{
  "id": 19158390,
  "title": "How to tell if your phone supports eSIM",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/09/how-to-tell-if-your-phone-supports-esim",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-11-09T13:15:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Engadget",
    "slug": "engadget",
    "url": "https://www.engadget.com/2306210/how-to-check-esim-compatibility-phone/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Determining whether your phone supports eSIM has become increasingly important in today's digital age. For those planning international trips, eSIMs offer a more convenient alternative to physical SIMs, allowing for seamless activation of carrier plans without the need for a physical nano-SIM card. This digital SIM is built directly into the device, providing the added benefit of running two lines on one phone and streamlining the setup process.\n\nTo ascertain if your phone supports eSIM, the first step is to locate a specific code known as EID. This code's presence serves as a clear indication that your device is equipped to support eSIM functionality. On both iPhone and Android devices, the process to find this code differs slightly based on the operating system.\n\nFor iPhone users, the quickest method involves accessing the Settings, navigating to General, then About, where the EID, a 32-digit number linked to the eSIM chip, will be displayed. Importantly, iPhones starting from the XS model onwards, including the newer models like the iPhone 13, can accommodate eSIMs, with the ability to run two simultaneously on newer versions.\n\nOn the Android side, the process involves going to Settings, then About phone, and looking under the Device details or Status information for the EID. Alternatively, Android users can navigate to Settings, then Network & Internet (or Connections on Samsung phones), and SIM manager to check for the option to add an eSIM. However, it's crucial to note that not all Android phones support eSIM, with the feature's availability varying among different manufacturers and models. For instance, while Google's Pixel 2 and 2 XL had eSIM support since 2017, Motorola and Samsung only introduced it in 2019 and 2020 respectively, with older or budget Android models often lacking this feature entirely.\n\nAnother critical aspect to consider is whether your phone is unlocked, as this determines whether the eSIM will function effectively during international travel. An unlocked device can potentially receive eSIM profiles from any carrier, offering more flexibility for travelers. Conversely, a locked device might still display an EID code, but it might restrict the use of eSIM profiles from other carriers, which could hinder your plans to use a non-locked carrier while abroad.\n\nLastly, it's essential to confirm with your mobile network provider whether they support eSIM activation for your specific device model. Despite the availability of eSIM functionality on many phones, not every carrier has integrated this feature, so verifying compatibility is crucial to ensure a smooth experience during your travels.",
  "summary": "An eSIM can save you money on international trips if your phone supports it. See how to check eSIM compatibility on iPhone and Android in a few steps.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}