Here's the short answer: you can confirm whether your phone supports eSIM in about 30 seconds using three methods. (1) Dial *#06# in your phone app — if a number labeled "EID" appears, there's a good chance your device supports eSIM. (2) Open your Settings and look for an option to add an eSIM or a mobile/cellular plan. (3) Match your model name against our eSIM compatible devices list. Going through them in this order is the surest approach. This guide walks you through the steps for both iPhone and Android — clearly enough for first-timers — along with the common pitfalls to watch for. If eSIM is completely new to you, you may also want to start with What Is an eSIM (Beginner's Guide).
Does your phone support eSIM?
Most recent phones already support it — let’s check quickly.
- Google Pixel 4 or later
- Samsung Galaxy S20 or later / Z Flip & Z Fold series
- Sony Xperia 1 IV, 5 IV or later
- SHARP AQUOS sense6, wish or later (some models)
EID = the eSIM’s unique ID. If it’s there, your phone has eSIM.
You’re all set. After purchase, just tap the link once — setup takes as little as 3 minutes.
iPhone X, 8 and earlier don’t support eSIM. But just to be sure ——
If it’s not supported, consider a rental Wi-Fi or physical SIM for your trip. If you’re planning to upgrade to a supported phone, an eSIM is the easiest option.
- You can check eSIM support in about 30 seconds using three methods
- Dial *#06# in your phone app — if an EID appears, support is likely
- You can also check whether your Settings has an option to add an eSIM
- Matching your model against Bloomy's compatible devices list is the surest way
- Watch out for SIM locks and region-specific model differences
What exactly is an eSIM-compatible device?
An eSIM is a chip built into your phone that a mobile plan can be written to digitally. There's no physical SIM card to swap — you simply set things up with a tap or through an app, and your connection is ready to go.
That said, not every phone supports eSIM. Most relatively recent models do (roughly iPhones from 2018 onward and many of the latest Android flagships), while older devices and some region-specific models may not. That's exactly why it's worth checking your own device before you buy.
Method 1: Check the EID with *#06# (fastest)
The quickest approach is to dial a special code in your phone app. The EID (Embedded Identity Document) is a unique identifier assigned to an eSIM chip, so if this number appears, it's a good sign your device has an eSIM chip on board.
Steps (same for iPhone and Android)
- Open your phone app (the dialer screen)
- Enter
*#06# - On the screen that appears automatically, check whether an "EID" number is shown alongside the "IMEI"
If an EID entry appears, there's a strong chance your device supports eSIM. If no EID shows up, check the Settings method below as well. (The display format can vary by model, so rather than relying on this method alone, it's reassuring to confirm using more than one approach.)
Method 2: Check through your Settings (reliable)
Whether your Settings app has an option to add an eSIM is another clear indicator. The location differs by operating system, so check according to your device.
On iPhone
Open "Settings" → "Cellular" (or "Mobile Data"), and if you see an option like "Add eSIM" or "Add Cellular Plan," your device supports it. If that option doesn't appear at all, the device may not support eSIM, or there may be a region-specific limitation.
On Android
Open "Settings" → "Network & internet" → "SIMs" or "Mobile network," and check for an option like "Add SIM" or "Download a SIM." Wording and menu structure vary by manufacturer and OS version, so if you can't find it, searching for "eSIM" in the settings search bar is often the fastest way.
Method 3: Match against the compatible devices list
If the code and settings still leave you unsure, matching by model name is the most reliable route. Check Bloomy's eSIM compatible devices page to see whether your model is on the list. You can search by model number or name, so it's easy to navigate even if it's your first time.
The table below summarizes the characteristics of the three methods.
| Method | Time needed | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Check EID with *#06# | About 30 seconds | Anyone who just wants a quick answer |
| 2. Check through Settings | About 1 minute | Confirming the menu actually exists |
| 3. Compatible devices list | About 1 minute | Matching by model name |
Things to watch for when checking
Make sure the device isn't SIM-locked
Even if a device supports eSIM, a SIM lock can prevent it from using another provider's eSIM. With used phones or older contracts, it's wise to confirm the SIM-lock status in advance.
Differences by country or region of purchase
Even with the same model name, eSIM support can differ depending on the regional version you bought (some regional versions are physical-SIM only). This is especially worth noting if you're using a device purchased abroad. Because support varies by model, country of purchase, and carrier, the surest check is ultimately our compatible devices page together with what your device itself shows.
Bloomy plans are generally data-only
One thing to know before you check: Bloomy plans are generally data-only. Even if your device supports eSIM, that only speaks to whether data will work — it does not mean you'll get a phone number, SMS, or voice calls. If you need a phone number or SMS verification, also look into other options such as a local SIM or a plan that includes a number. App-based calling through services like WhatsApp may work wherever you have a working data connection. For more, see our FAQ.
If no EID appears or you're still unsure about support
Even if "no EID appears" or you "can't find an eSIM option in Settings," there's no need to assume your device is unsupported right away. An outdated OS version can sometimes keep these from showing, so update your software to the latest version first, then try the three methods again.
If you still can't tell, don't force a purchase — feel free to reach out through our contact page with your model name and we'll help. If you run into trouble during setup after purchasing, our setup guide and troubleshooting page lay out the steps.
Once support is confirmed: how to use Bloomy
Once you know your device supports eSIM, all that's left is to choose a plan based on your destination and the data and number of days you need. The general flow looks like this:
- Pick a plan that matches your destination, data, and trip length on our eSIM comparison page
- Install (set up) the eSIM before you leave
- Activate the line after you arrive
The right moment to activate can vary by plan, so check the guidance provided before purchase. If you expect to use a lot of data, an unlimited plan with certain usage conditions is also an option. (Even unlimited plans may come with a fair usage policy and conditions on speed or tethering, so it's reassuring to confirm the details beforehand.) Plan details can change, so please check the latest information before you buy.
In summary: start with a 30-second check
You can confirm whether your phone supports eSIM in three steps: check the EID with *#06#, look through your Settings, and match against the compatible devices list. Once support is confirmed, just keep in mind that the service is data-only and review the usage conditions of any unlimited plan, and you won't be caught off guard after purchase. Start with the fastest option — try *#06# on the phone in your hand right now.
