How to Check if Your Android Phone Supports eSIM: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here's the short answer first. To find out whether your Android phone supports eSIM, you can usually check on the spot in one of two ways: look for an "Add eSIM" option in the Settings app, or dial "*#06#" in the Phone app and see if an EID (the unique identifier for an eSIM) appears. If an EID shows up, there's a good chance your device supports eSIM. As a rough guide, many phones from major manufacturers released around 2019 or later support it, but the same model can differ depending on the country or version it was sold in. To be sure, it's worth checking the actual device using the methods below before you buy.

In this article, we'll walk through how to check your Android phone in a way that's easy to follow even for beginners, plus what to do if your device isn't supported or if you run into trouble 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 your Android

An eSIM is a chip built into your phone that stores your mobile plan information. Instead of swapping a physical SIM card, you simply set it up by scanning a QR code or using an app — and you're connected. That makes it especially handy for travel, studying abroad, or long stays overseas, since you can get ready without scrambling once you arrive.

That said, not every Android phone can use an eSIM. The device itself needs to support the feature, and whether it does depends on the model, when it was released, and the country or carrier it was sold through. That's exactly why checking "does my device support it?" before you buy a plan is the essential first step. If you'd like to understand how it all works, our eSIM guide article list is a helpful place to start.

Two basic ways to check eSIM support on Android

You don't need any technical knowledge. Just try whichever of these two methods is easiest for you.

Method 1: Look for the "Add SIM" option in the Settings app

On most Android phones, you can tell whether eSIM is supported by checking if you can add one from the Settings app. The general steps look like this:

1. Open the "Settings" app
2. Go to "Network & internet," "Connections," or "Mobile network"
3. Open an item like "SIM," "SIM cards," or "SIM manager"
4. Check for an option such as "Add SIM," "Add eSIM," or "Download a SIM"

If you see options like "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 for an EID

When you type *#06# on the keypad in your Phone app, identifiers such as the IMEI will appear. If an EID number is shown alongside them, your device most likely has a chip for eSIM. If no EID appears, your phone may not support eSIM, or it may display this information differently depending on the model.

A rough guide to eSIM-capable Android devices

This is only a general guide, but here are the typical trends for major manufacturers. Even within the same series, support can vary by country and model, so always confirm your own device using the methods above as the final check.

Manufacturer	Rough eSIM support guide	Where to check
Google Pixel	Many models from Pixel 3 onward (a few exceptions)	Settings → Network → SIM
Samsung Galaxy	Many Galaxy S20 and later models, plus the Z series	SIM manager
Other regional brands (e.g. Sony Xperia)	Some models from around 2020 onward	Check by model name
Others (various global brands)	Support varies from model to model	Check for an EID with *#06#

To check a specific model, you can search by manufacturer or model name on our eSIM compatible device checker. Even if your model isn't listed in the table above, start by checking there.

Things to keep in mind even if your phone is supported

Even once you've confirmed "eSIM supported," there are a few things worth knowing before you actually use it abroad. Getting these straight in advance can save you trouble later.

• Whether the phone is carrier-locked: A phone bought from a mobile carrier may be locked to that carrier. Using an eSIM from another provider can require unlocking it first, so it's reassuring to check your phone's lock status with your carrier (for example, through your online account) beforehand.
• Carrier versions vs. unlocked versions: Even with the same model, carrier-specific versions can handle eSIM differently from unlocked ones.
• It's data-only: Bloomy, like most travel eSIMs, is a data-only service — it doesn't include a phone number, voice calls over the network, or SMS. If you need voice calls or SMS-based verification tied to a phone number, look into other options such as a local SIM or a plan that includes a number. App-based calls through services like WhatsApp can 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 that hard. It generally goes like this:

1. Buy a plan that matches your destination and how many days you'll need it
2. Before you leave, install the eSIM while connected to Wi-Fi (for example, by scanning a QR code)
3. After you arrive, turn on the eSIM line in Settings and enable data roaming

The timing for activation varies by plan, so it's a good idea to check the instructions before you buy. For the specific steps, our eSIM setup guide walks you through it screen by screen.

What to do if your phone isn't supported

If it turns out your Android doesn't support eSIM, that doesn't mean you're out of options for staying connected abroad. You can still use a local or prepaid physical SIM card, or rent a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot, among other approaches. And if you're thinking about upgrading, choosing an eSIM-capable model for your next phone will make preparing for future trips far 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 during checking or setup

If you find that you "can't add an eSIM" or "set it up but can't connect," go through the following points in order:

• Is your OS updated to the latest version?
• Is the phone unlocked from its carrier (if it's a carrier version)?
• Is data roaming turned on?
• Have you tried toggling airplane mode on and off, or restarting the phone?

If that still doesn't fix it, our connection troubleshooting guide covers step-by-step fixes by symptom. For questions about plans or the purchase process, our FAQ is also a handy resource.

What you can do with Bloomy

Bloomy eSIM is designed so that people using an eSIM abroad for the first time don't feel lost before or after buying. From checking device compatibility, to choosing a plan that fits your destination, data amount, and number of days, to setup support after purchase — we make it easy to get the help you need. Start by confirming your Android with our device compatibility checker, and if it's supported, find a plan that suits your destination on the comparison page.

Summary: Start by checking the Android you already have

You can check eSIM support on Android right away by looking at the "Add SIM" option in the Settings app, or by dialing "*#06#" to see if an EID appears. Even if your phone is supported, there are a few things to know in advance — like carrier locks and the data-only nature of these plans — so sorting them out beforehand means no scrambling once you're abroad. As your next step, check your own model with the device checker and compare plans that fit your destination. Please note that plan details and compatibility can change, and connection quality depends on the local network, your device, and the area, so always confirm the latest information before you buy. A fair use policy may also apply.