Is Your Phone eSIM Compatible? The Two-Minute Check That Unlocks Your Next Adventure

Veridict

LAST UPDATED

July 3, 2025

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There’s a unique kind of magic in the air right after you book a trip. It’s a spark of pure potential. You can almost feel the sun of a new country on your skin, taste the unfamiliar flavors of a local dish, and hear the hum of a city you’ve only ever seen in pictures. The world feels wide open, full of promise.

But amidst that daydreaming, a small, practical voice often whispers from the back of your mind. It’s the voice of modern travel anxiety, and it asks, "But... how will my phone work?"

Suddenly, the daydreams are clouded by visions of standing in a long, confusing line at an airport kiosk, fumbling with tiny plastic SIM cards, or worse—the gut-wrenching shock of a multi-hundred-dollar roaming bill when you get home. It’s a friction point that can dull the shine of even the most exciting travel plans.

What if you could silence that voice forever? What if you could step off the plane, switch off airplane mode, and be instantly connected, ready to hail a ride, pull up a map, or share that "I've arrived!" selfie? This isn't a futuristic fantasy; it's the power of an eSIM. But first, we need to perform one quick, simple check to make sure your phone is ready to join the revolution. Think of this as the key that unlocks the door to a world of truly stress-free travel.

Why This Little Check Matters So Much

Before we get to the "how," let's talk about the "why." Confirming your phone’s eSIM compatibility isn't just a boring technical step; it’s about fundamentally changing your travel experience from one of anxiety to one of empowerment. It’s the first deliberate action you take to ensure a smoother, more seamless adventure.

The old way of travel meant your first hour in a new place was a mission for connectivity, a chore to be completed before your vacation could truly begin. The new way means your first hour is spent truly arriving. You can breathe in the new air, watch the world go by, and feel the thrill of the adventure ahead, all because you took two minutes to prepare. It’s about valuing your time and your peace of mind.

The Secret Handshake: The Fastest Way to Know

Ready for the quickest trick in the book? It feels like a secret agent code, but it’s the most definitive way to get your answer in under 30 seconds. This method queries your phone's hardware directly.

1. Open your phone’s keypad, just as if you were about to dial a number.
   
   

2. Type in this exact sequence: *#06#
   
   

3. Don't press call—a menu should pop up on its own, displaying various device identification numbers like IMEI and, hopefully, EID.
   
   

Now, let your eyes scan this technical-looking screen for one specific three-letter term: EID. This stands for Embedded Identity Document, which is the official name for the digital chip in your phone that makes eSIMs possible. It's the unique identifier for your phone's digital SIM capabilities.

If you see a long number next to the letters "EID," you can officially do a little happy dance. Your phone is 100% eSIM compatible. You’re ready to start exploring a world of easy, affordable data plans with Journey.|

A Guided Tour Through Your Phone's Settings

If the dialer trick didn't work, don't panic! It's not supported by every single model. The next best way is a quick guided tour through your phone's settings, which will give you the same peace of mind.

• For the iPhone Crew: Apple has been an eSIM champion for years. If you're using an iPhone XR, iPhone XS, or any newer model (including all versions of the 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and the SE 2nd & 3rd generations), you are almost certainly ready.
  
  

  1. Go to your Settings app.
     
     

  2. Tap on Cellular (or Mobile Service in some regions).
     
     

  3. Look carefully below your primary phone line details. Do you see a button or line of text that says “Add eSIM” or “Add Cellular Plan”?
     If that option is waiting for you, your iPhone is ready for its digital travel companion. This means you can keep your home SIM for calls and add a Journey eSIM for all your data needs.

• For the Android Universe (Samsung, Google & More): The world of Android is vast, but the process is just as simple on most modern flagship devices.
  
  

  • On a Samsung Galaxy: If you’re using a high-end model from the Galaxy S20 series or newer (including the popular Z Fold and Z Flip lines), you're in great shape. Navigate to Settings > Connections > SIM manager. If you see a glorious “+ Add eSIM” option, your Samsung is ready to roam the world with you.
    
    

  • On a Google Pixel: Google’s own phones have been eSIM pioneers. For any device from the Pixel 3a onwards, head to Settings > Network & internet. Tap the plus sign (+) next to "SIMs." On the following screen, if you see the option to “Download a SIM instead?”, your Pixel is more than prepared for takeoff.

The Final Checkpoint: The "Unlocked" Mystery

You've confirmed your phone has the tech. There's just one final, crucial step. Your phone must be “carrier-unlocked.”

Think of it like this: A "locked" phone is loyal to one network provider (like AT&T, Vodafone, etc.). It's been programmed to refuse a SIM—physical or digital—from anyone else. An "unlocked" phone, however, is a free agent, ready and willing to connect to any compatible network in the world. This freedom is essential for using a travel eSIM.

If you bought your phone directly from Apple or Samsung, or specifically purchased an "unlocked" version, you're all set. If you received your phone as part of a contract with a carrier, it might be locked. The easiest way to find out is to call your home provider's customer service and ask one simple question: "Hi, I'm planning an international trip and I need to know if my device is carrier-unlocked to use a foreign SIM." They'll give you a clear answer, and if your contract is complete, they can usually unlock it for you.

And that’s it. You are now officially cleared for a new, better way to travel. The only question left is, where will your Journey take you first?