How to Check if Your Phone Supports eSIM
By 2025, over 60% of smartphones sold worldwide are expected to support eSIM technology (Counterpoint Research). But here's the thing, many travelers still aren’t sure whether their device is ready to make the switch.
Before you grab your AloOui eSIM, it’s a smart move to double-check your phone’s compatibility. Don’t worry, it’s not complicated. You won’t need a tech degree or any fancy tools. It takes just a few taps on your screen.
Let’s walk through how to check if your phone supports eSIM, fast, easy, and totally stress-free.
Why eSIM Compatibility Matters
Not all phones are created equal, and unfortunately, not every device is equipped with the hardware needed to support eSIM technology. eSIM requires a built-in chip that allows you to activate mobile data plans digitally, without inserting a physical SIM card. While most modern phones have this feature, some older or budget models do not.
So why does this matter? Because:
- If your phone doesn’t have the embedded eSIM chip, you won’t be able to activate any eSIM plan, even if it looks like it was downloaded correctly.
- Checking early helps avoid the frustration of purchasing a plan you can’t use.
- eSIM-compatible devices let you activate your plan instantly, without visiting a store, handling a plastic SIM, or dealing with airport kiosks.
Want to understand eSIM tech a bit deeper before diving in?
🔗 Stay Connected Anywhere: The Ultimate Guide to AloOui eSIM and Its Benefits
List of Popular eSIM-Compatible Devices
If your phone was released in the last few years, there’s a good chance it supports eSIM. Here's a rundown of some popular models that are known to work with eSIM:
📱 Apple iPhones:
- iPhone XR, XS, and every model after that, including iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15
- All variants supported: Pro, Pro Max, Mini, and Plus
📱 Samsung Galaxy Series:
- Galaxy S20, S21, S22, S23, S24
- Galaxy Note 20
- Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip models
📱 Google Pixel Phones:
-
Pixel 3, 3a, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 series
📱 Other Android Brands:
-
Select newer models from Motorola, Sony, Huawei, Oppo, and Xiaomi also support eSIM. Just make sure to check your exact model online or via the manufacturer.
Want to see how many eSIMs your iPhone can actually store?
🔗 How Many eSIMs Can an iPhone Use? Everything You Need to Know
How to Check on iPhone
Checking eSIM support on an iPhone is super simple, and you can do it in under a minute. Just follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app
- Tap Cellular
- Look for the option to Add Cellular Plan
👉 If you see this option, congrats! Your iPhone supports eSIM.
Pro tip: If you own an iPhone XR or any model newer than that, your device is eSIM-ready by default. You’re all set to install and activate your AloOui plan!
How to Check on Android
Android devices can be a little trickier since menus differ slightly across brands, but the process is still simple if you follow this general flow:
- Go to Settings
- Tap Connections, Network & Internet, or a similar option
- Find SIM Manager or Mobile Network Settings
- Look for “Add eSIM,” “Download a SIM,” or “Add Mobile Plan”
👉 If any of those options appear, your device is eSIM-compatible!
Still unsure? Try searching for your device model on the manufacturer’s official website, or reach out to your phone’s support center to confirm.
What to Do If Your Device Doesn’t Support eSIM
So you checked your phone, and it turns out it’s not eSIM-compatible? Don’t worry, you’ve still got options!
- You can still use a physical SIM from a local provider once you arrive at your destination.
- Alternatively, consider using an eSIM-compatible portable Wi-Fi router to share data with your current phone.
- And if you’re due for an upgrade anyway? Investing in an eSIM-ready phone is a great move for more flexible, global travel in the future.
AloOui supports both setups, but going eSIM gives you the most seamless, card-free experience. It’s perfect for digital nomads, business travelers, or even just frequent flyers.
Final Thoughts
It only takes a minute to check if your phone supports eSIM, but it can save you hours of confusion and frustration later, especially if you land in a new country and discover you can’t get online. With an eSIM-compatible device, you’ll enjoy smooth activation, flexible data plans, and no more fumbling with physical SIMs.
Stop wasting money on the hidden costs of roaming. Switch to AloOui eSIM today for transparent, affordable, and worry-free connectivity on your next trip!
