Which Phones Support eSIM in the UK?
The vast majority of flagship smartphones released since 2018 support eSIM in the UK, including every iPhone from the XS onwards, Samsung Galaxy S20 and later, and Google Pixel 3 and later. This guide is for anyone who wants to confirm their device is eSIM-ready before switching — or who's choosing a new phone with eSIM in mind.
How to Check If Your Phone Supports eSIM
Before diving into the full list, here's how to confirm eSIM support directly on your device. This takes about 30 seconds.
On iPhone
- Open Settings
- Tap General
- Tap About
- Scroll down and look for Available SIMs or Digital SIM — if either appears, your iPhone supports eSIM
Alternatively, go to Settings → Mobile Service → Add eSIM. If that option exists, you're good to go.
On Samsung Galaxy
- Open Settings
- Tap Connections
- Tap SIM Manager
- If you see an Add eSIM or Add mobile plan option, your Samsung supports eSIM
On Google Pixel and other Android phones
- Open Settings
- Tap Network & Internet (or Connections depending on your Android version)
- Tap SIMs
- Look for Download a SIM or Add eSIM — if present, eSIM is supported
Tip: If you can't find these menus, search "eSIM" in your phone's Settings search bar. It'll surface the relevant option immediately if it exists.
Full eSIM Compatible Phone List for the UK
This list covers devices confirmed to support eSIM on UK networks. Phones bought directly from manufacturers (unlocked) will work with any eSIM provider. Carrier-locked devices may require unlocking first — more on that below.
Apple iPhone
Every iPhone from the XS onwards supports eSIM. From the iPhone 14 (US models) and iPhone 15 onwards globally, Apple removed the physical SIM tray entirely on some variants — but UK models of the 15 and 16 series retain a nano-SIM slot alongside eSIM.
| Model | eSIM Support | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone XS / XS Max | ✅ Yes | One eSIM + one physical SIM |
| iPhone XR | ✅ Yes | One eSIM + one physical SIM |
| iPhone 11 series | ✅ Yes | One eSIM + one physical SIM |
| iPhone SE (2nd gen, 2020) | ✅ Yes | One eSIM + one physical SIM |
| iPhone 12 series | ✅ Yes | One eSIM + one physical SIM |
| iPhone 13 series | ✅ Yes | Up to two eSIMs |
| iPhone SE (3rd gen, 2022) | ✅ Yes | One eSIM + one physical SIM |
| iPhone 14 series (UK) | ✅ Yes | One eSIM + one physical SIM |
| iPhone 15 series | ✅ Yes | One eSIM + one physical SIM |
| iPhone 16 series | ✅ Yes | One eSIM + one physical SIM |
Samsung Galaxy
Samsung introduced eSIM support with the Galaxy S20 series in 2020. Not every mid-range or budget Samsung supports eSIM — the feature is concentrated in the S-series, Z-series, and select A-series models.
| Model | eSIM Support | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Galaxy S20 / S20+ / S20 Ultra | ✅ Yes | |
| Galaxy S21 series | ✅ Yes | |
| Galaxy S22 series | ✅ Yes | |
| Galaxy S23 series | ✅ Yes | |
| Galaxy S24 series | ✅ Yes | |
| Galaxy S25 / S25+ / S25 Ultra | ✅ Yes | Dual SIM (nano + eSIM) |
| Galaxy Z Fold 3, 4, 5, 6 | ✅ Yes | |
| Galaxy Z Flip 3, 4, 5, 6 | ✅ Yes | |
| Galaxy A54 5G | ✅ Yes | |
| Galaxy A55 5G | ✅ Yes | |
| Galaxy A35 5G | ⚠️ Check | Varies by region/retailer |
| Galaxy A25 5G | ❌ No | Physical SIM only |
Note: Always verify your specific model variant. Samsung sometimes releases regional versions with different SIM configurations.
Google Pixel
Google has supported eSIM since the Pixel 3, making it one of the earliest Android adopters. All current Pixel phones support eSIM.
| Model | eSIM Support | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pixel 3 / 3 XL | ✅ Yes | |
| Pixel 3a / 3a XL | ✅ Yes | |
| Pixel 4 / 4 XL / 4a | ✅ Yes | |
| Pixel 5 / 5a | ✅ Yes | |
| Pixel 6 series | ✅ Yes | |
| Pixel 7 series | ✅ Yes | |
| Pixel 8 series | ✅ Yes | |
| Pixel 9 / 9 Pro / 9 Pro XL / 9 Pro Fold | ✅ Yes |
OnePlus
OnePlus was slower to adopt eSIM but has added support across its recent flagship range.
| Model | eSIM Support |
|---|---|
| OnePlus 11 | ✅ Yes |
| OnePlus 12 | ✅ Yes |
| OnePlus 13 | ✅ Yes |
| OnePlus Nord 4 | ✅ Yes |
| OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite | ❌ No |
Motorola
Motorola's eSIM support is patchy — it's present on higher-end models but absent from much of the budget range.
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| Model | eSIM Support |
|---|---|
| Motorola Edge 40 Pro | ✅ Yes |
| Motorola Edge 50 Pro | ✅ Yes |
| Motorola Edge 50 Ultra | ✅ Yes |
| Motorola Razr 40 Ultra | ✅ Yes |
| Motorola Razr 50 Ultra | ✅ Yes |
| Moto G series (most) | ❌ No |
Sony Xperia
Sony has added eSIM to its flagship Xperia 1 and Xperia 5 lines.
| Model | eSIM Support |
|---|---|
| Xperia 1 IV | ✅ Yes |
| Xperia 1 V | ✅ Yes |
| Xperia 1 VI | ✅ Yes |
| Xperia 5 IV | ✅ Yes |
| Xperia 5 V | ✅ Yes |
| Xperia 10 series | ❌ No |
Important: Carrier-Locked Phones
This is the caveat that catches a lot of people out. A phone can be eSIM-capable in hardware but still refuse to install a third-party eSIM if it's carrier-locked.
If you bought your phone directly from EE, O2, Vodafone, or Three — especially on a contract — it may be locked to that network. A locked phone will only accept eSIMs (and physical SIMs) from that specific carrier.
How to check if your phone is locked
On iPhone:
- Go to Settings → General → About
- Scroll to Carrier Lock
- If it says "No SIM restrictions", you're unlocked
- If it names a specific carrier, you're locked to that network
On Android: The easiest method is to insert a SIM from a different network. If it works, you're unlocked. Some Android phones also show lock status under Settings → Connections → SIM Manager.
How to get your phone unlocked
UK networks are legally required to unlock your phone on request, usually for free, once you've met their terms (typically completing a minimum contract period or paying off the device).
- EE: Request via the EE website or by calling 150
- O2: Request via My O2 or call 202
- Vodafone: Request via the Vodafone website or call 191
- Three: Request via the Three website or call 333
Unlocking typically takes 1–10 working days. Once unlocked, your phone will accept any eSIM — including a Fuse multi-network eSIM.
eSIM vs Physical SIM: Do You Need to Remove Your SIM?
No — in most cases you don't need to remove your physical SIM at all. Most eSIM-compatible phones operate in Dual SIM mode, meaning you can run a physical SIM and an eSIM simultaneously.
This is particularly useful if you're:
- Keeping your existing number on a physical SIM while using an eSIM for data
- Travelling abroad and want roaming data on your eSIM without swapping cards
- Testing a new provider before fully committing
How Dual SIM works in practice
Your phone lets you assign each SIM a role. You might set your physical SIM as the default for calls and texts, and your eSIM as the default for mobile data. On iPhone, this is managed under Settings → Mobile Service. On Android, it's typically under Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs.
With a Fuse eSIM, your data traffic automatically connects to whichever of the four UK networks — EE, Three, Vodafone, or O2 — has the strongest signal where you are. You can read more about how Fuse works and why multi-network coverage makes a genuine difference.
Quick Compatibility Check: Top-Searched Models
Does the iPhone 16 support eSIM?
Yes. The iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max all support eSIM. UK models include one nano-SIM slot and one eSIM, allowing Dual SIM operation. You can store multiple eSIM profiles and switch between them.
Does the Samsung Galaxy S25 support eSIM?
Yes. The full Galaxy S25 range — S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra — supports eSIM. Each model accepts one physical nano-SIM and one eSIM simultaneously.
Does the Google Pixel 9 support eSIM?
Yes. The Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold all support eSIM. Google Pixel devices have offered eSIM since the Pixel 3, and the Pixel 9 series has excellent eSIM management built into Android 15.
Does the iPhone 15 support eSIM?
Yes. All iPhone 15 models (standard, Plus, Pro, Pro Max) support eSIM. UK variants include a nano-SIM slot alongside eSIM — unlike the US iPhone 15, which is eSIM-only.
Does the Samsung Galaxy S24 support eSIM?
Yes. The Galaxy S24, S24+, and S24 Ultra all support eSIM. If you bought yours from a UK carrier on contract, check whether it's locked before installing a third-party eSIM (see the carrier lock section above).
Why Choose a Multi-Network eSIM Once You've Confirmed Compatibility?
Once you've confirmed your phone supports eSIM, the next question is which eSIM to choose. Most eSIM providers tie you to a single network — so if that network has a dead spot where you live or work, you're stuck with it.
Fuse takes a different approach. A single Fuse eSIM connects to all four UK networks — EE, Three, Vodafone, and O2 — and your phone automatically selects the strongest signal available. It's the only UK eSIM that combines genuine multi-network coverage with roaming in 130+ countries.
Plans start at £5.99/month with no contract, and there's a 7-day free trial with 500MB of data so you can test it on your device before committing. Take a look at the full plans breakdown to find the right fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my phone supports eSIM without looking it up?
The quickest way is to check your phone's Settings. On iPhone, go to Settings → General → About and look for "Available SIMs" or "Digital SIM". On Android, go to Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs (or Connections → SIM Manager on Samsung) and look for an "Add eSIM" option. If either appears, your phone supports eSIM.
Can I use an eSIM and a physical SIM at the same time?
Yes, on most eSIM-compatible phones. This is called Dual SIM mode. You can keep your existing physical SIM for calls and texts while using an eSIM for mobile data, or run two completely separate numbers simultaneously. Your phone's SIM settings let you choose which SIM handles which function.
My phone says it supports eSIM but won't install one — what's wrong?
The most likely cause is a carrier lock. If you bought your phone from a UK network on a contract, it may only accept eSIMs from that carrier. Contact your network to request an unlock — UK operators are required to unlock devices on request once your contract terms are met. Once unlocked, your phone will accept any compatible eSIM.
Do budget Android phones support eSIM?
Generally, no — eSIM support on Android is still concentrated in mid-range and flagship devices. Budget phones from Samsung (A-series below the A54), Motorola (Moto G series), and most entry-level handsets typically use physical SIM only. Always check the specific model's spec sheet before purchasing.
Will an eSIM work the same as a physical SIM?
In everyday use, yes — calls, texts, and mobile data all work identically. The main practical differences are that you activate an eSIM by scanning a QR code rather than inserting a card, and you can switch or add plans without visiting a shop or waiting for a SIM to arrive in the post. You can explore all the eSIM guides and resources to get a clearer picture of how the technology works in practice.