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eSIM Compatible Phones: Check Your Phone Before You Buy

Before you buy a travel eSIM, check that your phone supports eSIM and is network unlocked. Search the list below for your model, then confirm with the quick EID check. Some models are sold in versions without eSIM, so the EID check on your own phone is the final word.

The quickest check: dial *#06#

Open your phone app and dial *#06#. If you see a number labelled EID, your phone has an eSIM chip. If you only see IMEI numbers, your phone most likely does not support eSIM.

On an iPhone you can also go to Settings, General, About and scroll down to find the EID. On Android, look under Settings, About phone, Status or SIM status.

Make sure your phone is unlocked

A phone that is locked to one network will not accept another network's eSIM. Phones bought outright are usually unlocked. Contract phones from South African networks may be locked, so check with your network before you travel. On an iPhone, go to Settings, General, About and look for No SIM restrictions next to Network Provider Lock.

Brands with eSIM support

Apple has supported eSIM since the iPhone XS and XR. Samsung added it to the Galaxy S20 series and later flagships, the Note20 and the foldable Z Fold and Z Flip phones. Google Pixel phones have supported eSIM since the Pixel 3. Huawei, Oppo, Xiaomi and Motorola support eSIM on selected models only.

Regional versions matter. Some phones sold in certain countries, including some models sold in mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau, ship without eSIM. Mid-range Android phones often lack eSIM even when the flagship version has it.

What to do if your phone is not compatible

If your phone does not support eSIM, a travel eSIM will not work on it. You can use roaming on your South African SIM, buy a physical SIM at your destination or travel with a second phone that supports eSIM. Message us on WhatsApp if you are unsure, and we will help you check before you pay.

Search eSIM compatible phones

Apple iPhone

Samsung Galaxy

Google Pixel

Huawei

Oppo

Xiaomi

Motorola

Questions

How do I check if my phone supports eSIM?
Dial *#06#. If an EID number appears, your phone supports eSIM. You can also look for Add eSIM in your mobile or SIM settings.
What is an EID?
The EID (eUICC identifier) is the unique number of the eSIM chip in your phone. If your phone shows an EID, it has an eSIM chip.
Does my phone need to be unlocked?
Yes. A phone locked to one network will not accept a travel eSIM. Check with your network if your phone came on a contract.
Which iPhones support eSIM?
iPhone XS, XS Max and XR and every later iPhone, including iPhone SE (2nd generation) and newer, support eSIM. Some models sold in mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau do not.
Do all Samsung phones support eSIM?
No. Galaxy S20 and later S-series flagships, the Note20 and the Z Fold and Z Flip phones support eSIM in most markets. Many A-series phones do not, so check your EID.