Compatibility

Does My Phone Support eSIM? Taiwan Travel Guide

Published May 1, 2025 · 6 min read · Taiwan eSIM Blog

Check in 30 seconds

Before buying a Taiwan eSIM, you need to confirm your phone supports it. Here's the fastest way to check for each platform:

iPhone: Go to Settings → General → About. Scroll down and look for "Available SIM" or "EID". If you see an EID number, your iPhone supports eSIM.

Android: Go to Settings → About Phone → SIM Status (or Network). Look for "EID" or check Settings → Connections → SIM Manager for an "Add eSIM" option.

iPhone eSIM compatibility

All of the following iPhone models support eSIM and work with our Taiwan eSIM plans:

Fully compatible (eSIM supported)

iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max — eSIM only in US models; dual eSIM
iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max — eSIM + physical SIM (outside US)
iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max — eSIM + physical SIM
iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max
iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max
iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
iPhone XS, XS Max, XR
iPhone SE (2nd gen, 2020)
iPhone SE (3rd gen, 2022)

Not compatible

iPhone X and older (iPhone 8, 7, 6s, SE 1st gen, and earlier)
iPhones bought in mainland China — these models don't have eSIM hardware

Important for US iPhone 14/15/16 users: US models are eSIM-only (no physical SIM tray). These work perfectly with our Taiwan eSIM. International models have both a physical SIM slot and eSIM — also fully compatible.

Samsung Galaxy eSIM compatibility

Samsung has supported eSIM since 2020 across its flagship and mid-range lines, but availability varies by region. Models sold in South Korea and some Asian markets sometimes have eSIM disabled by the carrier.

Compatible Samsung models

Galaxy S24, S24+, S24 Ultra
Galaxy S23, S23+, S23 Ultra, S23 FE
Galaxy S22, S22+, S22 Ultra
Galaxy S21, S21+, S21 Ultra, S21 FE
Galaxy S20, S20+, S20 Ultra
Galaxy Z Fold 5, Fold 4, Fold 3, Fold 2
Galaxy Z Flip 5, Flip 4, Flip 3
Galaxy A55, A54, A35, A34 (selected markets)

How to check on Samsung

Go to Settings → Connections → SIM Card Manager. If you see an "Add eSIM" or "Add mobile plan" option, your device and carrier combination supports eSIM. If the option is grayed out or missing, your specific regional model may have eSIM disabled.

Google Pixel eSIM compatibility

Google has included eSIM support in Pixel phones since the Pixel 3. All the following models work with our Taiwan eSIM:

Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, 9 Pro Fold
Pixel 8, 8 Pro, 8a
Pixel 7, 7 Pro, 7a
Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 6a
Pixel 5, 5a
Pixel 4, 4 XL, 4a, 4a 5G
Pixel 3, 3 XL, 3a, 3a XL

Other Android brands

OnePlus

OnePlus 12, 12R
OnePlus 11, 11R
OnePlus 9 Pro
OnePlus Open

Note: Most OnePlus Nord models do NOT support eSIM.

Motorola

Motorola Edge+ (2023, 2022)
Motorola Razr (2023, 2022, 2019)
Motorola Edge 40 Pro

Xiaomi

Xiaomi 13 and 14 series (global versions only). Chinese domestic versions of Xiaomi phones typically don't have eSIM hardware.

Huawei

Huawei phones cannot use eSIM plans from third-party providers due to hardware and software restrictions. Physical SIM is required.

What disqualifies a phone from eSIM use?

Even if your phone model supports eSIM, the following can prevent it from working:

Carrier lock: Some phones are sold locked to a specific carrier. A carrier-locked phone may have eSIM disabled or restricted. Contact your carrier to unlock it before your trip — most unlock for free after 12 months.
Regional variant: Some phone models sold in specific countries (notably mainland China, some parts of Asia) have eSIM hardware removed or disabled at the factory.
Already at maximum eSIM limit: Most phones support 2–5 stored eSIMs at a time but can only have 1–2 active simultaneously. If your eSIM slots are full, delete an old unused eSIM first.

How to check if your phone is carrier-locked

On iPhone: Settings → General → About → Carrier Lock. It will say "No SIM restrictions" if unlocked.

On Android: Insert a SIM from a different carrier. If it connects, the phone is unlocked. If it says "SIM not supported", it's locked.

My phone isn't compatible — what are my options?

If your phone doesn't support eSIM, you have a few good options for Taiwan:

Buy a physical SIM card at Taoyuan Airport — available from all three major carriers (Chunghwa, Taiwan Mobile, FarEasTone) in the arrivals hall. Prices are similar to eSIM plans. You'll need your passport.
Buy a SIM at any 7-Eleven or FamilyMart — convenience stores across Taiwan sell tourist SIM cards. They're cheap and widely available.
Use your phone's hotspot from a travel partner's eSIM — if you're traveling with someone whose phone supports eSIM, one person buys an eSIM and shares the hotspot.

Your phone is compatible? Get your eSIM now.

Plans from $5. QR code in your inbox in under 60 seconds. Works across all of Taiwan.

View Plans →

Frequently asked questions

How do I find my phone's EID number? +

On iPhone: Settings → General → About → scroll to EID. On Android: Settings → About Phone → SIM Status or IMEI Info. The EID is a 32-digit number that confirms your device has an eSIM chip. If there's no EID, the device doesn't support eSIM.

I have a dual SIM phone — can I use eSIM as the second SIM? +

Yes, that's exactly how most people use it. Keep your home physical SIM in slot 1 for calls and SMS. Add the Taiwan eSIM as the second SIM and set it as your mobile data source. Both lines stay active.

Does eSIM work on iPads? +

Yes. iPad Pro (2018 and later), iPad Air (3rd gen and later), iPad mini (5th gen and later), and iPad (7th gen and later) all support eSIM. The setup process is the same as iPhone.

My Samsung says "Add eSIM" is grayed out — why? +

This usually means your device is either carrier-locked or a regional variant with eSIM disabled. Contact your home carrier to check if they can unlock eSIM functionality. Some carriers unlock it for free on request.

Can I delete the Taiwan eSIM after my trip? +

Yes. Go to Settings → Cellular (or SIM Manager on Android), find the Taiwan eSIM, and delete it. This frees up an eSIM slot for future trips. Note: once deleted, the QR code cannot be reused.