Will your phone take an eSIM?

The sure way: find your EID

Your browser can't see inside your phone, so the check above is only a hint. Dial *#06# like a phone number. If you see a line called EID, your phone supports eSIM.

No EID on iPhone? Look in Settings, General, About.

It also has to be unlocked

A carrier-locked phone won't accept another eSIM. On iPhone, Settings, General, About, Carrier Lock should say "No SIM restrictions". Many iPhones sold in mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau have no eSIM.

Install your eSIM at home

You need Wi-Fi and your QR code on another screen.

1. Connect to Wi-Fi.
2. Open Settings, Cellular, Add eSIM, and choose the QR code option.
3. Scan the code from your email.
4. Keep your regular line for now. Switch data to the eSIM after you land.

1. Samsung: Settings, Connections, SIM manager, Add eSIM.
2. Pixel: Settings, Network and internet, SIMs, Add SIM.
3. Scan the code from your email.
4. Keep your regular line for now. Switch data to the eSIM after you land.

When you land

1. Turn off airplane mode.
2. Turn on the eSIM line and data roaming on that line.
3. Choose the eSIM for mobile data.
4. Turn off data roaming on your regular line.

Keep the eSIM on your phone until the trip is over.