Device Compatibility

Your phone needs two things to use a SIMNOVA eSIM: eSIM support and a carrier unlock. iPhone XR and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, and Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer generally qualify, along with many recent models from other brands. The quickest check is your own phone: if Settings shows Add eSIM or Add Mobile Plan, you are good to go.

Not every recent phone supports eSIM — many budget and mid-range Android models still ship without it, whatever year they were released. Check the lists below, or your phone's SIM settings, before you buy.

1. Does my device support eSIM?

iPhone

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Mobile Data (or Cellular).
3. Look for Add eSIM or Add Cellular Plan.

If you see that option, your iPhone supports eSIM.

Android

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Connections (or Network & Internet).
3. Tap SIM Manager (or SIMs).

If you see Add eSIM or Add Mobile Plan, your phone supports eSIM.

Other ways to check

• Search online for your exact device model plus "eSIM support" and check the manufacturer's specifications.
• Ask your mobile carrier — they can confirm eSIM support for your device.
• Check the lists in section 3 below.

2. Is my device carrier-unlocked?

Some devices are locked to a single mobile network and can only use that carrier's SIMs and plans. A locked phone cannot install or use a travel eSIM, even if it supports eSIM.

iPhone

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap General.
3. Tap About.
4. Scroll down to Network Provider Lock (or Carrier Lock).

• No SIM restrictions — your iPhone is unlocked and can use eSIM plans from other providers.
• SIM locked — your iPhone is tied to one carrier and cannot use other networks until it is unlocked.

Android

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Connections.
3. Tap Mobile Networks.
4. Tap Network Operators.
5. Turn off Select Automatically.

• If several networks appear, your phone is unlocked.
• If only one network appears, your phone is probably locked to that carrier.

If your phone is locked

1. Contact your mobile carrier.
2. Ask for a network unlock.
3. Once it is unlocked, you can install and use a SIMNOVA eSIM.

Good to know: eSIM support does not mean a phone is unlocked — these are two separate things. Phones bought on a contract or an instalment plan are often locked until the contract ends. If you are unsure, your carrier can confirm your unlock status from your IMEI number. Please check before you travel, so there are no surprises at the airport.

3. eSIM-compatible devices

Apple iPhone

iPhone 13 and newer can use two eSIMs at the same time. iPhone X and earlier do not support eSIM. Some iPhones sold in mainland China and Hong Kong do not support eSIM.

Samsung Galaxy

Other brands

Please note: eSIM support can vary with the region a phone was bought in and its carrier lock status, and these lists cannot cover every model. Whatever your model, the safest check is your phone's own SIM settings — look for Add eSIM or Add Mobile Plan.

4. Devices that will not work

These are the most common reasons a travel eSIM cannot be installed. Please check before you buy.

• Carrier-locked phones — a locked phone cannot use any travel eSIM, no matter how new it is (see section 2).
• iPhone X and earlier, including iPhone 8, 7 and SE (2016) — no eSIM hardware.
• Google Pixel 2 and 2 XL — eSIM works only with Google Fi, which is not available in New Zealand or Australia.
• Huawei phones — Huawei devices sold outside China generally cannot install third-party travel eSIMs reliably. We do not recommend SIMNOVA for Huawei.
• Phones bought in mainland China or Hong Kong — these variants often have eSIM disabled, including some iPhone models.
• Most budget and entry-level Android phones — including lower Galaxy A models (A0x, A1x, A2x), most Redmi and Poco models, and most entry-level Moto G models. If Add eSIM does not appear in your SIM settings, the phone cannot use an eSIM.
• Phones with no eSIM option in Settings — this is the definitive test. If the option is missing, no travel eSIM will work, whatever the spec sheet says.

Please check compatibility before purchasing. Once an eSIM has been installed or activated it cannot be refunded — see our refund policy.

5. Trouble installing your eSIM?

• Check that your phone supports eSIM (section 1).
• Check that your phone is carrier-unlocked (section 2).
• Make sure you have a stable internet connection, such as Wi-Fi — your phone downloads the eSIM profile over the internet.
• Restart your phone after installing.

We recommend installing your eSIM before you fly and switching on mobile data once you land.

6. Still stuck?

Email us at support@getsimnova.com with your device model and your order number, and we will help you get connected.

SIMNOVA is a service of Venture Bytes Limited, New Zealand.