The short version: if you bought a flagship smartphone in the last four years, it almost certainly supports eSIM. The caveats come in the details.
iPhone
Every iPhone from the XS (2018) onwards supports eSIM. That includes:
- iPhone XS, XS Max, XR
- iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
- iPhone 12 and 12 series
- iPhone 13 and 13 series
- iPhone 14 and 14 series (US models: eSIM only, no physical SIM)
- iPhone 15 and 15 series (US models: eSIM only)
- iPhone 16 and 16 series
Important caveat: some older iPhones sold in China have eSIM disabled at the hardware level. If your iPhone was purchased in mainland China, check before assuming eSIM works.
Samsung Galaxy
Samsung has supported eSIM since the Galaxy S20 series. Compatible models include: S20, S21, S22, S23, S24, and their Plus/Ultra variants. The Z Fold and Z Flip series from Fold 2 and Flip 5G onwards. Note series from Note 20 Ultra.
Samsung devices sold in certain markets (Vietnam, some emerging markets) may have eSIM disabled even on compatible hardware. Check your Settings → Connections → SIM Manager - if there's no "Add eSIM" option, it's likely disabled.
Google Pixel
Every Pixel from the Pixel 3 onwards supports eSIM. The Pixel 7, 7 Pro, 8, 8 Pro, 8a, 9, and 9 Pro are all fully supported with clean eSIM management in stock Android.
Other Android flagships
Most modern flagships support eSIM: OnePlus 9 and later, Motorola Edge series, Sony Xperia 10 IV and newer, Xiaomi 12 series and newer (in select markets). Budget Android phones are hit and miss - eSIM support is more common in mid-range and above.
How to check your specific phone
The fastest method: dial *#06#. If your phone shows an EID number (separate from the IMEI), eSIM is supported at the hardware level. Then check in Settings - look for eSIM, SIM management, or mobile plans to confirm it's enabled by your carrier.
See the full eSIM phone compatibility guide for model-by-model detail.
What about smartwatches?
Apple Watch Series 3 and later with cellular. Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 onwards. Most LTE-capable Android Wear watches. Smartwatch eSIM management works differently to phones - you typically manage it through the companion app rather than directly on the watch.