Does my phone support eSIM? Full UK compatibility guide

Does your phone support eSIM?

eSIM support is now standard on most smartphones sold in the UK — but not all. Before you buy a travel eSIM or switch to a digital-only plan, it is worth confirming your phone is compatible. Here is the full picture.

iPhone eSIM compatibility

Apple has supported eSIM since 2018. Every iPhone from the XS onwards supports eSIM in the UK.

Full eSIM support:

• iPhone XS and XS Max (2018)
• iPhone XR (2018)
• iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max (2019)
• iPhone SE 2nd generation (2020)
• iPhone 12 range (2020)
• iPhone 13 range (2021)
• iPhone SE 3rd generation (2022)
• iPhone 14 range (2022)
• iPhone 15 range (2023)
• iPhone 16 range (2024)
• iPhone 17 range (2025)

eSIM only (no physical SIM slot):

The iPhone 14 and later models sold in the USA are eSIM only. UK models still include a physical SIM slot alongside eSIM support.

No eSIM support:

• iPhone X and earlier
• iPhone 8 and earlier

Samsung eSIM compatibility

Samsung rolled out eSIM support gradually. Here is where each major range stands.

Samsung Galaxy S series:

• Galaxy S20 and later — eSIM supported
• Galaxy S10 — eSIM supported on select models
• Galaxy S9 and earlier — no eSIM

Samsung Galaxy Z series (foldables):

• Galaxy Z Fold 2 and later — eSIM supported
• Galaxy Z Flip 3 and later — eSIM supported

Samsung Galaxy A series:

• Galaxy A54, A55 — eSIM supported
• Galaxy A34 and below — most do not support eSIM
• Check your specific model in Settings → Connections → SIM Manager

Note: Some Samsung models sold through certain UK networks have eSIM disabled at the carrier level even if the hardware supports it. Check with your network if unsure.

Google Pixel eSIM compatibility

Google has been one of the strongest eSIM adopters.

Full eSIM support:

• Pixel 3 and later — all support eSIM
• Pixel 6a, 7a, 8a — eSIM supported
• Pixel 9 range — eSIM supported

No eSIM:

• Pixel 2 and earlier

Other brands

OnePlus: eSIM support arrived with the OnePlus 12 (2024). Earlier models generally do not support eSIM.

Motorola: Select models including the Edge 40 Pro support eSIM. Budget Moto G range generally does not.

Sony Xperia: The Xperia 1 IV and later support eSIM. Earlier models do not.

How to check if your specific phone supports eSIM

The quickest way is to check your phone directly:

On iPhone:

Go to Settings → General → About. If you see an Available SIM or Digital SIM section, your phone supports eSIM.

On Android (Samsung, Pixel, others):

Go to Settings → Connections (or Network) → SIM Manager. If there is an option to add an eSIM or digital SIM, your phone supports it.

Check the IMEI:

Dial *#06# on your phone. If you see two IMEI numbers listed, your phone almost certainly supports dual SIM including eSIM.

Does your network support eSIM?

Your phone and your network both need to support eSIM. In the UK, all major networks support eSIM:

• EE — eSIM supported
• O2 — eSIM supported
• Vodafone — eSIM supported
• Three — eSIM supported
• GiffGaff — eSIM supported
• Sky Mobile — eSIM supported
• Smarty — eSIM supported

Ready to get an eSIM?

If your phone supports eSIM, a travel eSIM is the easiest way to get affordable data abroad without touching your physical SIM.

Compare travel eSIM deals for Europe and beyond →

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