Is my phone eSIM compatible?

Before you buy a Tesco International Travel eSIM, check that your phone supports eSIM and is carrier unlocked. 

The quickest check: dial *#06# and look for an EID number. If you see one, your phone can use an eSIM.

Even if your phone model supports eSIM, it may not work if it was bought in certain countries or is locked to a network. This article explains how to check.

Quick ways to check

These work on most phones. You only need one of them to show a result.

• *Dial #06#: if an EID number appears, your phone supports eSIM
• Check your settings: look for an option called "Add eSIM", "Add mobile plan" or similar
• Search your settings for "IMEI": if you see "IMEI (eSIM)" or "EID", your phone supports eSIM

Check by phone brand

Menu names can vary slightly depending on your phone model and software version.

iPhone

iPhone XR, XS and all newer models support eSIM, unless bought in mainland China, Hong Kong or Macau (see below).

1. Open Settings
2. Tap Mobile Service (called Mobile Data on older versions of iOS)
3. If you see Add eSIM, your iPhone supports eSIM

Samsung Galaxy

Most Galaxy S models from the S20 onwards, plus the Z Fold and Z Flip ranges, support eSIM. Many older or lower-priced models do not.

1. Open Settings
2. Tap Connections, then SIM manager
3. If you see Add eSIM, your phone supports eSIM

Google Pixel

Pixel 3 and all newer models support eSIM, with a few exceptions for older models (see below).

1. Open Settings
2. Tap Network & internet, then SIMs
3. If you see an option to Download a SIM instead or Add eSIM, your phone supports eSIM

Other Android phones

Some Xiaomi, Oppo, Motorola, OnePlus, Honor and Huawei phones support eSIM, usually higher-end models. Support often depends on the country the phone was sold in.

1. Dial *#06# and look for an EID number, or
2. Open Settings and look for SIM management or Mobile network, then check for Add eSIM

Phones bought in certain countries

Some phones are made without eSIM for specific countries. What matters is where the phone was originally sold, not where you live now. If your phone was bought in one of these places, it may not support eSIM even if the model normally does.

If you're not sure where your phone was first sold, use one of the quick checks above. If no EID or Add eSIM option appears, your phone can't use an eSIM.

Make sure your phone is carrier/network unlocked

Your phone must be unlocked to use a Tesco International Travel eSIM. 

A phone bought on contract or from a network may be locked to that network.

• iPhone: go to Settings > General > About and look for Network Provider Lock (or Carrier Lock). It should say No SIM restrictions
• Android: check with the network you bought your phone from, as menu options vary by brand
• Still locked? Contact your current network and ask them to unlock it. This is often free once your contract has ended

FAQs

Why doesn't my phone support eSIM? An eSIM needs a chip built into the phone. Older phones, some lower-priced models and phones made for certain countries don't have one, and it can't be added later.

My phone has two physical SIM slots. Can I use eSIM? Usually not. Phones with two physical SIM slots are often the versions made for countries where eSIM isn't offered.

I've checked and my phone isn't compatible. What now? Please don't buy a travel eSIM, as it won't install on your phone. If you've already bought one, contact our support team.

Still not sure? Contact the Tesco International support team through the app and we'll help you check before you buy.