Before you buy an eSIM for your next trip, there is one question to answer first: does your phone actually support eSIM? The good news is that most modern phones do, and checking takes less than a minute. This guide walks you through it step by step — on iPhone or Android — so you know before you pay.
What is an eSIM, in one line?
An eSIM is a digital version of the traditional SIM, built right into your phone. There is no plastic card and no pin to eject a tray — you activate it digitally in minutes. But that convenience needs supporting hardware inside your device, which is exactly what this quick check confirms.
How to check on iPhone
The easiest way on iPhone is to dial a special code from the keypad: open the Phone app and dial *#06#. If you see a line labelled EID (a long electronic identifier), your phone supports eSIM. You can also go to Settings, then General, then About and scroll down to look for the EID line. As a rule of thumb, every iPhone XR / XS and newer supports eSIM.
How to check on Android
On Android the exact path varies a little by brand, but the most universal method is the same: dial *#06# and look for an EID line. Alternatively, open Settings, then Connections or Network, then SIM manager, and if you find an option like “Add eSIM”, your device is ready. Recent Samsung Galaxy S, Z Fold and Z Flip phones, and Google Pixel from the third generation onward, all support eSIM.
The compatible-devices list
To save you time, we keep an up-to-date list of supported phones on our compatible devices page. Give it a quick scan to confirm your exact model before buying — some region-specific variants can differ.
What if your phone does not support eSIM?
No problem — you have two practical options. First, use another compatible device for the trip (a spare, or a family member’s phone). Second, if you were already thinking about upgrading, pick an eSIM-capable model next time — the feature is now standard on modern phones. The key is not to discover the mismatch after you have paid.
One more thing: the phone must be unlocked
Even if your phone supports eSIM, it must be carrier-unlocked. Most phones bought in the Gulf are already unlocked, but if you bought yours on an installment plan from a carrier in another country, confirm it is unlocked before you travel. If *#06# works and shows an EID, you are most likely fine.
Ready? The next step
Once compatibility is confirmed, the rest is easy: open the Simply app, choose your destination, and install your eSIM in minutes. Follow our step-by-step installation guide to activate it before your trip, and your main number keeps working as usual for calls and messages while your data runs over the travel eSIM.
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