Compatible Devices

Effective Date: June 30, 2026 Last Updated: June 30, 2026

This policy explains the device requirements for using eSIMs purchased from RealEsim LLC at realesim.com. It is your responsibility to confirm device compatibility before purchase.

What Is an eSIM?

An eSIM is a digital SIM card built into your device. Instead of inserting a physical card, you install an eSIM by scanning a QR code or entering an activation code. eSIMs work alongside or in place of a physical SIM, depending on your device.

Two Requirements for Our eSIMs to Work

1. Your Device Must Support eSIM Technology

Most smartphones released in 2018 or later support eSIM. Common eSIM-compatible devices include:

  • iPhone: iPhone XS, XR, and all newer models (iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, SE 2nd gen and later) — except those purchased in mainland China (see exceptions below)
  • Google Pixel: Pixel 3 and newer (some Pixel 3 variants are limited)
  • Samsung Galaxy: Galaxy S20 and newer flagship models, Galaxy Z Fold/Flip series, select Note series
  • Other Android: many newer Android phones support eSIM, but capability varies by region and carrier

We provide a device compatibility checker on every product page. Use it before purchasing.

2. Your Device Must Be Unlocked

If you bought your phone from a carrier on a contract or installment plan, it may be "locked" to that carrier. A locked phone will not accept eSIMs from other providers, including ours.

To check whether your phone is unlocked:

  • iPhone: Settings → General → About → Carrier Lock should say "No SIM restrictions"
  • Android: Insert a SIM from a different carrier; if it works, your phone is unlocked

To unlock your phone, contact your original carrier. Unlocking is usually free for fully-paid phones, but rules vary.

Devices That Are Known NOT to Work

  • iPhones purchased in mainland China: Apple removes eSIM hardware from iPhones sold in mainland China to comply with local regulations. These phones cannot use eSIMs at all, regardless of model.
  • iPhones with country-specific eSIM restrictions: some regions restrict eSIM functionality on certain iPhone models. Check Apple's official compatibility list.
  • Carrier-locked phones: must be unlocked first
  • Older smartphones: generally pre-2018 devices do not support eSIM
  • Most basic feature phones: very limited eSIM support
  • Some smartwatches: require carrier eSIM provisioning, which our service does not provide
  • Tablets without cellular capability: Wi-Fi-only tablets cannot use eSIMs

Devices With Conditional Support

  • Dual-SIM Android phones: support varies; check your specific model's specs
  • Devices on company carrier plans: may have additional restrictions imposed by the IT administrator
  • Devices purchased used or refurbished: may have residual carrier locks from previous owners

Pre-Purchase Compatibility Check

On every product page, we display a compatibility check that asks for your device brand and model. Possible results:

  • Compatible (green check): your device supports eSIM and our service should work
  • Not compatible (red warning): purchase is disabled — your device does not support eSIM
  • Unknown (yellow warning): we cannot confirm compatibility for this exact model variant; you may proceed at your own risk

The compatibility checker uses the most current information we have, but it is not infallible. We recommend that you also verify on your manufacturer's official website.

Universal Compatibility Disclaimer

Even when our compatibility checker shows green, we cannot guarantee that your specific device will work with our eSIMs in every situation. Factors outside our control include:

  • Recent firmware or OS changes on your device
  • Carrier-specific restrictions in your home country
  • IT or MDM (Mobile Device Management) policies on your phone
  • Hardware faults or eSIM slot capacity limits

If you purchase an eSIM and discover incompatibility before activation, you are eligible for a refund under our Refund Policy. After activation, refunds are governed by the Refund Policy's section on activated eSIMs.

How to Check Your Device's eSIM Status

iPhone

  1. Open Settings
  2. Tap General
  3. Tap About
  4. Scroll to EID — if you see a 32-digit number, your iPhone supports eSIM
  5. If the EID line is missing, your iPhone does not support eSIM

Android (Samsung, Pixel, others)

  1. Open Settings
  2. Tap About phone (or About device)
  3. Look for EID or IMEI 2 — if present, your phone likely supports eSIM
  4. Alternatively, dial `*#06#` on the keypad — if an EID number appears, your phone supports eSIM

Number of Active eSIMs

Different devices support different numbers of simultaneously active eSIMs:

  • Most iPhones and Android phones support at least one active eSIM
  • Newer iPhones (XR/XS and later) and Pixel 3 and later support dual eSIM — one physical SIM plus one eSIM, or two eSIMs at once
  • iPhone 13 and later support dual eSIM only (no physical SIM in some regions, like the US iPhone 14 and later)

If you have already installed multiple eSIMs and reached your device's storage limit, you may need to delete an old eSIM before installing a new one.

Installing the eSIM

After purchase, you will receive a QR code via email and on the order confirmation page. To install:

iPhone

  1. Open Settings → Cellular (or Mobile Service)
  2. Tap Add eSIM or Add Cellular Plan
  3. Choose Use QR Code
  4. Scan the QR code from another device, or tap Enter Details Manually if needed
  5. Follow the prompts to label and activate the line

Android

  1. Open Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs (or Connections → SIM Manager, depending on manufacturer)
  2. Tap Add eSIM or Download a SIM
  3. Scan the QR code
  4. Follow the prompts to complete setup

Detailed installation instructions tailored to your specific phone are included in your delivery email.

Troubleshooting Compatibility Issues

If you have purchased an eSIM and are having trouble:

  1. Confirm device unlocked: insert another carrier's SIM (physical or eSIM); if it works, your device is unlocked
  2. Check OS version: ensure your iPhone or Android is running a recent OS version
  3. Disable Wi-Fi briefly: sometimes carrier handshake works better on cellular
  4. Restart your device: especially after first installing the eSIM
  5. Contact us: support@realesim.com with your order number and the exact error message you see

Contact

For compatibility questions: RealEsim LLC support@realesim.com