Does My Phone Have An eSIM Already?

Essentials to know

• The 30-second test (#06#): Dial #06# on your phone to instantly check compatibility – if an EID number appears on screen, your device usually supports eSIM.
• Device support: eSIM is built into most modern handsets, including the iPhone XS and newer, Google Pixel 3a and newer, and recent Samsung Galaxy S/Z series models.
• Separation of work and personal: An eSIM allows small business owners to run a dedicated business line and a personal line on a single dual-SIM handset without needing a second physical device.
• Ideal for WhatsApp Business: Using an eSIM gives you a separate, dedicated phone number to run WhatsApp Business alongside your personal WhatsApp Messenger account.
• Requirements and network checks: Ensure your phone is network-unlocked if you plan to use a second line from a different provider, as network locks can block activation.

If you’ve heard about eSIMs but aren’t sure whether your phone already has one, you might just be in luck.

Many people are carrying an eSIM-ready phone without realising it. There’s no extra slot to open, no tiny card to check and no obvious label on the outside of the device. An eSIM is built into the phone itself, which means the easiest way to check is through your settings.

eSIM compatibility is particularly important for small business owners. If your phone supports eSIM, you may be able to add a second business line without buying another handset, ordering a physical SIM or carrying two phones around.

That can be especially useful if you use WhatsApp Business, take customer calls, manage bookings or just want to keep your personal mobile number private.

The 30-second eSIM test

The fastest way to check whether your phone supports eSIM is to dial:

*#06#

You don’t need to press call on many devices. Your phone should automatically show device information on screen.

Look for an EID number. EID stands for Embedded Identity Document, and it’s the long identification number linked to your phone’s built-in eSIM chip.

If you can see an EID, your phone is usually eSIM-compatible.

You may also see IMEI, IMEI2 or MEID numbers. These are device identifiers, but the EID is the key one for eSIM. IMEI2 can also be a useful clue because it often appears on dual-SIM phones, but the clearest sign is an EID.

What does ‘Digital SIM’ mean?

Some phones don’t use the word eSIM in the same way. You might see labels such as:

• eSIM
• Digital SIM
• Add eSIM
• Add mobile plan
• SIM manager
• Mobile service
• Cellular plan

On iPhone, Apple often uses wording such as eSIM, Cellular Plan or Add eSIM. On Android, the wording depends on the brand. Samsung may use SIM Manager, while Google Pixel phones may refer to SIMs and mobile network settings.

If you see an option to add an eSIM, add a mobile plan or download a SIM, your phone is probably eSIM-ready.

How to check eSIM on iPhone

If you have an iPhone, check here:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap General.
3. Tap About.
4. Scroll down and look for EID.

You can also go to:

• Settings
• Mobile Service
• Add eSIM

If you see Add eSIM, your iPhone should be ready to use a digital SIM.

As a general rule, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR and newer iPhone models support eSIM. Apple’s guidance also confirms that the iPhone can use Dual SIM with an eSIM, depending on model and carrier support.

There are a few exceptions. Some iPhone models sold in mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao use two physical SIM cards instead of eSIM, so it’s always worth checking your settings rather than relying on the model name alone.

How to check eSIM on Samsung Galaxy

On many Samsung Galaxy phones, try this:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Connections.
3. Tap SIM Manager.
4. Look for Add eSIM or Add mobile plan.

If you see that option, your Samsung phone is likely eSIM-compatible.

Many newer Samsung Galaxy S, Z Fold, Z Flip and some A-series models support eSIM, but not every Samsung phone does. Region, model number and network can all affect compatibility, so check your exact handset before buying or activating a plan.

How to check eSIM on Google Pixel

On a Google Pixel phone, try this:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Network and Internet.
3. Tap SIMs.
4. Look for Add SIM or Download a SIM instead.

Google says Pixel 3a and later Pixel phones can use two SIMs, usually one physical SIM and one eSIM, though there are some regional and carrier exceptions.

If you bought your Pixel from a carrier or outside the UK, it’s worth checking the specific model and network settings before assuming eSIM will work.

How to check eSIM on Sony Xperia and other Android phones

Some Sony Xperia, Motorola, Honor and other Android phones also support eSIM, but compatibility varies more widely.

Try looking under:

• Settings
• Network and Internet
• SIMs or Mobile Network
• Add eSIM, Add SIM or Download SIM

If you can’t see anything, dial *#06# and check for an EID. Vodafone and EE both recommend the *#06# check as a quick way to see whether a phone supports eSIM.

If you still aren’t sure, search for your exact model number rather than just the phone name. Two phones with similar names can have different eSIM support depending on the region.

What if I have IMEI2 but no eSIM option?

IMEI2 often means your phone can support a second line, but it doesn’t always guarantee eSIM.

Some dual-SIM phones use two physical SIM slots. Others use one physical SIM and one eSIM. Some phones have the hardware, but the network or software setup may limit what you can do.

If you see IMEI2 but no EID, your phone may be dual-SIM but not eSIM-compatible.

If you see EID but no Add eSIM option, your phone may need a software update, your network may not support eSIM on your plan, or the handset may be locked to another provider.

Why eSIM is great for UK sole traders

For UK sole traders and SME owners, eSIM can make business communication much easier. Instead of carrying two handsets, you can run two lines from one phone: one for personal life and one for work. That means you can keep your private number away from customers, suppliers, invoices, adverts and your Google Business Profile.

This is especially useful if you use WhatsApp Business. You can keep WhatsApp Messenger on your personal number and set up WhatsApp Business with a separate business number.

For plumbers, electricians, tutors, consultants, beauticians, mobile mechanics, cleaners, creatives and local shop owners, this can create a clearer boundary. Customers get a dedicated business line, while your personal number stays personal. It also looks more professional, and can be used across your website, social media, invoices, business cards and customer messages.

Will EE, O2, Vodafone or Three support eSIM?

The UK’s Big Four networks – EE, O2, Vodafone and Three – all offer eSIM support for compatible devices and plans. That said, having an eSIM-ready phone doesn’t always mean every plan will work immediately. You may need to request an eSIM from your provider, use the network’s app, scan a QR code or follow an activation process.

If you’re using a smaller network, check whether it supports eSIM too. Many UK virtual networks now do, but not all of them offer the same setup process.

What about contract phones and network locks?

If your phone came from a long-term contract, it may still be affected by network settings or a network lock.

A network lock means your handset can only be used with one provider’s SIM or eSIM. Vodafone, for example, says your device must be network unlocked to use a Vodafone eSIM if the phone was locked to another provider.

This is important if you want to add a second business line from a different provider. Your phone might support eSIM technically, but it still needs to be unlocked before you can use another network.

If you aren’t sure, contact your current carrier and ask whether your handset is unlocked and whether your plan supports eSIM.

Physical SIM vs embedded SIM

A physical SIM is the small plastic card you put into your phone.

An eSIM is built into your phone and activated digitally. You don’t remove it or swap it like a plastic SIM. Instead, you download a mobile plan onto the device.

Both setups allow your phone to connect to a mobile network, but the difference is how the line is added.

With eSIM, you may be able to:

• Add a second number without a second phone
• Keep your personal and business lines separate
• Switch plans more easily
• Use a temporary travel eSIM abroad
• Keep your physical SIM slot free
• Avoid waiting for a SIM card in the post

Travel and roaming: why eSIM is useful for business trips

If you travel for work, eSIM can be especially useful.

You can keep your UK number active for calls, texts or WhatsApp, while adding a temporary travel eSIM for data abroad. This can help reduce roaming costs and avoid the hassle of buying a local physical SIM when you arrive.

For small business owners, that means you can stay reachable without handing out another number or losing access to your usual WhatsApp Business account.

How to activate your second line

Once you know your phone supports eSIM, the next step is activation. Usually, this means:

1. Choosing your eSIM plan or business number.
2. Receiving a QR code, app link or activation details.
3. Opening your phone’s mobile network settings.
4. Choosing Add eSIM or Add Mobile Plan.
5. Scanning the QR code or following the setup prompts.
6. Choosing which line is used for calls, data and messages.

Once your second line is active, you can use it for business calls, customer messages and WhatsApp Business.

Found your eSIM? Add a business number with YourBusinessNumber

If your phone already supports eSIM, you may be closer to a cleaner business setup than you think.

With YourBusinessNumber, you can add a specialist small business eSIM, or a dedicated virtual number for WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business, to your existing handset, helping you keep your personal number private while still making it easy for customers to reach you. You can use your personal line for friends and family, and your business line for customers, suppliers, leads, bookings and WhatsApp Business.

Ready to turn your eSIM-ready phone into a proper business setup? Get started with YourBusinessNumber today!