How do I Know if my Phone is eSIM Compatible?

eSIM phone plans are an exciting new way to use your phone and are popular among wireless providers. Switching to an eSIM phone plan is fast and easy. The main limiting factor is your phone. It is crucial to check your phone’s eSIM compatibility before looking for a new phone plan. This article features a list of all eSIM-compatible phones, how to manually check if your phone is eSIM compatible, and some of our favorite devices on the market. 

List of eSIM Compatible Phones

eSIM Compatible iPhones

• iPhone XR
• iPhone XS
• iPhone XS Max
• iPhone 11
• iPhone 11 Pro
• iPhone SE 2 (2020)
• iPhone 12
• iPhone 12 Mini
• iPhone 12 Pro
• iPhone 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 13
• iPhone 13 Mini
• iPhone 13 Pro
• iPhone 13 Pro Max
• iPhone SE 3 (2022)
• iPhone 14
• iPhone 14 Plus
• iPhone 14 Pro
• iPhone 14 Pro Max

eSIM Compatible Apple Tablets

• iPad Pro 11″ (model A2068, from 2020)
• iPad Pro 12.9″ (model A2069, from 2020)
• iPad Air (model A2123, from 2019)
• iPad (model A2198, from 2019)
• iPad Mini (model A2124, from 2019)

eSIM Compatible Samsung Phones

• Samsung Galaxy A54
• Samsung Galaxy S20
• Samsung Galaxy S20+
• Samsung Galaxy S20+ 5g
• Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra
• Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G
• Samsung Galaxy S21
• Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G
• Samsung Galaxy S21+ Ultra 5G
• Samsung Galaxy S22
• Samsung Galaxy S22+
• Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
• Samsung Galaxy Note 20
• Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G 
• Samsung Galaxy Fold
• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G
• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G
• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4
• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip
• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G
• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4
• Samsung Galaxy S23
• Samsung Galaxy S23+
• Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

eSIM Compatible Google Phones

• Google Pixel 2 (only phones bought with Google Fi service)
• Google Pixel 2 XL
• Google Pixel 3 (Only phones bought with Google Fi or Spring service)
• Google Pixel 3 XL
• Google Pixel 3a
• Google Pixel 3a XL
• Google Pixel 4
• Google Pixel 4a
• Google Pixel 4 XL
• Google Pixel 5
• Google Pixel 5a
• Google Pixel 6
• Google pixel 6a
• Google Pixel 6 Pro
• Google Pixel 7
• Google Pixel 7 Pro

eSIM Compatible Misc. Android Phones

• Motorola Razr 2019
• Motorola Razr 5G
• Gemini PDA
• Rakuten Mini
• Rakuten Big-S
• Rakuten Big
• Rakuten Hand
• Rakuten Hand 5G
• Sony Xperia 10 III Lite
• Sony Xperia 10 IV
• Xperia 1 IV
• Sony Xperia 5 IV
• Surface Pro X
• Honor Magic 4 Pro
• Fairphone 4
• Sharp Aquos Sense6s
• Sharp Aquos Wish
• Xiaomi 12T Pro
• DOOGEE V30

How to Manually Check if Your Phone is eSIM Compatible

If you see your phone on the list above, double-check to make sure it can use an eSIM phone plan. eSIM phone plans are a great way to pick a new carrier and quickly change phone plans. Even if your phone is eSIM compatible, you can't change to another carrier if it is locked to your current carrier. Manually checking will inform you whether your phone can add an eSIM plan. 

Let’s get into how to check whether or not your phone is eSIM compatible. This section will cover the following makes and how to check if they are open to a new eSIM phone plan, as well as a quick discussion about locked phones. 

• iPhone
• Samsung
• Google Pixel
• Motorola
• Xiaomi

Is Your Phone Locked? 

If your phone is locked, you cannot add a plan from a different carrier. Locked phones do not allow you to change carriers; this manual check shows whether your phone can add a new eSIM plan. 

In this section, we will discuss the state of your phone and how to unlock your phone when you need to. When you purchase a phone from a carrier, that phone comes to you locked. Carriers sell locked phones to discourage customers from taking advantage of device deals. A major wireless carrier may give a new smartphone at a much-discounted rate to a new customer with a trade-in. Because that phone is locked, the customer can’t leave the company immediately, taking that new phone elsewhere. 

While the exact requirements to unlock your phone differ from carrier to carrier, they follow the same general criteria, which are as follows: 

• Your phone must be paid off
• A set amount of time has passed
• You must have purchased it from the carrier
• It is not claimed as lost or stolen
• Your account is in good standing

The main difference from carrier to carrier is whether or not they unlock it automatically after a certain time. Verizon, for instance, will automatically unlock phones after all the criteria are met, while AT&T requires a device unlock request before they unlock the device. To check if your phone is unlocked, go into your settings and, if you have an iPhone, go to cellular and cellular data. If you see “Cellular Data Options,'' your phone is unlocked. For Android phones, go to settings and mobile networks. If you see network operators, then your phone is unlocked. 

If you don’t see that, it means your phone is likely still locked, and you cannot add a cell phone plan from a new carrier. The two common factors locking your phone are the time you purchased it and paid it off in full. Your phone is locked if you are in the middle of a payment plan. The unlocking process may take some time, so it’s always good to unlock your phone as fast as possible to open up the option of adding a new eSIM phone plan. Now, let’s talk about manually checking if your phone is eSIM compatible. 

How to Check eSIM on iPhone

You can check your iPhone’s eSIM compatibility through the Cellular subsection of settings. If your phone is eSIM compatible, you should see an “add eSIM” option within the menu. After this, you can scan a QR code or transfer it from a nearby iPhone.

How to Check eSIM on Samsung

Samsung devices also have an impressive list of eSIM-compatible devices. To verify that your device does indeed support an eSIM phone plan, follow these menus:

• Settings
• Connections
• SIM card manager
• Add mobile plan

If you see “add mobile plan,” your device should support eSIM phone plans. 

How to Check eSIM on Google Pixel

Checking whether your device is compatible is a simple task on Google Pixel devices. Follow these steps:

• Go to settings
• Networks and Internet
• Advanced
• Add Operator
• Scan QR code

If you can navigate these menus, then your device is eSIM compatible.

How to Check eSIM on Motorola

Easy! Through settings, you should follow these steps:

• Advanced
• Carrier
• Add Carrier

You are good to go if you see the screen to scan a QR code! 

How to Check eSIM on Xiaomi

You may not have heard about Xiaomi phones in your travels, but they are a great company that provides value smartphones. Xiaomi phones exist in both a budget and more expensive range, letting users pick between phones at various price points. Many of their inexpensive phones are considered the best budget phones on the market. 

Xiaomi has few eSIM-compatible devices, but their 12T Pro is eSIM compatible and a strong smartphone. There is talk of their new models switching to eSIM compatibility as well, so if you are interested in one of their devices and can wait for the new line, you will have many more options from which to choose.

It’s Time for a New Phone: Which Do You Choose?

If you have a device you like and plan on switching your account from physical SIM to eSIM or a new carrier, you don’t need a new phone just yet. If you are ready for a new device, this section is for you! We will highlight some of our favorite eSIM-compatible phones at several price points, but before that, we will discuss some factors that go into choosing a new device. 

Why are Cell Phones so Expensive?

A quick perusal of a cell phone store will reveal dizzying prices. Flagship phone models approach $1,000 for the device, and the souped-up versions of those devices surpass the thousand-dollar mark. Spending that much money on a device is understandably daunting. It begs the question: why are cell phones so expensive? 

This question is a complicated one. The general trend is that new cell phones are getting more powerful and complex, with more expensive hardware and manufacturing costs. That, coupled with the continued demand from consumers willing to buy expensive devices, keep the wheels turning with devices getting more expensive. 

The newest models of eSIM-compatible cell phones are expensive with a powerful suite of features, including powerful batteries, cameras, and processors. 

• Battery. New phones have stronger and stronger batteries. The general trend is to give phones as much battery life as possible. There is an interesting factor in the total battery life. New, more powerful phones use more energy, draining batteries faster. Manufacturers race to stay ahead and increase phone battery life, but the increase in battery power is not the only factor in the total life of the phone.
• Camera. New phone cameras are nuts. Multiple high-power lenses create new ways to take pictures and high-quality pictures akin to cameras. You will receive an incredible camera if you purchase a flagship phone from a major cell phone provider. This makes new phones optimal for people who take many pictures on their phones for personal or social media purposes. The cost of the camera heightens the cost of the phone significantly.  
• Processor. This is the third factor of the trio making phones more expensive. The processors in new phones pack a serious punch, letting those phones accomplish a lot. New phones have new features and exciting capabilities, but you pay for them. 

If you looked at these three factors and thought, “Well, I don’t use my phone that much,” then you may be in a good spot to look for some less expensive phones. We’ll highlight some older models you can purchase in used condition and the Apple iPhone SE, which is a refreshing departure from the new iPhone look. 

iPhone 13

Price:  $730

Apple’s iPhone 13 series is a fantastic choice for an eSIM phone. iPhones are prevalent, and iMessage access allows quick and efficient communication with all Apple devices. The iPhone 13 features a strong camera, processor, and battery, making it a phone for high-tier users who want to save a bit relative to the series 14. 

iPhone SE (3rd Gen)

Price: $450

The iPhone SE (3rd Gen) is affordable for a great new Apple device with eSIM capability. This model comes without the bells and whistles that many of the other new phones have, but it more than makes up for it with the low price point relative to the other devices on Apple’s roster. 

Samsung Galaxy S21 Series

Price: $625

The S21 series is amazing. Its features resemble the S22s with a camera and processor that are not quite as advanced. While the S22 nets you an upgrade, the price point of the S21 is an excellent choice for phone users. 

Google Pixel 7

Price: $600

The Google Pixel 7 is a fantastic new phone with a lot of storage and access to the latest and greatest that Google can put on the table. This is an amazing phone; our favorite feature is the advanced photo editing available through the device. This is another excellent choice for an eSIM phone if you are looking for a new phone that is more affordable than the new devices from Samsung or Apple. 

Google Pixel 3a

Price (Refurbished): $100

The price on this one changes greatly depending on the sale you get and where you look to purchase it. Right now on Amazon, the Google Pixel 3a is around $100 and a very affordable way to get an eSIM-compatible phone. Refurbished phones are an excellent secondary market for people who would rather save big on their phones than get one of the new devices. 

Key Takeaways

Fortunately, checking your phone’s eSIM compatibility is as easy as searching for the model in our list of eSIM-compatible phones. For further proof, you can manually check through your phone’s settings or purchase a new device altogether! Many excellent phones are on the market, and we hope our short list of eSIM-compatible phones helped you choose. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add eSIM to my phone? 

You can add a new account if your phone is eSIM compatible and unlocked. 

How do I know if my iPhone can use eSIM?

If your phone is on the above list, you can use an eSIM phone plan. If you want to check manually, you can check your phone’s eSIM compatibility here. 

Why doesn’t my device support eSIM?

Carriers can lock eSIM capability if your phone is still locked. Your plan with that carrier can use eSIM, but your phone won’t show new line possibilities unless it is 

Does my phone need to be unlocked to use eSIM?

Not necessarily. Purchasing your phone directly from a carrier does not need to be unlocked to use eSIM. However, eSIM phones are often dual-SIM compatible, and your phone needs to be unlocked to add another account on the device. 

Is the Samsung Galaxy S10 eSIM compatible? 

The Samsung Galaxy 10 is not eSIM compatible. 

Is the iPhone 10 eSIM compatible? 

The base iPhone 10 model is not eSIM compatible, but both the iPhone XS and XR are eSIM compatible. 

Is eSIM available for all phones? 

No. There are a lot of older models of phones that only support physical SIM, as well as newer models from smaller phone manufacturers. The number of phones with eSIM compatibility will likely increase over the next couple of years until just about every phone on the market has eSIM compatibility. 

How do I know if my phone is eSIM compatible?

Check out our full list here to see which phones have eSIM. On top of that, there are ways to look at eSIM compatibility within your device. While it depends on the model of your device, looking into your settings is another way to discern whether or not your phone is eSIM compatible. 

How much does the eSIM cost? 

Nothing! No fees are associated with activating an eSIM phone plan on any carrier. 

Does eSIM give a better signal? 

The SIM card does not affect your device's internet speeds or cellular reception. eSIMs share serious similarities with SIM cards, so you should not expect a change in the quality of service when changing from one to the other.