---
title: "Checking if your phone supports eSIM"
description: "How to confirm your iPhone or Android phone supports eSIM before you order, and what to do if it doesn't."
url: "https://dev.www.lightningip.com.au/help/mobile/checking-esim-compatibility"
canonical: "https://dev.www.lightningip.com.au/help/mobile/checking-esim-compatibility"
updated: "2026-10-04"
---

# Checking if your phone supports eSIM

How to confirm your iPhone or Android phone supports eSIM before you order, and what to do if it doesn't.

Most phones released since around 2020 support eSIM, but it's worth checking before you order one.

1. **Dial *#06#** - This shows your phone's identifiers. If an EID (a long number, usually 32 digits) appears, your phone supports eSIM. On a tablet, look in Settings, then About.
2. **Check your phone's settings** - Look in your mobile network settings for an option like "Add eSIM" or "Add Mobile Plan".
3. **Check with the manufacturer** - If you're still not sure, your phone maker's website will list eSIM support for your model.

## Things to check

- **Unlocked** - your phone needs to be unlocked if it was originally supplied locked to another provider. Phones locked to Telstra usually work with our service.
- **A camera** - you'll scan a QR code to set up your eSIM. If you can't scan it, the code can be entered manually.
- **Phones bought overseas** - some models sold overseas don't support eSIM, or don't support all the network bands used in Australia.
- **Tablets and laptops** - iPads and other tablets need to be a cellular model. Some tablets and laptops only support a different eSIM activation method that isn't compatible with our service, so check with us before ordering.
- **Smartwatches** - watches use a companion plan instead. See our guide on companion eSIM plans.

Even if your phone supports eSIM, it needs to be unlocked if it was originally supplied locked to another provider.