How to Check if Your iPhone or Android Device is eSIM Compatible

With the growing popularity of eSIM technology, many people are curious if their smartphones support this feature. An eSIM (embedded SIM) allows you to activate a cellular plan from your carrier without using a physical SIM card. Here's how you can check if your iPhone or Android device is eSIM compatible.

For iPhone Users:

Checking if your iPhone is eSIM compatible is fairly straightforward. The following iPhone models are eSIM compatible:

• iPhone SE 2nd (2020) and 3rd generation (2022)
• iPhone XS
• iPhone XS Max
• iPhone XR
• iPhone 11 series
• iPhone 12 series
• iPhone 13 series
• iPhone 14 series
• iPhone 15 series

However, there are some countries or regions that may release models without eSIM capability. To confirm, check your iPhone’s model number, which can be found in Settings → General → About → Model Number. Tap the Model Number until it changes to the “AXXXX” format. Then, confirm that your Model Number does not match any of the “China mainland, Hong Kong, and Macao” Model Numbers listed here.

Additionally, you must check if your phone is carrier locked. To do so, open Settings → General → About → Carrier Lock. If the Carrier Lock section says “No SIM restriction”, your iPhone is unlocked and supports eSIM.

For Android Users:

Checking if your Android is eSIM compatible is a bit trickier, and depends on your particular device. The following Android devices are eSIM compatible:

Even if your device is listed as eSIM capable above, there are some cases in which it may still not support eSIM technology. Each device has its own way of confirming. You can likely confirm by visiting your device Settings → Network/Internet/Connections (or a similarly labeled section) → SIM/SIM Manager (or a similarly labeled section). If you see an option to add an eSIM or download a SIM, your phone is likely eSIM compatible.

Additionally, you can try dialing *#06#, and pressing the call button. If your device is eSIM compatible, you should be able to view your device’s eSIM unique identification number (EID). Physical SIM devices will not have an EID number, so if there is no number displayed, your phone is not eSIM compatible.

Finally, your device must also be carrier-unlocked to use an eSIM. This allows you to use multiple SIM and/or eSIMS from different carriers. There are a few different ways to check if your phone is carrier unlocked. First, locate your phone’s IMEI number. You should be able to see it by dialing *#06#, or in your phone’s Setting→ About Phone. Next, visit an online IMEI checker and enter your phone’s IMEI number to confirm that your device is unlocked.

Remember, the best way to completely confirm if your phone is eSIM compatible is still with your device manufacturer, vendor, or primary carrier.

In general, Cape requires customers to have an eSIM compatible, unlocked device to use our service. In certain cases, we can support physical SIMs. Reach out to us at info@cape.co for more information.