Your Phone Is Carrier-Locked
Some phones are restricted to a specific carrier, which may disable eSIM functionality.
Contact your carrier and request an unlock.
Check if your phone supports eSIM before you buy a plan. Your device must be carrier-unlocked and eSIM compatible to use HelloRoam plans. In India, eSIM support varies widely: most iPhones from XS onwards work, Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer flagships work, and OnePlus 9 series and newer global variants work. Most Samsung A-series, Realme, Vivo, and budget Android phones do not support eSIM. HelloRoam covers 185+ countries.
But not every device is eSIM ready.
Good news, your device is compatible. Browse travel eSIM plans and get connected instantly.
Your phone brand (Apple, Samsung, Google, or other)
Your exact model name (e.g., iPhone 15 Pro, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra)
Once you have that information, you can quickly check compatibility using the lists below.
If your phone supports eSIM, you'll be able to:
If your device does not support eSIM, you'll need to use a physical SIM or consider upgrading to a newer model.

HelloRoam works on most iPhones from XS and newer, and many Android phones from 2018 onwards. Popular Indian brands have limited eSIM support: OnePlus added eSIM from the 9 series, Xiaomi from the 13 series global variant, and Samsung Galaxy A-series phones generally do not support eSIM. Realme, Vivo, and most budget Android phones sold in India lack eSIM hardware entirely. If your phone is carrier-unlocked and eSIM compatible, you are ready for your next trip to Dubai, Singapore, or the UK.
Only the iPhone 18 Pro, 18 Pro Max, 17e and Air support eSIM in mainland China. Some iPhone models sold in Hong Kong and Macau use two nano-SIM cards instead. If you purchased your iPhone in one of these regions, verify eSIM compatibility before buying a plan.
Samsung devices must be carrier-unlocked to use eSIM. Devices purchased from certain carriers may have eSIM functionality disabled by default.
Google Pixel devices purchased in Australia, Taiwan, and Japan may not support eSIM. Verify your device compatibility before purchasing a plan.
Motorola eSIM support in India is limited to the Razr foldable series and select Edge flagship models. Budget Moto E and G series phones do not support eSIM. Your device must be carrier-unlocked and running Android 10 or higher.
Oppo Find X series global variants support eSIM. Oppo is widely available at Flipkart, Amazon India, and Croma. Budget Oppo A-series and F-series phones use physical SIM only. Confirm eSIM on your exact model.
Xiaomi eSIM support in India is limited to global variants of the 13, 14, and 15 series. Redmi and Poco budget phones sold in India do not have eSIM. Always check your exact model number and variant.
Huawei eSIM support is very limited in India due to restricted Google services. Most Huawei phones sold at Amazon India or Flipkart use physical SIM only. Check with your carrier before buying a plan.
Sony Xperia 1 V and Xperia 5 V support eSIM in their global variants. Sony phones are available at Amazon India. Verify the eSIM-capable model before purchasing.
Honor eSIM works on select flagship models sold outside China. Budget Honor phones at Flipkart and Amazon India, including the 200 Lite and X-series, use physical SIM only. Check your model specs.
OnePlus eSIM works on the 9 series global variants onwards. Nord and CE budget models do not have eSIM. Indian market OnePlus phones must be the global variant. Buy unlocked from OnePlus.in or Amazon India.
Vivo eSIM in India is very limited. Only select flagship X-series and V-series international models support eSIM. Most Vivo phones sold at Flipkart and Indian retail use dual physical SIM. Check your exact model variant.
Nokia eSIM works on select global models. Most Nokia phones sold at Flipkart and Amazon India do not support eSIM. Check the Nokia spec page for your model.
Rakuten phones are sold only in Japan. They are not available at Indian retailers and do not support Indian network bands.
Sharp AQUOS phones are sold only in Japan. They are not available at Indian retailers. eSIM works on select AQUOS models with Japanese carriers only.
Fairphone is a European brand not officially sold in India. Fairphone 5 supports eSIM in European markets. These are not commonly available in Indian retail.
Nothing Phone (2) and (2a) Plus support eSIM in their global variants sold in India. The Nothing Phone (1) does not support eSIM. Buy from Flipkart or Nothing.tech.
TCL eSIM works on select 5G models. TCL phones are not widely sold in India. Check carrier compatibility and availability at Amazon India.
Realme eSIM support in India is very limited. Most Realme phones, including the Narzo, C-series, and Number series, lack eSIM. Only select GT global variants may support it. Check specs first.
ASUS Zenfone and ROG Phone support eSIM on select models. Indian variants may differ from global models. Buy from Flipkart or the ASUS India store and confirm eSIM compatibility.
Hammer rugged phones are a European brand not sold in India. eSIM works in select European markets only. These are not available through Indian retailers.
T-Mobile Revvl devices are sold only in the US and are not available in India. These phones do not work on Indian networks.
eSIM support depends on the exact brand and model. Most budget Android phones popular in India, including Redmi and Realme, do not include eSIM hardware. Check specs before buying a plan.
More eSIM-enabled devices launch every year, so this list keeps growing.
Checking eSIM compatibility before you buy helps you avoid activation issues, wasted purchases, and setup frustration while travelling.
Activate instantly without waiting for a physical SIM card.
Know before checkout whether your device works.
Use your normal SIM and travel eSIM together.
Understand whether an upgrade may be needed.
Some supported devices may still have carrier restrictions.
If you're planning to upgrade your phone, choosing an eSIM-compatible model keeps you future-ready for international travel.
Even if your phone technically supports eSIM, you may still run into issues. Here are the most common problems and how to fix them.
Some phones are restricted to a specific carrier, which may disable eSIM functionality.
Contact your carrier and request an unlock.
Different versions of the same phone may have different features.
Check your exact model number in your device settings.
Older operating systems may not support eSIM properly.
Update your device to the latest version of iOS or Android.
Some carriers require manual activation of eSIM features.
Contact your provider to enable eSIM support.
Certain countries have restrictions on eSIM usage.
Verify whether your device supports eSIM internationally.

Learn how dual eSIM works, which devices support it, and how travellers use it.
Benefits of Dual eSIM:
Keep your home number active while travelling
Use separate plans for work and personal use
Switch between networks instantly
This feature is becoming standard on newer devices and is especially useful for frequent travellers.
eSIM cannot run on every phone. Compatible phones include iPhone XS and newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer, and Google Pixel 4 and newer. eSIM requires dedicated hardware built into the device during manufacturing, so phones from before 2018 and most budget Android models do not support it. HelloRoam works on any eSIM compatible phone that is carrier-unlocked and running a supported OS version.
eSIM compatible phones include iPhone XS and newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer, and Google Pixel 4 and newer. Your phone must be carrier-unlocked to use an eSIM from HelloRoam. To confirm compatibility, go to Settings, then Cellular on iPhone, or Settings, then Network, then SIM manager on Android, and check for an 'Add eSIM' option.
Old phones cannot use eSIM. eSIM requires dedicated embedded hardware that must be built into the device during manufacturing. Phones released before 2018, including iPhone X and earlier and Samsung Galaxy S10 and earlier, do not have this hardware and cannot be upgraded. If your current phone does not support eSIM, you need to upgrade to a compatible model to use HelloRoam plans.
No, only some do. eSIM began with the iPhone XS, XS Max and XR in 2018, and each model released after them has it, among them the iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation), the iPhone 17 series, iPhone Air, iPhone 17e, iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. The iPhone X, 8, 7 and 6 lack eSIM. For China mainland, only the iPhone 18 Pro, 18 Pro Max, 17e and Air support eSIM, and some Hong Kong and Macao models use two nano-SIM cards.
Yes. As per Google, all Pixel 4 and later phones support eSIM. Some older models do not: a Pixel 3a purchased with Verizon service or in Japan, a Pixel 3 purchased in Australia, Taiwan or Japan, and a Pixel 3 sold by a US or Canadian carrier other than Sprint or Google Fi. The Pixel 2 supports eSIM only if it was bought with Google Fi service. From the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro onwards, two eSIMs can be active together when the carrier allows it. A HelloRoam plan needs a carrier-unlocked Pixel.
The Honor 200 Lite does not support eSIM. Honor's eSIM support is limited to select flagship models in markets outside China. Budget and mid-range Honor phones, including the 200 Lite, use a physical SIM only. To use HelloRoam, you need an eSIM-compatible device. Check our full device list to find a compatible phone for your trip to Dubai, Singapore, or the UK.
The Honor 50 does not support eSIM in most markets. Honor's eSIM functionality is limited to select high-end models in regions outside China. The Honor 50 uses a physical dual SIM setup. If you are travelling to Dubai, London, or Bangkok and need international data, you will need an eSIM-compatible device to use a HelloRoam plan.
The iPhone 13 supports eSIM. All iPhone 13 models, including the iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, and 13 Pro Max, support eSIM and were the first iPhones to run two active eSIMs at the same time without needing a physical SIM. iPhone 13 is eSIM compatible with HelloRoam plans in 185+ countries. Your iPhone 13 must be carrier-unlocked to install a third-party eSIM. HelloRoam covers 185+ countries.
iPhone supports eSIM starting from the iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR released in September 2018. All iPhone models released since then support eSIM, including the full iPhone 11 through 16 series. What iphones support esim? Every i phone from XS onward supports it. The iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation) also supports eSIM. Apple introduced eSIM on iPhone in line with GSMA standards for embedded SIM technology. Your iPhone must run iOS 12.1 or later and be carrier-unlocked. In China mainland, only the iPhone 18 Pro, 18 Pro Max, 17e and Air support eSIM, and some Hong Kong and Macao models use two nano-SIM cards.
On an iPhone, go to Settings, then General, then About, and look for an EID number. On Android, dial *#06# and check if an EID appears alongside your IMEI. You can also go to Settings, then About Phone, then Status. If an EID is present, your phone has eSIM hardware and can run a HelloRoam plan. This check works on Jio-compatible unlocked phones as well.
Android phones with eSIM support in India include Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer flagships, Google Pixel 4 and newer, and OnePlus 9 series and newer global variants. Samsung Galaxy A-series phones, which are among the most popular Android phones sold in India, generally do not support eSIM. Xiaomi eSIM support is limited to Xiaomi 13, 14, and 15 global variants only. Realme, Vivo (except select X-series flagships), and most budget Android phones sold in India lack eSIM hardware. Always check your exact model number and whether it is the Indian or global variant before purchasing a HelloRoam plan.
Older phones cannot be upgraded to support eSIM. eSIM requires a dedicated hardware chip built into the device during manufacturing. If your phone does not have this chip, no software update or accessory can add it. Phones like iPhone X and earlier, Samsung Galaxy S10 and earlier, and most phones from before 2018 will never support eSIM. To use HelloRoam, you need an eSIM-compatible device.
Xiaomi eSIM support in India is limited to global variants of the Xiaomi 13, 14, and 15 series. The Xiaomi 12T Pro global variant also supports eSIM. Redmi phones sold in India, including popular models like the Redmi Note series and Redmi 13, do not support eSIM at all. Poco phones sold in India similarly lack eSIM hardware. If your Xiaomi or Redmi phone was purchased through Indian retail channels like Flipkart or Reliance Digital, it is most likely not an eSIM-compatible variant. Chinese domestic variants of all Xiaomi phones lack eSIM hardware. Xiaomi eSIM requires MIUI 12 or later, or HyperOS. Always verify your exact model number before purchasing a HelloRoam plan for Dubai, Thailand, or Singapore.
Oppo and Vivo eSIM support in India is very limited. For Oppo, only flagship Find X series models sold as international variants support eSIM. Oppo A-series, F-series, and K-series phones sold in India do not support eSIM. For Vivo, only select X-series and V50 international models support eSIM. Most Vivo phones sold in India through retail shops, including the popular Vivo Y-series and T-series, do not have eSIM hardware. Both brands require ColorOS 12 or Funtouch OS 13 for eSIM activation. Chinese domestic versions of all Oppo and Vivo phones lack eSIM. If you plan to travel to Dubai, Singapore, or Thailand, check your exact model number on the Oppo or Vivo support page before buying a HelloRoam plan.
Motorola supports eSIM on its foldable Razr series and select flagship Edge models. Compatible Motorola phones include the Razr 40, Razr 50, Edge 50 Pro, and ThinkPhone 25. Budget Moto E series phones do not support eSIM. Your Motorola phone must be carrier-unlocked and running Android 10 or higher to activate a HelloRoam eSIM plan. HelloRoam covers 185+ countries.
Sony Xperia phones support eSIM on select models, including the Xperia 1 IV, 1 V, 1 VI, and 1 VII, the Xperia 5 IV and 5 V, and the Xperia 10 IV, 10 V, and 10 VI. eSIM availability on Sony phones varies by region and carrier. Verify compatibility for your specific market before purchasing an eSIM plan.
To unlock your device for eSIM use, contact your carrier and request an unlock. In India, Jio, Airtel, and Vi all support device unlocking for eligible phones that are fully paid and in good standing. For Airtel, visit the nearest store or call 121. For Jio, use the MyJio app or call 199. Vi customers can call 199 or visit a Vi store. To confirm your iPhone is unlocked after the request, go to Settings, General, About, and check Carrier Lock. If it reads 'No SIM restrictions', your phone is ready for a HelloRoam eSIM. The unlock process typically takes 2 to 5 business days.
The same phone model may have different eSIM support depending on the region where it was sold. A Galaxy S24 sold in the US supports eSIM, while some Asian regional variants of the same phone do not. Chinese models typically lack eSIM, Hong Kong models often lack it too, while Global and US carrier models support it. Always check your device's exact model number in Settings, then About, before buying an eSIM plan.
Most eSIM phones support using an eSIM and a physical SIM at the same time. Set your physical SIM for calls and texts with your home carrier such as Jio or Airtel, and set your HelloRoam eSIM as the active data line when travelling abroad. Turn off data roaming on your physical SIM to avoid unexpected charges. iPhone 13 and newer, and Pixel 7 and newer, support two active eSIMs without needing a physical SIM at all.
Most devices store between 5 and 10 eSIM profiles but activate only 1 or 2 at a time. Phones with esim support in this range include every i phone from XS through 16 and Samsung Galaxy from S20 onward. iPhone models before the 13 store up to 8 profiles but activate one at a time. iPhone 13 and newer can run two eSIMs without a physical SIM. Samsung phones typically store 5 to 7 profiles and activate one at a time. You can switch between stored profiles instantly without re-downloading a QR code. HelloRoam covers 185+ countries.
An eSIM is not transferable to a new phone once it is installed. If you change phones, your HelloRoam eSIM stays tied to the original device. If your eSIM has not yet connected to a network its plan covers at your destination, email help@helloroam.com and we can issue a new one. Once it connects, its code cannot be reused, so do not delete it from your old phone. Keep your order confirmation email so we can locate your account quickly.
Switching between eSIM and a physical SIM is straightforward. Go to your phone's cellular settings, select your preferred line as the default data connection, and toggle between eSIM and physical SIM as needed. You do not need to restart your phone or remove any hardware to switch. Both types can remain installed on the device at the same time. HelloRoam covers 185+ countries.
Apple Watch eSIM works with your home carrier's plan, not with international travel eSIM providers like HelloRoam. When you travel to places like Dubai, Singapore, or Bangkok, your Apple Watch connects to your iPhone's HelloRoam eSIM data through Bluetooth for calls, texts, and app notifications. Standalone international plans for Apple Watch from your home carrier typically cost extra as a separate add-on.
Cellular iPads and Android tablets with eSIM support work with HelloRoam data-only plans. Compatible iPad models include the iPad Pro from 2018 onwards, iPad Air from 2019 onwards, iPad mini from 2019 onwards, and the standard iPad from 2019 onwards. Wi-Fi-only tablet models cannot use eSIM. Make sure you have the Wi-Fi plus Cellular version of your tablet before purchasing a plan.
If your device shows an eSIM not supported error, check these common causes: the phone is carrier-locked, a software update is pending, or the regional variant does not include eSIM hardware. Dial *#06# and check if an EID number appears. If no EID is listed, the device does not have eSIM hardware. Contact HelloRoam support to confirm compatibility before purchasing a plan. HelloRoam covers 185+ countries.
To check if your iPhone is carrier-free, go to Settings, General, About, and look at Carrier Lock. It should read 'No SIM restrictions.' On Android, insert a SIM from a different carrier. If the phone connects, it accepts other networks. Airtel and Vi typically process unlock requests within 2 to 5 business days for eligible devices.
If your eSIM is not recognised, restart your phone and install any pending software updates first. Confirm the eSIM profile is set to active in your cellular settings. Most recognition issues resolve after a restart. If the problem continues, contact HelloRoam support with your device model and order number. Our team can re-verify or re-issue your activation code, usually within 2 hours.
To check if your phone is carrier-unlocked, test it with a SIM card from a different operator. On iPhone, go to Settings, General, About, and scroll to Carrier Lock. If it reads 'No SIM restrictions', your phone is free to use with any carrier, including HelloRoam. On Android, insert a Jio SIM into an Airtel-bought phone or vice versa. If it registers on the network, the device is unlocked. You can also dial *#06# on any phone to display your IMEI number. An EID listed alongside the IMEI confirms your phone has eSIM hardware. If your phone is locked, contact Jio, Airtel, or Vi and request a device unlock.
To tell if your iPhone is unlocked, open Settings, tap General, then About, and look for Carrier Lock near the bottom. If it reads 'No SIM restrictions', the iPhone is carrier-unlocked and ready for a HelloRoam eSIM. A second method: insert a Jio or Vi SIM into your Airtel-bought iPhone. If it connects, the phone is unlocked. You can also dial *#06# to view your IMEI and check for an EID. iPhones purchased directly from Apple India or on open market are typically sold unlocked. Carrier-bundled phones from Jio or Airtel may require an unlock request from that carrier.
iPhone 11 supports eSIM on all three models: iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max. Apple added eSIM to the iPhone XS and XR in 2018, and the entire iPhone 11 range carries it forward. Your iPhone 11 needs iOS 12.1 or later and must be carrier-unlocked to install a HelloRoam plan. In India, the iPhone 11 runs one physical nano-SIM alongside an eSIM. You can keep your Jio or Airtel number on the physical SIM while HelloRoam handles data when you travel to Dubai, Thailand, or Singapore.
iPhone 12 supports eSIM on all four models: iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, and 12 Pro Max. Apple includes eSIM hardware in every iPhone from the XS onward, and the 12 series is no different. Your iPhone 12 must be carrier-unlocked to add a HelloRoam eSIM plan. To confirm, go to Settings, General, About, and check Carrier Lock. If it reads 'No SIM restrictions', your iPhone 12 is ready. In India, the iPhone 12 holds one physical nano-SIM alongside an eSIM, so your Airtel or Jio number stays active while you travel.
iPhone 16 models sold in India include both a physical nano-SIM slot and an eSIM, unlike US models which are eSIM-only. All four variants, the iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max, support dual SIM in India. Any i phone in the 16 series supports eSIM activation in under 2 minutes. You can keep your Jio, Airtel, or Vi number on the physical SIM while a HelloRoam e SIM handles data for international trips. For travellers flying from DEL, BOM, or BLR, this setup means you are connected the moment you land abroad with no SIM swap needed.
A HelloRoam eSIM, once installed, cannot be moved directly to another iPhone, because its profile stays linked to that first phone. To use your HelloRoam plan on a new iPhone, email help@helloroam.com before the eSIM connects to a network in your destination, and we can issue a new eSIM. After that connection, we do not issue a new eSIM for a phone change. Keep your order confirmation email ready for faster help. Quick Start carrier transfer on iOS 16 and later only moves your home carrier's line, not a HelloRoam travel eSIM. If you delete the eSIM by mistake, email help@helloroam.com with your order details.
The iPhone SIM chip is an embedded eSIM chip soldered to the phone's logic board at the factory. It stores multiple digital SIM profiles that you download by scanning a QR code, with no physical card needed. On iPhones sold in the US from the iPhone 14 onward, the physical SIM tray is removed. In India, iPhones still include a physical SIM tray alongside the eSIM chip, so you can run a Jio or Airtel SIM and a HelloRoam e-sim at the same time. Dial *#06# to confirm: an EID alongside your IMEI confirms the chip is present in your iPhone.
To remove the SIM card from an iPhone sold in India, insert the SIM ejector tool or a small paper clip into the pinhole on the side of the phone and press firmly until the tray pops out. Slide the tray out and lift the nano-SIM by its edges. This applies to iPhone SE, iPhone 12, iPhone 13, iPhone 14, iPhone 15, and iPhone 16 models sold in India, as all include a physical SIM tray. US iPhone 14 and newer models have no SIM tray and are eSIM-only. For travel from Delhi, Mumbai, or Bengaluru, you do not need to remove your Airtel or Jio SIM. Install a HelloRoam eSIM alongside it by scanning a QR code.
Yes, all three major Indian operators support eSIM on compatible devices. Jio supports eSIM on iPhone XS and newer and select Android phones. Airtel supports eSIM on iPhones from XS onward plus some Samsung and OnePlus models. Vi (Vodafone Idea) also offers eSIM on iPhones and select Android devices. eSIM activation with Jio or Airtel takes about 15 minutes in their app. TRAI regulates eSIM standards in India to ensure consistent support. HelloRoam is a separate international travel e SIM that works independently of your home carrier. Keep your Jio, Airtel, or Vi SIM active while HelloRoam handles data in 185+ countries at a fraction of roaming costs. Jio charges around ₹575 per day for international roaming, Airtel around ₹596 per day. HelloRoam gives you a much better deal for trips to Dubai, Thailand, Singapore, or the USA.
An IMEI number is a 15-digit code that identifies your phone on mobile networks. To find yours, dial *#06# on any phone and it will appear on screen. If an EID appears alongside the IMEI, your phone has eSIM hardware. On iPhone, go to Settings, General, About to view both. On Android, check Settings, About Phone, Status. In India, TRAI requires all mobile phones to have a valid IMEI. Carriers like Jio and Airtel use your IMEI to process unlock requests. HelloRoam does not need your IMEI to purchase or activate an eSIM plan.
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