eSIM Phone Compatibility: Is Your Device Supported?
Quick Check: Does My Phone Support eSIM?
The fastest way to check: open your phone's settings and look for an "Add eSIM" option.
iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM
Android: Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Add SIM (or Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > Add eSIM)
If you see the option, your phone supports eSIM. If not, your phone either doesn't support it or may be carrier-locked.
Apple Devices
iPhone (eSIM supported)
| Model | eSIM Support | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 16 / 16 Pro / 16 Pro Max | Dual eSIM | US models: eSIM only (no SIM tray) |
| iPhone 15 / 15 Pro / 15 Pro Max | Dual eSIM | US models: eSIM only |
| iPhone 14 / 14 Pro / 14 Pro Max | Dual eSIM | US models: eSIM only |
| iPhone SE (3rd gen, 2022) | eSIM + nano-SIM | |
| iPhone 13 / 13 Pro / 13 mini | Dual eSIM | |
| iPhone 12 / 12 Pro / 12 mini | eSIM + nano-SIM | |
| iPhone 11 / 11 Pro / 11 Pro Max | eSIM + nano-SIM | |
| iPhone XS / XS Max / XR | eSIM + nano-SIM | First iPhones with eSIM |
| iPhone X and older | Not supported |
iPad (eSIM supported)
| Model | eSIM Support |
|---|---|
| iPad Pro (M4, 2024) | eSIM + nano-SIM |
| iPad Air (M2/M3) | eSIM + nano-SIM |
| iPad (10th gen, 2022) | eSIM + nano-SIM |
| iPad mini (6th gen) | eSIM + nano-SIM |
| iPad Pro (2018 and later) | eSIM + nano-SIM |
Apple Watch (Cellular models only)
Apple Watch Series 3 and later with cellular support eSIM, but travel eSIMs generally do not work on Apple Watch. The Watch eSIM is tied to your carrier plan. See our Apple Watch eSIM guide for alternatives.
Samsung
Galaxy S Series
| Model | eSIM Support |
|---|---|
| Galaxy S25 / S25+ / S25 Ultra | Dual eSIM |
| Galaxy S24 / S24+ / S24 Ultra | Dual eSIM |
| Galaxy S23 / S23+ / S23 Ultra | eSIM + nano-SIM |
| Galaxy S22 / S22+ / S22 Ultra | eSIM + nano-SIM |
| Galaxy S21 / S21+ / S21 Ultra | eSIM + nano-SIM |
| Galaxy S20 / S20+ / S20 Ultra | eSIM + nano-SIM |
| Galaxy S20 FE | Not supported |
| Galaxy S10 and older | Not supported |
Galaxy Z Series (Foldables)
| Model | eSIM Support |
|---|---|
| Galaxy Z Fold 6 / Z Flip 6 | Dual eSIM |
| Galaxy Z Fold 5 / Z Flip 5 | eSIM + nano-SIM |
| Galaxy Z Fold 4 / Z Flip 4 | eSIM + nano-SIM |
| Galaxy Z Fold 3 / Z Flip 3 | eSIM + nano-SIM |
Galaxy A Series
| Model | eSIM Support |
|---|---|
| Galaxy A56 / A36 | eSIM + nano-SIM |
| Galaxy A55 / A35 | eSIM + nano-SIM |
| Galaxy A54 | eSIM + nano-SIM |
| Galaxy A34 and older | Not supported |
Google Pixel
| Model | eSIM Support |
|---|---|
| Pixel 9 / 9 Pro / 9 Pro Fold | Dual eSIM |
| Pixel 8 / 8 Pro / 8a | eSIM + nano-SIM |
| Pixel 7 / 7 Pro / 7a | eSIM + nano-SIM |
| Pixel 6 / 6 Pro / 6a | eSIM + nano-SIM |
| Pixel 5 / 5a | eSIM + nano-SIM |
| Pixel 4 / 4a / 4 XL | eSIM + nano-SIM |
| Pixel 3 / 3a / 3 XL | eSIM + nano-SIM |
| Pixel 2 and older | Not supported |
Other Brands
OnePlus
- OnePlus 13, 12, 12R: eSIM supported
- OnePlus 11, 10 Pro: eSIM supported (varies by region)
- Older models: Not supported
Xiaomi
- Xiaomi 14 / 14 Pro: eSIM supported
- Xiaomi 13 / 13 Pro: eSIM supported (select regions)
- Most other models: Not supported (Xiaomi has limited eSIM rollout)
Motorola
- Razr (2023, 2024): eSIM + nano-SIM
- Edge 40 Pro / Edge 50 Pro: eSIM supported
- Older models: Generally not supported
Huawei
- P40 / P40 Pro: eSIM supported
- Mate 40 Pro: eSIM supported
- Note: Huawei phones lack Google services, which may affect some eSIM provider apps
OPPO
- Find X5 Pro, Find N2 Flip: eSIM supported
- Most other models: Not supported
Common Issues
"My phone is on the list but I don't see Add eSIM"
Your phone is likely carrier-locked. Contact your carrier to unlock it. In many countries, carriers must unlock phones after the contract period ends (or immediately if the phone is paid off).
"I bought my phone in China / Japan"
Some phones sold in certain markets have eSIM hardware disabled by the manufacturer. Chinese-market iPhones (model numbers ending in CH/A) generally support eSIM, but some Chinese Android phones do not.
"I have dual physical SIM slots"
Dual physical SIM is different from eSIM. Having two SIM card slots doesn't mean your phone supports eSIM. Check the settings menu for an "Add eSIM" option.
Regional Variants
Some phones support eSIM in certain regions but not others. The same model may have different hardware depending on where it was sold. When in doubt, check your phone's settings directly.
What If My Phone Doesn't Support eSIM?
If your phone doesn't support eSIM, you have alternatives for staying connected in Japan:
- Physical SIM card — Buy at the airport or pre-order online. Airport SIM vs eSIM comparison
- Pocket WiFi — Rent a portable hotspot. eSIM vs Pocket WiFi
- Free WiFi — Available at airports, stations, convenience stores, and hotels (limited). Airport WiFi guide
Ready to Get Your eSIM?
If your device is compatible, you're ready to choose a plan:
- How to Choose the Right Plan — Decision framework
- Compare All Japan eSIM Plans — Filter by price, data, and duration
- Set Up on iPhone — Step-by-step setup
- Set Up on Android — Samsung, Pixel, and more