United States eSIM

Most flagship smartphones released since 2018-2019 support eSIM, including iPhone XS and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, and Samsung Galaxy S20 series and newer. Tablets, smartwatches and an increasing number of laptops also support eSIM. The fastest way to verify your specific device is to check Settings , if you see "Add eSIM" or "Add cellular plan" as an option, you're compatible.

eSIM compatibility is now standard across the high-end smartphone market and rapidly spreading into mid-range devices. eSIM Routes works with any unlocked, eSIM-capable device , no special configuration needed beyond scanning the QR code we send you.

iPhones with eSIM support

• iPhone XS, XS Max, XR (2018) , first iPhones with eSIM (one physical SIM + one eSIM).
• iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max (2019).
• iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max (2020).
• iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max (2021) , supports two active eSIMs simultaneously.
• iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max (2022) , US versions are eSIM-only (no physical SIM tray).
• iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, iPhone SE 3 and later , full eSIM support.

Google Pixel with eSIM support

• Pixel 3 / 3 XL and all later models (Pixel 4, 4a, 5, 5a, 6, 6 Pro, 6a, 7, 7 Pro, 7a, 8, 8 Pro, Pixel Fold).

Samsung Galaxy with eSIM support

• Galaxy S20, S20+, S20 Ultra, S20 FE (2020) , first Galaxy with eSIM.
• Galaxy S21 / S22 / S23 / S24 series (all variants except some regional versions).
• Galaxy Z Fold 2, 3, 4, 5 and Z Flip 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
• Galaxy Note 20, 20 Ultra.
• Note: Some regional Samsung variants (e.g., specific Hong Kong dual-SIM physical models) may not support eSIM. Check Settings → Connections → SIM Card Manager.

Other Android devices with eSIM

• Huawei: P40, P40 Pro, Mate 40 Pro and newer flagships.
• Motorola: Razr (2019+), Edge 30 series, ThinkPhone.
• Xiaomi: Mi 11 series and newer (international versions).
• OnePlus: OnePlus 11, 12 (verify region).
• Sony: Xperia 1 IV, 5 IV, 10 IV and newer.
• Nokia / HMD: G60, X30 5G.

How to verify eSIM support on your device

1. iPhone: Settings → Cellular → look for "Add eSIM" or "Add Cellular Plan". You can also dial *#06# , if you see an "EID" (32-digit number), your phone has eSIM hardware.
2. Android: Settings → Connections (or Network & Internet) → SIM Cards → look for "Download a SIM instead" or "Add eSIM".
3. EID check: most eSIM-capable Android phones show EID in Settings → About Phone → Status.

Tip: Even if your phone supports eSIM hardware, it must be unlocked (not carrier-locked) to use third-party eSIMs like eSIM Routes. Most phones bought outright are unlocked; phones from carrier instalment plans may require unlocking after the contract is paid off.

Almost every flagship smartphone released since 2019 supports eSIM, making it ideal for international travel. Compatible models include iPhone XS and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer, plus a growing list of mid-range devices. If your phone has Settings → Cellular → "Add eSIM", you're ready to use a eSIM Routes plan abroad.

Travellers benefit most from eSIM because it eliminates the airport SIM-card queue, removes the need to swap your home SIM out, and lets you keep your usual phone number active for SMS verification. A eSIM Routes travel eSIM activates the moment you land , no shop visit required.

Best eSIM-compatible travel phones

• iPhone (2018+): XS, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 series and SE 3rd gen , all support Dual SIM with one physical SIM + one eSIM. iPhone 14/15/16 in the US is eSIM-only.
• Google Pixel (2018+): Pixel 3 through Pixel 9 , all support eSIM. Pixel 7 Pro and newer support multiple active eSIMs.
• Samsung Galaxy (2020+): S20, S21, S22, S23, S24, S25, Note 20, Fold and Flip series.
• Motorola: Razr (2019+), Edge 30/40, ThinkPhone , most newer flagships.
• OnePlus: OnePlus 11, 12 , varies by region.
• Sony: Xperia 1 IV / V, Xperia 10 IV / V.
• Xiaomi: Mi 11 international and newer flagships.
• Nokia/HMD: G60 5G, X30 5G.

What to check before buying a travel eSIM

1. eSIM hardware: dial *#06# , if an EID number appears, you're compatible.
2. Carrier unlock status: phones bought on instalment plans may be locked to your home carrier. Most outright purchases are unlocked.
3. iOS version: iOS 12.1 or newer for full eSIM support.
4. Android version: Android 9 or newer typically supports eSIM, though it depends on the manufacturer.
5. Region-specific variants: some Samsung models sold in Hong Kong or China are dual physical SIM with no eSIM , verify your specific model number.

Travel-friendly phones that don't support eSIM

• iPhones older than XS (iPhone X, 8, 7, 6 series).
• Most budget Android phones (entry-level Samsung A series before A53, Xiaomi Redmi entry models).
• Older Huawei devices without Google Services.
• Region-specific dual physical SIM variants (verify model number).

Tip: if your current phone doesn't support eSIM but you travel often, an unlocked, mid-range eSIM-capable phone (e.g., Pixel 7a, iPhone SE 3, Samsung Galaxy A55) makes an excellent secondary travel device , pair it with a eSIM Routes plan and you have a full mobile internet kit for any destination.

Yes, significantly. This is the #1 reason to buy an eSIM. Most home carriers (from the UK, Europe, Australia, etc.) charge a fixed daily roaming fee (e.g., $10-$15 or £6 per day). This can cost $150 for a 10-day trip. A eSIM Routes eSIM is a one-time prepaid fee that gives you a large data bundle (e.g., 20GB or Unlimited) for a fraction of that cost. 

 This specific plan is valid only within the USA (or, if it's a regional plan, you'd say "Yes"). This is the most important question for "North America" travelers. If you drive to Niagara Falls (Canada) or Cancun (Mexico), your connection will stop at the border. For a seamless trip, we highly recommend our North America Regional eSIM, which covers the USA, Canada, and Mexico with one single plan. 

This is a critical question for coverage. Our eSIM connects to the USA’s premium Tier-1 networks, typically AT&T or T-Mobile. (You should state which).

• T-Mobile generally has the fastest 5G speeds in major cities.
• AT&T generally has more extensive 4G coverage in rural areas and National Parks.

You must set expectations. You will have strong 5G/LTE coverage in all cities (New York, Los Angeles, Chicago) and on interstate highways.

• National Parks: You will have a good signal in the "gateway" towns (Flagstaff, Jackson Hole) and at the main visitor centers and lodges (e.g., Grand Canyon Village).
• Deep Wilderness: Once you are on remote hiking trails or in the deep valleys of Yellowstone or Yosemite, you must expect long "dead zones" with no signal from any provider.

• If No (Data-Only): "No, this is a data-only eSIM and does not come with a US phone number. You can use your high-speed data to make calls with WhatsApp, FaceTime, Skype, or Zoom."
• If Yes (Data + Voice): "Yes, this plan comes with a US phone number (+1), allowing you to make and receive local calls and SMS, which is perfect for Uber/Lyft verification and local reservations."

Yes. Tethering (Personal Hotspot) is fully supported. This is perfect for a family on a road trip (to power an iPad) or for a business traveler who needs to connect their laptop in a hotel or at the airport. 

Yes, 100%. Buying a physical "prepaid" SIM at a US airport (from a kiosk or T-Mobile store) is very difficult and requires a mandatory passport/ID registration process. Our eSIM is 100% digital, requires no ID registration, and can be installed before you fly, so you are connected the moment you land. 

 Yes, absolutely. Public transport can be limited in many US cities like Los Angeles, Miami, and Orlando, so relying on ride-sharing apps is very common. You will need a stable data connection to request an Uber or Lyft, track your driver’s location, and communicate with them without relying on spotty free Wi-Fi. 

 This package covers the entire United States. You can use your data seamlessly while relaxing on the beaches of Hawaii (Honolulu, Maui) or exploring the wilderness in Alaska, just as you would in New York or California. 

 Yes. While theme parks in Orlando and California offer free Wi-Fi, it is often congested and slow. Having your own USA eSIM data is crucial for using park apps to check wait times, book "Lightning Lanes" (Genie+), or order food via mobile without delays. 

 Yes, the USA has one of the most advanced 5G networks in the world. If your device supports it, you will enjoy ultra-fast 5G speeds in major hubs like New York City, San Francisco, and Las Vegas. In rural areas or on highways, the connection remains reliable on strong 4G/LTE networks. 

 Yes, we recommend installing the eSIM before you fly. US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) lines can be long, and having active internet allows you to communicate with family or use the Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app to speed up your entry process before you even leave the airport. 

 Most modern phones do, but you must check our specific list here: eSIM Compatible Devices to be 100% sure before purchasing.