eSIM Compatible Devices: Full List of Phones, Tablets & Laptops (2026)

What Does “eSIM Compatible” Mean?

An eSIM-compatible device has an embedded SIM chip built into its hardware, allowing it to connect to cellular networks without a removable plastic SIM card. Instead of swapping physical cards, you activate a data plan digitally — typically by scanning a QR code or using an app.

Since 2018, eSIM has spread across phones, tablets, laptops, and smartwatches. But compatibility varies by brand, model, region, and even carrier. This guide provides a complete, up-to-date list of every eSIM-compatible device type — plus how to check whether your specific device supports eSIM.

eSIM Compatible Phones: Complete List by Brand

Apple iPhone

Note for mainland China: iPhones sold in mainland China (model numbers ending in /CH) use dual physical nano-SIM instead of eSIM. iPhones purchased in Hong Kong, Macau, and all other regions support eSIM normally.

Samsung Galaxy

Samsung S23 Ultra eSIM note: The Galaxy S23 Ultra supports eSIM globally, including models purchased in Hong Kong. Go to Settings → Connections → SIM Manager → Add eSIM. The S23 Ultra can store up to 5 eSIM profiles with 1 active alongside the physical SIM.

Google Pixel

Other Android Brands

eSIM Compatible Tablets

eSIM Compatible Laptops

MacBooks do not support eSIM. No MacBook Air or MacBook Pro has cellular connectivity as of 2026.

eSIM Compatible Smartwatches

Important: Smartwatch eSIM works differently from phone/tablet eSIM. Watches typically use eSIM to share your phone number via your carrier’s plan (like Apple Watch with Number Sharing). Most smartwatches cannot install third-party travel eSIM plans — they’re designed to pair with your carrier’s existing service.

How to Check if Your Device Supports eSIM

Not sure if your phone, tablet, or laptop supports eSIM? Here’s how to check on any device:

On iPhone / iPad

1. Go to Settings → General → About
2. Scroll down and look for “EID” (a long string of numbers)
3. If an EID is listed, your device supports eSIM
4. Alternatively: Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM — if this option exists, you’re good

On Samsung / Android

1. Go to Settings → Connections → SIM Manager
2. Look for “Add eSIM” option
3. Or dial *#06# — if an EID number appears alongside your IMEI, your phone supports eSIM

On Windows Laptop

1. Go to Settings → Network & Internet
2. Look for “Cellular” in the sidebar
3. If present, check Cellular → eSIM profiles

Universal Method: Dial *#06#

On any phone, dial *#06#. This displays your IMEI numbers. If you also see an EID (Embedded Identity Document) number — a 32-digit string — your device has eSIM hardware.

eSIM Restrictions by Region and Carrier

Even if your device hardware supports eSIM, certain factors can prevent it from working:

Carrier Locks

Some carriers sell phones with eSIM functionality locked. The phone might support eSIM technically, but the carrier disables it until your contract ends or you request an unlock. This is common with subsidized phones on 2-year contracts.

Regional Variants

Some phone models disable eSIM in specific markets:

• China (mainland): iPhones sold in mainland China do not have eSIM — they use dual physical SIM trays instead
• Some Southeast Asian carriers: May sell Samsung phones with eSIM disabled by firmware
• US carrier-locked models: Phones from AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon may require unlocking before eSIM works with third-party providers

Hong Kong Devices: Special Notes

Hong Kong is a major market for unlocked phones, and the good news is that most devices purchased in Hong Kong fully support eSIM:

• iPhones (Hong Kong): All iPhone XS and later models sold in Hong Kong support eSIM (one eSIM + one nano-SIM). The exception is the iPhone 14/15/16 US models, which are eSIM-only — but Hong Kong models retain the SIM tray.
• Samsung (Hong Kong): Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, S24 Ultra, S25 Ultra, and other flagship models sold in Hong Kong support eSIM. Check Settings → Connections → SIM Manager to verify.
• Google Pixel (Hong Kong): Pixel phones sold through authorized retailers in Hong Kong support eSIM.

Tip for Hong Kong buyers: Always purchase from authorized retailers or carriers to ensure your device has proper eSIM support. Grey market devices from other regions may have different firmware with eSIM restrictions.

How to Use eSIM for International Travel

eSIM technology is especially valuable for international travelers. Here’s the recommended workflow:

Before Your Trip

1. Verify your device: Check eSIM compatibility using the methods above
2. Purchase a plan: Visit eSIM-X and buy a data plan for your destination
3. Install the eSIM: Scan the QR code while connected to Wi-Fi at home
4. Don’t activate yet: Keep the eSIM installed but inactive until you arrive

When You Arrive

1. Activate the eSIM: Toggle it on in your device settings
2. Set as data line: Use the eSIM for mobile data, keep your home SIM for calls
3. Enable data roaming: Make sure “Data Roaming” is turned on for the eSIM profile

After Your Trip

1. Deactivate: Turn off the travel eSIM
2. Keep or delete: You can keep the profile stored for future trips to the same destination, or delete it to free up space

eSIM Compatible Devices FAQ

What’s the cheapest eSIM-compatible phone?

The Samsung Galaxy A25 5G and Google Pixel 6a are among the most affordable eSIM-compatible phones, typically available for under $300. The iPhone SE (2022) is another budget-friendly option with eSIM support.

Do all 5G phones support eSIM?

No. While most flagship 5G phones support eSIM, some budget 5G phones do not. Always verify your specific model.

Can I have two eSIM profiles active at the same time?

On newer devices (iPhone 13+, Pixel 8+, Samsung S24+), yes — you can have two eSIM profiles active simultaneously. On older devices, you can typically have one eSIM and one physical SIM active together, with additional eSIM profiles stored but inactive.

Will my eSIM work if I factory reset my device?

It depends on the device. On iPhones, you can choose to keep or erase eSIM profiles during a factory reset. On Android phones, a factory reset typically removes all eSIM profiles, and you’ll need to re-install them.

Is eSIM more secure than a physical SIM?

Yes, in some ways. eSIM cannot be physically removed or stolen like a SIM card, which protects against SIM swapping attacks. However, eSIM is still subject to the same network-level security as physical SIMs.