Are all smartphones compatible with eSIM? Discover the surprising answer and explore which phones support eSIM in this complete 2025 guide.

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Are All Smartphones Compatible with eSIM? (Full Guide 2025)

Introduction to eSIM Technology

With smartphones evolving rapidly, the term eSIM has become increasingly common. But what exactly is eSIM, and why does it matter? An eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a small chip built directly into your device. Unlike traditional SIM cards, it doesn’t require physical insertion or swapping everything is handled digitally.

How eSIM Works

An eSIM allows users to download and activate a mobile plan directly from their carrier without needing to insert a plastic SIM card. It’s part of a broader trend toward digital convenience, letting users switch networks or plans from settings within the phone.

A Brief History of eSIM

Introduced by the GSMA, eSIM first made waves in 2016. Apple was one of the earliest adopters with its Apple Watch. Since then, other smartphone makers have jumped on board, with adoption picking up significantly in the last few years.

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Benefits of eSIM Over Traditional SIM Cards

eSIMs bring a host of benefits:

• Space Saving: No need for a SIM tray, freeing space for other components or bigger batteries.
• Remote Provisioning: No more trips to the store set up your plan over Wi-Fi.
• Dual SIM Flexibility: Use one eSIM and one physical SIM or two eSIMs in newer phones.
• Security: Easier to lock or wipe remotely if lost or stolen.

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How eSIM Compatibility Works in Smartphones

Not all phones can use eSIM: why is that?

Hardware vs Software Requirements

First, a phone needs the actual eSIM chip soldered into the motherboard. Second, the phone’s operating system must support eSIM features, such as QR code scanning or profile switching.

Firmware and Carrier Restrictions

Even if a phone has the right hardware, some carriers or firmware versions might block eSIM usage. For instance, a phone bought in China might lack eSIM support due to regulatory reasons.

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Are All Smartphones Compatible with eSIM?

No, not all smartphones support eSIM. While eSIM support is becoming more common, many budget, older, or region-specific phones lack the required hardware or firmware support.

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Criteria for eSIM Support in Phones

Here are the key features that determine eSIM compatibility:

• eSIM Chip: Required at the hardware level.
• Updated OS: iOS 12.1 or Android 10 and above generally required.
• Carrier Support: Even with eSIM hardware, carrier must support provisioning.

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What devices support eSIM

Here’s a comprehensive list under the heading “What devices support eSIM?”, covering the brands and categories you specified:

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📱 Smartphones with eSIM Support

Apple iPhone

Fully eSIM-capable models (most support dual‑eSIM where noted):
iPhone XR, XS, XS Max, iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max, iPhone SE (2nd gen), iPhone 12 series, iPhone 13 series, iPhone 14 series, iPhone 15 series, and iPhone 16 series ( Windows Central).

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Samsung Galaxy Phones

Models confirmed with eSIM support:
Galaxy S20, S20+, S20 Ultra, S21, S21+, S22, S22+, S23, S23+, S23 FE*, S24 and S24+
Foldables: Z Fold2, Z Fold3, Z Fold4, Z Fold5; Z Flip, Z Flip3, Z Flip4, Z Flip5
Also Galaxy Note 20 and Note 20 Ultra—support depending on region.

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Google Pixel

Supported Pixel models include: Pixel 2 (Google Fi only), Pixel 3/3 XL, 3a/3a XL, Pixel 4/4 XL/4a and 4a 5G, Pixel 5/5a, Pixel 6/6a/6 Pro, Pixel 7/7a/7 Pro, Pixel 8/8a/8 Pro, Pixel 9/9a/9 Pro/9 Pro XL, and Pixel Fold devices.

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Huawei & Honor

Huawei: models like P40, P40 Pro, Mate 40 Pro support eSIM; P40 Pro+ and P50 Pro generally don’t.

Honor: Magic 4 Pro, Magic 5 Pro, Magic 6 Pro, Honor 90, X8, 200 Pro, Magic V2, V3, and Honor 400 Lite support eSIM.

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Xiaomi & Redmi

Xiaomi: 12T Pro, 13/13 Lite/13 Pro, 13T/13T Pro, 14/14 Pro/14T/14T Pro, 15/15 Ultra support eSIM.

Redmi Note: Note 13 Pro+, Note 14 Pro and Note 14 Pro+; Poco X7 also included (Saily).

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Motorola

Models with eSIM support: Motorola Razr (2019, 2022, Razr 5G, Razr 40, Razr 40 Ultra, Razr+), Edge 2022/2023, Edge 40/40 Pro/40 Neo, Edge 50 Pro/50 Ultra/50 Fusion, Moto G Power 5G (2024), G52J 5G series, G53J 5G, Moto G54 5G, G84, G34.

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Vivo

Models supporting eSIM: Vivo X80 Pro, X90 Pro, X100 Pro; Vivo V29, V29 Lite (Europe only), Vivo V40, V40 Lite, V40 SE; Vivo X200, X200s, X200 Pro.

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Oppo

Confirmed eSIM support: Oppo Find X3/X3 Pro, Find N2 Flip, Reno 5A, Reno 6 Pro 5G, Reno 9A, Find X5/X5 Pro, A55s 5G, Find N3/N3 Flip, Find X8/X8 Pro (Holafly).

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Sony

Sony Xperia phone models with eSIM: Xperia 10 III Lite, Xperia 10 IV, Xperia 10 V, Xperia 1 IV, 1 V, 5 IV, 5 V, Ace III, and 1 VI.

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Nokia

From Android One series: Nokia X30 and Nokia G60 launched September 2022 support eSIM (dual‑SIM standby and eSIM) (Wikipedia).

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TCL, Song, Hammer

No confirmed listings found for TCL, Song, or Hammer brand phones supporting eSIM as of mid‑2025.

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💻 Windows Laptops & Tablets Supporting eSIM

The following Windows 10/11 devices are confirmed eSIM-capable (cellular/laptop or tablet types):

• Microsoft Surface Series: Surface Pro X; Surface Pro 9 with 5G; Surface Pro 8 & Pro 8 LTE; Surface Pro 7+; Surface Go 2 & Go 3 with LTE; Surface Pro LTE Advanced; Surface Laptop 5G variant (business SKUs) with both nano‑SIM and eSIM support.
• Dell Latitude Series: Latitude 7210, 7310, 7320, 7410, 9420, 9510, 5410, 5411, 5511, 9410, 9440.
• Lenovo: ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 9 & Gen 10; X1 Fold; X1 Nano; X12 Detachable; Yoga C630; Miix 630; Flex 5G; Yoga 520; Yoga 720 (2‑in‑1).
• HP: Elite Dragonfly G2; Elite Folio 13; EliteBook G5; ProBook G5; ZBook G5; Spectre Folio 13; Spectre x360; EliteBook 840 Aero G8.
• Acer: Spin 7; Swift 3; Swift 7; TravelMate P2; TravelMate Spin P4; TravelMate P6; Acer Chromebook Spin 511/513 (based on Ubigi listings) (Holafly).
• ASUS: Mini Transformer T103HAF; NovaGo TP370QL; Transbook Mini; VivoBook Flip 14 TP401NA (Ubigi preinstalled models) (Ubigi).
• Samsung: Galaxy Book 2 (laptop) supports eSIM.

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✅ Summary Table

Brand / Type	Models with eSIM Support
Apple iPhone	iPhone XR → iPhone 16 series
Samsung Galaxy Phones	S20 to S24 series, Z‑Fold2–5, Z‑Flip to Flip5, Note 20 series
Google Pixel	Pixel 2 → Pixel 9 / Fold variants
Huawei / Honor	Huawei P40/P40 Pro, Mate 40 Pro; Honor Magic & V series
Xiaomi / Redmi	Xiaomi 12T Pro → Xiaomi 15 Ultra; Redmi Note 13/14 Pro models
Motorola	Razr foldables, Edge 2022/23/40/50 series, G‑series midrange
Vivo	X80 Pro → X200 series, V29/V40 series
Oppo	Find X and N series, Reno 5A/6/9, A55s
Sony	Xperia 10 IV/V, 1/5 series, Ace III
Nokia	Nokia X30, G60
TCL / Song / Hammer	No confirmed eSIM models
Windows Laptops/Tablets	Surfaces, Dell Latitude, Lenovo ThinkPad/Yoga, HP, Acer, Asus
Samsung PCs	Galaxy Book 2

How to Check if Your Smartphone Supports eSIM

• iOS: Go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM. If available, it’s compatible.
• Android: Search eSIM in Settings or dial *#06# and check for an EID number.

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Differences Between Single eSIM and Dual eSIM Phones

Some devices allow:

• 1 eSIM + 1 Physical SIM
• 2 eSIMs (common in iPhone 14 and above)
• Some only allow one profile active at a time.

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eSIM Activation: What You Need to Know

• Scan a QR code from your carrier.
• Use the carrier’s app or website.
• Troubleshoot by ensuring device is unlocked and updated.

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Carriers That Support eSIM Globally

Region	Examples
USA	Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T
UK	EE, O2, Vodafone
India	Airtel, Jio, Vi
Europe	Orange, Telefonica, Deutsche Telekom
Asia	Singtel, Optus, NTT Docomo

(Always confirm with your local provider.)

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eSIM vs Physical SIM: Which One Should You Use?

Feature	eSIM	Physical SIM
Flexibility	High (can switch easily)	Limited
Convenience	Very high	Moderate
Availability	Still growing	Widely available

Verdict: If your phone supports eSIM and your carrier offers it, go for it!

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Security and Privacy with eSIM

• Remote Wipe: Remove eSIM remotely if phone is lost.
• Harder to Clone: Tamper-proof design.
• Carrier Locking: Some carriers may lock the eSIM to their network.

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Future of eSIM Technology

• More eSIM-only phones expected (like iPhone 14 US models).
• Development of iSIM—an integrated SIM built into the CPU.
• eSIM adoption in smart cars, laptops, and wearables.

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Common Myths About eSIM Compatibility

1. “All new phones support eSIM” – False.
2. “You can’t switch carriers” – You can!
3. “It’s less secure” – It’s actually more secure.
4. “You need tech skills to set it up” – Not true; it’s simple.

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FAQs About Smartphone and eSIM Compatibility

Q1. Do all iPhones support eSIM?
No. Only iPhone XS and newer support it. Older models do not.

Q2. Can I use both eSIM and physical SIM at the same time?
Yes, many phones support dual SIM dual standby.

Q3. How do I know if my phone is eSIM-capable?
Check settings or dial *#06# and look for an EID number.

Q4. Are budget Android phones compatible with eSIM?
Most aren’t. eSIM is usually found in mid-range and premium models.

Q5. Can I switch carriers easily with eSIM?
Yes. That’s one of the main benefits—no need to get a new SIM.

Q6. What if my eSIM stops working?
You can delete and reinstall it or contact your carrier to reset.

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Conclusion

So, are all smartphones compatible with eSIM? Absolutely not. While many high-end models now offer eSIM support, it’s still missing in many budget and older devices. Before purchasing a phone or switching carriers, always check for hardware, software, and network compatibility.

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