United Kingdom eSIM

Most flagship smartphones released since 2018-2019 support eSIM, including iPhone XS and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, and Samsung Galaxy S20 series and newer. Tablets, smartwatches and an increasing number of laptops also support eSIM. The fastest way to verify your specific device is to check Settings , if you see "Add eSIM" or "Add cellular plan" as an option, you're compatible.

eSIM compatibility is now standard across the high-end smartphone market and rapidly spreading into mid-range devices. eSIMBuy works with any unlocked, eSIM-capable device , no special configuration needed beyond scanning the QR code we send you.

iPhones with eSIM support

• iPhone XS, XS Max, XR (2018) , first iPhones with eSIM (one physical SIM + one eSIM).
• iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max (2019).
• iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max (2020).
• iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max (2021) , supports two active eSIMs simultaneously.
• iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max (2022) , US versions are eSIM-only (no physical SIM tray).
• iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, iPhone SE 3 and later , full eSIM support.

Google Pixel with eSIM support

• Pixel 3 / 3 XL and all later models (Pixel 4, 4a, 5, 5a, 6, 6 Pro, 6a, 7, 7 Pro, 7a, 8, 8 Pro, Pixel Fold).

Samsung Galaxy with eSIM support

• Galaxy S20, S20+, S20 Ultra, S20 FE (2020) , first Galaxy with eSIM.
• Galaxy S21 / S22 / S23 / S24 series (all variants except some regional versions).
• Galaxy Z Fold 2, 3, 4, 5 and Z Flip 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
• Galaxy Note 20, 20 Ultra.
• Note: Some regional Samsung variants (e.g., specific Hong Kong dual-SIM physical models) may not support eSIM. Check Settings → Connections → SIM Card Manager.

Other Android devices with eSIM

• Huawei: P40, P40 Pro, Mate 40 Pro and newer flagships.
• Motorola: Razr (2019+), Edge 30 series, ThinkPhone.
• Xiaomi: Mi 11 series and newer (international versions).
• OnePlus: OnePlus 11, 12 (verify region).
• Sony: Xperia 1 IV, 5 IV, 10 IV and newer.
• Nokia / HMD: G60, X30 5G.

How to verify eSIM support on your device

1. iPhone: Settings → Cellular → look for "Add eSIM" or "Add Cellular Plan". You can also dial *#06# , if you see an "EID" (32-digit number), your phone has eSIM hardware.
2. Android: Settings → Connections (or Network & Internet) → SIM Cards → look for "Download a SIM instead" or "Add eSIM".
3. EID check: most eSIM-capable Android phones show EID in Settings → About Phone → Status.

Tip: Even if your phone supports eSIM hardware, it must be unlocked (not carrier-locked) to use third-party eSIMs like eSIMBuy. Most phones bought outright are unlocked; phones from carrier instalment plans may require unlocking after the contract is paid off.

Almost every flagship smartphone released since 2019 supports eSIM, making it ideal for international travel. Compatible models include iPhone XS and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer, plus a growing list of mid-range devices. If your phone has Settings → Cellular → "Add eSIM", you're ready to use a eSIMBuy plan abroad.

Travellers benefit most from eSIM because it eliminates the airport SIM-card queue, removes the need to swap your home SIM out, and lets you keep your usual phone number active for SMS verification. A eSIMBuy travel eSIM activates the moment you land , no shop visit required.

Best eSIM-compatible travel phones

• iPhone (2018+): XS, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 series and SE 3rd gen , all support Dual SIM with one physical SIM + one eSIM. iPhone 14/15/16 in the US is eSIM-only.
• Google Pixel (2018+): Pixel 3 through Pixel 9 , all support eSIM. Pixel 7 Pro and newer support multiple active eSIMs.
• Samsung Galaxy (2020+): S20, S21, S22, S23, S24, S25, Note 20, Fold and Flip series.
• Motorola: Razr (2019+), Edge 30/40, ThinkPhone , most newer flagships.
• OnePlus: OnePlus 11, 12 , varies by region.
• Sony: Xperia 1 IV / V, Xperia 10 IV / V.
• Xiaomi: Mi 11 international and newer flagships.
• Nokia/HMD: G60 5G, X30 5G.

What to check before buying a travel eSIM

1. eSIM hardware: dial *#06# , if an EID number appears, you're compatible.
2. Carrier unlock status: phones bought on instalment plans may be locked to your home carrier. Most outright purchases are unlocked.
3. iOS version: iOS 12.1 or newer for full eSIM support.
4. Android version: Android 9 or newer typically supports eSIM, though it depends on the manufacturer.
5. Region-specific variants: some Samsung models sold in Hong Kong or China are dual physical SIM with no eSIM , verify your specific model number.

Travel-friendly phones that don't support eSIM

• iPhones older than XS (iPhone X, 8, 7, 6 series).
• Most budget Android phones (entry-level Samsung A series before A53, Xiaomi Redmi entry models).
• Older Huawei devices without Google Services.
• Region-specific dual physical SIM variants (verify model number).

Tip: if your current phone doesn't support eSIM but you travel often, an unlocked, mid-range eSIM-capable phone (e.g., Pixel 7a, iPhone SE 3, Samsung Galaxy A55) makes an excellent secondary travel device , pair it with a eSIMBuy plan and you have a full mobile internet kit for any destination.

 A UK eSIM lets you connect to top UK networks like EE, Vodafone, O2, and Three instantly, no need for a physical SIM card.
After purchase, you’ll receive a QR code. Scan it, and your eSIM will activate within seconds. It’s ideal for travelers landing at London Heathrow, Manchester, or Edinburgh Airport who need instant internet access. 

 Yes! You can install the eSIM before your trip. Your data plan only starts once you connect to a UK network, so you’ll have internet as soon as you land. 

 Most modern smartphones support eSIM, including iPhone XS and newer, Samsung Galaxy S20+, and Google Pixel 4+. Always make sure your phone is unlocked and supports eSIM functionality. 

 No. Your eSIM connects directly to local UK carriers, which means you’ll enjoy high-speed local data without any roaming fees. Perfect for short-term visitors, students, and digital nomads. 

 Most UK eSIM plans are data-only, but you can use WhatsApp, FaceTime, Telegram, or Skype for calls and messages. If you need a local UK number, you can use virtual number apps or VoIP services. 

No! This is the #1 roaming trap. Since Brexit, the UK is NOT part of the EU's "Roam Like at Home" (RLAH) policy. Most EU carriers (like Orange FR, T-Mobile DE, Movistar ES) will now charge you expensive international roaming fees. A eSIMBuy eSIM is the only way to get a fixed, cheap data price and avoid a massive shock bill. 

 This specific plan is valid only within the UK. This is a critical point. If you take the Eurostar train to Paris or a ferry/flight to Dublin (Ireland), your connection will stop at the border. For a seamless multi-country trip, we highly recommend our Europe Regional eSIM, which covers the UK, France, Ireland, and all of Europe with one plan. 

Yes, absolutely. Our eSIM plan covers all four nations of the United Kingdom: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You will have a strong 4G/5G signal for using Google Maps in the Scottish Highlands, hiking in Snowdonia (Wales), or visiting Belfast (Northern Ireland). 

 To give you the best speed and coverage, our eSIM connects to the UK’s premium Tier-1 networks, typically EE, O2, or Vodafone. This ensures you get the fastest available 5G/LTE speeds, whether you are on the London Underground (Tube) or in Edinburgh. 

Yes, 100%. Buying a physical "prepaid" SIM at Heathrow or Gatwick airport requires finding the kiosk (WHSmith, vending machine), waiting in line, and going through a mandatory passport registration process. Our eSIM is 100% digital, requires no ID registration, and can be installed before you fly, so you are connected the moment you land. 

 Most modern phones do, but you must check our specific list here: eSIM Compatible Devices to be 100% sure before purchasing.