Does Airalo Work on iPhone and Android? Full Device Compatibility Guide (2026)
Before you buy an Airalo eSIM, you need to answer one question: will it work on your phone? Most travelers assume any modern smartphone supports eSIM. That assumption is wrong — and discovering it at 35,000 feet or in a foreign airport is not the time to find out.
Last updated: August 2026.
The good news: Airalo works on over 200 device models across 18+ brands. The bad news: carrier-locked phones, regional variants (especially from China, Hong Kong, and South Korea), and certain budget brands do not support eSIM at all. This guide walks you through the exact compatibility check, the full supported device list, and what to do if your phone is not on it.
Airalo works on any carrier-unlocked iPhone XR or newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 or newer (excluding S20 FE), and Google Pixel 3 or newer. It also supports select models from Motorola, Huawei, Honor, OnePlus, Oppo, Xiaomi, and Sony. If your phone is carrier-locked, from Mainland China, or older than 2018, you likely need a different solution.
Check Your Phone in 60 Seconds: The 3-Step Compatibility Test
Do not skim this section. Run this check before you buy any eSIM plan.
Step 1: Dial the eSIM check code
Open your phone app and dial *#06#. A screen will pop up showing your device's IMEI numbers.
- If you see a 32-digit EID number displayed alongside the IMEI, your phone has eSIM hardware support. Proceed to Step 2.
- If you only see IMEI numbers with no EID, your phone does not have eSIM capability. Airalo will not work on your device.
Step 2: Verify your phone is carrier-unlocked
Having eSIM hardware is not enough — your phone must also be free from carrier restrictions.
On iPhone: Go to Settings > General > About. If your phone is locked, you will see "SIM locked" or a carrier name next to Carrier Lock. Unlocked phones show "No SIM restrictions."
On Android: Insert a SIM card from a different carrier. If it connects, your phone is unlocked. If you get an error or "Network locked" message, your phone is carrier-restricted. Contact your carrier to request an unlock.
Step 3: Check for eSIM settings
On iPhone (iOS 17+): Go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM. If this option exists, you are good.
On Android (Android 14+): Go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIM Manager (or Connections > SIM Manager on Samsung). Look for "Add eSIM" or "Download SIM." If present, your device supports eSIM profiles.
If all three checks pass, get your Airalo eSIM with confidence.
Every iPhone That Supports Airalo eSIM
Apple has supported eSIM since the iPhone XS, XR, and XS Max (all released in 2018). Here is the complete list of Airalo-compatible iPhones as of August 2026.
| iPhone Model | Release Year | eSIM Support | Dual eSIM | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 17 series | 2025 | Yes | Yes | Latest models, full support |
| iPhone 16 series | 2024 | Yes | Yes | Full support |
| iPhone 15 series | 2023 | Yes | Yes | Full support |
| iPhone 14 series | 2022 | Yes | Yes (US: eSIM only) | US models have no physical SIM tray |
| iPhone 13 series | 2021 | Yes | Yes | Full support |
| iPhone 12 series | 2020 | Yes | Yes | Full support |
| iPhone SE (3rd gen) | 2022 | Yes | No | Single eSIM |
| iPhone 11 series | 2019 | Yes | No | Single eSIM |
| iPhone XS / XS Max | 2018 | Yes | No | First eSIM iPhones |
| iPhone XR | 2018 | Yes | No | Budget-friendly option |
Important regional exception: iPhones sold in Mainland China do NOT support eSIM at all. Hong Kong and Macau models have limited support (only 4 specific models). If you purchased your iPhone in Shanghai, Beijing, or any mainland Chinese city, it will not work with Airalo.
iPhone storage limits: iPhones can store up to 8 eSIM profiles simultaneously, but only 2 can be active at the same time. This means you can keep your home carrier eSIM and an Airalo travel eSIM both installed and switch between them as needed.
Samsung Galaxy Devices Compatible with Airalo
Samsung's eSIM support starts at the Galaxy S20 series (2020) but has several exceptions that trip people up. Here is what works.
| Samsung Model | Release Year | eSIM Support | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galaxy S25 series | 2025 | Yes | Full support |
| Galaxy S24 series | 2024 | Yes | Full support |
| Galaxy S23 series | 2023 | Yes | Full support |
| Galaxy S22 series | 2022 | Yes | Full support |
| Galaxy S21 series | 2021 | Yes | Full support |
| Galaxy S20 / S20+ / S20 Ultra | 2020 | Yes | First Samsung eSIM phones |
| Galaxy S20 FE | 2020 | No | Does NOT support eSIM |
| Galaxy Z Fold 6 / Fold 5 / Fold 4 | 2022-2024 | Yes | Foldable support |
| Galaxy Z Fold 3 / Fold 2 | 2020-2021 | Yes | Foldable support |
| Galaxy Z Flip 6 / Flip 5 / Flip 4 | 2022-2024 | Yes | Flip support |
| Galaxy Z Flip 3 | 2021 | Yes | Flip support |
| Galaxy Note 20 / Note 20 Ultra | 2020 | Yes | Last Note with eSIM |
| Galaxy A55 / A54 | 2023-2024 | Yes | Mid-range with eSIM |
| Galaxy A35 | 2024 | No | Does NOT support eSIM |
Samsung regional exceptions: Samsung devices purchased in Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan generally do NOT support eSIM. Most Samsung phones bought in South Korea only support eSIM on 7 specific models. US, European, and GCC-purchased Samsung phones have standard eSIM support.
The Galaxy S20 FE trap: This is the most common compatibility mistake. The S20 FE looks like an S20 series phone but lacks eSIM hardware entirely. If you have an S20 FE, Airalo will not install.
Google Pixel and Other Android Brands
Google Pixel
All Pixel phones from the Pixel 3 (2018) onward support eSIM. Pixel is actually one of the most reliable brands for eSIM compatibility.
| Pixel Model | eSIM Support |
|---|---|
| Pixel 10 series | Yes |
| Pixel 9 series | Yes |
| Pixel 8 series | Yes |
| Pixel 7 series | Yes |
| Pixel 6 series | Yes |
| Pixel 5 series | Yes |
| Pixel 4 series | Yes |
| Pixel 3 / 3 XL / 3a / 3a XL | Yes |
Motorola
Motorola supports eSIM on many recent models, including the Edge series and Razr foldables. Compatible models include Edge 50, Edge 40, Edge 30, Razr 50, Razr 40, and Moto G series from 2023+.
OnePlus
OnePlus eSIM support begins with the OnePlus 11 (2023). Compatible: OnePlus 12, OnePlus 11, OnePlus Open (foldable). Older OnePlus models (9 and earlier) do NOT support eSIM.
Xiaomi and Redmi
Xiaomi eSIM support is limited and inconsistent. The Xiaomi 14 series, 13T Pro, and Redmi Note 13 Pro+ have eSIM. Most other Xiaomi and Redmi models do NOT support eSIM. Check by dialing *#06# before purchasing.
Honor
Honor supports eSIM on the Magic series (Magic 6, Magic 5) and Honor 200/100 series. Check the Honor website for the latest compatibility list.
Oppo
Oppo supports eSIM on the Find X series (Find X8, Find X7, Find X5 Pro) and Reno 10+ models. Budget Oppo models generally lack eSIM.
Huawei
Huawei eSIM support is very limited due to US sanctions affecting Google services. The P40 and P50 series have hardware eSIM support but may not work reliably with Airalo due to software restrictions.
Sony
Sony Xperia 1 V, 1 IV, 5 V, 10 V, and 10 IV support eSIM.
Budget Brands to Watch (Infinix, Tecno, Realme)
Popular in Africa, South Asia, and the Middle East, these brands are catching up on eSIM support. As of August 2026, most Infinix and Tecno models do NOT support eSIM. The Realme 13 Pro+ has eSIM, but most other Realme models do not. Always check with *#06#.
What If Your Phone Does Not Support eSIM?
If your phone fails the compatibility check, you still have options.
Option 1: Buy a physical travel SIM
Order a physical SIM card from Airalo's competitors (like OneSimCard or KeepGo) that mail to your home before departure. Or buy a local SIM at your destination airport.
Option 2: Use a portable Wi-Fi hotspot
Devices like Skyroam, GlocalMe, or rental pocket Wi-Fi at your destination provide data without requiring eSIM support. You connect your phone to the hotspot via Wi-Fi.
Option 3: Upgrade your phone
If you travel internationally more than twice a year, a phone with eSIM support pays for itself in roaming savings within 12-18 months. The Google Pixel 8a and iPhone SE (3rd gen) are the most affordable eSIM-capable options.
Option 4: Use a dual-SIM adapter
Some third-party adapters (like eSIM.me) allow you to load eSIM profiles onto a physical SIM card. These work but are clunky and not officially supported by Airalo.
Carrier-Locked Phones: How to Check and Unlock
Carrier locking is the second most common reason Airalo fails to install (after incompatible hardware). Here is how to check and fix it.
Checking Carrier Lock Status
iPhone: Settings > General > About > scroll to "Carrier Lock" or "Network Provider Lock." If it says anything other than "No SIM restrictions," your phone is locked.
Android: Try inserting a SIM from a different carrier. If it works, unlocked. If not, locked.
Requesting an Unlock from Major Carriers
| Carrier | Unlock Method | Timeline | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T (US) | att.com/deviceunlock | 2-5 business days | Free (if eligible) |
| Verizon (US) | Auto-unlocks after 60 days | Automatic | Free |
| T-Mobile (US) | T-Mobile app or call 611 | 2 business days | Free (if paid off) |
| Vodafone (UK) | vodafone.co.uk/unlock | 3-5 days | Free |
| EE (UK) | ee.co.uk/unlock | 7-10 days | £8.99 |
| O2 (UK) | My O2 app | 3-5 days | Free |
| Telstra (AU) | telstra.com/unlock | 2-5 days | Free (postpaid) |
GCC carrier unlocks: STC, Mobily, and Zain (Saudi Arabia) and Etisalat and du (UAE) will unlock phones if you have completed your contract or paid the early termination fee. Contact their customer service lines. STC: 900. Etisalat: 101. du: 155. Zain: 959. Mobily: 1100.
Dual-SIM Setup: Using Airalo Alongside Your Home SIM
One of the biggest advantages of eSIM is dual-SIM functionality. You can keep your home SIM active for calls and SMS while using Airalo for data.
iPhone Dual-SIM Setup
- Keep your physical SIM (or primary eSIM) in the phone
- Install Airalo eSIM via Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM
- Go to Settings > Cellular and assign:
- Primary line: your home carrier (for calls, SMS, iMessage)
- Secondary line: Airalo (for cellular data)
- Enable "Allow Cellular Data Switching" if you want automatic fallback
Android Dual-SIM Setup
- Keep your physical SIM in slot 1
- Install Airalo eSIM via Settings > Network > SIM Manager > Add eSIM
- In SIM Manager, set:
- Mobile data: Airalo eSIM
- Calls: Physical SIM (home carrier)
- SMS: Physical SIM
- Enable data roaming for the Airalo eSIM line only
This setup means you receive banking OTPs, work calls, and text messages on your home number while getting fast, affordable local data through Airalo. For the full walkthrough, see our Airalo activation and setup guide.
Does Airalo Work on iPad and Tablets?
iPad: Yes, but only on cellular iPad models. Wi-Fi-only iPads do not have eSIM hardware. Compatible iPads include:
| iPad Model | eSIM Support |
|---|---|
| iPad Pro 13" (M4) | Yes |
| iPad Pro 12.9" (M2/M1) | Yes |
| iPad Pro 11" (M4/M2/M1) | Yes |
| iPad Air 13" (M2) | Yes |
| iPad Air 11" (M2/M1) | Yes |
| iPad (10th gen) | Yes |
| iPad mini (A17) | Yes |
| iPad mini (6th gen) | Yes |
Android tablets: Very few Android tablets support eSIM. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+ 5G and Tab S10+ 5G do. Most other Android tablets lack eSIM hardware.
Important: Airalo plans purchased for tablets cannot be shared via hotspot. If you need to connect multiple devices, buy the Airalo plan on your phone and use personal hotspot instead.
Why Airalo eSIM Installation Fails (and How to Fix It)
Even with a compatible phone, installation can fail. Here are the top 5 causes.
| Problem | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| "Cellular Plans From This Carrier Cannot Be Added" | Phone is carrier-locked | Unlock your phone first |
| QR code will not scan | Screen brightness too low, scratched screen | Turn brightness to 100%, clean screen, or enter details manually |
| "eSIM activation in progress" forever | Network not detected | Toggle Airplane Mode on for 30 seconds, then off |
| "Unable to Complete Cellular Plan Change" | iOS/Android version too old | Update to latest OS version and retry |
| No internet after installation | Data Roaming disabled for eSIM line | Settings > Cellular > Airalo line > Enable Data Roaming |
For the complete troubleshooting guide covering all error codes and fixes, see our Airalo activation troubleshooting guide.
Comparison: Which Phone Brands Work Best with Airalo?
| Brand | eSIM Since | Reliability with Airalo | Known Issues |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple (iPhone) | 2018 (XS/XR) | Excellent | China mainland models: no eSIM |
| Google (Pixel) | 2018 (Pixel 3) | Excellent | None significant |
| Samsung Galaxy | 2020 (S20) | Very good | S20 FE: no eSIM. China/HK/TW models: no eSIM |
| Motorola | 2020+ | Good | Inconsistent across models — check *#06# |
| OnePlus | 2023 (OP11) | Good | Only 3+ models supported |
| Xiaomi | 2023+ | Fair | Very limited model support |
| Honor | 2022+ | Fair | Only Magic and high-end series |
| Huawei | 2020+ | Poor | Google services issues affect functionality |
| Infinix / Tecno | N/A | Not supported | Most models lack eSIM hardware |
How Sarah Discovered Her Samsung S20 FE Was Incompatible
Sarah Lindqvist, a marketing manager from Stockholm, booked a 2-week trip to Dubai and Riyadh in February 2026. She bought an Airalo MENA regional plan for $22, received the QR code, and tried to install it on her Samsung Galaxy S20 FE at the airport gate.
"The QR code scanned fine, but then I got an error saying my device does not support eSIM," Sarah recalled. "I was shocked — I thought all Samsung S20 phones supported it."
After a frantic Google search, she discovered the S20 FE (Fan Edition) is the one model in the S20 lineup without eSIM hardware. Despite sharing the S20 name, it physically lacks the eSIM chip.
Her solution: she used the airport's free Wi-Fi to find a nearby electronics store at Dubai International Airport, bought a local Etisalat tourist SIM for $27, and was online within 20 minutes of landing. She contacted Airalo support via the app, explained the situation, and received a full refund within 48 hours under their 14-day pre-activation withdrawal policy.
"I wish I had checked compatibility before buying. It took two minutes with the *#06# code, but I assumed it would work because it is a Samsung S20."
Compatibility Checklist: Are You Ready for Airalo?
Run through this checklist before purchasing your Airalo eSIM:
- Phone was released in 2018 or later
- Dialing *#06# shows a 32-digit EID number
- Phone is carrier-unlocked (no SIM restrictions)
- Not purchased in Mainland China (iPhone) or China/HK/TW (Samsung)
- Not a Galaxy S20 FE or Galaxy A35
- iOS updated to 17+ or Android updated to 14+
- Traveling to a country Airalo covers (200+ destinations)
- Have Wi-Fi or cellular connection for QR code download
If every box is checked, you are ready. Get your Airalo eSIM here and install it before your next trip.
For more context on Airalo's overall value, read our comprehensive Airalo review for 2026, and compare plans in our best Airalo plans guide.
FAQ
Does Airalo work on all iPhones?
Airalo works on all iPhones from the iPhone XS, XR, and XS Max (2018) onward. This includes iPhone 11 through iPhone 17 series, and iPhone SE 3rd generation. The only exception is iPhones purchased in Mainland China, which do not have eSIM hardware. US iPhone 14+ models work perfectly (they are eSIM-only).
Does Airalo work on Samsung Galaxy phones?
Yes, on most Samsung Galaxy S20 models and newer. The Galaxy S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra support eSIM, but the Galaxy S20 FE does NOT. S21 through S25 series, Z Fold series, Z Flip series, and Note 20 series all work. Galaxy A55 and A54 also support eSIM, but budget A-series models like A35 do not.
How do I check if my phone supports Airalo?
Dial *#06# on your phone. If you see a 32-digit EID number, your phone has eSIM hardware. Then verify your phone is carrier-unlocked by checking Settings > General > About on iPhone (look for "No SIM restrictions") or by trying a SIM from another carrier on Android.
Does Airalo work on carrier-locked phones?
No. Airalo requires an unlocked phone. If your phone is tied to a specific carrier (AT&T, Vodafone, EE, etc.), you must request an unlock before the eSIM will install. Most carriers unlock phones for free once they are paid off or the contract term is met. Unlock requests typically take 2-5 business days.
Does Airalo work on Chinese iPhones?
No. iPhones sold in Mainland China (Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, etc.) do not have eSIM hardware due to Chinese regulations. Hong Kong and Macau iPhones have limited eSIM support on 4 specific models. If you bought your iPhone in Mainland China, Airalo will not work. You need a physical SIM or a different device.
Can I use Airalo on iPad or tablet?
Yes, on cellular iPad models (iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad mini with cellular capability). Wi-Fi-only iPads do not have eSIM hardware. For Android tablets, only the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9+ 5G and Tab S10+ 5G support eSIM. Airalo data on a tablet cannot be shared via hotspot — use phone hotspot instead.
Why will Airalo not install on my phone?
The three most common reasons: (1) your phone lacks eSIM hardware (check with *#06#), (2) your phone is carrier-locked (request unlock from your carrier), or (3) your OS version is outdated (update to iOS 17+ or Android 14+). Regional variants from China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and South Korea may also lack eSIM support.
Does Airalo work on Google Pixel phones?
Yes, all Google Pixel phones from the Pixel 3 (2018) onward support Airalo eSIM. This includes Pixel 3, 3a, 4, 4a, 5, 5a, 6, 6a, 7, 7a, 8, 8a, 9, and 10 series. Pixel is one of the most reliable brands for eSIM compatibility with no known regional exceptions. See our Airalo vs Nomad comparison for alternatives.
Sources
- Airalo Official Device Compatibility List
- Airalo Compatibility Page
- eSIM.compare — eSIM Compatible Phones Guide 2026
- MyRoami — Airalo Compatible Phones (64 countries tested)
- Jetpac Global — Airalo eSIM Not Working Guide
