Does my phone support eSIM? UK compatibility guide 2026
eSIM is supported on most flagship smartphones from 2018 onwards. Here is how to check your specific device and the full compatibility lists.
How to check your phone right now
iPhone: Settings → General → About → scroll for "EID" or go to Settings → Mobile Data → Add eSIM. If the option exists, eSIM is supported.
Samsung: Settings → Connections → SIM card manager → look for "Download a SIM" or "Add mobile plan".
Google Pixel: Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → "Download a SIM instead".
Full iPhone eSIM compatibility
All iPhones from iPhone XS (2018) onwards support eSIM in the UK:
iPhone XS, XS Max, XR (2018) · iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max (2019) · iPhone SE 2020 · iPhone 12 range (2020) · iPhone 13 range (2021) · iPhone SE 2022 · iPhone 14 range (2022) · iPhone 15 range (2023) · iPhone 16 range (2024) · iPhone 17, 17 Air, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max (2025)
Note: iPhone 14+ sold in the USA are eSIM-only. UK models retain both physical SIM and eSIM. Apple's official compatibility list is the definitive source.
Samsung eSIM compatibility
Supported on: Galaxy S20, S21, S22, S23, S24, S25 · Galaxy Z Fold 2+ · Galaxy Z Flip, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 · Galaxy A54, A55 and some later A-series models.
Budget A-series (A13, A14, A32, A53) typically do NOT support eSIM — check your specific model's spec sheet.
Google Pixel eSIM compatibility
All Pixels from Pixel 3 (2018) onwards: Pixel 3, 3a · Pixel 4, 4a · Pixel 5, 5a · Pixel 6, 6a, 6 Pro · Pixel 7, 7a, 7 Pro · Pixel 8, 8a, 8 Pro · Pixel 9 range · Pixel 10 range.
My phone is compatible but eSIM is not activating
Carrier locked: If your phone was purchased on a network contract, eSIM for third-party providers may be disabled. Contact your network to enable it.
Too many stored profiles: Most phones support 2-5 eSIM profiles but only run 1-2 simultaneously. Delete unused profiles in Settings.
Refurbished phone: Certified refurbishers on GadgetRank factory reset all devices, clearing previous eSIM profiles. Your device should accept fresh eSIM activation immediately.
Compare eSIM plans on GadgetRank →
eSIM and refurbished phones
If you are buying a refurbished phone to use with an eSIM plan, confirm eSIM support before purchasing. All certified retailers on GadgetRank's buy refurbished comparison stock eSIM-compatible models — primarily iPhone 13 and later, Samsung Galaxy S20 and later, and Google Pixel 6 and later.
The key thing to verify: the refurbisher's factory reset process clears any previous eSIM profiles. All GadgetRank retailers confirm this as part of their refurbishment process. Your refurbished phone arrives ready for fresh eSIM activation — identical to setting up eSIM on a new phone.
Compare eSIM SIM plans on GadgetRank →
Why compare on GadgetRank?
GadgetRank is an independent UK comparison site — not affiliated with any retailer, recycler or network. Every comparison is based on live price data. There are no paid placements or sponsored rankings. The best current offer appears at the top because it is the best current offer, not because of any commercial arrangement.
All retailers listed on GadgetRank meet minimum quality criteria: Trustpilot score of 4.0 or above, minimum 12-month warranty, battery health guarantee, and devices unlocked to all networks. This baseline means every option on GadgetRank is a trustworthy choice — the comparison is purely about price and any additional perks.
GadgetRank updates all comparison prices daily from live merchant data feeds. The price you see is the price the retailer is paying or charging today — not a cached or estimated figure. Check back regularly as recycler prices and refurbished phone prices move frequently, particularly in the days surrounding major product announcements from Apple and Samsung.
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