Short answer
Apple says an iPhone used with another carrier while traveling cannot be locked to a carrier, and it has to be a model Apple lists for eSIM. Google says a Pixel must be SIM-unlocked to use a carrier other than the seller, and Samsung says changing carriers may require the original carrier to unlock the Galaxy.
Fact table
As of 2026-10-20
Each claim names its source. The full source list, with the date each page was read, is below.
| Claim | Source |
|---|---|
| Apple says using an eSIM while traveling needs an iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, or later, and a wireless carrier or worldwide service provider that supports eSIM. To use that iPhone with another carrier while traveling internationally, the iPhone cannot be locked to a carrier. If it is unlocked, Settings, then General, then About shows "No SIM Restrictions" next to Carrier Lock. | Apple Support, travel with eSIM |
| Apple lists these as eSIM-only: iPhone Air; iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, iPhone 17e, iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max purchased in the United States, the United States Virgin Islands, Canada, Mexico, Japan, Guam, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, or Oman; and iPhone 16e, iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max purchased in the United States. | Apple Support, which SIM an iPhone or iPad uses |
| Apple lists an eSIM and a nano-SIM on the same iPhone 17 and iPhone 18 models when purchased outside those countries and regions; on iPhone 16e, iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max purchased outside the United States; and on iPhone SE (3rd generation), iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR. iPhone SE (2nd generation) and earlier, and iPhone X, are under Nano-SIM card only. Apple also says iPhone 13 models and later support Dual eSIM, and that iPhone 13 models and earlier also have a SIM tray for a nano-SIM card. | Apple Support, which SIM an iPhone or iPad uses |
| In China mainland, Apple says only iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, iPhone 17e, and iPhone Air support eSIM. In China mainland, Hong Kong, and Macao, Apple says certain iPhone models feature Dual SIM with two nano-SIM cards. | Apple Support, which SIM an iPhone or iPad uses |
| Apple says an unlocked eSIM-only iPhone can be used with carriers from all over the world if you will use it while living in a different country or region. Check with the carrier that the plan supports eSIM, and check iPhone cellular band support for that country. An eSIM from a China mainland carrier cannot be used on a device purchased outside China mainland. | Apple Support, travel with eSIM |
| Apple says it cannot unlock an iPhone for another carrier. Only the current carrier can, and the request might take a few days. After the carrier confirms the unlock, if you have a SIM card from another carrier, remove the current SIM and insert the new one. If you have no other SIM card, back up the iPhone, erase it, and restore the backup. On iOS 14 and later, Carrier Lock should then say "No SIM Restrictions"; if it does not, contact the carrier. | Apple Support, unlock iPhone for another carrier |
| Apple's iPad eSIM page requires a carrier or worldwide service provider that supports eSIM, and lists these Wi-Fi + Cellular models: iPad Pro 13-inch (M4 and M5), iPad Pro 11-inch (M4 and M5), iPad Pro 11-inch (1st through 4th generation), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd through 6th generation), iPad Air 13-inch and 11-inch (M2, M3, and M4), iPad Air (3rd through 5th generation), iPad (A16), iPad (7th through 10th generation), iPad mini (A17 Pro), and iPad mini (5th and 6th generation). iPad (A16), iPad Pro (M4), iPad Air (M2), and iPad mini (A17 Pro) Wi-Fi + Cellular models and later have no physical SIM card and are set up with an eSIM. | Apple Support, set up eSIM on iPad |
| On iPhone and iPad, Apple says the EID is in Settings, General, About. Scroll if needed. The EID is also on the original packaging. | Apple Support, find the EID |
| Google says eSIM support depends on the phone and the carrier. Pixel 4 and later phones work with eSIM. Pixel 3a phones bought with Verizon service or in Japan do not. Pixel 3 phones bought from any US or Canadian carrier other than Sprint and Google Fi do not, and Pixel 3 phones bought in Australia, Taiwan, and Japan do not. Pixel 2 phones work with eSIM only when bought with Google Fi. No 2016 Pixel works with eSIM. In the US, a Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, or Pixel 10 Pro XL cannot use a physical SIM. | Google Pixel Help, which phones use eSIM |
| Google says phones in the US with the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, and Pixel 10 Pro XL model do not use physical SIMs, and are eSIM-only. | Google Pixel Help, about eSIM |
| Google says a Pixel must be SIM-unlocked to use any mobile carrier, not just the seller's network. All phones in the Google Store come unlocked. A phone bought from a mobile service provider could be SIM-locked for up to 2 years. Until that seller removes the lock or the contract ends, the phone can get mobile service only from that provider. To remove the lock sooner, contact that provider. | Google Pixel Help, use any carrier |
| Google says a phone needs an EID to use an eSIM. The EID is on the box, or in Settings under About phone, then SIM status. | Google Pixel Help, IMEI and EID |
| Google's repair article says the IMEI can be read from the SIM card tray, the original box, or by dialing *#06#. That article does not describe *#06# as a way to check eSIM support. | Google Pixel Help, read the IMEI |
| Samsung's UK support page lists these phones for eSIM: Galaxy S26, S26+, S26 Ultra, S25, S25+, S25 Ultra, S25 Edge, S24, S24+, S24 Ultra, S23, S23+, S23 Ultra, S22, S22+, S22 Ultra, S21, S21+, S21 Ultra, S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra; Galaxy S26 FE, S25 FE, S24 FE, and S23 FE; Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Z Fold8, Z Flip8, Z TriFold, Z Fold7, Z Flip7, Z Flip 7 FE, Z Fold6, Z Flip6, Z Fold5, Flip5, Z Fold4, Flip4, Z Fold3, Flip3, Z Fold2, Z Flip 5G, Z Flip, and Galaxy Fold. A57, A37, A56, A55, Xcover7 Pro, and Xcover7 are listed with no region note. A27, A17 5G, A26, A16 5G, and XCover6 Pro are North America only. A36 and A35 are Europe, North America, and Korea only. A54 is Europe, North America, Korea, and Japan only. A25 5G and A23 5G are Japan only. Depending on the country of origin, eSIM may not be supported even if the phone is listed. Wi-Fi only tablet models do not support eSIM. | Samsung UK Support, Galaxy eSIM devices |
| On that same UK page, AT&T and Verizon are among the US carriers that may allow eSIM Simple Setup, which is the carrier sending its own plan to the Galaxy. | Samsung UK Support, Galaxy eSIM devices |
| Samsung's US support page says that if you are changing carriers, you may need the device SIM unlocked, and to contact the original carrier for its unlocking policies and procedures. If the phone asks for an unlock code, contact the original carrier. Some carriers may not yet support the eSIM capabilities of the Galaxy device. | Samsung US Support, SIM card and carrier change |
| Samsung's Hong Kong eSIM page says a provider may ask for the phone's EID, found on the box or in Settings, About phone, Status Information. The page says its information is for Hong Kong, and that settings vary depending on where the phone was bought. | Samsung Hong Kong Support, Galaxy eSIM |
FAQ
Which iPhones support eSIM, and which are eSIM-only?
Apple's travel article requires an iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, or later, plus a carrier or worldwide service provider that supports eSIM. eSIM-only models are iPhone Air; iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, iPhone 17e, iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max purchased in the United States, the United States Virgin Islands, Canada, Mexico, Japan, Guam, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, or Oman; and iPhone 16e, iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max purchased in the United States. Those 17 and 18 models purchased outside that country list, and those 14, 15, and 16 models purchased outside the United States, have an eSIM and a nano-SIM. So do iPhone SE (3rd generation), iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR. iPhone SE (2nd generation) and iPhone X are nano-SIM only. In China mainland, only iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, iPhone 17e, and iPhone Air support eSIM. iPhone 13 models and later support Dual eSIM.
How do I check if my iPhone is carrier-locked?
Open Settings, tap General, then About. Apple says an unlocked iPhone shows "No SIM Restrictions" next to Carrier Lock.
Can I unlock my iPhone before I travel, and who does it?
Only the current carrier can unlock it. Apple says it cannot, and the request might take a few days. After the carrier confirms the unlock, remove the current SIM and insert the other carrier's SIM if you have one. If you have no other SIM, Apple says to back up the iPhone, erase it, and restore the backup. On iOS 14 and later, Carrier Lock should then say "No SIM Restrictions". If it does not, contact the carrier.
Which Pixel phones support eSIM, including a phone a carrier sold?
Google says Pixel 4 and later phones work with eSIM. A Pixel 3a bought with Verizon service or in Japan does not. A Pixel 3 bought from a US or Canadian carrier other than Sprint and Google Fi does not, and a Pixel 3 bought in Australia, Taiwan, or Japan does not. A Pixel 2 works with eSIM only when bought with Google Fi. A 2016 Pixel does not. US Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, and Pixel 10 Pro XL phones do not use physical SIMs and are eSIM-only. A Pixel must be SIM-unlocked to use a carrier other than the seller. Google Store phones come unlocked. A phone bought from a mobile service provider could be SIM-locked for up to 2 years. Until that seller removes the lock or the contract ends, the phone can get mobile service only from that provider.
Does a Galaxy bought in the United States or in Asia support eSIM?
Samsung's UK page lists the Galaxy S20, S21, S22, S23, S24, S25, and S26 models in the table, including only the Plus, Ultra, Edge, and FE variants that table names, plus the Z Fold, Z Flip, and Galaxy Fold models it names. Depending on the country of origin, eSIM may not be supported even when the model is listed. A27, A17 5G, A26, A16 5G, and XCover6 Pro are North America only. A36 and A35 are Europe, North America, and Korea only. A54 is Europe, North America, Korea, and Japan only. A25 5G and A23 5G are Japan only. If you are changing carriers, Samsung says you may need the original carrier to unlock the phone, and some carriers may not yet support eSIM on the device. AT&T and Verizon are among the US carriers that may allow eSIM Simple Setup, which is that carrier sending its own plan.
Can I use an eSIM on an iPad?
Apple lists these Wi-Fi + Cellular models: iPad Pro 13-inch (M4 and M5), iPad Pro 11-inch (M4 and M5), iPad Pro 11-inch (1st through 4th generation), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd through 6th generation), iPad Air 13-inch and 11-inch (M2, M3, and M4), iPad Air (3rd through 5th generation), iPad (A16), iPad (7th through 10th generation), iPad mini (A17 Pro), and iPad mini (5th and 6th generation). iPad (A16), iPad Pro (M4), iPad Air (M2), and iPad mini (A17 Pro) models and later have no physical SIM card. The page also requires a carrier or worldwide service provider that supports eSIM.
How do I find the EID, and does *#06# show eSIM support?
On iPhone and iPad, Apple puts the EID in Settings, General, About, and on the box. Google says a Pixel needs an EID to use an eSIM, and puts it on the box or in Settings under About phone, then SIM status. Samsung's Hong Kong page says a provider may ask for the EID, on the box or in Settings, About phone, Status Information, and that the page is for Hong Kong and settings vary by where the phone was bought. Google's repair article lists *#06# as a way to read the IMEI, not as an eSIM check.
Does Apple say an eSIM-only iPhone can be used in another country?
For an unlocked eSIM-only iPhone you will use while living in a different country or region, Apple says you can use carriers from all over the world, that the carrier should confirm the plan supports eSIM, and that you should check iPhone cellular band support for that country. An eSIM from a China mainland carrier cannot be used on a device purchased outside China mainland.
Sources
Apple Support, travel with eSIMsupport.apple.com
Travel eSIM needs an iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, or later. Using another carrier while traveling requires an iPhone that is not locked. Unlocked shows No SIM Restrictions next to Carrier Lock. An unlocked eSIM-only iPhone used while living in another country should be checked for that country's cellular bands.
Accessed 2026-10-20.
Apple Support, which SIM an iPhone or iPad usessupport.apple.com
Which iPhone and iPad models are eSIM-only, which have eSIM and nano-SIM, and which are nano-SIM only, including United States iPhone 14, 15, and 16 models and iPhone 17 and 18 models purchased in Japan. iPhone SE (2nd generation) and iPhone X are nano-SIM only. In China mainland, only four models support eSIM.
Accessed 2026-10-20.
Apple Support, unlock iPhone for another carriersupport.apple.com
Carrier Lock in Settings, General, About shows No SIM Restrictions when the iPhone is unlocked. Apple cannot unlock an iPhone. Only the current carrier can, and it might take a few days. After that, Apple's finish steps depend on whether you have another SIM card.
Accessed 2026-10-20.
Apple Support, set up eSIM on iPadsupport.apple.com
Wi-Fi + Cellular iPad models Apple lists for eSIM, and which of those have no physical SIM card. A carrier or worldwide service provider that supports eSIM is required.
Accessed 2026-10-20.
Apple Support, find the EIDsupport.apple.com
On iPhone and iPad, the EID is in Settings, General, About, and on the original packaging.
Accessed 2026-10-20.
Google Pixel Help, which phones use eSIMsupport.google.com
Pixel 4 and later work with eSIM. Pixel 3a bought with Verizon or in Japan does not. Pixel 3 and Pixel 2 depend on where the phone was bought and which carrier sold it. The 2016 Pixel does not. A US Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, or Pixel 10 Pro XL cannot use a physical SIM.
Accessed 2026-10-20.
Google Pixel Help, about eSIMsupport.google.com
Phones in the US with the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, and Pixel 10 Pro XL do not use physical SIMs and are eSIM-only.
Accessed 2026-10-20.
Google Pixel Help, use any carriersupport.google.com
A Pixel must be SIM-unlocked to use a carrier other than the seller. Google Store phones come unlocked. A phone bought from a mobile service provider could be SIM-locked for up to 2 years and can get service only from that provider until the seller removes the lock or the contract ends.
Accessed 2026-10-20.
Google Pixel Help, IMEI and EIDsupport.google.com
A phone needs an EID to use an eSIM. The EID is on the box or in Settings under About phone, then SIM status.
Accessed 2026-10-20.
Google Pixel Help, read the IMEIsupport.google.com
The repair article lists the SIM tray, the original box, or dialing *#06# as ways to read the IMEI. It does not describe *#06# as an eSIM check.
Accessed 2026-10-20.
Samsung UK Support, Galaxy eSIM devicessamsung.com
Phones Samsung lists for eSIM, region limits on some A-series and XCover models, the country-of-origin caveat, and Wi-Fi only tablets. AT&T and Verizon are among US carriers that may allow eSIM Simple Setup.
Accessed 2026-10-20.
Samsung US Support, SIM card and carrier changesamsung.com
Changing carriers may require the original carrier to SIM-unlock the device. Some carriers may not yet support eSIM on the Galaxy. An unlock-code prompt means contacting the original carrier.
Accessed 2026-10-20.
Samsung Hong Kong Support, Galaxy eSIMsamsung.com
A provider may ask for the EID, found on the box or in Settings, About phone, Status Information. The page says its information is for Hong Kong, and that settings vary by where the phone was bought.
Accessed 2026-10-20.