Quick answer
Which phones can use a travel eSIM?
Before buying an eSIM paid in crypto from eSIMwithCrypto, check your exact phone model, sales region and carrier lock. Apple lists iPhone XS/XR and later with regional exceptions; Google lists Pixel 3a and later. Japan 5 GB for 30 days costs $7.39. A supported model must also be unlocked. Updated 15 October 2026.
What are the key facts?
| iPhone | From the iPhone XS, XS Max and XR onwards (Apple, September 17, 2026) |
|---|---|
| eSIMs on one iPhone | 8 or more stored, 2 active at once (Dual SIM) |
| iPhone 13 and later | 2 active eSIMs, or 1 nano-SIM and 1 eSIM |
| iPhones bought in mainland China | Only 5 models have eSIM: A3715, A3718, A3721, A3635, A3518 |
| iPhone 17 eSIM-only markets | 12, including the US, Canada, Mexico, Japan and the Gulf states (press reports); iPhone Air: eSIM only everywhere |
| Google Pixel | Pixel 3a and later; 2 active eSIMs from Pixel 7; Pixel 10 eSIM-only in the US, except the 10 Pro Fold |
| Samsung Galaxy | S20 to S26, S23 FE to S26 FE, Z Fold and Z Flip, Z TriFold, some A and XCover models, with regional limits |
| iPad | Cellular models only, from iPad 7th generation, iPad mini 5th generation, iPad Air 3rd generation and iPad Pro |
| Apple Watch | A travel eSIM generally does not install on the watch: use it on the iPhone |
| Mac | No Mac with eSIM or cellular as of July 2026 (secondary source) |
| Solana Seeker | 1 nano-SIM and 1 eSIM (Solana Mobile) |
| Quick check | Dial *#06#: an EID on screen means the phone has an eSIM chip |
| Carrier-locked phone | Installs the eSIM but does not connect |
Which iPhones support eSIM?
Every iPhone from the iPhone XS, XS Max and XR onwards supports eSIM, according to Apple. An iPhone can store 8 or more eSIMs and use 2 lines at once (Dual SIM). From the iPhone 13, both active lines can be eSIMs, or one nano-SIM and one eSIM. Regional versions change the picture, so check where your iPhone was sold.
iPhone eSIM support by model and market
| iPhone | eSIM | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone XS, XS Max, XR and later | ✓ | 8 or more eSIMs stored, 2 lines active at once (Apple 118669, 109317) |
| iPhone 13 and later | ✓ | 2 active eSIMs, or 1 nano-SIM + 1 eSIM (Apple 109317) |
| iPhone 17 sold in 12 markets | eSIM only | US, Canada, Mexico, Japan, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Guam, US Virgin Islands (press reports) |
| iPhone Air | eSIM only | In every market (press reports) |
| iPhones sold in mainland China | 5 models only | iPhone 18 Pro, 18 Pro Max, iPhone Duo, iPhone 17e, iPhone Air: see the next table (Apple 123879) |
| Some models sold in Hong Kong and Macao | Check | Some have Dual SIM with two nano-SIM cards (Apple 118669) |
| iPhone 18 eSIM-only markets | Not found | No list found as of October 9, 2026 |
Installing: Apple says the iPhone must be on Wi-Fi to add an eSIM, except some eSIM-only models in some countries. With iOS 17.4 or later, our delivery includes a one-tap install link, so you can install on the iPhone itself without a second screen. To see your model number, open Settings > General > About and tap Model Number.
Can I use a travel eSIM on an iPhone bought in mainland China?
Only on 5 models. Apple says iPhones bought in mainland China support eSIM only on the models below, with up to 2 eSIMs, and a travel eSIM can be activated outside China with Location Services on. Other iPhones bought in mainland China have two nano-SIM trays and no eSIM.
iPhones from mainland China with eSIM
| Model | Model number |
|---|---|
| iPhone 18 Pro | A3715 |
| iPhone 18 Pro Max | A3718 |
| iPhone Duo | A3721 |
| iPhone 17e | A3635 |
| iPhone Air | A3518 |
Source: Apple, “Use eSIM with iPhone in China mainland” (support article 123879, published September 9, 2026).
Can I use a travel eSIM on an iPad, an Apple Watch or a Mac?
On a cellular iPad, yes; on an Apple Watch or a Mac, in practice no.
- Apple Watch: international roaming exists since watchOS 9.1 (Series 5 and later, SE, Ultra), but only if the iPhone's carrier supports it. A prepaid travel eSIM generally does not install on the watch. Put the eSIM on the iPhone: the watch goes online through it.
- Mac: no MacBook had eSIM or cellular as of July 2026 (Firsty, an eSIM seller), and we found no Apple announcement by October 9, 2026. Share the connection from an iPhone or iPad instead, after checking the hotspot rule of your plan with support.
iPad models with eSIM (cellular models only)
| iPad family | Models with eSIM |
|---|---|
| iPad mini | 5th generation and later; iPad mini (A17 Pro) |
| iPad | 7th generation and later; iPad (A16) |
| iPad Air | 3rd generation and later; iPad Air 11-inch and 13-inch (M2, M3, M4) |
| iPad Pro 11-inch | 1st to 4th generation; M4; M5 |
| iPad Pro 12.9-inch | 3rd generation and later |
| iPad Pro 13-inch | M4; M5 |
Wi-Fi-only iPads have no eSIM. The iPad Pro (M4) and iPad Air (M2) are eSIM only. In mainland China, iPad eSIM is limited to the iPad 10th generation (A3162) and the iPad Pro M4 (A2837, A2925). Sources: Apple iPad User Guide, Apple Platform Deployment, Apple support article 104991.
Which Google Pixel phones support eSIM?
The Pixel 3a and every later Pixel support a physical SIM plus an eSIM, according to Google. To add an eSIM: Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > Add SIM.
Google Pixel eSIM support
| Pixel | eSIM | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Pixel 3a and later | ✓ | Physical SIM + eSIM |
| Pixel 3a bought in Japan | Check | Cannot use two SIMs at once |
| Pixel 7 and later | ✓ | 2 active eSIMs, if the carrier allows it |
| Pixel 10 and later (US) | eSIM only | Except the Pixel 10 Pro Fold |
Source: Google Pixel Help, “Use an eSIM on your Pixel phone” (article 9449293, undated, checked October 9, 2026).
Which Samsung Galaxy phones support eSIM?
Samsung's official list (Samsung UK, updated September 16, 2026) covers these models, with a warning: “Depending on the country of origin, eSIM may not be supported even if your device is listed”.
- Galaxy S: S20 to S26, every variant, including the S25 Edge; S23 FE, S24 FE, S25 FE and S26 FE.
- Galaxy Z: Z Fold to Z Fold8 Ultra, Z Flip to Z Flip8, Z TriFold.
- Galaxy A: A23 5G, A25 5G, A26, A27, A35, A36, A37, A54, A55, A56, A57, A16 5G, A17 5G.
- XCover: XCover6 Pro, XCover7, XCover7 Pro.
- Tablets: Tab S9 to S11, FE, A 11+ and Active5 with cellular; Wi-Fi-only tablets have no eSIM.
To add an eSIM: Settings > Connections > SIM manager > Add eSIM, then scan the QR code or choose “Enter activation code”. Samsung's eSIM transfer between phones needs an unlocked device.
Samsung regional limits
| Models | eSIM support | Source |
|---|---|---|
| A27, A17 5G, A26, A16 5G | North America only | Samsung UK (official) |
| A36, A35 | Europe, North America and Korea only | Samsung UK (official) |
| A54 | Europe, North America, Korea and Japan only | Samsung UK (official) |
| A25 5G, A23 5G | Japan only | Samsung UK (official) |
| Devices from mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macao | No eSIM | Roamless, an eSIM seller (unofficial) |
| US S20, S21 and Note 20 Ultra | No eSIM at launch | Roamless, an eSIM seller (unofficial) |
| Korean models | No eSIM, except S23, Z Fold4/5, Z Flip4/5 and some others | Roamless, an eSIM seller (unofficial) |
Galaxy Z Fold5 and Z Flip5: several eSIM profiles can be stored, but one is active at a time (Samsung UAE).
Does the Solana Seeker support eSIM?
Yes. The Solana Seeker takes 1 nano-SIM and 1 eSIM, according to Solana Mobile's support center. So you can keep your home SIM in the tray and add a travel eSIM for data. If you pay in SOL, the payment is credited in about 1 minute: see pay for an eSIM with Solana.
How do I check that my phone supports eSIM?
Dial *#06#: if the screen shows an EID, the phone has an eSIM chip. You can also look for an EID on the About page of your phone's settings. Then check two more things:
- The regional model. Some versions sold in mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan or Korea have no eSIM (see the tables above).
- The carrier lock. A carrier-locked phone installs a travel eSIM but does not connect. On iPhone, open Settings > General > About > Carrier Lock: “No SIM restrictions” means unlocked. Only the carrier can unlock a phone. Details: my phone is carrier-locked.
At checkout, you confirm that your phone supports eSIM and is not carrier-locked. Our refund rule: an eSIM that is not installed, or that we cannot deliver, is credited back to your balance; an installed eSIM is not refundable.
How do I install a travel eSIM on my phone?
Install it at home, on Wi-Fi, then switch it on when you land. The menus differ by brand:
- iPhone: Settings › Mobile Service (or Cellular) › Add eSIM, then scan the QR code, enter the details manually, or use a one-tap install button on iPhone with iOS 17.4 or later. Step by step: how to install an eSIM on iPhone.
- Samsung Galaxy: Settings › Connections › SIM manager › Add eSIM, then scan the QR code or enter the activation code. Google Pixel: Settings › Network & internet › SIMs › Add SIM. Step by step: how to install an eSIM on Android.
Travel with a phone that has no eSIM? A local physical SIM is then the option: eSIM vs physical SIM for travel.
Where can I check an individual phone model?
Support, dual SIM and setup for the most searched phones, checked October 2026.
What else should I know before buying?
Does my iPhone support eSIM?
Yes if it is an iPhone XS, XS Max, XR or later, unless it was sold in mainland China, where only 5 models have eSIM, or it is one of the Hong Kong and Macao models with two nano-SIM slots. Dial *#06#: an EID on screen confirms eSIM. Also check that it is not carrier-locked.
Can I use a travel eSIM on an iPhone bought in China?
Only on the iPhone 18 Pro (A3715), 18 Pro Max (A3718), iPhone Duo (A3721), iPhone 17e (A3635) and iPhone Air (A3518), according to Apple. Other China-bought iPhones have two nano-SIM trays and no eSIM. A travel eSIM can be activated outside China with Location Services on.
How many eSIMs can an iPhone hold?
Apple says an iPhone can store 8 or more eSIMs, with 2 lines active at once (Dual SIM). From the iPhone 13, both active lines can be eSIMs. So you can keep your home line and add a travel eSIM for data without removing anything.
Does the iPhone 17 have a SIM tray?
It depends on the market. Press reports say the iPhone 17 is eSIM-only in 12 markets, including the US, Canada, Mexico, Japan and the Gulf states, and the iPhone Air is eSIM-only everywhere. Elsewhere, check your model. A travel eSIM works either way.
Does the Solana Seeker support eSIM?
Yes: 1 nano-SIM and 1 eSIM, according to Solana Mobile's support center. You can add a travel eSIM for data and keep your home SIM. eSIMwithCrypto accepts SOL, credited in about 1 minute. Check that the phone is not carrier-locked before you buy.
Can I put a travel eSIM on my Apple Watch?
Generally no: prepaid travel eSIMs do not install on the watch, which shares the iPhone's number. International roaming on the watch exists since watchOS 9.1, but only through your iPhone carrier. Install the travel eSIM on the iPhone; the watch goes online through it.
Does any MacBook support eSIM?
No MacBook had eSIM or cellular as of July 2026, according to Firsty, an eSIM seller, and we found no Apple announcement by October 9, 2026. To get a Mac online abroad, share the connection from an iPhone or iPad, after checking the hotspot rule of your plan with support.
Which Samsung A models support eSIM?
Samsung lists the A23 5G, A25 5G, A26, A27, A35, A36, A37, A54, A55, A56, A57, A16 5G and A17 5G, with regional limits: some only in North America, Japan or Korea. Samsung also warns that eSIM may not work on a listed device, depending on the country of origin.
Which sources support this guide? (19)
- Set up eSIM on iPhone (Apple Support 118669) — Apple (checked 2026-10-15)
- Use eSIM with iPhone in China mainland (support article 123879) — Apple (checked 2026-10-15)
- Use Dual SIM with an eSIM (support article 109317) — Apple (2026-09-17)
- Use eSIM while traveling internationally with your iPhone (Apple Support 118227) — Apple (checked 2026-10-15)
- Unlock your iPhone for use with a different carrier (support article 109316) — Apple (checked 2026-10-09)
- iPad models that support eSIM (iPad User Guide) — Apple (checked 2026-10-09)
- eSIM-only iPad models (Apple Platform Deployment) — Apple (checked 2026-10-09)
- iPad eSIM in China mainland (support article 104991) — Apple (checked 2026-10-09)
- Use international roaming on Apple Watch (support article 119601) — Apple (2026-09-15)
- Use an eSIM on your Pixel phone (article 9449293) — Google (checked 2026-10-15)
- Galaxy eSIM and supported network carriers — Samsung UK (checked 2026-10-15)
- Galaxy Z Fold5 and Z Flip5: eSIM capacity and 5G support — Samsung UAE (checked 2026-10-09)
- Does Seeker support a physical SIM card and/or eSIM? — Solana Mobile (checked 2026-10-09)
- iPhone 17 eSIM-only markets — heise online (checked 2026-10-09)
- Canadian iPhone 17 models will only have eSIM — MobileSyrup (2025-09-09)
- Samsung eSIM compatible phones roamless.com/blog/samsung-esim-compatible-phones — Roamless (eSIM seller) (checked 2026-10-09)
- eSIM for MacBook firsty.app/esim-for-macbook — Firsty (eSIM seller) (checked 2026-10-09)
- Does Apple Watch work with a travel eSIM? — esimdb (secondary source) (checked 2026-10-09)
- Complete guide to tourist SIM and eSIM options in South Korea getroamify.com/en/blogs/complete-guide-to-tourist-sim-and-esim-options-in-south-korea — Roamify (eSIM seller) (checked 2026-10-09)