Which phones support eSIM, and how to check
iPhone
iPhone XS · XS Max · XR (2018) and later models mostly support eSIM. Note that some regional models, such as the mainland China version, may use a dual physical-SIM (dual SIM) design with no eSIM, while conversely some recent US versions are eSIM-only with no physical SIM slot.
Some iPhones sold in mainland China have limited eSIM (e.g., in mainland China only iPhone 17e and iPhone Air support eSIM). iPhones bought in most other regions are unaffected.
Galaxy (Samsung)
Many flagship models from the Galaxy S20 series onward (S · Z Fold/Flip series) support eSIM. However, even the same model name can differ in eSIM support by launch country and carrier. Rather than assuming every model sold in a given country supports it, check Samsung's specs for your exact model number and verify in your settings as a final step.
Pixel and others
- Google Pixel: many models from Pixel 3 onward are supported (with some regional/model exceptions)
- Some recent Motorola, Sony and other models are also expanding support
- Many budget and older models are not supported
The surest way to check
A more reliable method than a model-name list is to look directly in your phone's settings. On iPhone, if "Settings → Cellular (Mobile Data)" has "Add eSIM", it's supported; on Galaxy, if "Settings → Connections → SIM manager" has an eSIM entry, it's supported.