IMEI vs MEID vs EID: Does Your Phone Support eSIM? (Check Fast)
Confused by the terms IMEI, MEID, and EID after dialing *#06#? When checking if your phone supports eSIM, the key identifier to look for is the EID number. This quick guide breaks down the core differences between these three numbers and shows you how to activate your travel eSIM in under 30 seconds.
For eSIM, the key signal isn’t IMEI or MEID—it’s whether your phone supports eSIM (often shown by an EID) and whether you can see “Add eSIM” in Settings.
Fastest option: check your device in 1 minute
If you just want a quick “yes/no,” the most reliable shortcut is to use a compatibility list and search your model.
Check if your phone supports eSIM (instant)
Open the compatibility list → search your model → confirm eSIM support in seconds.
Prefer manual checks? Keep reading for the 30-second method and *#06# tips.
30-second check: does my phone support eSIM?
1) Open Settings → Cellular / Mobile Data → look for “Add eSIM”
2) Check for EID (sometimes in About, sometimes via *#06#)
3) Still unsure? Use the compatibility list to confirm by model
Key Rule of Thumb: Dialing *#06# is the fastest test. If an EID barcode appears on your screen, your phone supports eSIM. Seeing only MEID or IMEI without EID means eSIM is not supported.
IMEI and MEID are often misunderstood as “proof” of eSIM support. Most of the time, they’re simply device identifiers. For eSIM, focus on “Add eSIM” and EID.
Quick table: IMEI vs MEID vs EID
| Code | Digit Length | What it is | What it means for eSIM |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMEI | 15 digits | A device identifier used for cellular hardware (support, warranty, blacklist/anti-theft use cases). | ⚠️ IMEI ≠ eSIM Having an IMEI doesn’t prove your phone supports eSIM. |
| MEID | 14 hex characters | Another device identifier (historically common in certain networks/regions). Some phones show IMEI + MEID. | ⚠️ MEID isn’t an eSIM pass MEID alone can’t confirm eSIM support—check “Add eSIM” and EID. |
| EID | 32 digits | The identifier for the eSIM’s embedded chip (eUICC), often a long numeric string. | ✅ EID is directly related to eSIM If you can find an EID, your phone likely supports eSIM (with some model/region exceptions). |
1) What is IMEI?
IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a standard identifier for cellular devices. You may need it for:
- Carrier or manufacturer support
- Warranty verification
- Lost/stolen phone reporting and blacklist checks
- Safer used-phone transactions (avoid blacklisted devices)
IMEI does not mean your phone supports eSIM. It’s a hardware/device identifier—not the eSIM chip ID.
2) What is MEID?
MEID (Mobile Equipment Identifier) is another device identifier. Some phones display MEID alongside IMEI, and it may appear when you use *#06#.
Seeing a MEID does not confirm eSIM support. Treat it as device ID info—then check “Add eSIM” and look for EID.
3) What is EID (and why it matters most for eSIM)
EID is the identifier for your phone’s eSIM chip (eUICC). If your phone supports eSIM, you’ll often find an EID in Settings (or sometimes via *#06#).
If you can locate an EID and you see “Add eSIM,” you’re usually good to install an eSIM by scanning a QR code (or entering details manually).
EID placement varies by brand/model. If you don’t see EID via *#06#, check Settings → About or Settings → Cellular. When in doubt, confirm using a compatibility list.
4) What does *#06# show?
*#06# is a common shortcut code on many phones. It typically shows IMEI, may show MEID, and on eSIM-capable devices it may also show EID.
- IMEI: normal device identifier
- MEID: another device identifier (not eSIM proof)
- EID: strongly related to eSIM (good sign)
- No EID shown: not definitive—check “Add eSIM” in Settings or use a compatibility list
5) eSIM install & activation checklist (best practice)
After you confirm eSIM support, the next step is installing and activating your eSIM. The smoothest approach for travel:
1) After purchase, check your email for QR code / manual details
2) Install the eSIM on Wi-Fi (don’t switch mobile data yet)
3) After arrival, set Cellular Data to the eSIM line
4) Enable Data Roaming / set APN only if instructions require it
5) Wait 60–120 seconds for network registration
Changing multiple settings at once (roaming/APN/network selection) makes troubleshooting harder. Change one thing, then wait 1–2 minutes to re-test.
6) Still unsure? Confirm by model (fastest)
If you don’t want to guess where EID is displayed on your device, the fastest method is simple: search your phone model in a compatibility list.
Compatible Device List (EN)
Search your model → instantly confirm if eSIM is supported.
Once confirmed, pick your destination eSIM
If your phone supports eSIM (you can add an eSIM and/or see EID), you can choose a travel eSIM by destination and get online faster after arrival—maps, ride-hailing, bookings, messaging, and more.
FAQ: IMEI / MEID / EID & eSIM
Q1: Is an MEID number the same as an EID number?
No, they are completely different. An MEID (Mobile Equipment Identifier) is an older 14-digit hardware number used on legacy CDMA networks. An EID (Embedded Identity Document) is a modern 32-digit serial number that identifies the built-in eSIM chip inside your smartphone. An MEID does not enable eSIM functionality.
Q2: Are IMEI and EID the same thing?
No. IMEI identifies your phone's physical modem hardware for cellular networks, and every mobile phone has at least one IMEI. EID specifically identifies the built-in eSIM chip (eUICC). A phone can have multiple IMEIs, but it will only have one EID if it supports eSIM technology.
Q3: Does it matter whether I provide IMEI 1 or IMEI 2 when activating an eSIM?
On Dual-SIM devices (like iPhone or Samsung Galaxy), you will see both IMEI 1 and IMEI 2. IMEI 1 usually corresponds to your primary physical SIM slot, while IMEI 2 is assigned to the digital eSIM line. While entering either IMEI is generally accepted by most carriers, providing IMEI 2 is recommended for faster automated setup.
Q4: What is the difference between EID and ICCID for eSIM?
The EID (32 digits) is the permanent identity number of the eSIM chip built inside your phone and never changes. The ICCID (19–20 digits) is the unique card number of a specific downloaded eSIM data plan. Every time you purchase a new travel eSIM, a new ICCID profile is installed into your phone's EID chip.
Q5: Can I use an eSIM on my phone without an EID number?
No. The EID number is required for carriers to deliver and install an eSIM profile to your device over the air (OTA). If your phone device info displays MEID or IMEI but lacks an EID, your smartphone does not contain an eSIM chip and cannot use travel eSIMs.
Q6: How do I quickly check if my phone has an EID?
Open your phone's call dialer and enter *#06#. If an "EID" section with a 32-digit number or barcode appears on your screen, your device is 100% compatible with eSIMs.
Q7: My eSIM is installed but I have no internet. What should I check first?
First: make sure Cellular Data is set to the eSIM line. Then wait 1–2 minutes for registration. Only enable Data Roaming or adjust APN if your plan instructions require it. If needed, follow a troubleshooting checklist.
Q8: Is eSIM “safe” to use?
Generally, yes. eSIM is a digital way to provision a mobile plan. Safety depends more on where you purchase, device settings, and basic security habits. Buying from a reputable source and keeping your order details helps.
Related reading
Want a deeper dive into EID checks, compatibility, installation, and troubleshooting? Start here:
Ready? If your phone supports eSIM, pick a travel plan next
Once you confirm eSIM support (“Add eSIM” and/or EID), choosing a destination plan is usually the simplest part—install before you go, switch data after arrival, and you’re online.
Go to eSIMKitStore to shop travel eSIMs
Choose your destination → install before travel → switch data on arrival.
