Does My Phone Support eSIM for the Canary Islands? Compatibility Guide

Before buying a Canary Islands eSIM, confirm that your phone supports eSIM technology and is unlocked for use with another mobile provider. A device may appear on a general compatibility list but still have limitations because of its regional version, software, original carrier or country of purchase.

The most reliable way to check is directly through the phone settings. Look for an option to add an eSIM and check whether the device displays an EID, which is the identification number associated with its embedded SIM hardware.

Compatible travellers can install a Canary Islands travel eSIM before departure, keep their main SIM active and connect to mobile data after arriving in Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura or another included island.

Quick answer: Open your phone settings and look for Add eSIM, Add Mobile Plan or Download a SIM Instead. You can also dial *#06# and look for an EID. Your phone must support eSIM and be unlocked before it can use a Canary Islands travel plan.

What Does eSIM Compatibility Mean?

A phone is compatible with a travel eSIM when it can download, store and activate a digital SIM profile without requiring a removable physical SIM card.

Full compatibility normally requires:

• Built-in eSIM hardware.
• Software that supports eSIM installation.
• An available eSIM profile slot.
• No carrier restriction preventing another provider’s plan.
• A device version that supports eSIM in its country of origin.
• Access to stable WiFi during installation.

A phone can support physical dual SIM without supporting eSIM. The presence of two SIM slots alone does not confirm compatibility.

Fastest Way to Check eSIM Support

The quickest checks are the Add eSIM menu and the EID number.

Compatibility Check	What to Look For
SIM settings	Add eSIM, Add Mobile Plan or Download a SIM Instead
*#06# device information	An EID number
Phone specifications	Explicit eSIM support for the exact regional model
Carrier lock status	No SIM restrictions or unlocked status
Available profiles	Space to add another eSIM

When both an Add eSIM option and an EID are present, the phone will usually support eSIM installation.

How to Check for an EID

The EID is a unique identification number for the phone’s embedded SIM component. Its presence is one of the strongest indicators that the device supports eSIM.

Dial:

*#06#

The device may display:

• One or more IMEI numbers.
• An EID.
• A serial number.
• Other device identifiers.

If an EID appears, the device normally contains eSIM hardware. You should still confirm that the phone is unlocked and that its software allows adding a travel profile.

How to Check eSIM Support on iPhone

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Cellular or Mobile Service.
3. Look for Add eSIM.

You can also check the device information:

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

If Add eSIM and an EID are visible, the iPhone normally supports eSIM.

Which iPhones Commonly Support eSIM?

Many iPhones from the iPhone XS, XS Max and XR generations onward support eSIM. This includes many models from the following families:

• iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max.
• iPhone XR.
• iPhone 11 series.
• Compatible newer iPhone SE models.
• iPhone 12 series.
• iPhone 13 series.
• iPhone 14 series.
• iPhone 15 series.
• iPhone 16 series and compatible later models.

Regional exceptions exist. Some iPhones sold in particular markets may use different physical SIM configurations and may not provide the same eSIM functionality.

How to Check Whether an iPhone Is Unlocked

An iPhone can support eSIM but still reject a travel plan when it is locked to the operator that originally sold it.

1. Open Settings.
2. Select General.
3. Select About.
4. Find Carrier Lock or Network Provider Lock.

If the status shows No SIM restrictions, the iPhone is generally unlocked.

If a restriction appears, contact the original operator before buying a travel eSIM.

How to Check eSIM Support on Samsung

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Connections.
3. Select SIM Manager.
4. Look for Add eSIM.

You can also dial *#06# and check whether an EID appears.

eSIM is commonly available on selected premium Samsung Galaxy devices, including certain models from the Galaxy S, Z Fold and Z Flip families. Compatibility can differ between regions and carrier versions.

How to Check eSIM Support on Google Pixel

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Network & Internet.
3. Select SIMs.
4. Select Add SIM.
5. Look for Set Up an eSIM or Download a SIM Instead.

If the option appears, the Pixel normally supports eSIM installation.

You can also check for an EID by dialing *#06# or reviewing the phone information in Settings.

How to Check eSIM Support on Motorola

Selected Motorola Razr and Edge models support eSIM, but compatibility depends heavily on the specific model and market.

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Network & Internet.
3. Select SIMs or Mobile Network.
4. Look for an option to add or download an eSIM.

Use the exact model number rather than only the product family when checking specifications.

How to Check eSIM Support on Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco

Only selected devices from these brands support eSIM. Two phones with similar commercial names may have different capabilities depending on region.

Check by:

1. Opening Settings.
2. Selecting SIM Cards & Mobile Networks or Mobile Networks.
3. Searching for Manage eSIM or Add eSIM.
4. Dialing *#06# and checking for an EID.

If no eSIM option or EID appears, the device probably does not support eSIM.

How to Check Other Android Phones

Menu names vary across Honor, Huawei, OnePlus, Oppo, Sony and other Android brands.

Search inside Settings for:

• eSIM.
• Add SIM.
• SIM Manager.
• Mobile Plan.
• Download SIM.
• Cellular Plan.

Also dial *#06# and check whether an EID is displayed.

Why the Exact Model Number Matters

A commercial name such as Galaxy S series, Pixel or Motorola Edge may cover several regional variants. These versions can differ in:

• eSIM support.
• Number of physical SIM slots.
• Supported mobile frequencies.
• Carrier restrictions.
• Software features.
• Dual-SIM capabilities.

Find the exact model number in the phone settings before relying on an online compatibility list.

On most phones, it appears under:

• Settings → About Phone.
• Settings → General → About.
• The original packaging.
• The purchase receipt.

Why Some Regional Versions Do Not Support eSIM

Manufacturers sometimes release different versions of the same phone for different markets. A model sold in one country may support eSIM, while another version may use two physical SIM cards instead.

Regional differences can result from:

• Local mobile network requirements.
• Carrier agreements.
• Hardware variations.
• Software restrictions.
• Local regulatory requirements.

Check the exact model number and the country where the phone was originally purchased.

Does a Dual-SIM Phone Automatically Support eSIM?

No. Dual SIM can mean:

• Two physical SIM cards.
• One physical SIM and one eSIM.
• Two active eSIM profiles.
• Several stored eSIM profiles with only one or two active.

A phone advertised as dual SIM may still lack eSIM support. Confirm that the device specifically lists eSIM as a feature.

Can a Carrier-Locked Phone Use a Travel eSIM?

Usually not. A locked phone may support only SIM profiles from its original operator.

Common signs of a lock include:

• An error when adding another provider’s eSIM.
• A SIM Not Supported message.
• A Network Locked message.
• An operator restriction shown in device settings.
• The phone refusing physical SIM cards from other networks.

Contact the original operator to request an unlock. NoveSIM cannot remove a carrier lock from the phone.

How to Check Carrier Lock on Android

Android devices do not always show a clear lock status. You can check by:

• Contacting the operator that sold the phone.
• Trying a physical SIM from another operator.
• Reviewing the original purchase contract.
• Looking for Network Unlock or SIM Lock settings.
• Entering the IMEI on the operator’s support portal when available.

Do not assume that a phone purchased on a monthly contract is already unlocked.

Can a Tablet or Smartwatch Use a Canary Islands eSIM?

Some tablets and smartwatches support eSIM, but that does not automatically mean they can use an independent travel data profile.

Compatibility may depend on:

• Whether the device accepts third-party eSIM profiles.
• Whether it requires a companion phone plan.
• Whether the travel plan supports that device type.
• Whether QR code installation is available.
• The device’s regional version.

A smartphone is normally the simplest device for a travel eSIM. Verify tablet or smartwatch support before purchase.

How Many eSIMs Can a Phone Store?

Many compatible phones can store several eSIM profiles, although the number that can remain active simultaneously is usually smaller.

Device Capability	What It Means
Stored eSIM profiles	Plans saved on the phone
Active eSIM profiles	Plans currently turned on
Dual SIM Dual Standby	Two lines can remain available
Preferred data SIM	The line selected for mobile internet

If the phone has reached its profile limit, remove an old and unused eSIM only after confirming that it is no longer needed. Do not delete an active travel profile while troubleshooting.

Does the Phone Need Specific Network Bands?

Most modern smartphones sold for international use support common European mobile frequencies. However, unusual regional models may have limited band compatibility.

A phone must support both:

• The eSIM profile itself.
• The mobile frequencies used by the local partner network.

When a phone supports eSIM but has limited European network bands, coverage or speed may be reduced in some areas.

Can You Use a Canary Islands eSIM on a Phone Bought Abroad?

Yes, provided that the phone:

• Supports eSIM.
• Is unlocked.
• Supports compatible European mobile networks.
• Allows third-party travel profiles.
• Has an available eSIM slot.

The place of purchase does not automatically prevent use, but regional hardware and software differences must be checked.

Does the Phone Need a Physical SIM Installed?

No. An eSIM can normally provide mobile data without a physical SIM card installed.

However, keeping the primary SIM in the phone can be useful for:

• Receiving SMS verification codes.
• Keeping the usual number active.
• Receiving important calls.
• Maintaining WhatsApp registration.

Disable mobile data roaming on the primary line to reduce the risk of unexpected charges.

Can You Keep Your Existing Number?

Yes. A data-only travel eSIM does not normally replace the number on your primary SIM.

You can usually keep the main line active for calls and SMS while selecting the travel eSIM for mobile data.

Traditional calls and SMS on the primary line may be charged by your home operator while roaming.

Will WhatsApp Keep the Same Number?

Yes. WhatsApp normally remains linked to the number already registered in the application.

Installing a travel eSIM changes the internet source, not the WhatsApp account number. When prompted, do not change the registered number unless you intentionally want to do so.

What If the Phone Does Not Support eSIM?

If the phone is not compatible, possible alternatives include:

• Buying a local physical SIM card after arrival.
• Using a compatible second phone.
• Using a portable WiFi device.
• Relying on accommodation WiFi.
• Sharing hotspot data from another traveller’s device.

Do not purchase an eSIM for an incompatible phone because the QR code cannot convert a non-eSIM device into a compatible one.

Can You Install the eSIM on Another Person’s Phone?

Yes, provided that the other phone is compatible and unlocked. The eSIM must be installed on the device that will use the mobile data.

Most travel eSIM profiles are designed for one installation. Do not scan the same QR code on multiple phones.

Can You Move the eSIM to a Different Phone Later?

Travel eSIM transfer is not always supported. A QR code may stop working after the first successful installation.

Install the eSIM on the phone you intend to carry during the trip. Contact support before:

• Changing phones.
• Resetting the device.
• Deleting the profile.
• Attempting an eSIM transfer.

What to Check Before Buying

Check	Required Result
Add eSIM option	Visible in settings
EID	Displayed in device information
Carrier lock	Phone is unlocked
Regional model	Supports eSIM
Available profile space	Another eSIM can be added
Stable WiFi	Available for installation

What to Do After Confirming Compatibility

1. Choose a Canary Islands data plan for the correct trip length.
2. Read the plan activation conditions.
3. Connect the phone to stable WiFi.
4. Open the eSIM installation details.
5. Scan the QR code.
6. Label the profile as NoveSIM or Travel.
7. Keep it installed until the journey is complete.

After arrival, enable the line, select it for mobile data and turn on Data Roaming.

Recommended Settings After Arrival

Setting	Recommended Configuration
Travel eSIM	Enabled
Preferred Mobile Data SIM	NoveSIM or Travel
Data Roaming on travel eSIM	Enabled
Primary SIM Data Roaming	Disabled
Automatic Data Switching	Disabled
APN	data.esim

Why a Compatible Phone May Still Fail to Connect

Compatibility confirms that the phone can install an eSIM, but connection problems can still occur when:

• The eSIM line is disabled.
• The primary SIM is still selected for mobile data.
• Data Roaming is turned off.
• The APN is missing or incorrect.
• The phone has not registered on a partner network.
• The device is in a weak-coverage location.
• The plan has not activated yet.

Use data.esim as the APN when manual configuration is required.

Do Not Delete the eSIM During Troubleshooting

Do not delete the travel eSIM simply because it does not connect immediately. Some QR codes are valid for only one installation.

First check:

• The selected mobile data line.
• Data Roaming.
• Automatic data switching.
• The APN.
• Airplane Mode.
• Network registration.

Turn Airplane Mode on for approximately 30 seconds, turn it off and restart the phone if necessary.

Compatibility Checklist

• Find the exact phone model number.
• Check for Add eSIM in Settings.
• Dial *#06# and look for an EID.
• Confirm that the regional version supports eSIM.
• Check that the phone is carrier-unlocked.
• Confirm that another eSIM profile can be added.
• Use the phone you will carry during the trip.
• Prepare stable WiFi for installation.
• Read the activation conditions before installing.
• Do not delete the profile after installation.

Related Articles

• How to Install a Canary Islands eSIM
• How to Activate a Canary Islands eSIM
• Canary Islands eSIM for iPhone
• Canary Islands eSIM for Android
• Best eSIM for Canary Islands

FAQ

How do I know whether my phone supports a Canary Islands eSIM?

Look for Add eSIM in the SIM settings and dial *#06# to check whether the phone displays an EID.

Does an EID mean my phone supports eSIM?

An EID normally confirms that the device contains eSIM hardware. You should also verify that the phone is unlocked and allows third-party eSIM installation.

Does every dual-SIM phone support eSIM?

No. Some dual-SIM phones use two physical SIM cards and do not contain eSIM hardware.

Can a locked phone use a travel eSIM?

Usually not. Contact the original operator and request an unlock before purchasing the plan.

Why does my phone model support eSIM online but not in Settings?

You may have a regional or carrier-specific version without eSIM support, or the feature may be restricted by the original operator.

Can I use a Canary Islands eSIM on a tablet?

Only when the tablet supports independent third-party eSIM profiles and is compatible with the selected travel plan.

Can I use the same eSIM on two phones?

Usually not. Most travel eSIM profiles are intended for one installation on one compatible device.

Can I keep my main SIM active?

Yes. A compatible dual-SIM phone can normally keep the primary SIM active while the travel eSIM provides mobile data.

Will WhatsApp keep my original number?

Yes. WhatsApp normally remains linked to the existing registered number while using internet from the travel eSIM.

What should I do if my phone does not support eSIM?

Use a local physical SIM, compatible second phone, portable WiFi device or accommodation WiFi instead.

Final Recommendation

Before buying a Canary Islands eSIM, verify compatibility directly on the phone. Look for Add eSIM, dial *#06# and confirm that an EID appears. Then check that the exact regional model is unlocked and able to accept a third-party travel profile.

Once compatibility is confirmed, install the NoveSIM profile using stable WiFi. After arrival, select it for mobile data, enable Data Roaming, disable automatic data switching and use data.esim as the APN when manual configuration is required.