Before buying an eSIM, you need to check two things: does your phone support eSIM, and is it unlocked? This guide covers both — plus a quick way to check right now from your phone’s settings.
Quick Check — Is Your Phone eSIM Compatible?
iPhone
Go to Settings → Mobile Data (or Cellular)
If you see “Add eSIM” or “Add Cellular Plan” — your iPhone supports eSIM.
If you don’t see it — your phone is either too old, carrier-locked, or running outdated software.
Samsung / Android
Go to Settings → Connections → SIM Manager
If you see “Add eSIM” or “Add Mobile Plan” — your phone supports eSIM.
If you don’t see it — check for software updates first, then check the device list below.
Is Your Phone Unlocked?
Even if your phone supports eSIM, it must be network-unlocked to use a Go Simly eSIM. A locked phone only works with one carrier (the one you bought it from). Here’s how to check:
iPhone: Go to Settings → General → About. Look for “Carrier Lock” — it should say “No SIM restrictions”. If it says anything else, your phone is locked. Contact your carrier to request an unlock.
Samsung / Android: Try inserting a SIM from a different carrier. If it works, your phone is unlocked. Alternatively, contact your carrier and ask. Most UK carriers will unlock your phone for free if your contract has ended.
Bought your phone outright or SIM-free? It’s almost certainly unlocked already.
Complete eSIM-Compatible Device List (2026)
Apple iPhone
iPhone 16 series: iPhone 16 / 16 Plus / 16 Pro / 16 Pro Max
iPhone 15 series: iPhone 15 / 15 Plus / 15 Pro / 15 Pro Max
iPhone 14 series: iPhone 14 / 14 Plus / 14 Pro / 14 Pro Max
iPhone 13 series: iPhone 13 / 13 Mini / 13 Pro / 13 Pro Max
iPhone 12 series: iPhone 12 / 12 Mini / 12 Pro / 12 Pro Max
iPhone 11 series: iPhone 11 / 11 Pro / 11 Pro Max
iPhone X series: iPhone XS / XS Max / XR
iPhone SE: SE 2nd gen (2020), SE 3rd gen (2022)
Not compatible: iPhone X, iPhone 8 and earlier, iPhone SE 1st gen
Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy S series: S25 / S25+ / S25 Ultra, S24 / S24+ / S24 Ultra, S23 / S23+ / S23 Ultra, S22 / S22+ / S22 Ultra, S21 / S21+ / S21 Ultra (5G only), S20 / S20+ / S20 Ultra (5G only)
Galaxy Z Fold: Z Fold 2, Z Fold 3, Z Fold 4, Z Fold 5, Z Fold 6
Galaxy Z Flip: Z Flip, Z Flip 3, Z Flip 4, Z Flip 5, Z Flip 6
Galaxy Note: Note 20 / Note 20 Ultra (5G only)
Galaxy A series: A54 5G, A55 5G (varies by region)
Note: Some Samsung models only support eSIM in certain regions. If you don’t see the eSIM option, check for software updates.
Google Pixel
Pixel 9 series: Pixel 9 / 9 Pro / 9 Pro Fold
Pixel 8 series: Pixel 8 / 8 Pro / 8a
Pixel 7 series: Pixel 7 / 7 Pro / 7a
Pixel 6 series: Pixel 6 / 6 Pro / 6a
Older Pixels: Pixel 5 / 5a, Pixel 4 / 4a / 4 XL, Pixel 3 / 3 XL (some carriers only)
Other Brands
OnePlus: 12, 11, 10 Pro, Nord 3 (varies by region)
Xiaomi: 14, 13 Pro/Ultra, 12T Pro (varies by region)
Oppo: Find X5 Pro, Find X3 Pro, Reno 6 Pro 5G (varies by region)
Sony: Xperia 1 V, Xperia 5 V, Xperia 10 V
Motorola: Razr 2023/2024, Edge 40 Pro
Huawei: P40 / P40 Pro, Mate 40 Pro (limited eSIM support)
Nokia: X30 5G, XR21
Note: eSIM support for non-Apple/Samsung brands varies by region and carrier. Always check your phone’s settings to confirm.
What About iPads and Tablets?
Many iPads support eSIM, including iPad Pro (3rd gen and later), iPad Air (3rd gen and later), iPad (7th gen and later), and iPad Mini (5th gen and later). These must be the Wi-Fi + Cellular models — Wi-Fi-only iPads do not have any SIM capability.
Some Android tablets and laptops also support eSIM, but this varies widely. Check your device’s specifications or settings.
My Phone Isn’t on the List — What Now?
If your phone isn’t listed above, it likely doesn’t support eSIM. Your options are:
Buy a local physical SIM at your destination airport or a phone shop. This works with any unlocked phone.
Use your carrier’s roaming — convenient but usually the most expensive option.
Rely on Wi-Fi — hotels, cafes, and airports usually have free Wi-Fi, but you won’t have data on the go.
Upgrade your phone — if you’re due an upgrade, most phones released from 2020 onwards support eSIM.
Common Questions
Can I have more than one eSIM on my phone?
Yes. Most phones can store multiple eSIM profiles. For example, iPhone 13 and later can store up to 8 eSIMs (but only use 2 at a time). This is perfect for frequent travellers — save eSIMs for countries you visit regularly.
Does adding an eSIM void my warranty?
No. Using an eSIM is a standard phone feature. It doesn’t modify your device or void any warranty.
Will my phone carrier know I’m using an eSIM?
Your home carrier won’t be affected. The eSIM runs independently — it’s like having a completely separate phone line for data. Your home SIM continues to work normally.
I have a dual-SIM phone with two physical SIM slots. Can I still use eSIM?
Most dual-SIM phones also support eSIM, giving you even more flexibility. Check your phone settings — if the “Add eSIM” option appears, you’re good to go.
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Need help installing your eSIM? Read our step-by-step guides for iPhone and Samsung Galaxy. Want to understand the difference between eSIM and physical SIM? Read our comparison guide.
