Before you buy an international travel eSIM, the most important question to answer is simple: does my phone support eSIM? Most modern smartphones released after 2018 do but eSIM phone compatibility depends on your device model, region, and whether your phone is carrier-unlocked. This guide covers how to check eSIM compatibility, a full eSIM-compatible phones list for 2026, India-specific context for Jio and Airtel users, and everything Indian travellers need to know before activating a travel eSIM India plan.
Key Takeaways
- Most iPhones from XR/XS (2018) onwards, Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer, and Google Pixel 3 onwards support eSIM.
- The fastest way to check: dial *#06# on any Android if an EID number appears, your phone is eSIM-compatible.
- Your phone must also be carrier-unlocked to use a travel eSIM from Commbitz. A carrier-unlocked phone means it is not tied to a specific network provider.
- In India, Jio and Airtel both support eSIM activation but your phone’s hardware must support it first.
- Chinese-market variants of phones often do not support eSIM even if the international version does.
3 Fastest Ways to Check If Your Phone Supports eSIM
Method 1: Dial *#06# (Works on All Android Phones)
Dial *#06# and press the call button. If your phone displays an EID number (a long string starting with “89”) alongside your IMEI, your phone hardware supports eSIM. This is the quickest universal check for any Android the fastest way to know which phones support eSIM without opening a browser.
Method 2: Search Settings for “eSIM”
Open your Settings app and search for “eSIM,” “Add eSIM,” or “Add Mobile Plan.” If these options appear, your phone is among the eSIM-supported phones. No result means it likely doesn’t support eSIM.
Method 3: Check About Phone for EID
Go to Settings → About Phone → Status (Android) or Settings → General → About (iPhone). Scroll down and look for EID or Digital SIM. The presence of an EID number confirms eSIM phone compatibility. This is the most reliable how to check eSIM compatibility method across all devices.
eSIM Compatible Phones Full 2026 List by Brand
iPhones That Support eSIM
Apple was among the first manufacturers to adopt eSIM widely. All of the following support eSIM:
- iPhone XR, XS, XS Max (2018)
- iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
- iPhone SE (2020 and 2022)
- iPhone 12 series (all models)
- iPhone 13 series (all models)
- iPhone 14 series (all models)
- iPhone 15 series (all models)
- iPhone 16 series (all models)
- iPhone 17 series (all models)
- iPhone Air (eSIM-only globally, no SIM tray)
India-specific note: iPhone eSIM works on all Indian-purchased models from XR onwards. iPhones bought in mainland China do not support eSIM.
How to check on iPhone: Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM. If the option is present, you’re good to go.
Samsung Phones That Support eSIM
Samsung significantly expanded eSIM from the Galaxy S20 series onward:
- Galaxy S20, S20+, S20 Ultra, S20 Ultra 5G
- Galaxy S21, S21+, S21 Ultra
- Galaxy S22, S22+, S22 Ultra
- Galaxy S23, S23+, S23 Ultra, S23 FE
- Galaxy S24, S24+, S24 Ultra, S24 FE
- Galaxy S25, S25+, S25 Ultra, S25 Edge
- Galaxy Note 20, Note 20 Ultra 5G
- Galaxy Z Fold series (Fold, Fold2, Fold3, Fold4, Fold5, Fold6, Fold7)
- Galaxy Z Flip series (Flip, Flip3, Flip4, Flip5, Flip6, Flip7)
- Galaxy A54, A55 5G, A35, A56
India-specific note: Samsung eSIM works on all Indian-purchased S20 and later models. Phones purchased in South Korea or Hong Kong often do not verify your model’s country of origin. The Galaxy S20 FE does not support eSIM.
How to check Samsung eSIM: Settings → Connections → SIM Manager → Add eSIM.
Google Pixel Phones That Support eSIM
Google has been an early eSIM adopter across the Pixel range:
- Pixel 3, 3a, 3 XL (with regional exceptions)
- Pixel 4, 4a, 4 XL
- Pixel 5, 5a
- Pixel 6, 6a, 6 Pro
- Pixel 7, 7a, 7 Pro
- Pixel 8, 8a, 8 Pro
- Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL
- Pixel 10, 10 Pro, 10 Pro XL, 10a
- Pixel Fold
Exceptions: Pixel phones bought in Hong Kong, Australia, Japan, or Taiwan may not support eSIM. Always verify the region of purchase.
How to check Google Pixel eSIM: Settings → Network & Internet → tap + next to SIMs → look for “Download a SIM instead?”
Xiaomi Phones That Support eSIM
Xiaomi eSIM support is expanding but remains limited to specific models and regions:
- Xiaomi 12T Pro
- Xiaomi 13, 13 Lite, 13 Pro, 13T, 13T Pro
- Xiaomi 14, 14 Pro, 14T, 14T Pro
- Xiaomi 15, 15 Ultra, 15T, 15T Pro
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+, Note 14 Pro, Note 14 Pro+
- Xiaomi Poco X7
India-specific note: Many Xiaomi models sold in India are the global version and support eSIM but always check the Settings before purchasing a travel eSIM plan.
OnePlus Phones That Support eSIM
OnePlus eSIM support covers recent flagship models:
- OnePlus 11, 12, 13, 13R, 13T, 15
Motorola Phones That Support eSIM
Motorola eSIM support spans the Edge and Razr series:
- Motorola Razr 2019, 5G, 40, 40 Ultra, 60, 60 Ultra
- Motorola Edge series (2022, 2023, 40, 50, 60, 70 series)
- Motorola Moto G54, G84
Other Brands Supporting eSIM
- Oppo: Find X3, X5, X8, X9; Reno 5A, 6 Pro, 9A, 14; Find N series
- Vivo: X80 Pro, X90 Pro, X100 Pro, X200 series, V29, V40 series
- Honor: Magic 4 Pro, 5 Pro, 6 Pro, 7 Pro, 8 Pro; Honor 90, 200 Pro; Magic V series
- Huawei: P40, P40 Pro, Mate 40 Pro, Pura 70 Pro (note: P40 Pro+ does NOT support eSIM)
India-Specific: Which Indian Carriers Support eSIM?
This is the section no competitor covers and it matters most for Indian users.
Jio (Reliance Jio) Jio eSIM Support: Jio eSIM is available on compatible devices. You can convert your existing Jio physical SIM to eSIM by visiting a Jio store or via the MyJio app on supported devices. You’ll need to provide your Aadhaar-linked mobile number for verification.
Airtel Airtel eSIM Support: Airtel eSIM conversion is available at Airtel stores or through the Airtel Thanks app. Conversion is available at Airtel stores or through the Airtel Thanks app. You’ll need your Airtel number and OTP verification.
Vi (Vodafone Idea): Supports eSIM on select devices. Visit a Vi store for activation.
BSNL: Limited eSIM support check availability at your local BSNL office.
Important for travel: Even if your Indian SIM is eSIM-enabled, a Commbitz travel eSIM is a separate eSIM profile that sits alongside your Indian number. Your Jio or Airtel number stays active for calls and OTPs, while Commbitz handles your international data. This is the dual eSIM advantage Indian travellers use.
Does My Phone Need to Be Unlocked to Use a Travel eSIM?
Yes. Your phone must be carrier-unlocked to use a travel eSIM from Commbitz.
What carrier-locked means: Some phones are tied to a specific network (e.g., bought on an Airtel or Jio plan) and cannot use SIM profiles from other providers.
How to check if your phone is unlocked:
- iPhone: Settings → General → About → Carrier Lock. If it says “No SIM restrictions,” you’re unlocked.
- Android: Remove your SIM and insert a SIM from a different carrier. If it connects, the phone is unlocked.
Most phones bought in India are sold unlocked this is usually not an issue for Indian buyers.
Can I Use eSIM and a Physical SIM at the Same Time?
Yes this is one of the biggest advantages of eSIM for Indian travellers. Most eSIM-compatible phones support Dual SIM eSIM (Nano-SIM + eSIM simultaneously), which means:
- Your Indian Jio/Airtel SIM stays in the phone for calls, WhatsApp, and bank OTPs
- Your Commbitz travel eSIM handles international data
You stay reachable on your Indian number the entire trip, while browsing on affordable international data plans across 190+ countries.
Phones That Do NOT Support eSIM (Common Indian Market Devices)
Not every popular phone in India supports eSIM. The following commonly used devices do not:
- iPhone X and all earlier iPhones
- Samsung Galaxy S10 and all earlier Galaxy S models
- Samsung Galaxy S20 FE (all versions)
- Most budget Redmi and Poco models (below Poco X7)
- Most Realme budget range
- Most phones sold in mainland China (including Chinese variants of Xiaomi, OnePlus, and Oppo)
If your phone is not on the compatible list above, you cannot use an eSIM regardless of your carrier or data plan.
Why Indian Travellers Are Switching to Travel eSIM
The traditional approach of buying a local SIM at the airport or using expensive roaming from Jio or Airtel is increasingly being replaced by travel eSIM. Here’s why:
- No airport queues: Activate your Commbitz eSIM before you board connected the moment you land
- Keep your Indian number: No need to miss calls, WhatsApp messages, or banking OTPs
- Covers 190+ countries: One eSIM, multiple destinations ideal for multi-country trips
- No SIM swapping: No risk of losing your physical SIM in a foreign country
- Affordable, fixed pricing: No surprise roaming bills you pay upfront and know exactly what you get
Whether you’re travelling to Dubai, Europe, the US, or performing Hajj and Umrah, a Commbitz travel eSIM gets you connected without the hassle of finding a local SIM or paying Jio’s international roaming rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does my phone support eSIM?
The fastest way to check: dial *#06# on Android if an EID number appears, your phone supports eSIM. On iPhone, go to Settings → General → About and look for “Digital SIM” or “EID.” Most flagship phones released after 2018 support eSIM. - Which iPhones support eSIM in India?
All iPhones from iPhone XR and XS (2018) onwards support eSIM in India, including all iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17 models. iPhones bought in mainland China are the only major exception. - Which Samsung phones support eSIM in India?
Samsung Galaxy S20 series and all newer Galaxy S, Note, Z Fold, and Z Flip models support eSIM. The Galaxy S20 FE does not. Most Samsung phones bought in India are eSIM-compatible. - Can I use Commbitz eSIM with my Jio or Airtel SIM at the same time?
Yes. Most eSIM-compatible phones support Dual SIM (physical SIM + eSIM simultaneously). Your Jio or Airtel SIM stays active for calls and OTPs while Commbitz handles your international data. You don’t need to remove your Indian SIM. - Does Jio support eSIM in India?
Yes. Jio supports eSIM on compatible devices. You can convert your physical Jio SIM to eSIM via the MyJio app or at a Jio store. A separate travel eSIM like Commbitz is then added as a second profile for international use. - Do I need to unlock my phone to use Commbitz eSIM?
Yes your phone must be carrier-unlocked. Most phones bought in India are sold unlocked, so this is rarely an issue. Check by going to Settings → General → About → Carrier Lock on iPhone, or by trying a different carrier’s SIM on Android. - What if my phone doesn’t support eSIM?
If your phone doesn’t support eSIM, you’ll need to buy a local physical SIM card at your destination or use your Indian carrier’s international roaming. Check our guide to eSIM for international travel from India for alternatives.
