eSIM 5G Compatibility: Which Phones and Carriers Work?

Confused by eSIM 5G compatibility?

Stay connected with the best Travel eSIM

Tired of wondering whether your phone or carrier supports eSIM 5G?

You’re not the only one dealing with it, and the frustration is real. This guide clears it up.

You switch phones, travel abroad, or try to activate a plan, only to hit walls: no signal, no 5G, and no clear answers. Most carriers don’t explain what actually works, and tech specs don’t always match real-world results.

This blog gives you clarity. It covers which phones support eSIM 5G, which carriers work, and what to avoid. If you’ve struggled to stay connected or wasted time troubleshooting, this guide was written to help you move forward with confidence.

How eSIM and 5G Work Together in Modern Smartphones

eSIM and 5G are two powerful technologies, but they don’t always work in sync. Many users assume that if a phone supports 5G, it will automatically support eSIM, or vice versa. That’s where the problems begin.

An eSIM is a built-in digital SIM that allows you to activate mobile plans without inserting a physical SIM card. It allows you to switch carriers, add new lines, or connect while traveling, directly from your phone’s settings.

5G, on the other hand, is a network upgrade that offers faster speeds, lower latency, and better coverage in busy areas. It requires not just a 5G-capable phone, but also proper carrier support and the right frequency bands.

Here’s where compatibility becomes tricky:

Some phones support eSIM but only connect to 4G networks on certain carriers.
Some carriers limit 5G access on eSIM plans, especially for prepaid or travel users.
In some regions, 5G coverage is spotty or restricted to specific device models.

To make eSIM and 5G work together, your phone must support both technologies on the same line, and your carrier must allow 5G access via eSIM. Without that match, you could end up stuck on slower data or with no service at all.

Up next, we’ll show you which phones fully support eSIM 5G so you can make an informed choice.

eSIM 5G Compatible Phones (Updated List for 2025)

Not all smartphones that support eSIM also support 5G, and vice versa. To ensure seamless connectivity, it’s crucial to choose a device that supports both. Below is an updated list of U.S.-based smartphones that are compatible with eSIM 5G.

Apple iPhones with eSIM 5G Support

Apple has been at the forefront of eSIM adoption, especially in the U.S. market. Here’s a list of the models that support eSIM 5G:

iPhone 16 Series: 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max
iPhone 15 Series: 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max
iPhone 14 Series: 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max
iPhone 13 Series: 13, 13 Mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max
iPhone SE (3rd Generation)

Note: Starting with the iPhone 14 series, U.S. models are eSIM-only, eliminating the physical SIM tray.

Samsung Galaxy Phones with eSIM 5G Support

Samsung offers a wide range of eSIM 5G-compatible devices:

Galaxy S Series:
- S20, S20+, S20 Ultra
- S21, S21+, S21 Ultra
- S22, S22+, S22 Ultra
- S23, S23+, S23 Ultra
- S24, S24+, S24 Ultra
- S25, S25+, S25 Ultra (anticipated release)
Galaxy Note Series:
- Note 20, Note 20 Ultra
Galaxy Z Series:
- Z Flip, Z Flip3, Z Flip4, Z Flip5, Z Flip6
- Z Fold, Z Fold2, Z Fold3, Z Fold4, Z Fold5, Z Fold6
Galaxy A Series:
- A54 5G (model SM-A546U1)
- A55 5G
- A56 5G

Note: eSIM support may vary by model and carrier. Always verify compatibility with your specific carrier.

Google Pixel Phones with eSIM 5G Support

Google’s Pixel lineup offers robust eSIM and 5G support:

Pixel 2, 2 XL
Pixel 3, 3 XL, 3a, 3a XL
Pixel 4, 4 XL, 4a, 4a 5G
Pixel 5, 5a
Pixel 6, 6a, 6 Pro
Pixel 7, 7a, 7 Pro
Pixel 8, 8a, 8 Pro
Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, 9 Pro Fold

Note: eSIM functionality may require the latest software updates.

Motorola Phones with eSIM 5G Support

Motorola has expanded its eSIM offerings in recent models:

Razr (2019), Razr 5G, Razr 2022, Razr 40, Razr+
Edge 2022, Edge 2023, Edge 40, Edge 40 Pro, Edge 40 Neo, Edge 50 Pro

Note: eSIM support may vary by model and region.

Sony Xperia Phones with eSIM 5G Support

Sony’s Xperia series includes several eSIM 5G-compatible models:

Xperia 1 IV, 1 V, 1 VI
Xperia 5 IV, 5 V
Xperia 10 III Lite, 10 IV, 10 V, 10 VI
Xperia Ace III

Note: Availability and compatibility may vary by region.

Xiaomi Phones with eSIM 5G Support

Xiaomi offers eSIM 5G support in select models:

Xiaomi 12T Pro
Xiaomi 13, 13 Lite, 13 Pro, 13T, 13T Pro
Xiaomi 14, 14 Pro, 14T Pro
Xiaomi 15, 15 Pro, 15 Ultra
Redmi Note 13 Pro+, Redmi Note 14 Pro+

Note: eSIM support in Xiaomi devices may be limited in the U.S. market.

Other Notable eSIM 5G Compatible Devices

Huawei: Mate 40 Pro, P40 Pro
Oppo: Find X3 Pro, Find X5 Pro, Find N2 Flip, Find N3, Reno 5A, Reno 6 Pro 5G
Fairphone: Fairphone 4
Microsoft: Surface Pro X

Note: Availability and compatibility of these devices may vary in the U.S. market.

Before purchasing a device or switching carriers, always verify that your specific model supports both eSIM and 5G on your chosen network. This ensures uninterrupted connectivity and access to the fastest available mobile data speeds.

How to Check If Your Phone Supports eSIM 5G

Before activating a plan or switching carriers, you need to confirm whether your device supports both eSIM and 5G. Just because a phone is new or labeled “5G-ready” doesn’t mean it can run eSIM and 5G at the same time.

Here’s how you can verify compatibility:

For iPhone Users

Go to Settings > Cellular
Tap Add eSIM or Set Up Cellular
If the option appears, your phone supports eSIM
Check 5G support under Settings > Cellular Data Options > Voice & Data
Make sure 5G On or 5G Auto is selected

For Android Users (Samsung, Pixel, Motorola, etc.)

Open Settings > Network & Internet
Tap SIMs or Mobile Networks
If you see an option to add eSIM, your device supports it
Confirm 5G status by checking Preferred Network Type, and ensure 5G is available

Use IMEI Checkers

You can also run an IMEI check:

Dial *#06# to find your IMEI
Visit your carrier’s IMEI compatibility page
Confirm eSIM and 5G compatibility based on the device model

Check with Your Carrier

Even if your phone is capable, some carriers block eSIM or limit 5G access unless you’re on a qualifying plan. Always confirm with your carrier’s support tools or documentation.

Next, we’ll go over the most common issues users face when trying to activate eSIM 5G and how you can avoid them.

Travel-Specific Scenarios: What to Know Before You Fly

Using eSIM 5G while traveling sounds simple until it isn’t. Travelers often assume their phone will connect to local 5G networks just because it’s unlocked or eSIM-ready. But the reality is more nuanced.

Here’s what to check before you leave the country:

Will Your U.S. Phone Work Internationally?

Not all phones sold in the U.S. support the full range of 5G bands used abroad. Even if your phone works with a U.S. carrier, it might miss 5G entirely in regions like Europe or Asia.

What to do: Check your phone’s model number and compare its supported 5G bands with the destination country’s local network frequencies.

Does the eSIM Plan Include 5G Coverage?

Some global or tourist eSIMs advertise compatibility but only offer 4G speeds due to limited agreements with local carriers.

What to do: Choose providers that list 5G availability for your destination. Look for eSIM plans that support roaming across multiple carriers in the region.

Can You Install the eSIM Before You Travel?

Many travelers wait until landing to install their travel eSIM, only to face activation delays or missed QR codes.

What to do: Install and test your eSIM before departure. Activate the profile while connected to Wi-Fi and switch to it upon arrival.

What If 5G Isn’t Available in the Area?

Some countries offer 5G only in urban zones. Even with the right phone and eSIM, you may fall back to 4G outside city centers.

What to do: Be prepared for dynamic connectivity. Make sure your eSIM plan still provides solid 4G fallback without throttling.

By planning ahead, you can avoid the common traps and get a smooth experience using eSIM 5G abroad.

Next, we’ll walk through how to set up your eSIM 5G connection step-by-step.

Setting Up Your eSIM 5G Connection: Step-by-Step

Installing an eSIM that supports 5G shouldn’t feel like guesswork. If you follow the right steps, activation is quick, smooth, and reliable, even before you switch networks or leave the country.

Here’s exactly how to do it:

1. Get the eSIM QR Code or Activation Code

Your carrier or provider will give you a QR code or a manual activation code. Make sure to save it before starting.

Tip: Take a screenshot or email it to yourself in case you need to access it later.

2. Open eSIM Setup on Your Phone

iPhone: Go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM
Android (Pixel, Samsung): Go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Add SIM

Choose to scan a QR code or enter the activation details manually.

3. Assign the eSIM to a Mobile Plan

Your phone may ask whether to use the eSIM for voice, data, or both. If you’re traveling, set it to Data Only and keep your primary line active for calls and texts.

Tip: You can label your eSIM line (e.g., “Japan Trip” or “Travel Plan”) to avoid confusion later.

4. Enable 5G on the eSIM

After setup, confirm your network settings allow 5G:

On iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Voice & Data > 5G On
On Android: Settings > Mobile Network > Preferred Network Type > 5G

Make sure the eSIM is selected as the active data line.

5. Test the Connection

Open your browser or a speed test app to confirm your connection is working. You should see the 5G icon next to the signal bars.

Note: It may take a minute or two for the network to fully register after activation.

Once it’s live, your eSIM 5G connection is ready for daily use or international travel.

Here’s a quick visual summary you can follow step-by-step:

Next, we’ll highlight why Maya Mobile’s eSIMs are built to make this entire process simpler and 5G-ready from the start.

Skip the Airport SIM Hunt: Use Maya Mobile to Land Connected

When you’re in a new country or switching networks, the last thing you want is to waste time figuring out if your data plan will work. Maya Mobile was built to take that stress off the table by offering eSIM plans that are designed to connect instantly and support 5G where it’s available.

Here’s What Sets Maya Mobile Apart

Ready Before You Travel

Install your Maya eSIM while you’re still at home. Activation happens in minutes, so you land connected, not searching for Wi-Fi or chasing SIM cards.

Real 5G Coverage

Our plans are built for speed. We work with top-tier carriers worldwide to deliver real 5G access in 100+ countries, not just fallback 4G with a 5G label.

Transparent Plans

No hidden fees and no speed throttling after a few gigs. You get exactly what you pay for and full control over your plan duration and data usage.

Works with Your Phone

Maya eSIMs support all major U.S.-unlocked devices from Apple, Samsung, Google, and more. No guessing, no trial-and-error setup.

Easy to Switch, Easy to Manage

Use Maya’s dashboard to manage your plans, top up when needed, or switch destinations without reinstalling your eSIM.

Whether you’re a digital nomad, remote worker, or just traveling for a few weeks, Maya Mobile makes eSIM 5G simple, flexible, and fast.

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FAQs on eSIM 5G

Does eSIM work with 5G?

Yes, eSIM works with 5G if both your device and carrier support it. eSIM 5G allows you to access high-speed networks worldwide without swapping SIM cards, offering faster data, wider coverage, and improved performance on the go.

Is LTE better than 5G?

5G is generally better than LTE, offering faster speeds, lower latency, and improved network efficiency. However, LTE remains dependable, especially in locations where 5G coverage is limited or still being rolled out.

How do I know if my eSIM is 5G?

To check if your eSIM supports 5G, go to your device’s network settings or eSIM details. If the supported network shows “5G” listed, it means your eSIM can connect to 5G on that carrier.

Is 4G+ the same as 5G?

No, 4G+ and 5G are not the same. 4G+ is an upgraded version of 4G with better speeds and lower latency, while 5G is a next-generation network offering much faster speeds and greater capacity.

Is 5G faster than Wi-Fi?

5G can be faster than Wi-Fi in ideal conditions, reaching speeds up to 20 Gbps. However, performance depends on network quality and signal strength, while Wi-Fi, especially Wi-Fi 6, remains more stable and widely used for indoor connectivity.

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