eSIM compatibility check

Apple’s split is the clearest. Unlocked XS and later take an eSIM. iPhone X and the first SE do not. Plenty of iPhones bought in mainland China — including recent Pro models — ship without eSIM so a dual physical tray can be used. If Settings has no Add eSIM, stop before you pay.

Android is messier by region. Pixel 3 and later are the safe bet. Galaxy S20+ and recent foldables usually work outside some US A-series. Global Xiaomi 13/14/15 and OnePlus 11+ often work; Redmi Note, POCO and most Moto G almost never do. Search the exact model above, then install the profile before you fly.

How to run an eSIM compatibility check

Use the search above: pick a brand, type the model, and read the result. Compatible means the hardware usually accepts a consumer travel eSIM when the phone is unlocked. Incompatible means the SKU has no eSIM radio, or it is a class of devices that almost never takes a tourist QR. Then confirm on the device itself — Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM on iPhone, or Network & internet → SIMs on Android. If that menu is missing, the checker cannot override the hardware.

Do this on home Wi-Fi, not at the gate. A failed QR is cheap to retry before you fly and expensive after immigration. If the eSIM compatibility check fails, plan a local plastic SIM, a pocket Wi-Fi or an unlocked spare phone — do not buy a profile that cannot install.

iPhone eSIM compatibility

Unlocked iPhone XS, XR and later take a travel eSIM, including SE (2020, 2022) and 16e. iPhone X, 8 and the original SE do not. From iPhone 14, US models dropped the physical tray (eSIM only or dual eSIM). That is the easy case: if the phone is paid off and unlocked, a tourist profile usually installs in a minute.

Mainland-China iPhones are the usual trap, including recent Pro models sold with two physical SIM trays and no eSIM. Hong Kong and Macau SKUs vary by generation. Never assume “iPhone 16 Pro” means Add eSIM exists. Open Settings. If the option is missing, this eSIM compatibility check will not make the radio appear.

Android: Pixel, Samsung, Xiaomi and the rest

Google Pixel 3 and later are the most predictable Android line for travel eSIMs. Galaxy S20 and newer plus recent Z Fold and Z Flip usually work outside some US A-series and budget models. Global Xiaomi 13, 14 and 15 and OnePlus 11+ often work; Redmi Note, POCO, most Moto G and many Nokia do not. Korean and Japanese carrier-branded Galaxies can differ from the unlocked European SKU with the same name.

Carrier lock, dual SIM and keeping your number

Hardware support is not policy support. A postpaid iPhone from Verizon, AT&T or T-Mobile can show Add eSIM and still refuse a third-party profile until the account is unlocked. Ask the home operator, wait for the SMS, then install on Wi-Fi. Prepaid and fully paid unlocked units are the reliable path.

On dual-SIM phones, keep the home line for SMS, banking 2FA and WhatsApp number continuity. Set the travel eSIM as the cellular data line and turn off data roaming on the home SIM so a map refresh does not bill roaming. Delete or disable the travel profile when you land back home.