Is My Phone eSIM Compatible? Device List for Sri Lanka Travel
Check whether your iPhone, Samsung, Pixel or other phone supports eSIM before your Sri Lanka trip, how to test it in seconds, and what to do about carrier locks.
Before you buy a travel eSIM, make sure your phone can use one. This guide lists the main compatible devices and shows how to check in seconds.
What is an eSIM?
An eSIM is a digital SIM built into your phone. Instead of a plastic card from the counter at Bandaranaike Airport, you install a plan from a QR code. Only phones with eSIM hardware can do this, and the phone must be unlocked.
The 10-Second Test
Open the phone app and dial *#06#. If you see an EID number, your phone supports eSIM. You can also look in Settings for "Add eSIM", "Mobile Service" or "SIM manager".
iPhone
- iPhone XS, XS Max and XR and all newer models
- iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and later
- iPhone SE (2nd generation and newer)
Models sold in mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau may not support eSIM. Some newer iPhones sold in the US have no physical SIM tray and use eSIM only.
Samsung Galaxy
- Galaxy S20 series and newer
- Galaxy Note 20 series
- Galaxy Z Flip and Z Fold series
- Some recent A-series models
eSIM support on Samsung can depend on the country you bought the phone in, so use the test above.
Google Pixel
- Pixel 3 and newer, with some regional exceptions
- Pixel 6, 7, 8, 9 and later
Other Android Brands
Many recent phones from Motorola, Oppo, Xiaomi, OnePlus and others support eSIM, but not every model or region. Check the manufacturer's page or the 10-second test.
Tablets and Laptops
- iPad models with cellular, from recent generations
- Some Windows laptops with eSIM
The Phone Must Be Unlocked
If you bought your phone on a contract, the carrier may lock it to their network. A locked phone may refuse a foreign eSIM. Contact your carrier and ask for an unlock before you travel, which can take days.
What If My Phone Doesn't Support eSIM?
You have two options: use a physical SIM from the airport, or buy an eSIM-capable phone. Remember the queue and passport process that comes with airport SIMs.
Next Steps
- Run the
*#06#test - Confirm your phone is unlocked
- Choose a plan in our provider comparison
- Follow our installation guide
Ready to Get Connected?
If your phone passes, you can be set up in five minutes. Visit our home page to compare eSIM plans and buy before you fly.
One quick check now saves a lot of hassle at the airport.
Travel Sri Lanka with Sri Lanka Safe
Fair tuk-tuk prices, scam alerts, offline emergency contacts and AI trip planning, in one free app.
