Compatible Phones & Devices: Is Your Gear Ready for an eSIM?

 

 

You've heard the buzz. You've seen the ads. You're intrigued by the promise of a world without tiny plastic SIM cards, airport kiosk queues, and shocking roaming bills. The eSIM revolution is here, and it’s poised to make international travel easier and more connected than ever before. There’s just one big, crucial question you need to answer before you can join in: "Is my phone actually ready for this?"

 

It's the single most important question in the world of modern travel connectivity. Your device's compatibility is the gatekeeper to this new, seamless experience. The good news is that the list of eSIM-compatible devices is growing at an incredible rate, and finding out if your specific phone or tablet is on that list is incredibly simple.

 

 

This is your definitive, no-nonsense guide. We’ll break down which popular models from Apple, Samsung, and Google are eSIM-ready, and then we’ll show you a foolproof, two-minute test you can perform on your own device to get a 100% certain answer.

 

The Two Golden Rules of eSIM Readiness

 

Before we even get to the specific models, you need to understand the two fundamental requirements. For a Journey eSIM to work on your device, your device must be:

 

1. eSIM-Compatible: This is a hardware requirement. The phone must have the physical, embedded eSIM chip built into it from the factory. You cannot "download" this capability; it either has it or it doesn't.

 

1. Carrier-Unlocked: The phone cannot be "locked" to a single mobile provider. If you bought your phone on a long-term contract that subsidizes the cost, your carrier may have placed a software lock on it to prevent you from using it on other networks. An unlocked phone is free to be used with any carrier in the world.

 

You must meet both of these conditions. A phone that is eSIM-compatible but locked to Verizon, for example, will not be able to use a Journey eSIM. For a detailed guide on this, check out our post on [How to Check if Your Phone is Unlocked].

 

 

 

The A-List: Which Phones and Devices Are on the Club?

While this list is constantly growing, here is a general breakdown of the most popular eSIM-compatible device lineups as of late 2023 / early 2024.

 

Apple iPhones: The Pioneers
Apple has been the biggest driver of eSIM adoption. If you have a recent iPhone, your chances are excellent.

 

• eSIM support started with: The iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR.

 

• All newer models are compatible: This includes the entire iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 13, iPhone 14, and iPhone 15 series, as well as the iPhone SE (2nd generation and newer).

 

• The Big Shift: In the United States, the iPhone 14 and all subsequent models are eSIM-only. They do not have a physical SIM tray at all, making eSIM a necessity, not just an option.

 

Samsung Galaxy Phones: The Android Flagships
Samsung has included eSIM capability in most of its high-end flagship devices for the past several years.

 

• eSIM support is generally found in: The Galaxy S series (from the S20 onwards), the Galaxy Note series (from the Note20 onwards), and all of its innovative foldable devices, including the Galaxy Z Fold and Galaxy Z Flip series.

 

• Note: Some regional or carrier-specific versions of these models may have the feature disabled, which is why performing the manual check (which we'll get to next) is so important.

 

Google Pixel Phones: The Pure Android Experience
Google has been a strong supporter of eSIMs from the early days.

 

• eSIM support started with: The Google Pixel 2 (though this model only worked with Google Fi). Widespread support began with the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3a.

 

• All newer models are compatible: This includes the entire Pixel 4, Pixel 5, Pixel 6, Pixel 7, and Pixel 8 series, including the "a" models.

• Other Devices:

• iPads and Tablets: Many cellular-enabled iPads and tablets from Microsoft and Samsung are also eSIM-compatible. Check out our guide: [Can I use an eSIM in my tablet or iPad?]

 

• Other Android Brands: Many newer, high-end phones from brands like Huawei, Oppo, and Motorola also support eSIMs. However, the compatibility can vary greatly by region and specific model.

 

 

For a comprehensive and constantly updated list of devices, you can always visit the [Journey Help Center], where we maintain detailed compatibility information.

 

 

 

 

The 2-Minute Test: The Foolproof Way to Know for Sure

Lists are great, but the only way to be 100% certain about your specific device is to check it yourself. The good news? It’s incredibly easy.

 

The Test for iPhone Users:
This is the simplest and most definitive test.

 

1. Go to Settings.

 

1. Tap on Cellular (or Mobile Data).

 

1. Look for an option that says "Add eSIM" or "Add Cellular Plan."

 

1. If you see this option, your iPhone has the necessary hardware. You are eSIM-compatible. If you do not see this option, your phone is not compatible.

 

The Test for Android Users (Samsung, Pixel, etc.):
The wording might be slightly different, but the process is very similar.

 

1. Go to Settings.

 

1. Tap on Connections (or Network & Internet).

 

1. Tap on SIM card manager (or just SIMs).

 

1. Look for an option to "+ Add eSIM" or "Download a SIM instead?".

 

1. If you see this option, your Android phone is eSIM-compatible. If the option is missing, it is not.

 

This simple menu check is your green light. It’s the definitive proof that you are ready to step into the future of travel connectivity.

 

 

 

The Journey Advantage: Your Partner for a Compatible Future

 

At Journey, we are obsessed with making the transition to this new technology as simple as possible. We understand that it's a new world for many travelers, and our entire platform is built to support you.

 

• We Help You Prepare: Our extensive, constantly updated list of compatible devices and our easy-to-follow guides are designed to give you the confidence that your gear is ready before you make a purchase.

 

• A Plan for Every Device, A Plan for Every Trip: Once you've confirmed your device is ready, the world is open to you. Our platform offers flexible, affordable eSIM plans for over 190 countries. Whether you need a small data package for a weekend trip to Mexico with your iPhone or a month-long regional plan for your Samsung Galaxy on a backpacking trip through Europe, we have a plan that is perfect for your adventure.

 

• Seamless Experience: We believe the technology should just work. Our QR code installation is designed to be a simple, two-minute process. And our reliable, high-speed network partnerships ensure that your compatible device gets the world-class connection it deserves, wherever you are in the world.

 

Conclusion

 

The future of travel is here, and it’s digital. It’s a future free from the hassle of plastic SIM cards and the fear of roaming charges. The first and most important step into that future is confirming that your device has its ticket to ride. By following the simple lists and the two-minute test in this guide, you can get a definitive answer. You can know for sure if your gear is ready. And once you have that green light, a whole new world of simple, seamless, and stress-free travel is waiting for you. The journey is about to get a whole lot easier.