Device compatibility

Check that the phone is unlocked #

Paying off the phone doesn’t unlock it. Pixels bought from the Google Store are unlocked. Seeing “Add eSIM” doesn’t mean the phone is unlocked.

Only the carrier that locked the phone can unlock it, and Apple says that can take a few days, so ask before your trip. iPhone 14 and later models bought in the US use eSIM only, which makes the carrier lock the main thing to check on them.

Activation Lock is a different thing: it ties an iPhone to its owner’s Apple Account, not to a carrier.

Where to install on a phone bought in mainland China #

iPhones and Samsung Galaxy phones bought in mainland China can’t install a non-mainland eSIM while you’re in the mainland. Install it outside the mainland with Location Services on (for Galaxy, Hong Kong, Macao or Taiwan also work). So even a plan that starts on first connection may not install at home: plan for Wi-Fi when you land, and check the start rule before buying.

Phones bought in Hong Kong or Macao are a separate case: Apple lists some iPhone models sold there as dual nano-SIM versions with no eSIM. Check the exceptions under iPhone in the model list.

Check the available eSIM slots #

How many eSIMs a phone can store and how many lines it can use at once are separate limits. Check both if you want your home number on, or plan to buy eSIMs for several countries.

Don’t delete an installed Simvito eSIM to try another one: each QR code installs once. Ask support first if you need space.

Changing phones or buying a used one #

A travel eSIM stays on the phone it was installed on, so install it on the phone you’ll travel with. Moving your own number to a new phone is separate: Apple’s eSIM Quick Transfer works only if your carrier supports it.

On a used phone, check the carrier lock as above, and ask the seller to remove Activation Lock and their own eSIMs before you pay.