Does Your Phone Support eSIM? A UK Buyer's Guide
Before you buy an eSIM for your next holiday, you'll want to make sure your smartphone is compatible. The good news is that most phones sold in the UK since 2019 support eSIM — but there are a few things to check first.
What Phones Support eSIM in the UK?
Apple iPhone
eSIM has been supported on iPhone since the XS (2018). Here's a quick reference:
- iPhone XS, XS Max, XR — eSIM supported
- iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max — eSIM supported
- iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd gen) — eSIM supported
- iPhone 12, 13, 14, 15 series — eSIM supported
- iPhone 15 Pro and later (US models only) — eSIM only, no physical SIM
Note: iPhones bought in the UK always retain a physical SIM tray alongside eSIM support.
Samsung Galaxy
Samsung introduced eSIM across its Galaxy S and Z series from 2019:
- Galaxy S20, S21, S22, S23, S24 series — eSIM supported
- Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip series — eSIM supported
- Galaxy A series — selected models from 2021 onwards
Google Pixel
Google has supported eSIM since the Pixel 3 (2018):
- Pixel 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 series — eSIM supported
- Pixel Fold — eSIM supported
Other Android Phones
Many other brands support eSIM including:
- OnePlus: 9 series and later
- Motorola: Select Edge and Razr models
- Huawei: P40 and later (note: limited Google services may affect setup)
- Sony: Xperia 1 IV and later
How to Check If Your Phone Has eSIM
The quickest way is to check directly on your device:
On iPhone:
- Go to Settings > General > About
- Scroll down — if you see "Digital SIM" or an EID number, you have eSIM
On Android:
- Go to Settings > Network & Internet (or Connections)
- Look for "SIM Manager" or "Mobile Network"
- If you see "Add SIM" or "Download SIM," your phone supports eSIM
Does My Phone Need to Be Unlocked?
Yes — your phone must be unlocked to use a third-party eSIM from Ukesim.io.
How to check: Try inserting a SIM from a different UK carrier. If it works, you're unlocked. If not, contact your current carrier to request an unlock — this is usually free after your contract ends, and often before.
UK carriers that typically lock phones: O2, Vodafone, EE, Three — all unlock upon request.
Dual SIM: Using Your UK Number and eSIM Together
Most eSIM-compatible phones support Dual SIM — one physical SIM + one eSIM. This means:
- You keep your UK number active for calls and texts
- Your eSIM handles data abroad at local rates
- No need to remove your UK SIM while travelling
Buying a New Phone? Look for "eSIM" in the Specs
When shopping for a new smartphone in the UK, look for "eSIM" or "nano SIM + eSIM" in the connectivity specifications. Most flagship and mid-range phones now include it as standard.
Ready to Get Your eSIM?
Once you've confirmed your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked, you're ready to browse plans at Ukesim.io. Pick your destination, choose a data package, and you'll have your QR code in minutes. No waiting, no plastic, no roaming bills.