Is My Phone eSIM Compatible? How to Check in a Minute
How to check if your phone supports eSIM: dial *#06# and look for an EID line, then find Add eSIM in Settings and make sure the phone is carrier-unlocked.
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How do you check if your phone supports eSIM? Dial *#06# in the Phone app: if the screen shows an EID line, the phone has an eSIM chip. Then look for Add eSIM in Settings and make sure the phone isn't locked to a carrier. If all three check out, a Matrimix travel eSIM will work on it.
Key facts (October 2026)
- EID is the unique number of the built-in eSIM chip. Google notes that to use an eSIM a phone needs an EID, not just an IMEI.
*#06#shows the EID on most eSIM phones. Phone makers don't officially document the code, so if no EID appears, check Settings before concluding anything.- An Add eSIM option in Settings is the second reliable sign. Samsung puts it plainly: no SIM manager, no eSIM.
- The model name is no guarantee. The same model can come in regional versions without eSIM.
- A carrier lock blocks other carriers' eSIMs even on a compatible phone.
- Software can't add an eSIM. It's a hardware chip; as Samsung puts it, if it isn't there, no app or accessory will add it.
Method 1. Dial *#06#
- Open the app you use for ordinary calls, not a messaging app.
- Dial
*#06#. If nothing appears right away, press the call button. - Look for EID, a long 32-digit number. You'll see the IMEI next to it (two IMEIs on dual-line phones).
An EID means the eSIM chip is there. Only IMEI numbers? Move on to the Settings check: some phones don't show the EID for this code.
Method 2. Your phone's settings
| Phone | Where to find Add eSIM | Where to see the EID |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone | Settings → Cellular (or Mobile Data) → Add eSIM | Settings → General → About |
| Samsung Galaxy | Settings → Connections → SIM manager → Add eSIM | Settings → About phone → Status information (or an EID item) |
| Google Pixel | Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → Add SIM → Set up an eSIM | Settings → About phone → EID or SIM status |
| Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO | Settings → Mobile networks → Use eSIM → Manage eSIM | Manage eSIM → View device EID |
If you can't find the item, type "eSIM" or "EID" into the Settings search. Menu names change between versions.
Method 3. Model and regional version
The general list of eSIM models is on the eSIM compatible phones page: iPhone XR, XS and later, Google Pixel 4 and later, Samsung Galaxy S20 and later, and more. But a matching model name doesn't guarantee that your particular phone has eSIM:
- iPhones from China, Hong Kong and Macao. Apple says that in mainland China only iPhone 18 Pro, 18 Pro Max, 17e and iPhone Air support eSIM, and some Hong Kong and Macao models have two nano-SIM slots instead. Many of these iPhones can't use an eSIM.
- Samsung. The company warns that depending on the country of origin, eSIM may not be supported even on a model from its list. Some Galaxy A models support eSIM only in certain regions.
- Android phones for the Chinese market. Versions made for China often differ in features from global ones, and eSIM may be missing.
Bought your phone abroad or second-hand? Don't trust the model name; check *#06# and Settings.
Check the carrier lock
A phone bought from a carrier on contract can be locked to its network, and then it only accepts that carrier's eSIMs.
- iPhone: Settings → General → About. Next to Carrier Lock you should see "No SIM restrictions".
- Android: there's no single menu item. The simplest test is to insert another carrier's SIM: if the phone complains about a lock or won't register on the network, it's locked. The surest way is to ask the carrier that sold you the phone.
Only the carrier can remove the lock, so sort it out well before the airport.
If your phone has no eSIM
- A local SIM card in the physical slot; pros and cons in eSIM vs a local SIM.
- Roaming with your carrier; compared in eSIM vs roaming.
- A second phone with eSIM acting as a hotspot for your main one.
Before you buy at Matrimix
If the EID is there and the phone is unlocked, pick your destination in the eSIM catalogue or in the Telegram wallet under Services → Travel SIM cards. Setup takes a couple of minutes: on iPhone or on Android. For the full picture, see travel eSIM: the complete guide.
Good to know
- The minute-long check is yours to do. A bought eSIM can't be refunded, so confirm eSIM support and the carrier lock before you pay — the steps above take about a minute.
- Data only. A Matrimix eSIM has no number, calls or SMS.
- One installation. The profile installs once; keep it until the trip is over.
- Telegram required. The wallet is custodial: Matrimix holds your coins for you — no seed phrases, everything opens in Telegram.
Sources
- Apple: Set up eSIM on iPhone
- Apple: Use eSIM while traveling internationally (carrier lock check)
- Apple: Find the serial number, EID or IMEI on your iPhone
- Samsung Russia: how to set up eSIM on Galaxy (in Russian)
- Samsung UK: Galaxy eSIM and supported models
- Pixel Phone Help: find your IMEI and other Pixel phone ID numbers
- Xiaomi: how to apply for an eSIM card (view device EID)
- Airalo: what devices support eSIM?
Read also
FAQ
What if *#06# shows no EID?
Most likely the phone has no eSIM, but not always: some models don't show the EID for this code. Check for Add eSIM in Settings.
Does an iPhone bought in China support eSIM?
Usually not: in mainland China only certain models, iPhone 17e, 18 Pro, 18 Pro Max and Air, support eSIM. Check *#06# and the Cellular section.
Can I add an eSIM to a phone that doesn't have one?
No. An eSIM is a built-in chip; no app or software can add it.
Does my phone need to be unlocked for a travel eSIM?
Yes. A carrier-locked phone accepts only that carrier's eSIMs, so get it unlocked before the trip.
