The iPhone 15 series, released in the United States in 2023, was surprising to many as it no longer has a SIM slot and operates solely with eSIM.
Currently, eSIM is becoming increasingly recognized as a convenient technology for using mobile data on smartphones.
In this article, we will explain how to check if your device is compatible with eSIM for those who wish to use it.
Koki Abe
eSIM Portal Administrator
- Operates travel eSIM store for international travelers
- 8 years of sales experience in telecommunications (mobile, fiber optic)
- Backpacker who traveled to 16 countries worldwide
- Shares insights on eSIM benefits discovered during travels
Contents
What are eSIM Compatible Phones?
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital version of a SIM card that allows you to activate mobile data by downloading a profile via a QR code or an app. Unlike physical SIM cards, there is no need to insert or swap cards.
However, to use an eSIM, your smartphone must be eSIM compatible.
How eSIM Works on Smartphones
Once you install an eSIM, you can activate it through your phone’s mobile settings.Simply select the eSIM profile as your mobile data line and switch on mobile data or data roaming to get connected immediately.
The process differs from a physical SIM because instead of inserting a card, you are adding a new line directly into your device’s settings.
Benefits of Using eSIM in Japan
Using an eSIM in Japan has many advantages.
For example, when you arrive at Narita or Haneda Airport, you can connect to the internet instantly by switching your phone’s settings to the eSIM profile—no SIM card exchange or pocket Wi-Fi rental required.
Everything, from purchase to activation, can be completed directly on your smartphone.This seamless connectivity makes eSIM one of the most convenient options for travelers.Let’s now check if your phone is on the list of eSIM compatible devices in Japan.
List of eSIM Compatible iPhones (2025)
First, let’s take a look at which iPhone models are eSIM compatible.
Full List of iPhone Models Supporting eSIM
Apple introduced eSIM support starting with the iPhone XS and iPhone XR released in September 2018. All newer flagship models support eSIM, and even the budget-friendly iPhone SE (2nd generation and later) is compatible.
Older devices released before these models are not supported, so make sure to check your iPhone’s release year before purchasing an eSIM.
List of eSIM Compatible iPhones
- iPhone XS, XS Max, XR
- iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
- iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max
- iPhone SE (2nd generation, 3rd generation)
List of eSIM Compatible iPads
- iPads with eSIM (only iPads with 4G connectivity)
- iPad Pro 11″ (model A2068, from 2020)
- iPad Pro 12.9″ (model A2069, from 2020)
- iPad Air (model A2123, from 2019)
- iPad (model A2198, from 2019)
- iPad Mini (model A2124, from 2019)
- iPad 10th generation (from 2022)
Regional Notes: iPhones Sold in China and Japan
Even though iPhone models from XS and XR onwards generally support eSIM, there are important regional exceptions. iPhones sold in mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau do not support eSIM.
Instead, some of these models feature dual nano-SIM slots, allowing you to use two physical SIM cards at the same time.
By contrast, iPhones sold in Japan and most other regions fully support eSIM, enabling you to activate an eSIM profile along with a physical SIM for dual-SIM usage.
List of eSIM Compatible Android Phones (2025)
Next, let’s take a look at which Android smartphones support eSIM in 2025.
Unlike iPhones, Android compatibility can vary widely depending on the release year, the model line, and even the country where the phone was purchased.
Some budget or mid-range models, as well as certain Chinese market versions, may not support eSIM.
We strongly recommend checking the official manufacturer’s website or asking your carrier before purchasing a device.
Popular Android Brands Supporting eSIM (Samsung, Google Pixel, etc.)
| Brand | eSIM Compatible Models |
| Samsung | Check supported models |
| Google Pixel | Check supported models |
| Sony Xperia | Check supported models |
| Xiaomi / Redmi / POCO | Check supported models |
| OPPO | Check supported models |
| Motorola | Check supported models |
| Sharp (AQUOS) | Check supported models |
| Rakuten | Check supported models |
| HONOR | Check supported models |
| vivo | Check supported models |
| HUAWEI | Check supported models |
Limitations of eSIM on Android in Japan
Some Android smartphones sold by Japanese carriers may differ from their international versions.
In certain cases, eSIM functionality is disabled on domestic carrier-locked models even if the global version supports it.
When purchasing an Android phone in Japan, always confirm with the store staff whether the device is officially eSIM compatible.
How to Check if Your Smartphone Supports eSIM: You Need the EID
The eSIM chip built into your smartphone, which reads the eSIM profile, is assigned a unique identifier called the EID※ for each device.
To check if your iPhone or Android is eSIM-compatible, check if the "EID" is available on your smartphone.
EID
The EID is a 32-digit identifier for eSIM, which is unique for each smartphone. It is set in the eSIM chip inside the phone during manufacturing, making it almost impossible to counterfeit.
How to Check the EID on iPhone and Android
The easiest way to check the EID is by dialing “*#06#” on the default phone app of your iPhone or Android.
If your phone supports eSIM, after dialing, the "EID (32-digit eSIM identifier)" will be displayed. If you can see the EID, you can use the eSIM.
FAQs
We have compiled common questions about how to check if your iPhone or Android is eSIM compatible.
Please refer to this supplementary information for more details.
How to Check if Your iPhone is eSIM Compatible (Find the EID)
You can also check the EID from the iPhone settings app. Follow these steps to check if your iPhone is eSIM compatible.
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| From the settings app, go to "General" → "About" → "EID", and if you see the 32-digit eSIM identifier, your iPhone is eSIM compatible. |
How to Check if Your Android is eSIM Compatible (Find the EID)
You can also check the EID from the Android settings app. Follow these steps to check if your Android device is eSIM compatible.
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| The above is the method for checking on Pixel 7 pro. Go to "About phone" → "SIM Status" → "EID", and if you see the 32-digit eSIM identifier, your Android phone is eSIM compatible. |
Are iPhones Sold in China eSIM-Compatible?
iPhone models sold in mainland China do not come with eSIM support.
Apple has disabled eSIM functionality in iPhones sold in mainland China due to local telecommunications regulations.
Instead, Chinese iPhone models are designed with **dual nano-SIM slots**, allowing users to insert two physical SIM cards. This design was introduced to meet market demand, as many consumers in China prefer using two different phone numbers—one for work and one for personal use.
This regional difference means that while an iPhone 14 or iPhone 15 bought in the U.S. or Japan supports eSIM, the exact same model number purchased in China will not.
How Does eSIM Work on Smartphones?
(Image source: Soracom Mobile Official Blog)
eSIM (Embedded SIM) is an embedded SIM card. To use it, the smartphone must recognize the eSIM.
For smartphones that support eSIM, they contain an eSIM chip (module part), and by installing (activating) the eSIM profile onto the eSIM chip, communication with the base station becomes possible.
Summary : Choosing an eSIM-Compatible Phone in 2025
Summary of This Article
In this article, we explained how to check if your smartphone supports eSIM.
We also recommend eSIM services for your trips to Japan on our site. If your smartphone is eSIM compatible, be sure to check them out as you can enjoy convenient internet access during your trip to Japan!