eSIM Compatible Phones in 2026: How to Check with *#06# (Find EID)
esim compatible phones / how to check esim supported phone / EID eSIM / *#06# / iPhone eSIM / Android eSIM / add eSIM / carrier lock / regional variants
eSIM Compatible Phones in 2026: How to Check with *#06# (Find EID)
If you’re searching esim compatible phones, you really want one thing: can my phone use eSIM? Online “compatibility lists” are exhausting—and half the time you still end up stuck with: Why does it work on other phones but not mine? Here’s the shortest path: dial *#06# to see if you have an EID → then confirm you can see “Add eSIM / Add Cellular Plan” in Settings.
① Open the dial pad and enter *#06# → if you see EID, that’s a strong signal your phone supports eSIM.
② Go to Settings → Mobile/Cellular → look for Add eSIM / Add Cellular Plan.
EID + “Add eSIM” option = usually supported. No EID doesn’t always mean “no,” but you should immediately check carrier lock, regional variants, and model differences.
Step 1) The fastest check: dial *#06# and look for EID
This is the no-guessing method. Don’t “search your model” first. Just do this: open the dial pad and enter *#06#, then look for EID (usually a long string of digits).
Think of EID (Embedded Identity Document) as the identity needed for eSIM. If you see EID, your phone usually has the required eSIM capability—next, confirm the “Add eSIM” option in Settings.
Not always. But it’s a warning sign: it could be a regional variant, a carrier-locked phone, or Android UI/OS differences that hide the option. Keep going—iPhone and Android have different paths.
Want the quickest confirmation by model?
Step 2) iPhone: where to find “Add eSIM / Add Cellular Plan”
iPhone is usually straightforward: if you can see Add eSIM (or Add Cellular Plan) in Settings—and *#06# shows EID—your iPhone is very likely eSIM compatible. The remaining “weird cases” are mostly carrier lock / restrictions.
Typical iPhone path
- Settings → Cellular (or Mobile Data)
- Look for Add eSIM / Add Cellular Plan
- Confirm you can add via QR code or manual input
If your iPhone is carrier-locked (or under certain restrictions), you might see the menu but still fail to add a plan. That’s not you—it’s the lock/restriction. See the “Why it fails” section below.
Step 3) Android: why your friend has eSIM but you don’t
Android is where most confusion happens. The same “model name” can behave differently depending on regional variants, carrier firmware, and OS version. That’s why you should use a two-part check: EID via *#06# + the eSIM/add plan option in Settings.
Common Android paths (may vary by brand)
- Settings → Network & Internet (or Connections)
- SIMs / SIM Manager / Mobile Network
- Look for Add eSIM / Download a SIM / Add plan (names differ)
Don’t panic. First update Android, then search again under SIM/Network settings. Many brands label it as “Download a SIM” or “Add plan” instead of “eSIM.”
Compatibility is unlikely. Save time and check by model here: eSIM compatible devices checker →
Step 4) “It should work”… so why does adding eSIM still fail? (6 common reasons)
This is the “I did everything right” section. Many people blame the eSIM first—but the most common causes are device restrictions and variants. Go through this checklist one by one.
- Carrier lock (locked phone): Some locked phones restrict adding plans or only allow specific carriers.
- Regional variants: The “same” model sold in different countries can have different eSIM support.
- MDM / enterprise policy: Company devices may restrict mobile network features.
- Outdated OS: Especially on Android; menus and stability improve after updates.
- Wrong signal: IMEI exists on almost every phone—EID + “Add eSIM” is what you need.
- Setup mistakes: Incomplete QR/manual steps or unstable internet (use Wi-Fi).
You’re not trying to memorize a list—you’re trying to know “yes/no.” Dial *#06# for EID, then confirm “Add eSIM” in Settings. If both are there, you’re usually good.
Next step: install eSIM the safe way (Wi-Fi + correct timing):
If your goal is simply “land and get online”: confirm support, then choose a plan
Most people don’t want to study specs—they just want to avoid the classic travel fail: buying an eSIM, then discovering their phone can’t add it. Do the EID + “Add eSIM” check first, and your whole setup becomes boring (in a good way).
Recommended reads (internal links)
After you confirm compatibility, most people search for the exact same follow-ups: EID/MEID differences, activation steps, and “why isn’t it working?” Here are the best next reads:
- IMEI vs MEID vs EID: what’s the difference (and why it matters for activation) →
- What is MEID (and why people use it to guess eSIM support) →
- How to use an eSIM: step-by-step beginner guide →
- How to check if your phone supports eSIM (full checklist) →
- eSIM not working? 7 quick fixes (no service / no internet / activation failed) →
Read this article first (*#06# → EID), then “How to use an eSIM” + “eSIM not working” and you’ll cover compatibility → setup → troubleshooting.
FAQ: eSIM compatible phones (2026)
Q1: I dialed *#06# and don’t see EID. Does that mean my phone can’t use eSIM?
Not always—but it lowers the probability. Check Settings for “Add eSIM / Add Cellular Plan” as a second confirmation. If both are missing, your phone likely doesn’t support eSIM or is a regional variant without eSIM. You can confirm by model here: check eSIM compatibility →
Q2: I have EID, but I can’t find “Add eSIM” in Settings. What should I do?
This is common on Android. The menu may be labeled differently (e.g., “Download a SIM” or “Add plan”), or it may appear after an OS update. Update your OS and check SIM/Network settings again. If it still doesn’t show up, it could be a regional variant or policy restriction.
Q3: Does a carrier-locked phone affect eSIM?
Yes. A locked phone can restrict adding plans or limit you to specific carriers. If your phone is locked, you may need to unlock it before using travel eSIMs.
Q4: Why does the same Android model support eSIM for someone else but not for me?
The most common reason is regional variants—devices sold in different countries can differ in eSIM support. OS version and carrier firmware can also change where (or whether) the menu appears.
Q5: When is the safest time to install an eSIM?
Install on Wi-Fi before your trip, but don’t switch mobile data to the eSIM until you arrive at your destination (and enable data roaming if required). Follow this step-by-step guide: activation instructions →
Q6: If I see EID, does it guarantee I can activate and get data?
EID strongly suggests your device is eSIM capable, but getting data also depends on settings like selecting eSIM for mobile data, enabling data roaming (if required), and correct APN (if applicable). If you’re stuck, use this troubleshooting guide: 7 quick fixes →