Most phones sold since 2018 support eSIM: iPhone XS, XR and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer, and most recent Android flagships. The phone must also be carrier-unlocked. The quickest test: open the SIM settings and look for "Add eSIM" or "Add Cellular Plan".
Check in 30 seconds
- iPhone: Settings → Cellular. If you see "Add eSIM" (or "Add Cellular Plan"), you are set. Dial
*#06#: an EID line also confirms eSIM support. - Android: Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs (or Connections → SIM manager on Samsung). Look for "Add eSIM" or "Download a SIM instead".
The device checker on the VoyaSIM home page lists supported models.
Carrier lock
A phone bought on a contract may be locked to that carrier and will refuse any other line, including an eSIM. On iPhone, Settings → General → About → Carrier Lock should say "No SIM restrictions". If it is locked, ask your carrier to unlock it before you travel; a plan bought for a locked phone cannot be used, and a device that was not checked before purchase is not a refund reason.
Frequently asked questions
Does an iPhone bought in China or Hong Kong support eSIM?
Many mainland-China iPhone models do not. Check Settings → Cellular for "Add eSIM" before buying a plan.
Do tablets and laptops work?
Any cellular iPad or laptop with eSIM support can use a plan. Install it from the device's cellular settings with the same QR code.