An eSIM (embedded SIM) is the modern, digital evolution of the traditional SIM card. Instead of inserting a tiny plastic chip into your phone, the eSIM functionality is already built into your device. Your mobile plan is loaded digitally, which means no physical swapping, no store visits, and no fiddling with SIM trays.

An eSIM holds all the same carrier and network details as a regular SIM - just without the hardware. Your phone simply downloads the operator profile directly into its internal eSIM chip.

Why does this matter?

Because it gives you freedom.
Traveling? Add a local data plan in seconds.
Need two numbers? Manage them on one device.
Switching providers? Do it without ever opening your phone.

Just remember: your device must support eSIM technology for it to work.

In short, eSIM is the simpler, smarter way to stay connected.

eSIMs are becoming the new standard for mobile connectivity- faster, smarter, and entirely digital. 
Most modern phones already support it, and checking yours takes just a minute. 

We’ve put together clear guidance on how to check your device has eSIM technology and is unlocked, and a list of the main compatible models, so you can start exploring our global eSIM plans right away.
 

Step 1- How to Check If Your Phone Supports eSIM

Option #1: Check for an EID Number

The most reliable way to confirm eSIM compatibility is by checking your device’s EID.

• Open your phone’s dialer and dial *#06#.

• If you see an EID number displayed, your device supports eSIM.
   

Option #2: Look for the “Add eSIM” Option in Settings

You can also verify eSIM support through your device’s settings menu.

• iPhone: 
  • Go to Settings -> Cellular (or Mobile Data).
  • If you see ‘Add Cellular Plan’ or ‘Add Mobile Plan’, the phone supports eSIM
• Samsung: 
  • Go to Settings -> Connections -> SIM Card Manager.
  • If you see ‘Add Mobile Plan’, the phone supports eSIM
• Google Pixel: 
  • Go Settings -> Networks & Internet -> SIMs -> ‘+Add more’.
  • If you are using Pixel 3/3a or a later model, it will be there and that means the phone supports eSIM.

See the full device list below.

Step 2- Confirm Your Device is Unlocked

Often, smartphones sold through mobile providers are locked to the original carrier as a result of contracts or financing plans.
If your phone is operator-locked, it can only use SIMs from that carrier- including eSIMs.
To use our eSIMs, your phone needs to be unlocked.

How to check:

• iPhone:
  Go to Settings → General → About → scroll to Carrier Lock.
  If it says “No SIM restrictions”, your phone is unlocked.

• Android:
  Check in Settings → Connections → Mobile Networks → Network Operators.
  If you can connect to other networks, it’s unlocked.

If you find your phone is locked, you may contact your carrier to unlock it.

Important Exceptions

Some models have exceptions depending on the models and markets.

• iPhone: 
  • iPhone models produced for the Chinese market have 2 physical SIM card slots and do not support eSIM. If your iPhone can take 2 physical SIM cards you won't be able to use eSIM.
• Samsung:
  • Samsung restricts eSIM capability by software in some markets and some model sub-variants. Always check for individual phones by going to Settings-> Connections -> SIM Card Manager. If you can see the 'Add Mobile Plan' tab in the eSIMs section, you can use eSIM.

Full List of supported phone models

Apple phones that support eSIM

• iPhone XS, XS Max, XR 

• iPhone 11 / 11 Pro / 11 Pro Max 

• iPhone 12 / 12 mini / 12 Pro / 12 Pro Max 

• iPhone 13 / 13 mini / 13 Pro / 13 Pro Max 

• iPhone 14 / 14 Plus / 14 Pro / 14 Pro Max

• iPhone 15 / 15 Plus / 15 Pro / 15 Pro Max

• iPhone 16 / 16 Plus / 16 Pro / 16 Pro Max 

• iPhone 17 / 17 Pro / 17 Pro Max

• iPhone Air

• iPhone SE (2020/2022) 

• iPad Air (3rd Generation)
• iPad Pro (3rd Generation)
• iPad Mini (5th Generation)

Google phones that support eSIM

• Pixel 2 / XL

• Pixel 3 / 3a / XL

• Pixel 4 / 4a / XL

• 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 / 9 Pro Fold

• Pixel 10 / 10 Pro / 10 Pro XL / Pixel 10 Pro Fold

Samsung phones that support eSIM

• Samsung Galaxy S‐series: S20 / S21 / S22 / S23 / S24 / S25 and their “+” / Ultra variants 

• Galaxy Z series (Fold / Flip) newer models: 
  Z Fold2 / Fold3 / Fold4 / Fold5 / Fold6
  Z Flip / Flip3 / Flip4 / Flip5 / Flip6

• Galaxy A-series: Galaxy A36 5G, A56 5G, A55 5G, XCover 7

• Galaxy Note20 / Note20 Ultra

A QR code is simply a representation of a download link plus an activation code for your eSIM profile. It is used to easily connect to the eSIM server and download the eSIM profile to your phone. 

When you purchase a new eSIM, you will receive a QR code, along with the full activation details. You can install your eSIM in one of three ways:

1. Scan the QR Code
   Open your phone’s cellular menu and select the “Add eSIM” option. Scan the code to install the profile instantly.

2. Use the “Install Now” Option (Recommended)
   If you're using our app, simply tap “Install Now” and the eSIM will be added to your device automatically - no scanning or manual steps required.

3. Enter the Activation Code Manually
   If you prefer, you can enter the activation code provided with your order.

This flexibility ensures you can activate your eSIM quickly and securely, wherever you are.

Yes, absolutely. Most modern smartphones let you store multiple eSIM profiles and use two profiles at the same time.

This means you can:

• Keep two lines active simultaneously, and

• Even set one profile for mobile data and another for voice calls - perfect for travel, work, or managing separate numbers.

You can also switch between your stored profiles anytime, making it easy to manage different plans or operators on the same device.

Please see the product description of the package.

There are 3 options:

1. Data-only packages- No phone number and no option for calls and texts
“This is a data-only eSIM. It does not come with a phone number.”

2. Has a phone number but no calls minutes and SMS- “This package does not include any minutes or SMS allowance.”

3. Has a phone number with call minutes and SMS- you will see a phone icon and a mention in the description. 

Yes, you can use a hotspot with your eSIM.

In order to make it work please:

• Disconnect WiFi
• Use data from your eSIM
• Restart the phone
• Then turn on your hotspot

If it still not working:

• Make sure the correct APN is in the hotspot section.

Yes. You can buy the eSIM and pass the QR code to a friend, colleague, or family member. Anyone with an eSIM capable device can use the QR code to download the eSIM.

Yes, but only if your smartwatch supports mobile connectivity via eSIM and is not otherwise restricted. Please refer to your smartwatch manufacturer guide to confirm the eSIM capability and activation instructions for your smartwatch.

IMPORTANT NOTE

Apple Watch is NOT SUPPORTED. Apple watch requires sharing of the same subscription with your iPhone. Please contact your carrier to check if they can help you with connecting your Apple watch to the mobile network.

Getting ready to travel? To activate your new eSIM, please follow the instructions in this guide.

For Video Guides and Samsung instructions, please check our YouTube channel!

Note: In most cases, installing the eSIM will trigger activation (this may vary by plan). We recommend installing it only when you're ready to use it, ideally 1–2 days before your departure.

Jump to:

1. Downloading the eSIM to your phone
2. Setting up and using the eSIM

Before you start, make sure you have:

• An eSIM-capable and unlocked phone
• The eSIM QR code (received by email or through the MobiMatter app/web)
• A good WiFi connection, preferably not a satellite connection (found on ships or airplanes) or free WiFis (like in airports or cafes), as these might not work.

Installing the eSIM

Steps:

1. Go to Settings > Cellular / Mobile Data > Add an eSIM / Add Cellular Plan.
2.  Select Use QR Code
   
3.  Scan the provided QR code.
   
4. After scanning, click on "Activate eSIM", please note that this process may take a few minutes
5. Done! When you want to start using the eSIM, see the "Start using the eSIM" section below.

Set up and start using the eSIM

1. Find the newly added eSIM in the list, if you have a lot of eSIMs, it would be the last one on that list. In this example below it is noted as "Business", click and enable "Data Roaming"
2.  Click on Cellular Plan Label, and set a custom label for the plan. Enter your order number
3. Go to Settings > Cellular (or Settings >Mobile Data)
4. Click on Cellular / Mobile Data on top of the screen, then choose the eSIM you'd like to use as you named it in the steps before.
   
   
   You're all set! Have a wonderful and well-connected trip!

If you require any help, don't hesitate to contact our 24/7 support at https://mobimatter.com/troubleshoot