ShrimpToastiPhone
- Settings
- Cellular (or Mobile Service)
- Add eSIM
Start with an iPhone XS, XR or later, then check your exact model and purchase region. Some regional variants have different SIM options.
iPhone compatibility guideIs your phone eSIM compatible?
A little detective work before you go. Check eSIM support and carrier unlock on the phone you’re taking.
Two checks. Ready to roam.
It supports eSIM
Your phone needs a built-in eSIM and an option to add a plan in Settings.
It’s carrier-unlocked
It must accept a plan from another provider. Having eSIM alone doesn’t confirm this.
Choose your phone.
Pick the phone you’ll take on your trip.
Where to find Add eSIM
Open Settings on your travel phone and follow its path below. Menu names can vary with software and language.
Google Pixel
- Settings
- Network & internet
- SIMs
- Add SIM
- Set up an eSIM
Google lists eSIM support on Pixel 4 and later. Older Pixels have purchase-market and carrier exceptions. Check carrier unlock separately.
Google Pixel compatibility guideSamsung Galaxy
- Settings
- Connections
- SIM manager
- Add eSIM
Support varies across Galaxy models and purchase regions. Check your exact model number against Samsung’s regional guidance.
Samsung Galaxy compatibility guideAnother Android phone? Search Settings for “eSIM” or “download SIM”. Confirm the exact model with its manufacturer if you cannot find it. Older Galaxy menus may say SIM card manager and Add mobile plan.
Now check carrier unlock
- iPhone
- Settings
- General
- About
No SIM restrictions beside Carrier Lock (or Network Provider Lock) means your phone is unlocked.
- Samsung Galaxy
Some models show Network unlock in Settings → Connections → More connection settings. Check for unlocked status, not just eligibility or a temporary unlock.
Samsung’s network unlock settings- Android
Check your receipt or order details for “unlocked”. Some carriers also show device lock status in their app or online account. Eligibility alone doesn’t mean it’s unlocked yet.
Pixels bought directly from the Google Store come unlocked.
Google’s unlock guide
A few things worth checking
I can’t find Add eSIM. What should I do?
Find the exact model number in Settings → About (General → About on iPhone). Check the manufacturer’s guidance for that model and the country where you bought it. Menu names, software and regional variants can differ.
If it still isn’t clear, confirm support with the manufacturer before buying. A software app cannot add missing eSIM hardware.
Does an EID mean my phone will work?
An EID identifies the phone’s eSIM hardware. It does not prove that the device is carrier-unlocked or allowed to add this travel plan. Confirm both checks above; you do not need to send us the number.
Does the country where I bought my phone matter?
Yes. Phones with similar names can have different SIM support by market. This matters especially for regional iPhone and Samsung variants, and some older Pixels. Use the manufacturer’s regional guidance for your exact device, rather than relying only on a model name.
On eSIM-capable iPhones bought in China mainland, Apple says non-mainland carrier eSIMs can only be installed outside China mainland, with location services enabled. Check Apple’s current regional guidance before buying.
Can I keep my normal SIM and phone number?
Usually, if your phone supports using both lines together. Use the travel eSIM for data and keep your home line for its number. Storing several eSIMs does not mean they can all be active at once. Calls and SMS remain subject to your home carrier’s charges.
What about a work phone or a phone that is still locked?
A work phone may have restrictions set by its administrator, even if the model supports eSIM. Ask your employer’s IT team to confirm. For a carrier lock, contact that carrier before buying. If the phone cannot use a travel eSIM, consider another compatible, unlocked phone or your carrier’s travel options.