer full eSIM support and flagship-level software at roughly half the price of a Pixel 9 Pro.
Google Pixel Watch
| Model | Year | eSIM Support | Notes | |---|---|---| | Pixel Watch (LTE) | 2022 | Yes | Must be LTE model | | Pixel Watch 2 (LTE) | 2023 | Yes | Must be LTE model | | Pixel Watch 3 (LTE) | 2024 | Yes | Must be LTE model |
Like other smartwatches, Pixel Watch eSIM is tied to your mobile carrier and is not compatible with third-party travel eSIM providers.
Other Android Phones with eSIM Support
Beyond Samsung and Google, eSIM support among Android manufacturers is growing but remains inconsistent. Many of these brands offer eSIM only in specific markets or on specific carrier variants. Always verify support for your exact model before relying on eSIM for travel.
Motorola
| Model | Year | eSIM Support | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Razr 5G | 2020 | Yes | |
| Razr (2022) | 2022 | Yes | |
| Razr+ (2023) / Razr (2023) | 2023 | Yes | |
| Razr+ (2024) / Razr (2024) | 2024 | Yes | |
| Edge 40 / Edge 40 Pro | 2023 | Yes | Select markets |
| Edge 50 series | 2024 | Yes | Select markets |
Motorola’s eSIM support is most reliable on the Razr flip phone line. The Edge series has eSIM in some configurations but availability varies by country.
OnePlus
| Model | Year | eSIM Support | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| OnePlus 12 | 2024 | Limited | Available in select markets. China models typically lack eSIM |
| OnePlus 13 | 2025 | Limited | Market-dependent |
OnePlus has been slow to adopt eSIM. Models sold in China and India often lack eSIM support, while global or US variants may include it. Verify before purchasing.
Xiaomi
| Model | Year | eSIM Support | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 13 / 13 Pro | 2023 | Limited | Select markets and carriers only |
| Xiaomi 14 / 14 Pro | 2024 | Limited | Expanding availability |
Xiaomi’s eSIM support is heavily carrier-dependent and primarily available in European markets. Chinese domestic versions generally do not support eSIM from third-party providers.
Oppo
| Model | Year | eSIM Support | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Find X5 Pro | 2022 | Yes | Select markets |
| Find X6 Pro | 2023 | Yes | Select markets |
| Find N2 Flip | 2023 | Yes | |
| Find N3 / Find N3 Flip | 2023 | Yes |
Sony
| Model | Year | eSIM Support | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xperia 1 IV | 2022 | Yes | |
| Xperia 5 IV | 2022 | Yes | |
| Xperia 1 V | 2023 | Yes | |
| Xperia 5 V | 2023 | Yes | |
| Xperia 1 VI | 2024 | Yes |
Sony’s Xperia flagships have had solid eSIM support since 2022, and they tend to be available across most markets.
Nothing
| Model | Year | eSIM Support | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nothing Phone (2) | 2023 | Yes | |
| Nothing Phone (2a) | 2024 | Yes | Budget-friendly option with eSIM |
Nothing phones are a solid choice for eSIM-ready Android users, with reliable support across markets.
Huawei
| Model | Year | eSIM Support | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| P40 / P40 Pro | 2020 | Yes | No Google Play Services |
| Mate 40 Pro | 2020 | Yes | No Google Play Services |
Important warning: Huawei phones manufactured after 2019 do not include Google Play Services due to US trade restrictions. This means you cannot install apps like Airalo or Holafly from the Google Play Store. You would need to sideload APKs or use Huawei’s AppGallery, which has limited availability of travel eSIM apps. We generally do not recommend Huawei phones for travel eSIM use for this reason.
Nokia
| Model | Year | eSIM Support | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nokia X30 5G | 2022 | Yes | Select markets |
| Nokia G60 5G | 2022 | Yes | Select markets |
Nokia’s eSIM support is limited to a few models and not widely available across all markets.
Laptops with eSIM Support
eSIM isn’t just for phones. If your laptop has a built-in cellular modem, it likely supports eSIM — giving you mobile data connectivity without tethering to your phone or hunting for WiFi.
Windows Laptops
| Model | eSIM Support | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Surface Pro 9 (5G) | Yes | Must be the 5G/LTE variant |
| Microsoft Surface Pro X | Yes | Always-connected, ARM-based |
| Microsoft Surface Pro 10 (5G) | Yes | Must be the 5G variant |
| Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (WWAN) | Yes | Must be WWAN/LTE configuration |
| Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga (WWAN) | Yes | Must be WWAN/LTE configuration |
| HP Elite Dragonfly | Yes | Built-in 5G/LTE modem |
| HP Spectre x360 (5G) | Yes | Must be the cellular variant |
| HP EliteBook 840/860 (WWAN) | Yes | Must be WWAN configuration |
| Dell Latitude 5340/5540/7340 (WWAN) | Yes | Must be WWAN configuration |
| Dell Latitude 9440 (WWAN) | Yes | Must be WWAN configuration |
Key considerations for laptop eSIM:
- You must purchase the cellular/WWAN variant. Most business laptops are offered in both WiFi-only and WiFi + cellular configurations. The cellular variant typically adds $100-$200 to the price.
- Windows 11 has built-in eSIM management. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Cellular > eSIM profiles to add and manage eSIM connections.
- MacBooks do not support eSIM. As of early 2026, no MacBook model includes a cellular modem. For Mac users, the only option for mobile data is tethering from your iPhone or using a portable hotspot.
Chromebooks
Some enterprise Chromebooks with LTE/5G modems support eSIM, but availability is limited and model-specific. If you use a Chromebook for travel, a portable WiFi hotspot or phone tethering is usually a more practical solution.
Smartwatches with eSIM
Several smartwatches include eSIM for cellular connectivity, allowing them to make calls, send messages, and stream music without your phone nearby. However, smartwatch eSIM works very differently from phone eSIM for travelers.
How Smartwatch eSIM Differs from Phone eSIM
Smartwatch eSIM is designed to mirror your existing carrier plan, not to work with third-party travel eSIM providers. When you set up cellular on an Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch, or Pixel Watch, you’re adding your watch to your current carrier’s plan — typically for an extra $10/month.
This means you generally cannot install a travel eSIM from Airalo, Holafly, or similar providers on a smartwatch. The watch’s eSIM is locked to your carrier’s ecosystem.
Smartwatches with eSIM
| Watch | eSIM Support | Carrier Required |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Watch Series 3-9, SE, Ultra (Cellular) | Yes | Yes — must match iPhone carrier |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch4-6, Ultra (LTE) | Yes | Yes — carrier plan required |
| Google Pixel Watch 1-3 (LTE) | Yes | Yes — carrier plan required |
Bottom line for travelers: Smartwatch eSIM is useful for staying connected to your home number while exercising or leaving your phone behind, but it is not a replacement for a phone-based travel eSIM.
What to Do If Your Phone Doesn’t Support eSIM
If your phone isn’t on any of the lists above — or it’s carrier-locked and your carrier won’t unlock it — you still have good options for staying connected while traveling.
Option 1: Buy a Local Physical SIM Card
This is the classic approach and still works perfectly. When you arrive at your destination, head to a mobile carrier shop or airport kiosk and buy a local prepaid SIM. It’s usually cheap (often under $10 for several GB), and it gives you a local phone number. The downsides are the time it takes to find a shop, potential language barriers, and the fact that you have to swap out your home SIM.
Option 2: Use a Portable WiFi Hotspot
Pocket WiFi devices (like the GL.iNet Beryl or Peplink routers) accept a physical SIM card and broadcast a WiFi signal. You connect your phone to the hotspot via WiFi, keeping your physical SIM in your phone for calls and texts. This is a great solution for groups and for people who need connectivity across multiple devices.
Option 3: Upgrade to an eSIM-Compatible Phone
If you’re overdue for a phone upgrade anyway, consider one of these budget-friendly eSIM-compatible options:
- Google Pixel 7a (~$350) — Full eSIM support, excellent camera, pure Android experience. One of the best value eSIM phones available.
- Google Pixel 8a (~$400) — Newer chip, 7 years of software updates, full eSIM support.
- iPhone SE 3rd gen / iPhone 16e (~$429-$499) — Full iOS experience with eSIM support at Apple’s lowest price point.
- Samsung Galaxy A54 5G (~$300) — Budget Samsung with eSIM in select markets. Verify eSIM support for your region before buying.
- Nothing Phone (2a) (~$300) — Unique design, solid specs, reliable eSIM support.
Option 4: eSIM Adapter (Last Resort)
Products like the eSIM.me card are physical SIM cards with embedded eSIM functionality — you insert the adapter into your phone’s SIM tray and it can download eSIM profiles. This is a niche solution with limitations (slower setup, compatibility issues, added cost), and we only recommend it if none of the above options work for your situation.
Best eSIM Providers for Compatible Phones
If you’ve confirmed your phone supports eSIM and it’s carrier-unlocked, the next step is choosing an eSIM provider. We’ve tested over a dozen providers across 20+ countries, and these are our top three recommendations for travelers in 2026.
Airalo — Best Overall
Airalo is the world’s largest eSIM marketplace, covering 200+ countries and regions with local, regional, and global plans. Prices start at $4.50 for 1GB, and the app makes setup painless — you can browse plans, purchase, and install your eSIM in under 5 minutes. It’s the provider we recommend to first-time eSIM users.
Browse Airalo Plans -- From $4.50Holafly — Best for Unlimited Data
Holafly is the top choice if you’re a heavy data user. They’re the only major travel eSIM provider offering truly unlimited data plans — no throttling, no caps. Coverage spans 180+ destinations, and daily pricing makes it easy to match your plan to your trip length. If you stream video, take lots of video calls, or just don’t want to think about data limits, Holafly is the answer.
Get Holafly -- Unlimited DataSaily — Best Budget Option
Saily is built by Nord Security (the company behind NordVPN) and consistently offers some of the lowest eSIM prices on the market — typically 10-20% cheaper than Airalo across most destinations. With 150+ countries covered and a clean, minimal app, Saily is ideal for budget-conscious travelers who want reliable connectivity without paying more than necessary.
Try Saily -- Lowest PricesFor a detailed comparison with speed test data, pricing tables, and our full testing methodology, read our Best eSIM Providers 2026 guide.
Already picked a provider? Head over to our How to Activate an eSIM guide for step-by-step setup instructions on iPhone, Samsung, and Pixel devices.
Quick Reference: eSIM Support by Brand
Here’s a summary table you can use to quickly check whether your device brand and model era supports eSIM.
| Brand | eSIM Support Starts | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone | 2018 (iPhone XS/XR) | All models from 2018+. US iPhone 14+ are eSIM-only |
| Apple iPad | 2018 (iPad Pro 3rd gen) | WiFi + Cellular models only |
| Apple Watch | 2017 (Series 3) | Cellular models only. Carrier-tied, not for travel eSIMs |
| Samsung Galaxy S | 2020 (Galaxy S20) | Regional variation — verify your model |
| Samsung Galaxy Z | 2020 (Z Fold2, Z Flip) | Most models worldwide |
| Samsung Galaxy A | 2023 (A54 5G) | Very limited markets |
| Google Pixel | 2017 (Pixel 2, Fi only) | Full third-party support from Pixel 3a (2019) onward |
| Motorola | 2020 (Razr 5G) | Razr line reliable; Edge series varies |
| OnePlus | 2024 (OnePlus 12) | Very limited markets |
| Xiaomi | 2023 (Xiaomi 13) | Carrier and market dependent |
| Oppo | 2022 (Find X5 Pro) | Select models and markets |
| Sony | 2022 (Xperia 1 IV) | Flagship models |
| Nothing | 2023 (Phone 2) | Reliable support |
| Huawei | 2020 (P40) | No Google Play Services — not recommended for travel eSIM |
| Windows Laptops | Varies | Must be WWAN/cellular configuration |
| MacBooks | Not supported | No cellular modem in any MacBook |
Tips for Buying an eSIM-Compatible Phone
If you’re shopping for a new phone with travel eSIM use in mind, keep these tips in mind:
-
Buy unlocked from the manufacturer. This is the single best way to ensure full eSIM support. Carrier-purchased phones may have eSIM locked or disabled. Apple Store, Google Store, and Samsung.com sell unlocked devices directly.
-
Check the exact model variant. Samsung in particular sells different hardware variants by region. Look up the model number (e.g., SM-S921U for US Galaxy S24) and verify eSIM support for that specific variant.
-
Google Pixel is the safest bet on Android. Every Pixel from the 3a onward has full, unrestricted eSIM support when purchased from Google. No regional games, no carrier locks.
-
For Apple users, any iPhone from 2018 onward works. The iPhone ecosystem is consistent — if it’s an iPhone XS or newer, eSIM works.
-
Consider the dual SIM setup. The ideal travel phone has both a physical SIM slot and eSIM. This lets you keep your home SIM for calls/texts while using an eSIM for local data. iPhone 14+ in the US lacks a physical SIM slot, so you’ll use dual eSIM instead — which works fine, but requires your home carrier to support eSIM as well.
-
Budget pick: The Google Pixel 7a or Nothing Phone (2a) offer the best eSIM experience under $400.
-
Premium pick: The iPhone 16 Pro or Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra offer the most versatile eSIM experience with dual eSIM and the best network performance.
Keeping This List Updated
eSIM compatibility evolves with every new phone release. We update this list whenever major manufacturers announce new devices, and we verify eSIM functionality through hands-on testing when possible. If you notice a device that’s missing from this list or have firsthand experience with eSIM on a model we haven’t covered, we’d love to hear about it.
Last verified: February 2026
For more eSIM guides, check out our eSIM resource hub — including our complete What Is an eSIM? explainer, How to Activate an eSIM step-by-step tutorial, and Best eSIM Providers 2026 comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check if my phone supports eSIM?
On iPhone, go to Settings > General > About and look for 'Available SIM' or 'Digital SIM'. On Android, go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs and look for an option to add an eSIM. You can also dial *#06# on most phones -- if an EID (Embedded Identity Document) number appears, your phone supports eSIM.
Do all iPhones support eSIM?
No. eSIM support starts with iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR (2018). All iPhones from 2018 onward support eSIM, including the SE (2nd generation and later). The iPhone 14 and later models sold in the US have no physical SIM tray at all -- they are eSIM only.
Do Samsung phones support eSIM?
Most Samsung flagship phones released from 2020 onward support eSIM, including the Galaxy S20 and later, Galaxy Z Fold2 and later, and Galaxy Z Flip and later. Note that eSIM support can vary by region and carrier -- some carrier-locked Samsung phones have eSIM disabled. Always check with your carrier if unsure.
Does my phone need to be unlocked to use an eSIM?
Yes. Your phone must be carrier-unlocked to use a third-party eSIM from providers like Airalo or Holafly. If you purchased your phone through a carrier on a payment plan, contact them to request an unlock once your device is paid off. Phones purchased outright or from the manufacturer directly are typically already unlocked.
Can I use eSIM on a carrier-locked phone?
Generally no. Carrier-locked phones restrict which SIMs and eSIMs can be used. Even if your phone has eSIM hardware, the carrier lock may prevent you from activating a third-party eSIM. You must unlock your phone first. Contact your carrier to request an unlock.
Do Google Pixel phones support eSIM?
Yes. All Google Pixel phones from the Pixel 2 onward support eSIM. The Pixel 2 and 3 had limited eSIM support (Google Fi only), but the Pixel 3a and all later models support eSIM from any compatible provider.
Can I use eSIM on a tablet or laptop?
Yes. Many iPads (2018 and later), some Windows laptops with cellular modems, and certain Android tablets support eSIM. The iPad Pro, iPad Air, and iPad mini all support eSIM. Windows devices with Qualcomm Snapdragon processors and built-in LTE/5G modems typically support eSIM.
Will eSIM work on my older phone?
Phones released before 2018 generally do not support eSIM. The technology started appearing in consumer devices with the iPhone XS and Google Pixel 2 in 2017-2018. If your phone is from 2017 or earlier, you will need to use a physical SIM card for travel data.