Here's the short answer first. In most cases, you can check whether your Android phone supports eSIM right away in one of two ways: look for an "Add eSIM" option in the Settings app, or dial "*#06#" in the Phone app and see whether an EID (the unique identifier for an eSIM) appears. If an EID is shown, your device most likely supports eSIM. As a rough guide, many flagship devices from major manufacturers released around 2019 or later support it, but the same model can differ depending on the country or variant it was sold in. To be safe, it's worth checking the actual device using the methods below before you buy.
In this guide, we'll walk through the check process for Android phones in a way that's easy for beginners, plus how to choose a device if yours isn't supported and what to do if you get stuck during setup. If eSIM is completely new to you, take a look at our What Is an eSIM? A Beginner's Guide as well.
What Is an eSIM? Before You Check Android Support
An eSIM is a built-in chip inside your phone that stores your mobile plan details. Instead of swapping a physical SIM card, you can simply set it up from a QR code or an app and start connecting, which makes it easy to get ready without stress when traveling abroad, studying overseas, or during long stays.
That said, not every Android phone can use an eSIM. The device itself needs to support the eSIM feature, and availability varies by model, release date, and the country or carrier it was sold through. That's exactly why confirming "does my device support it?" before you buy is the essential first step. If you'd like to understand how it works in more detail, our eSIM guide articles are a helpful reference.
Two Basic Ways to Check eSIM Support on Android
You don't need any technical knowledge. Just try whichever of the two methods below feels easier.
Method 1: Look for an "Add SIM" Option in the Settings App
On many Android phones, you can tell whether eSIM is supported by checking if you can add one from the Settings app. The general flow is as follows.
- Open the "Settings" app
- Open "Network & internet," "Connections," or "Mobile network"
- Open an item such as "SIM," "SIM cards," or "SIM manager"
- Check whether there is an option like "Add SIM," "Add eSIM," or "Download a SIM"
If you see options such as "Add eSIM" or "Download with QR code," your phone most likely supports eSIM. Menu names vary by manufacturer and Android version, so if you can't find it, try typing "eSIM" into the search box within Settings.
Method 2: Dial "*#06#" in the Phone App to Check the EID
When you enter *#06# on the dial pad of your Phone app, identifiers such as the IMEI are displayed. If an EID number appears alongside them, your device likely has a chip for eSIM built in. If no EID is shown, the device may not support eSIM, or it may display this information differently depending on the model.
A Rough Guide to eSIM-Compatible Android Devices
This is only a general guide, but here are the typical support trends by major manufacturer. Even within the same series, support can differ by country of sale or variant, so be sure to ultimately confirm your own device using the methods above.
| Manufacturer | General eSIM support | Where to check |
|---|---|---|
| Google Pixel | Many Pixel 3 and later models (some exceptions) | Settings → Network → SIM |
| Samsung Galaxy | Many Galaxy S20 and later, and Z series models | SIM manager |
| Sony Xperia / other major brands | Some models from around 2020 onward | Check by model name |
| Others (various global brands) | Support varies by model | Check the EID with *#06# |
To check specific models, you can search by manufacturer or model name on our eSIM device compatibility checker. Even if you think "my model isn't in the table," start by checking there.
Things to Keep in Mind Even If Your Device Is Supported
Even once you've confirmed "eSIM supported," there are a few things worth knowing before you actually use it abroad. Cover these in advance so you won't run into trouble later.
- Whether the device is carrier-locked: A phone bought from a carrier may be locked to that carrier. To use an eSIM from another provider, you may need to have the device unlocked, so it's reassuring to check its status with your carrier beforehand.
- Carrier versions vs. unlocked versions: Even the same model can handle eSIM differently due to carrier-specific specifications.
- It's data-only: Like most travel eSIMs, Bloomy plans are data-only — there is no phone number, and no voice calls or SMS. If you need a phone number for voice calls or SMS verification, please also consider other options such as a local SIM or a plan that includes a number. App-based calls through services like WhatsApp may work wherever you have a data connection.
The Basic Flow for Setting Up an eSIM
Once you've confirmed support, the actual setup isn't very difficult. The general flow is as follows.
- Buy a plan that matches your destination and the number of days you'll travel
- Before you leave, install the eSIM while on Wi-Fi (for example, by scanning a QR code)
- After you arrive, turn on the eSIM line in Settings and enable data roaming
When the plan activates can vary, so it's reassuring to review the instructions before you buy. For specific steps, our eSIM setup guide walks you through it screen by screen.
What to Do If Your Device Isn't Supported
If your check shows that your Android doesn't support eSIM, that doesn't mean you're out of options for staying connected abroad. There are other approaches, such as a local or prepaid SIM that uses a physical SIM card, or renting a portable Wi-Fi router. If you're thinking about an upgrade, choosing an eSIM-compatible model for your next device will make preparing for future trips much easier. If you're unsure which data amount or number of days suits you, compare options by destination on our eSIM plan comparison page.
What to Do If You Get Stuck Checking or Setting Up
If you find that you "can't add an eSIM" or "set it up but can't connect," check the following points in order.
- Whether your OS is updated to the latest version
- Whether the device is unlocked (for carrier versions)
- Whether data roaming is turned on
- Whether you've tried toggling airplane mode or restarting the device
If that still doesn't resolve it, our connection troubleshooting guide has steps organized by symptom. For questions about plans or the purchase process, our FAQ is also a useful resource. Keep in mind that connection quality can vary depending on the local network, your device, and the area you're in.
What You Can Do with Bloomy
Bloomy eSIM is built around making sure first-time eSIM users abroad don't feel lost before or after buying. From checking device compatibility, to picking a plan that fits your destination, data amount, and trip length, to setup support after purchase — we help you every step of the way. Start by confirming your Android on the device compatibility checker, and if it's supported, find a plan that fits your destination on the comparison page. Please note that a fair usage policy applies to our plans.
Summary: Start by Checking the Android You Already Have
You can check Android eSIM support on the spot by looking for the "Add SIM" option in Settings or by checking for an EID with "*#06#." Even if it's supported, there are conditions to keep in mind — such as carrier locks and the data-only nature of these plans — so covering them in advance helps you avoid surprises on location. As your next step, confirm your own model with the device compatibility checker and compare plans that suit your destination. Plan details, pricing, and support status may change, so please check the latest information at the time of purchase before you buy.
