Other brands and eSIM
Other brands vary widely by model and market. The only certain check is your own device's settings menu.
Author: Porsch Kunnipat Siramanakul · Co-founderReviewed by: Bob Kanokphon Thongdee
| Model | eSIM | Year | Notes |
|---|
How to check on the phone
- On Android, open Settings and search for eSIM
- If nothing appears, your market's variant does not support it
- Alternatively dial *#06# and look for an EID number — if one shows, the device has an eSIM chip
Things to know
- An EID means the chip exists, but some manufacturers still disable the function in certain markets' software.
- For budget brands such as Infinix, Tecno, itel and Wiko we cannot yet confirm which models carry eSIM, so we keep them off the table — trust the menu on your own handset.
- Handsets sold on contract by an overseas carrier are usually network locked and must be unlocked before another operator's profile will install.
Compatibility information is compiled from manufacturer specifications and public carrier documentation. We do not test every handset ourselves, and the same model can differ by sales market, so always check your own device's settings before buying a plan.
How to check any other brand with confidence
For brands without their own page on this site, we have not confirmed any model. What follows is the same check that works on any Android phone. Under Android's eSIM framework, a phone can download a profile only when it has both an eSIM chip and software with the feature enabled.
Check your own Android before you buy a plan
- Open the Phone app and dial *#06#. If the screen shows an EID (a 32-digit number), the handset has an eSIM chip. If you see only IMEI numbers, treat it as unconfirmed and carry on with the next check, because some phones do not show the EID on this screen.
- Open Settings → Network & internet → SIMs. If there is a button to add or download an eSIM, the software for your unit's market has the feature switched on.
- Find the model code under Settings → About phone and compare it with the manufacturer's spec page for the country you bought it in. The model code is more reliable than the marketing name, because one name can cover several market variants.
- If the phone is second-hand or imported, ask the seller whether it is network locked. A unit locked to an overseas carrier usually refuses another operator's profile even when an EID is present.
Installing an eSIM on a Android, step by step
- 1Install in Thailand before you flyConnect to stable Wi-Fi and install the eSIM while you are still at home. If the scan fails you still have time to contact the shop, which beats troubleshooting at the arrival airport with no data.
- 2Open the add-eSIM menuOn a Android, go to Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → Add SIM or + → Download a SIM instead and choose to scan the QR code. If the QR code is on the same phone and you cannot scan it, choose to enter the activation details by hand (the SM-DP+ address and activation code from your email).
- 3Label the lineRename the new line, for example Travel or the country name, so you do not mix it up with your Thai SIM when choosing the data line.
- 4Leave it off until you landIf the plan's validity starts on first network connection, keep the eSIM line switched off and turn it on only when you reach the destination.
- 5Turn on data roaming for the eSIM lineMost travel eSIMs run as roaming on a local network. If the line shows signal but no data, switch on Data roaming in that eSIM line's settings.
Switching the data line while travelling
On a dual-SIM Android, calls and texts can use a different line from mobile data. The setting to change is the mobile data line, found at Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → Mobile data.
- Set mobile data to the travel eSIM and keep your Thai SIM for calls and texts, so bank OTP messages still arrive.
- Switch off Data roaming on the Thai SIM, so the phone cannot fall back to it and run up roaming charges.
- If the menu offers automatic data switching during calls (labelled Mobile data switching or similar), turn it off while abroad.
- Back in Thailand, move mobile data back to the Thai SIM, then turn off or delete the expired eSIM line.
Common problems
| Problem | Usual cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| No add-eSIM menu | No chip, or the software has the feature off | Use a physical travel SIM or a shared hotspot |
| Imported unit will not install | Network lock | Ask the original carrier to unlock it |
| Signal but no data | Roaming off or wrong data line | Turn on roaming and set it as the data line |
| Error after scanning | Weak connection or the QR code was already used | Reconnect to Wi-Fi, then contact the shop |
FAQ
Can an Infinix or Tecno use eSIM?+
We cannot yet confirm any model from these brands. Dial *#06# and search Settings for eSIM; if neither shows anything, use a physical travel SIM.
There is an EID but no eSIM menu. What does that mean?+
The chip is there, but the manufacturer may have disabled the feature in that market's software. Try a software update; if the menu still does not appear, treat it as unusable.
Can an Android tablet use a travel eSIM?+
Yes, if it is a cellular model with a SIMs menu. Wi-Fi-only models cannot.
Can I buy a plan before checking my phone?+
Not recommended. Finish the checks on this page first, because most QR codes work only once.
Sources
- Implement eSIM — Android Open Source Project, October 10, 2026
- Multiple enabled profiles — Android Open Source Project, October 10, 2026