Startia eSIM

Is my phone eSIM compatible? How to check

Updated on Nov 5, 2026

To use a travel eSIM you need two things: a phone with an eSIM chip, and a phone that's unlocked, with no carrier restriction. It sounds simple, but there are catches: the same model can have eSIM in one country and not in another, and some phones bought from carriers won't accept profiles from other providers. This guide shows you how to check in two minutes, which phone families are usually compatible and what your options are if yours isn't. We strongly recommend doing this check before you buy.

How to check on your own phone

Model lists are useful, but the most reliable test is on the phone itself:

  • Dial *#06# in the Phone app. If one of the numbers shown is labelled EID (a long, 32-digit code), your phone has an eSIM. If you only see the IMEI, it probably doesn't, although some Android phones don't display the EID with this code.
  • On iPhone: Settings > General > About. If you scroll down and see an EID, your iPhone supports eSIM. You can also go to Settings > Mobile Service and check that there's an Add eSIM option.
  • On Android: search for "eSIM" in the settings search bar. If you see an option such as "Add eSIM" or "Manage eSIM", it's compatible. On many models the EID is under Settings > About phone > Status.

Menus vary by manufacturer and software version, but the EID is the definitive proof: if you have one, you have eSIM.

Make sure the phone is unlocked

A phone with eSIM may still not work with our eSIM if it's locked to a carrier. This is common with phones bought on contract or subsidised by a provider. On iPhone, look under Settings > General > About > Carrier Lock, which should say "No SIM restrictions". There's no universal menu on Android: if in doubt, ask your provider to confirm the phone is unlocked. Unlocking is usually free once any minimum contract term has ended.

iPhone

Every iPhone from the iPhone XS, XS Max and XR onwards supports eSIM, including the second-generation iPhone SE and later. iPhone 14 and later models sold in the United States don't even have a physical SIM tray: they're eSIM-only.

There are some important regional exceptions:

  • iPhones from mainland China: most models sold there use two physical SIM cards and have no eSIM.
  • Hong Kong and Macao: some models sold in those markets don't have eSIM either.

If you bought your iPhone abroad or second-hand, always check the EID. For installation, follow our iPhone guide.

Google Pixel

Pixel 3 and later support eSIM, except some models bought from certain carriers, which were sold with eSIM disabled. Recent Pixels are generally a safe bet.

Samsung Galaxy

Many recent Galaxy S and Galaxy Z (Fold and Flip) models and some Galaxy A models support eSIM. Be aware that Samsung sells different variants by country, so the same model may have eSIM in Europe but not elsewhere, or vice versa. Always check under Settings > Connections > SIM manager for an "Add eSIM" option.

Other Android brands

A growing number of mid-range and flagship phones from Xiaomi, Motorola, OnePlus, Oppo, Sony and other brands include eSIM, but not all of them, and again it depends on the country. The rule is the same: search for "eSIM" in settings or dial *#06#. The installation steps are in our Android guide.

Huawei

Only a handful of Huawei models support eSIM, specifically some Mate and P series phones and only in certain markets. Huawei phones without Google services can use the eSIM without any trouble if the hardware supports it. We cover this in detail in our Huawei guide.

Tablets and smartwatches

Our eSIMs are designed for phones. Cellular iPad models with eSIM can work, since this is a data-only plan. Smartwatches aren't supported by this product, even if they have an eSIM, because their profiles work differently and are tied to the phone's line.

What to do if your phone isn't compatible

  • Don't buy the eSIM. If you've already bought one and haven't installed it, you can request a refund by emailing esim-contact@startia.es.
  • Check whether a carrier lock is the cause. If the phone has an EID but is locked, ask your provider to unlock it before you travel.
  • Consider alternatives: a local physical SIM at your destination, a portable hotspot, or sharing data from a travel companion's phone that does have eSIM.

If you're travelling within the EU on a European SIM, you may not need a travel eSIM at all; we explain why in how roaming works.

Frequently asked questions

What is the EID?

It's the unique identifier of the eSIM chip. If your phone shows an EID when you dial *#06# or in settings, it has eSIM.

My phone has eSIM, so why can't I install the Startia one?

The most common reason is a carrier lock. Ask your provider to unlock it, or contact us so we can take a look.

Will the eSIM work on an iPhone bought in China?

Most iPhones from mainland China don't have eSIM. Check for an EID before you buy.

Can I use the eSIM on my Apple Watch?

No. Smartwatches aren't supported by this product.

How many eSIMs can my phone store?

It depends on the model, but most can hold several. Usually only two lines can be active at once.