eSIM technology represents one of the latest advancements adopted by major mobile device manufacturers like Apple, Samsung, Google, and OnePlus. The first-generation devices utilizing this technology were introduced in 2017 and 2018. These companies, along with network service providers, made the decision to switch to eSIM due to its numerous advantages over the traditional SIM cards that have been in use for decades.
One significant benefit of eSIM is the elimination of the need to physically insert a SIM card into the device, as the SIM technology is integrated directly into the device’s hardware. This convenience allows users to easily change or swap numbers whenever necessary. However, it’s important to note that to use eSIM; your device must be eSIM-compatible. In this article, we will list all the latest updated versions of eSIM compatible phone list.
Tip: To find your device quickly, you can use the “Ctrl + F” function for Windows or “Command + F” for macOS, input the name of your device, and press enter. or Just contact an eSIM provider that you want to try!
List of eSIM-Compatible Apple iPhones
Apple iPhones have gained immense popularity worldwide, with over 1.46 billion users attracted to their excellent features, such as high-quality cameras, privacy and security measures, performance, build quality, and the overall user experience of iOS. In 2018, Apple introduced eSIM technology to their iPhones, streamlining the installation and switching of numbers through a software-based process, making it more convenient for users. Here is a detailed list of iPhone models that support eSIM.
1. iPhone XR
Released in 2018, the iPhone XR was among the first devices to offer dual-SIM support and eSIM technology. It has great features, including the 6.1-inch Liquid Retina display, a single 12-megapixel rear camera, the A12 chip and up to 256GB of storage.
2. iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max
iPhone XS series is also launched in 2018 with dual-SIM and eSIM support. They also have Apple’s A12 chip, up to 512GB of storage, Face ID, and a dual-camera lens.
3. iPhone 11 Series(iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max)
The iPhone 11 models were introduced in 2019, and they all come with eSIM support, the A13 chip, Face ID, and a triple-camera setup for the Pro models and a dual-camera setup for the non-pros.
4. iPhone SE (2nd & 3rd Generation)
The iPhone SE 2nd gen (released in 2020) and the 3rd generation in 2022 support eSIM and also feature Apple’s A13 Bionic and A15 Bionic chips, respectively, Touch ID, a 12-megapixel single rear camera, and a 4.7-inch Retina display.
5. iPhone 12 Series (iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max)
These were released in 2020, and they also support eSIM technology, an A14 Bionic chip, 5G connectivity, Face ID, and a dual-camera setup and a triple-camera setup, respectively.
6. iPhone 13 Series (iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Mini, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max)
All the iPhone 13 models support eSIM and are equipped with the A15 Bionic chip, 5G connectivity, Face ID, and a dual-camera system (for iPhone 13 and 13 Mini) or a triple-camera system for the pro models.
7. iPhone 14 Series (iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max)
All the iPhone 14 models (released in 2022) support eSIM and feature Apple’s A15 Bionic chip (14 and 14 Plus), A16 for the pro models, 5G connectivity, and Face ID. They also feature a duo and triple camera setup, respectively.
8. iPhone 15 Series (Released in mid-September 2023)
The brand new Apple iPhone 15 series continues the trend of supporting eSIM technology, along with many other year-over-year improvements. Some of the rumored improvements include the introduction of USB-C, a titanium frame for the pro models, thinner bezels, and a more powerful A17 chip.
iPhones that don’t support eSIM
- All carrier-locked iPhones only support eSIM for the carrier they are locked to.
- All the iPhones(including newer models) sold in Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macao. However, some models from Hong Kong and Macao (iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone SE 2nd and 3rd generation, and iPhone XS) do support eSIM.
- All iPhones that were released before 2018.
How to check if your iPhone supports eSIM
To ensure your iPhone is unlocked, go to Settings>General>About and scroll down to find “Network Provider Lock” settings and look closely to see it says “No SIM restrictions” to use SIMs from other carriers.
To verify that your iPhone supports eSIM, go to Settings>Cellular or Mobile Data and see if you have an “Add eSIM” button or “Add Cellular Plan” button to add a secondary eSIM.
List of eSIM-Compatible Samsung Android Phones
As of 2023, Samsung continues to dominate the Android phone market, particularly in the US and Europe. People love Samsung phones due to their impressive features, which include top-notch cameras, excellent build quality, stunning displays, and much more. The first-generation devices with eSIM support were introduced in 2019. Consequently, all Samsung phones released after 2019 now come with eSIM capabilities, simplifying the process of installing and switching SIM cards. Below is a full list of Samsung phone models that support eSIM
1. Samsung Galaxy S20 Series
All the Galaxy S20 series, including the S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra, feature eSIM support. They also come with impressive features such as 120Hz refresh rate displays (ranging from 6.1-inch to 6.9-inch), 5G connectivity, multi-camera systems, and powerful Snapdragon 865 or Exynos 990 chips.
2. Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Series
These include the Galaxy Note 20, Note 20 Plus, and Note 20 Ultra, all supporting eSIM. These devices came with best-in-class features, including 120Hz refresh rate displays, 5G connectivity, multi-camera systems, and powerful Snapdragon 865 Plus or Exynos 990 chips.
3. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Series
The Z Fold series has five generations, including Z Fold 1, 2, 3, 4, and the latest Z Fold 5. All these models support eSIM technology and come with 5G connectivity, triple-camera lens and flagship Snapdragon and Exynos chips.
4. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip Series
These are Samsung’s best-selling foldable, and they also have five generations, including Z Flip 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, all supporting eSIM. These devices also offer excellent features like a dual-camera system, 5G connectivity, and flagship chips for smooth performance.
5. Samsung Galaxy S21 Series
Launched in 2021, the Galaxy S21 Series includes the Galaxy S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra. All these devices support eSIM and feature 120Hz refresh rate displays, 5G connectivity, multi-camera systems, and powerful Snapdragon 888 or Exynos 2100 chips.
6. Samsung Galaxy S22 Series
The S22 series were released in 2022, and they include the Galaxy S22, S22+, and S22 Ultra. They all support eSIM and have top-end features, including 120Hz refresh rate displays, 5G connectivity, multi-camera setups, and the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip and Exynos 2200 chips.
7. Samsung Galaxy S23 Series
These were introduced in February 2023, and they include the Galaxy S23, S23+, and S23 Ultra, all equipped with eSIM and dual SIM support. These phones have high-end features such as 120Hz refresh rate displays, 5G connectivity, multi-camera systems, and the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip.
Samsung Phones that Don’t Support eSIM
While most Samsung phones released after 2019 support eSIM, there are some exceptions. The following Samsung models do not have eSIM capabilities or have certain limitations:
- Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 4G/5G
- Samsung S20/S21 (USA and Canada versions)
- Galaxy Z Flip 5G (USA and Canada versions)
- Samsung Note 20 Ultra (USA and Hong Kong versions)
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 (Versions from the US and Hong Kong)
- All Samsung S20 FE/S21 FE models
- All South Korean versions of Samsung devices before 2022
- Most Samsung phones released before 2019, including the Samsung Galaxy Note 9, Note 10, Note 10+, S10, S10e, S10 Lite or S10+, S9 or S9+, S8 or S8+, S7, and all earlier devices.
How to check if your Samsung Phone Supports eSIM
You need to first confirm that your phone is not carrier-locked by going to your Settings>About Phone, tap Status and then check if it says “Unlocked” in Network lock status.
To determine if your device supports eSIM, go to Settings>SIM Card Manager and look for an “Add Mobile plan” button. If you find it, you can use a secondary eSIM with your Samsung phone.
List of eSIM-Compatible Google Android Phones
Over the years, Google Pixel phones have been loved by tech enthusiasts seeking a top-notch software experience and best-in-class cameras. However, they have also gained widespread popularity among mainstream consumers, particularly in the USA and Canada. Google was an early adopter of eSIM technology back in 2017, allowing Google Pixel users to install and switch SIMs effortlessly.These are the Google Pixel phones that support eSIM:
1. Google Pixel 2 series (Google Pixel 2, Google Pixel 2 XL)
Released in 2017, the Google Pixel 2 series were among the very first devices to support eSIM. These devices also had great specs, including a 12-megapixel camera with advanced photo features, Google Lens and Assistant integration, and Snapdragon 835 processor.
2. Google Pixel 3 Series (Google Pixel 3, Google Pixel 3 XL, Google Pixel 3a, Google Pixel 3a XL)
These came out in 2018 and 2019, respectively. All of these models include eSIM support and have high-end features such as a 12.2-megapixel camera with advanced AI-based features and Snapdragon 845 processors for the Pixel 3 and 3 XL. The Pixel 3a and 3a XL provide more budget-friendly options with a 12.2-megapixel camera, Google Assistant integration, and Snapdragon 670 processors.
3. Google Pixel 4 Series (Google Pixel 4, Google Pixel 4a, Google Pixel 4 XL)
These devices were released in late 2019 and early 2020, respectively, all with eSIM support. They also had top features, including a 90Hz refresh rate display, advanced facial recognition technology, a dual-camera system, and the Snapdragon 855 processor and Snapdragon 730G (a-series).
4. Google Pixel 5 Series (Google Pixel 5, Google Pixel 5a)
The Pixel 5 and 5a were released in 2020 and 2021, respectively. These devices support eSIM and feature top-end specs like 5G connectivity, a dual-camera system (single camera for the 5a), and a Snapdragon 765G processor (for the Pixel 5) and Snapdragon 765G chip (for the 5a model).
5. Google Pixel 6 Series (Google Pixel 6, Google Pixel 6 Pro, Google Pixel 6a)
The Pixel 6 and 6 Pro were released in 2021, and the 6a, which was released in 2022, all support eSIM. They also feature high-end specs, including the Google Tensor chip, dual and triple-camera setups, and 5G connectivity.
6. Google Pixel 7 Series (Google Pixel 7, Google Pixel 7 Pro, and Google Pixel 7a)
Released in 2022 and 2023, respectively, the Pixel 7, 7 Pro, and 7a support several other specs, including the Google Tensor Gen 2 chip, dual and triple-camera setups, and 5G connectivity.
7. Google Pixel 8 Series (Released in October 2023)
The Google Pixel 8 devices are anticipated to launch later this year (October) and also support eSIM like the previous models. These devices have Google’s Tensor 3 chip and other flagship specifications. Also they are built with AI at the center for the perfect user experience.
Google Pixel Devices that Don’t Support eSIM
Even though most Google Pixel phones released after 2017 support eSIM, some exceptions do not have eSIM capabilities or have certain limitations. These include:
- Carrier-locked Google Pixel devices and all other devices that use international data service. These support only the eSIM of the carrier they’re locked to.
- Google Pixel 3 series models in Australia, Taiwan, and Japan and those bought with service from US or Canadian carriers other than Sprint and Google Fi.
- Google Pixel 3 series sold in South East Asia with Verizon carrier
- Google Pixel and XL, Google Pixel 2 and 2XL (except Google Fi).
- All Google Pixel phones that were released before 2017.
How to Check if Your Google Pixel Supports eSIM
- To ensure your Google Pixel is carrier-unlocked, go to Settings>Connections>Network and Internet>Mobile network. Tap ‘Choose network’ or ‘Automatically select network’. If your phone shows several available networks, it’s unlocked.
- To check if your device supports eSIM support, go to Settings>Network & Internet>Mobile network. You should then tap Operator>Add Operator >”Don’t have a SIM card?”>Next. If you can scan the QR code, you are able to use eSIM with your device.
Final thoughts
This article has explored all the devices from major brands that support eSIM. If your device is among the ones listed above, you can easily install an eSIM by contacting your carrier to get the installation details. Typically, they will send you a QR Code that you can scan to begin the activation process. If you own an iPhone, a Samsung, or a Google Pixel that doesn’t appear on the list above, then you may consider upgrading to one of the newer devices to enjoy the benefits of eSIM.
Recommendations: Fortunately, most of the major carriers support eSIM and offer affordable data plans. If you plan to travel to the USA soon, you can check out ESIM USA for some affordable eSIM data plans.
Frequently asked questions about eSIM compatible phones
Here are common questions people ask about eSIM-compatible devices.
What phones are compatible with eSIMs?
Most recent phones (released after 2017 and 2018) from major brands, such as Apple, Samsung, and Google, are compatible with eSIM technology.
Is my phone eSIM-compatible?
You can determine if your phone is eSIM compatible by going to your phone’s settings, looking for the SIM card section, and checking if there’s an option to add or activate an eSIM.
Which phone company supports eSIM?
Most major phone companies, including Google, Samsung, Apple, Oppo, Nothing, and many more, now support eSIM technology, allowing users to activate and use eSIMs on their devices.
How do I know if my SIM is eSIM compatible?
To determine if your SIM is eSIM compatible, you can contact your mobile carrier or refer to your phone manufacturer’s website to check the specs of the device.
What Android phones can use eSIM?
Many Android phones from popular manufacturers like Samsung, Google, Oppo, Xiaomi, and others offer eSIM support, including various models released after 2017.
Do all iPhones accept eSIM?
All iPhone models released in 2018 and later support eSIM functionality, allowing users to use an eSIM on top of a physical SIM card.