Planning an international trip is exciting, but the fear of a massive roaming bill can ruin the fun.
What if the secret to cheap, easy travel data was already built into your phone, just waiting to be activated? Meet the eSIM, the digital-only version of the traditional SIM card.
Think of it like a digital boarding pass versus a paper one, it does the same job of connecting you to a network, but you download it directly to your phone instead of fumbling with a tiny piece of plastic.
This eTravelSim compatibility guide: iPhone & Android supported devices will help you confirm sim compatibility and sim card compatibility in a few quick checks.
Unlike a physical SIM card that forces you to choose between your home number and a travel number, an eSIM works alongside your main SIM. For travelers, this digital approach has three huge advantages:
- Instant Activation: You can buy and install your data plan from home before you even pack your bags.
- Keep Your Home Number: Your primary line stays active for calls and texts while your eSIM handles all the affordable travel data.
- No Tiny Plastic to Lose: There's no need to hunt for a paperclip to pop open your SIM tray or worry about misplacing your main card.
The best part is that this technology isn't a separate product you need to find in a store.
According to industry data, the microchip that powers an eSIM is already built into most phones manufactured in the last few years, including iPhones and major Android models like Samsung and Google Pixel.
It's simply waiting to be used. Here's a quick check to see if your phone is ready. Use this quick sim card guide to verify your setup before you travel.
The First Quick Check: Is Your iPhone Model on the eSIM-Ready List?
Starting with iPhones is easy. The good news is that if you have an iPhone made in the last few years, it almost certainly has the built-in hardware for an eSIM.
Apple began including this "digital SIM" technology back in 2018, so you don't need the latest and greatest model to enjoy the convenience of an eTravelSim.
To find out if your specific model is on the list, just scan for it below. This is the first step in our eTravelSim compatibility guide and the quickest way to know if your device is generally ready.
eSIM-Compatible iPhone Models:
- iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR
- iPhone 11 series (11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max)
- iPhone 12 series (12, 12 Mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max)
- iPhone 13 series (13, 13 Mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max)
- iPhone 14 series (all models)
- iPhone 15 series (all models)
- iPhone SE (2nd generation or newer)
If your iPhone is on this list, that's fantastic news! It means your phone has the necessary technology.
However, there is one more crucial check we need to do. Your phone must also be "unlocked" by your carrier to accept a plan from another provider. Confirming this is the most important step.
Which Android Phones Like Samsung and Google Pixel Support eSIM?
For all the Android users out there, the world of eSIM is just as accessible. While the iPhone list is straightforward, the Android universe is wonderfully diverse, meaning compatibility can vary a bit more.
The good news is that most flagship phones from major brands made in the last few years are ready for an eTravelSim.
Just like with iPhones, the first step is to see if your phone's model series generally supports the technology. This list covers the most common eSIM-ready Androids, but it isn't exhaustive, so don't worry if yours isn't mentioned yet.
- Samsung Galaxy: S20, S21, S22, S23, S24 series (and newer); all Fold and Flip models.
- Google Pixel: 3a, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 series (and newer).
- Other popular models: Many phones from brands like Huawei (P40 and newer), Oppo, and others also include eSIM support.
Here's the one crucial detail for Android phones: the same model can have different features depending on where it was sold.
A Samsung Galaxy S22 bought in Europe might have eSIM, while one sold by a specific carrier in North America might have the feature disabled.
This is why the next step, checking that your phone is unlocked, is the single most important rule for saving money and stress on your trip.
The Most Important Rule: Why Your Phone MUST Be 'Carrier Unlocked'
So, what exactly does it mean for a phone to be "unlocked"? Think of it this way: an unlocked phone is like a Blu-ray player that can play movies from any studio.
A locked phone, on the other hand, is often sold as part of a contract and is set up by a carrier (like Verizon, T-Mobile, etc.) to only use their service.
It's a way for carriers to ensure you stay on their network, at least for a while.
This brings us to the golden rule of SIM compatibility (the golden rule of sim compatibility).
Because an eTravelSim is a plan from a new, international provider, a locked phone is programmed to reject it.
So, can you use an eSIM on a locked phone? The answer is a clear no. The phone's software will block the connection, which is why having an unlocked phone is the most critical requirement for using an international eSIM.
But don't panic if you think your phone might be locked. This is often a temporary situation, especially if your device is still under a payment plan.
The good news is that once your phone is paid off, your home carrier is usually required to unlock it for you.
A quick phone call to their customer service department is typically all it takes to free up your phone for travel. The next step is to find out which category your phone falls into.
How to Check if Your iPhone is Unlocked & Ready (The 60-Second Test)
Ready to see if your iPhone is prepared for an eTravelSim? This is the most important check you can do, and the good news is that it takes less than a minute.
Apple makes it surprisingly simple to find out if your phone is free from carrier restrictions.
Here's the definitive test. Just follow these quick steps on your iPhone:
- Open the Settings app (the gray gear icon).
- Tap on General , then tap About.
- Scroll down until you find the Carrier Lock section.
If you see the magic words "No SIM restrictions," then congratulations! This is Apple's official way of confirming your iPhone is unlocked and 100% ready to accept an eSIM from another provider like eTravelSim.
If it says anything else, like "SIM locked," your phone is likely tied to your current carrier.
Want an even quicker way to confirm your iPhone supports eSIM technology in the first place? Head back to Settings and tap on Cellular .
If you see a button that says "Add eSIM" or "Add Cellular Plan," it means your device is physically capable of using an eSIM. Seeing both this button and the "No SIM restrictions" message is your absolute green light for seamless travel data.
Next, we'll cover the process for Samsung, Google Pixel, and other Android devices.
How to Check Your Android for eSIM & Unlocked Status (The 2-Minute Guide)
Android users, your turn! Because brands like Samsung, Google, and others organize their settings differently, finding the eSIM option isn't a one-size-fits-all process.
However, the goal is always the same: confirming your phone can add a digital SIM and that it's not locked to your home carrier.
Here are the two simplest ways to check:
1. The Settings Menu Check This is the most direct method. You're looking for a menu option that explicitly says "Add eSIM."
- For most Samsung phones: Go to Settings > Connections > SIM manager.
- For Google Pixel phones: Go to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs.
If you see a button that says "+ Add eSIM," you've confirmed your phone has the necessary hardware.
2. The Universal Dialer Code Trick For a quick check that works on nearly any phone, open your dialer app (as if you were making a call) and type in *#06# . A screen showing your phone's ID numbers will instantly pop up. Ignore the other codes and look for a number labeled EID.
That EID is your golden ticket. It's the unique identification number for your phone's built-in eSIM hardware. Seeing an EID on this screen is a surefire sign your device is eSIM-ready.
Paired with being "unlocked" (free from carrier restrictions), you're all set for an eTravelSim. If you couldn't find an "Add eSIM" option or an EID number, there are still excellent options for staying connected abroad.
"My Phone Isn't Compatible"
Your 3 Smart Alternatives for Travel Data
So your phone didn't pass the eSIM compatibility test? Don't worry, you still have fantastic, budget-friendly options for staying connected on your trip. Often, a phone isn't ready because it's "carrier-locked." It's worth calling your home provider, as they can sometimes unlock it for you for free.
But if your device simply doesn't support eSIMs, you have other choices.
Your most reliable alternative is a physical international SIM card. This works just like the SIM you use now, but it's pre-loaded with affordable data for your destination.
You can order one before your trip and simply swap it with your home SIM card when you land.
This classic solution is a dependable way to get online in almost any unlocked phone and ensures sim card compatibility at your destination.
Another popular choice is a Pocket Wi-Fi device. Imagine a personal, secure Wi-Fi hotspot that fits right in your pocket.
You rent or buy the device, turn it on at your destination, and it broadcasts a Wi-Fi signal.
This is the perfect option if you need to connect multiple devices at once, like your phone, a laptop, and a travel companion's tablet, all without using any mobile data.
Ultimately, being eSIM-ready is just one path to affordable travel data. When it's time for an upgrade, keeping an eye out for the best unlocked phones for international eSIM use will give you maximum flexibility in the future.
For those whose phones did pass the test, a powerful feature you now have access to is Dual SIM.
Dual SIM Power: How to Use Your Home Number and an eSIM at the Same Time
One of the biggest benefits of having an eSIM-compatible phone is a feature called Dual SIM. Think of it as having two phone lines active in one device.
This allows you to keep your primary number for calls and texts while using an affordable eTravelSim for all your mobile data. You get the best of both worlds:
you're reachable on your regular number, but you're not paying outrageous roaming fees for using maps or social media.
Setting this up is simple and takes just a minute. Once your eSIM is activated, your phone will guide you to manage your plans. Here's the ideal setup for travelers:
- Label Your Plans: To avoid confusion, name your home SIM "Primary" and your new eSIM "Travel."
- Set Data Default: Choose your "Travel" eSIM as the default for Cellular Data. All your apps will now use your affordable travel plan for internet access.
- Set Voice Default: Keep your "Primary" line as the Default Voice Line to continue making and receiving calls and texts with your home number.
This clever configuration is the key to stress-free travel. You can browse, post, and navigate using your budget-friendly eSIM data without a second thought.
More importantly, you won't miss important calls or crucial two-factor authentication (2FA) texts from your bank that are sent to your home number.
With your phone now set up for smart travel, you might still have a few questions, so we'll tackle the most common ones next.
Your Top eSIM Questions Answered (Activation, Transfers, and Troubleshooting)
Even after you know your phone is compatible, a few practical questions often come up. The most common one is: how do I actually get the plan onto my phone?
Thankfully, activating an eTravelSim on Android and iPhone is incredibly simple. After your purchase, we email you a QR code.
You just open your phone's camera, scan the code, and tap a couple of prompts. It's as easy as scanning a restaurant menu; your phone handles all the technical steps for you.
You might have seen technical terms like "IMEI" online and worried you'll need to dig through your phone's settings to find it.
Here's the good news: you almost never need to. While your phone's unique IMEI number is used for activation in the background, the simple QR code process takes care of this automatically.
This design prevents most common problems, making installation troubleshooting a rare event. You just scan and go.
Another common concern is what happens if you get a new phone. It's important to understand that most travel eSIMs, including ours, are designed for one-time installation on a single device and cannot be transferred.
While your phone might have a feature for transferring an eSIM to a new iPhone for your primary cell plan, a temporary travel eSIM is meant to live on one device for the duration of your trip.
With easy activation and no need to worry about transfers, the process is designed to be as stress-free as your vacation should be.
These details can be boiled down into one final, simple confirmation. A quick review will ensure you are 100% ready for your trip.
Your 3-Step Checklist to Being eTravelSim Ready
With the exact steps to check your device, you can avoid the stress of surprise roaming fees and the hassle of hunting for a physical SIM card. You have the tools to confidently check your device's readiness yourself.
For total peace of mind, run through this final checklist from our eTravelSim compatibility guide. A 'yes' to each step means you are set for your trip.
STEP 1: PHONE MODEL CHECK. Is your iPhone or Android model on the supported list?
STEP 2: UNLOCKED & eSIM READY. Did you find "No SIM restrictions" and an "Add eSIM" option in your phone's settings?
STEP 3: CONGRATULATIONS! You have confirmed your sim compatibility and are ready for an eTravelSim.
If you checked all the boxes, the hard part is over. You've officially left connection worries behind and can look forward to using your phone the moment you arrive.
Based on eTravelSim reviews and our latest etravel sim review, that instant connectivity is a game-changer.
For additional planning help, consult our sim card guide before checkout. Now for the fun part, head over to our store, pick the data plan for your destination, and start counting down to your adventure.
Frequently Asked Question:
Which phones support eSIM for eTravelSim?
Answer: Most recent iPhones and many flagship Androids do. iPhone models from XS/XR onward (including all iPhone 11 - 15 series and SE 2nd gen or newer) support eSIM. On Android, Samsung Galaxy S20-S24 series (and newer), all Fold/Flip models, Google Pixel 3a - 8 series (and newer), and many Huawei (P40+), Oppo, and other recent models include eSIM. Note that some Android variants may have eSIM disabled depending on the country or carrier that sold the phone.
How do I check if my phone is eSIM-ready and unlocked?
Answer: On iPhone, go to Settings > General > About and look for Carrier Lock. If it says "No SIM restrictions," your phone is unlocked. Then check Settings > Cellular for an "Add eSIM" or "Add Cellular Plan" button to confirm eSIM support. On Android, look for "+ Add eSIM" in Settings (e.g., Samsung: Settings > Connections > SIM manager; Pixel: Settings > Network & internet > SIMs) or dial *#06# and confirm an EID appears. If you're unsure about unlock status (especially on Android), contact your carrier. A quick sim card compatibility check like this prevents surprises.
Can I use my home number and an eTravelSim at the same time?
Answer: Yes, use Dual SIM. After installing your eSIM, label your plans (e.g., "Primary" for your home SIM and "Travel" for the eSIM), set the "Travel" eSIM as the default for Cellular/Data, and keep your "Primary" line as the Default Voice Line.
This lets your home number handle calls/texts while your eTravelSim provides affordable data.
What if my phone is locked or not eSIM-compatible?
Answer: A locked phone cannot use an international eSIM, your carrier must unlock it first (often done once the device is paid off). If your device doesn't support eSIM, use a physical international SIM (swap it in when you land) or a Pocket Wi‑Fi hotspot to connect multiple devices without using mobile data.
How do I activate eTravelSim, and can I transfer it to another phone later?
Answer: Activation is simple: after purchase, scan the emailed QR code with your phone's camera and follow the prompts, no need to manually find your IMEI in most cases. Travel eSIMs are generally one‑time installs tied to a single device and cannot be transferred to a new phone.