Check your phone takes an eSIM
The short answer
Dial *#06# on the phone you will travel with. If the screen shows an EID, the phone has an eSIM. If it shows nothing beyond the IMEI numbers, it does not, and a different phone is needed before you buy.
Checked on September 30, 2026
Does my phone support eSIM?
The makers' own lists
A working eSIM is not refunded because a phone cannot install it, so check your phone before you buy.
Dial *#06# on the phone you will travel with. An EID on the screen means the phone takes an eSIM; nothing but IMEI numbers means it does not.
The one-minute check
- Open the phone app as if to call.
- Dial
*#06#and press call. - If a line labelled EID appears, the phone has an eSIM. Take a screenshot for your own records.
- If only IMEI numbers appear, the phone has no eSIM.
The same check, in settings
- iPhone: Settings, General, About, scroll to EID. iPhone XR and XS onward take an eSIM.
- Samsung: Settings, Connections, SIM manager, Add eSIM. Galaxy S20 and later, and the Fold and Flip lines from their first models (except FE variants in some markets).
- Google Pixel: Settings, Network and internet, SIMs, Add eSIM. Pixel 4 and later, plus the 3a and 3 in some markets.
- Sony Xperia: the 10 III Lite and later Xperia models.
The makers keep their own lists: Apple: iPhone and eSIM, and search “eSIM” on Google Support and Samsung Support for the Pixel and Galaxy lists.
The two catches
- Carrier lock. A phone can have an EID and still refuse the eSIM if it is locked to the carrier that sold it. On iPhone, Settings, General, About shows “No SIM restrictions” when it is unlocked.
- Where it was bought. In mainland China only a few recent models support eSIM, and in Hong Kong and Macao several models are sold with two nano-SIM cards. Samsung FE and some carrier models vary by market.
A working eSIM is not refunded because the phone cannot take one. Check first, buy after.
Questions
What is an EID?
The eSIM's own identity number, like the IMEI for a physical SIM. Every phone with an eSIM has one, and *#06# shows it next to the IMEIs.
My phone shows an EID but the eSIM will not install
Check the phone is carrier-unlocked: on iPhone, Settings, General, About shows 'No SIM restrictions' when it is. A locked phone needs unlocking from the carrier that sold it before an eSIM can install.
Which iPhones do not take eSIM?
iPhones before XR and XS. Also, in mainland China only a few recent models support eSIM, and in Hong Kong and Macao several models are sold with two nano-SIM cards instead. Check the seller's specification for the exact model.
Is a phone that cannot install an eSIM refunded?
No. That is why this page exists before you buy: the refund promise covers an eSIM that is not delivered or cannot be made to work, not a phone that cannot take one.
More help
Install the eSIM before you fly
Scan the QR code on Wi-Fi at home and your South Africa eSIM is on the phone before you board. Where to find the code, and what to do if it fails.
Switch the eSIM on after landing
Land in Johannesburg or Cape Town and get online: choose the eSIM for mobile data, turn on data roaming for that line, and keep your own number for calls.
Data roaming in South Africa, explained
These plans roam, so data roaming on the eSIM line is what lets them connect. Switch it on there, and keep it off your home line.
The eSIM is not connecting
No data after landing in South Africa? Check data roaming, the data line setting and the network, in that order. What to try before writing to the store.
Refunds and a lost QR code
The refund promise in plain words, how to find your order page if you lost the link, and why a working eSIM is not refunded after a change of mind.
Still stuck?
Orders, QR codes and refunds are handled by BaobabSIM support. Write with the link to your order page and your phone model.
contact@baobabsim.com