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Airalo compatible devices: which phones work and which do not

An Airalo eSIM needs a device that supports eSIM, is not carrier-locked and is not jailbroken or rooted. Here are the brands and models Airalo lists, and the exclusions.

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What makes a device one of the Airalo compatible devices?

Three things decide whether a phone is one of the Airalo compatible devices. According to Airalo, the device must support eSIM, must not be carrier- or network-locked, and must not be jailbroken (iOS) or rooted (Android). Airalo says its device list is not exhaustive, and some regional models sold without eSIM will not work. We read the list on 8 October 2026 and summarise it here. Check Airalo's page for your exact model before you buy.

How do you check that your phone supports eSIM?

Airalo's quick test works across brands: open the phone dialler, enter *#06#, and look for a 32-digit number called EID. If it shows, the phone supports eSIM. On a Samsung Galaxy, Settings, Connections, SIM Manager showing Add eSIM suggests support. On a Pixel, Settings, Network & Internet, the plus beside SIMs offers "Download a SIM instead?". On an iPhone, check Settings, General, About, and the model number should not be from mainland China, Hong Kong or Macao.

To see whether the phone is locked, an iPhone shows Carrier Lock under Settings, General, About, and "No SIM restrictions" means unlocked. On Android, Airalo suggests putting in a SIM from another carrier and making a call. If the call connects, the phone is unlocked. A locked device cannot take an eSIM, and Airalo says to ask your carrier to unlock it.

Which iPhones are Airalo compatible phones?

Among Airalo compatible phones, the list covers the iPhone XR, XS and XS Max onward, including the 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17 families and the SE (2020 and 2022). The exclusions are iPhones from mainland China, and those from Hong Kong and Macao, apart from the 13 mini, 12 mini, SE (2020) and XS. Compatible iPads include the 7th generation and later, plus recent Air, Pro and mini models. Only Wi-Fi + Cellular iPads count.

Which Android phones are on the Airalo compatible devices list?

  • Samsung. Many Galaxy S, Z Flip, Z Fold, Note 20 and A-series models, up to the S25 line. Airalo excludes Galaxy devices from China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, most FE models other than the S23 FE and S24 FE, and US models of the S20, S21 and Note 20 Ultra.
  • Google Pixel. Pixel 2 and later, up to the Pixel 10 line, including Fold models, with a few regional Pixel 3 and 3a exclusions.
  • Others. Honor, Huawei, Motorola, Nokia, OnePlus, OPPO, Rakuten, Sharp, Sony Xperia, TCL, Vivo, Xiaomi, Fairphone and more. Airalo notes support is often limited to certain regions or carriers, so confirm with the maker or carrier. The Huawei P40 Pro+ and all devices bought in China are not supported.

Do laptops work as Airalo compatible devices?

Some Windows 10 and 11 laptops and tablets do. On Windows 10 the PC needs version 1703 or later and must be LTE-ready. Airalo names models from Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo and Surface. AT&T-locked Surface devices do not support eSIM.

What if your device is not on the Airalo compatible devices list?

Airalo says to ask the manufacturer, since the list is not complete. Once your device is cleared, see how to install an Airalo eSIM on an iPhone and how an Airalo eSIM works. Airalo also says the app is needed (see the Airalo app). If the install is blocked, the fix usually sits in the Airalo eSIM not working checklist. Prices are in our Airalo review, and cheapest eSIM compares providers.

Common questions

What are Airalo compatible devices?

They are devices that support eSIM, are carrier-unlocked and are not jailbroken or rooted. Airalo lists iPhones from the XR and XS onward, many Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel models, other Android brands, some iPads and certain Windows laptops. Airalo says its list is not exhaustive.

How do I check if my phone supports eSIM for Airalo?

Open the phone dialler and enter *#06#. If a 32-digit EID number appears, the phone supports eSIM. You can also look in the SIM menus: on a Samsung Galaxy, Settings, Connections, SIM Manager should offer Add eSIM, and on a Pixel the SIMs menu offers a download option.

Which iPhones are Airalo compatible phones?

Airalo lists the iPhone XR, XS and XS Max onward, including the SE (2020 and 2022). iPhones sold in mainland China do not support eSIM, and neither do most from Hong Kong and Macao, apart from a few models such as the 13 mini, 12 mini, SE (2020) and XS.

Can a carrier-locked phone use an Airalo eSIM?

No. Airalo says you cannot install an eSIM on a network- or carrier-locked device. Ask your carrier to unlock the phone first, and only then buy a plan. On an iPhone, Settings, General, About shows Carrier Lock, and "No SIM restrictions" means it is unlocked.

My phone is not on the Airalo list. Will it still work?

Maybe. Airalo says its list is not exhaustive, so a phone that is missing may still work. Confirm with the manufacturer, the vendor or your carrier that the exact model supports eSIM and is unlocked before you buy a plan, because Airalo gives no other way to check.

Sources and further reading