Trovio Team
Trovio Research Team
Quick Answer
iPhones XS and later (2018+), Samsung Galaxy S20+ and Z Fold/Flip series, all Google Pixel 3+ phones, OnePlus 11+, and Motorola Edge 40+ support eSIM in India. To check: Settings → Cellular (iPhone) or SIM Manager (Android) — look for 'Add eSIM'. Most phones under ₹15,000 and Xiaomi/Redmi models do not support eSIM.
The fastest way to check is directly in your phone settings:
iPhone: Settings → General → About → scroll down to look for "Available" next to "EID" or "eSIM". Alternatively, go to Settings → Cellular and check for an "Add eSIM" option.
Android (Samsung): Settings → Connections → SIM card manager → look for "Add eSIM" or "Download SIM"
Android (general): Settings → Network & internet → SIM cards (or Mobile network) → look for "+ Add" to add a new eSIM
If you see any "Add eSIM" option, your phone supports it. If you don't see the option at all, your phone either doesn't support eSIM or is carrier-locked.
All iPhone models from XS onwards support eSIM when sold in India. Here's the complete list:
iPhone 16 series (2025): iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max — all support Dual SIM (physical + eSIM) or Dual eSIM
iPhone 15 series (2024): iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max
iPhone 14 series (2023): iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max
iPhone 13 series (2022): iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max
iPhone 12 series (2021): iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max
iPhone 11 series (2020): iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
iPhone SE: SE 2nd gen (2020), SE 3rd gen (2022) — both support eSIM
iPhone XS / XS Max / XR (2019): First eSIM-compatible iPhones
Note: iPhone 14 models sold in the USA are eSIM-only (no physical SIM tray). Indian models have both physical SIM and eSIM.
Samsung Galaxy S series:
Samsung Galaxy Z series (foldables):
Samsung Galaxy A series (mid-range):
Note: Not all Samsung A-series phones support eSIM. Models below A35 typically don't. Check your specific model in Settings → SIM card manager.
Google Pixel phones have had eSIM support since Pixel 3. All Pixel models available in India support eSIM:
Pixel phones are sold unlocked, making them ideal for eSIM travel use — no carrier restrictions.
OnePlus added eSIM support from OnePlus 11 onwards:
Note: Earlier OnePlus models (OnePlus 10, 9, 8 series) do NOT support eSIM, even though they're recent phones. OnePlus added eSIM support relatively late.
Motorola:
Oppo/OnePlus ecosystem: Find X7 Pro, Find N3 (foldable) support eSIM.
Vivo: Most Vivo phones sold in India do NOT support eSIM as of 2026. The Vivo X100 Pro is an exception.
Xiaomi/Redmi: Most Xiaomi/Redmi phones sold in India do NOT support eSIM. This is a common pain point — if you're considering a new phone specifically for international travel, check eSIM compatibility before buying.
Your phone may be carrier-locked. Phones bought from Jio, Airtel, or on installment plans can be locked to that carrier's SIM. Contact your carrier to request an unlock, which is free in India after completing your minimum contract period.
Yes. An eSIM from Trovio is a third-party carrier profile. If your phone is locked to Jio or Airtel, it will reject the Trovio eSIM. Unlocked phones (bought from Apple Store, Croma, Amazon etc.) work with any eSIM.
Most phones under ₹15,000 don't support eSIM as of 2026. The cheapest eSIM-compatible phones in India are the Samsung Galaxy A35 5G (~₹25,000) and iPhone SE 3rd gen (~₹38,000). If you travel frequently, the eSIM capability is worth considering when buying a new phone.
iPhones can store up to 8 eSIM profiles (only one active at a time alongside physical SIM). Samsung Galaxy phones typically support 5-10 profiles. This means you can pre-install eSIMs for multiple countries and switch between trips without re-scanning QR codes.
No measurable difference. The eSIM chip consumes negligible power — comparable to a physical SIM. Battery drain when abroad is mainly from the radio searching for signal in areas with weaker coverage, which affects physical and eSIM equally.
Trovio Team
Trovio Research Team
The Trovio team researches eSIM pricing, network coverage, and connectivity options across 200+ countries — specifically through the lens of Indian traveler needs.
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