Which iPhones support eSIM?

iPhone XS, XR and later all support eSIM. Older models (iPhone X and earlier) do not. UK iPhone 14 and later models sold in the US are eSIM-only with no physical SIM tray at all, though UK versions still include a physical tray.

Which Samsung phones support eSIM?

Galaxy S20 and later, Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip models, and Galaxy Note 20 and later support eSIM. Most A-series budget models do not support eSIM as of 2026.

Which Google Pixel phones support eSIM?

Pixel 3 and later support eSIM, including all Pixel 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 series devices.

Can I use eSIM if my phone is locked to a network?

No — a network-locked phone must be unlocked before an eSIM from a different provider can be activated. Contact your network to request an unlock code first.

Can I have an eSIM and physical SIM active at the same time?

Yes, on any dual-SIM capable phone. This is exactly how a travel eSIM typically works — your regular UK SIM stays active for calls and texts, while the eSIM handles data abroad.

Does My Phone Support eSIM? Full Compatibility Guide 2026

Checking eSIM support before you travel

Before buying a travel eSIM, it is worth spending two minutes confirming your phone actually supports it. Most phones released from 2018 onwards do, but there are real exceptions, especially on budget Android models.

The quickest check: go to Settings → General → About (iPhone) or Settings → Connections → SIM manager (Samsung/most Android). If you see any mention of "Add eSIM" or "Download a SIM", your phone supports it.

eSIM compatibility by brand

Apple: iPhone XS, XR and every model released since supports eSIM. This includes iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17 across all variants. iPhone X and earlier do not support it at all.

Samsung: Galaxy S20 onwards, along with the Z Fold and Z Flip foldable ranges, all support eSIM. Note that many Galaxy A-series budget models — a common choice for value-focused buyers — do not support eSIM even in current 2026 models, so this is worth checking specifically if you own an A-series device.

Google: Every Pixel from the Pixel 3 onwards supports eSIM, making it one of the most consistently eSIM-friendly device lines available.

What if your phone does not support eSIM?

You are not stuck without options. A physical travel SIM card works identically in terms of the actual connectivity and pricing — WorldSIM and several other providers on GadgetRank offer physical SIM options alongside eSIM. Alternatively, a portable WiFi device sidesteps the SIM question entirely, since it connects over WiFi rather than requiring anything inserted into your phone at all.

Network locking — the other thing to check

Even if your phone supports eSIM technically, it needs to be unlocked from your current UK network to accept a different provider's eSIM. Most phones bought outright are unlocked by default, but phones bought on a contract are often locked until the contract ends or an unlock is requested. Check with your network before you travel if you are unsure — this is a five-minute phone call that can save a frustrating discovery at the airport.

Choosing between your options

If your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked, read our comparison of KnowRoaming vs WorldSIM to pick between two of the most established providers. If you are travelling with family or a group, WiFi Hire vs eSIM covers when a shared connection works out better value.

The bottom line

For the vast majority of phones bought in the last five years, eSIM support is not the limiting factor — network locking is far more likely to catch people out. Check both before you travel, and if either is a problem, a physical SIM or portable WiFi device remains a fully working fallback.

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