Before you buy an eSIM for your trip, take one minute to check two things: that your phone supports eSIM, and that it is not locked to your home carrier. Here is how to check on iPhone and Android.
.webp)
The fastest check: look for "Add eSIM"
iPhone: open Settings › Cellular (or Mobile Data). If you see Add eSIM or Add Cellular Plan, your iPhone supports eSIM.
Samsung Galaxy: open Settings › Connections › SIM manager. If you see Add eSIM, it is supported.
Google Pixel and other Android phones: open Settings › Network & internet › SIMs (the wording differs by brand). Look for an option to add an eSIM or download a SIM.
The dial-code check
Open the phone app and dial *#06#. On many phones that support eSIM, the screen shows an EID (a long number, separate from the IMEI). If you see an EID, the phone has an eSIM chip. If you do not, use the settings check above, since not every phone shows it.
Common phones that support eSIM
- iPhone: iPhone XS, XS Max and XR and every newer model, including the iPhone SE (2nd generation and later). US iPhone 14 models and later have no SIM tray and work only with eSIM.
- Samsung: Galaxy S20 and newer, the Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip series, and many recent A-series models.
- Google: Pixel 3 and newer.
- Many recent models from Motorola, Xiaomi, OnePlus, Oppo and others, depending on the country version.
The same model can differ by country: some versions sold in certain markets have no eSIM. That is why the settings check is the most reliable.
Is my phone unlocked?
A phone bought on a contract or a carrier plan may be locked to that carrier, and then it will not accept any other SIM or eSIM.
- iPhone: Settings › General › About › Carrier Lock. "No SIM restrictions" means it is unlocked.
- Android: there is no single setting on every phone. The simplest way is to ask your carrier, or to try another SIM card.
If the phone is locked, ask your carrier to unlock it before the trip; it is much harder to arrange once you are abroad.
Before you install the eSIM
- Install it while you are on Wi-Fi, ideally at home before you fly.
- Keep the QR code until the line works; some phones let you scan it only once.
- Give each line a name (for example "Home" and "Israel") so you know which one is used for data.
- When you land, switch data to the Israeli line and turn off roaming on your home line.
Ready for Israel?
If your phone supports eSIM, you can get a prepaid Israeli eSIM with a real +972 number from Cellcom, Pelephone, Partner or HOT Mobile at SimOnline, with no ID needed and payment by international card. The QR code arrives right after payment.
