The two compatibility tests
| Test | What you need |
|---|---|
| eSIM hardware and software | An Add eSIM or Download SIM option |
| Carrier status | An unlocked device without SIM restrictions |
Passing only one test is not enough. A locked iPhone can support eSIM technically but reject ConnectedYou. An unlocked phone without eSIM hardware also cannot install it.
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission if you buy through our ConnectedYou partner link.
Device compatible? Check current plans — 10% off with code ESIMBROS10
Check Current ConnectedYou PlansHow to check an iPhone
- Open cellular settings Go to Settings > Mobile Service or Cellular.
- Look for Add eSIM Its presence means the software recognises eSIM support.
- Open About Go to Settings > General > About.
- Look for an EID The EID identifies the embedded SIM component.
- Find Carrier Lock “No SIM restrictions” normally means unlocked.
ConnectedYou lists iPhone XS, XS Max, XR, SE second generation and the iPhone 11 through 17 families among supported devices. Exact support can differ by sales region. Some models sold in mainland China have different dual-SIM hardware and may not support eSIM in the same way.
If the Add eSIM menu is missing, update iOS and confirm the exact model number with Apple. Do not assume that every phone sharing a marketing name has identical cellular hardware.
iPads that can use ConnectedYou
Only cellular-capable iPads can use a travel eSIM. A Wi-Fi-only iPad has no cellular modem, even when it looks identical.
ConnectedYou’s current list includes cellular versions of:
- iPad mini from the fifth generation
- iPad Air from the third generation
- iPad from the seventh generation
- Recent 11-inch iPad Pro models
- 12.9-inch iPad Pro from the third generation
- Newer 13-inch iPad Pro models
Open Settings > Mobile Data and look for Add eSIM. If there is no Mobile Data section, the iPad is probably Wi-Fi-only.
Google Pixel compatibility
ConnectedYou lists Pixel generations from selected Pixel 2 variants through modern Pixel, Pixel Pro and Pixel Fold models. Early models have exceptions. For example, the Pixel 2’s eSIM support can depend on how and where it was purchased.
Check under Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Add SIM. Look for Set up an eSIM or Download a SIM instead.
Carrier variants can restrict eSIM. A Pixel purchased through a mobile operator may need to be unlocked even when the menu is visible.
Samsung Galaxy compatibility
ConnectedYou’s list includes many models from these families:
- Galaxy S20 through recent S-series generations
- Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip ranges
- Galaxy Note20 and Note20 Ultra
- Selected Galaxy A models, including some A55, A56 and A36 variants
- Galaxy XCover 7
- Selected Galaxy Book laptops
Open Settings > Connections > SIM manager. If Add eSIM appears, the software recognises eSIM support.
Regional Samsung variants differ
Samsung compatibility varies notably by country, carrier and model code. Some US or Asian variants may differ from European versions. Check the model code under Settings > About phone, then verify it on Samsung’s regional support site.
Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco support
ConnectedYou lists selected devices from the Xiaomi 13, 14 and 15 families, Xiaomi 12T Pro, selected Redmi Note models and Poco X7. Support is not universal across Xiaomi’s catalogue.
Some Redmi model names appear in several regional variants with different eSIM features. The official ConnectedYou list itself is described as non-exhaustive and subject to regional carrier policy. Confirm the exact model code and look for Use eSIM in SIM settings.
Other Android brands
ConnectedYou’s compatibility page also includes selected devices from:
- Motorola
- Sony Xperia
- Oppo
- Vivo
- Huawei
- Honor
- OnePlus
- Nokia
- Fairphone
- Sharp Aquos
- Rakuten
- Doogee
Do not infer support for an entire brand from one listed model. Budget phones often omit eSIM even when flagship models include it.
Can a Windows laptop use ConnectedYou?
Yes, if the laptop contains eSIM-capable cellular hardware and supports it in Windows. ConnectedYou lists selected Acer, Asus, Dell Latitude, Panasonic Toughbook and Samsung Galaxy Book devices.
Check Settings > Network & Internet > Cellular. Look for Manage eSIM profiles or an option to add a profile.
Laptop model names can cover several configurations. A Dell Latitude sold without a WWAN modem will not gain eSIM merely through a Windows update. Check the original specification or Device Manager for cellular hardware.
To install:
- Connect to Wi-Fi Use a stable network for the download.
- Open Cellular settings In Windows Settings under Network & Internet.
- Choose Manage eSIM profiles The option confirms eSIM hardware.
- Add a new profile Start the profile download flow.
- Scan or enter details Use the ConnectedYou activation details.
- Select the profile Choose it for cellular data.
Most compatible laptops can store several profiles but use only one at a time.
Do MacBooks support ConnectedYou eSIM?
No. ConnectedYou’s Help Centre says MacBooks do not currently support native eSIM. Apple’s laptops do not include the required cellular modem.
Use a ConnectedYou phone hotspot, a compatible tablet or a separate cellular router. The hotspot consumes data from the phone’s package — see the ConnectedYou hotspot guide for laptop controls.
Are desktop computers compatible?
ConnectedYou says desktop computers do not support eSIM directly. A desktop can use internet shared from a phone or an external cellular modem, but that is not the same as installing the profile on the desktop.
How to check whether a phone is unlocked
iPhone
Open Settings > General > About > Carrier Lock. “No SIM restrictions” is the useful result.
Android
Android does not have one universal lock screen. Try another carrier’s physical SIM if available or ask the original operator using the IMEI. Do not send the IMEI to unknown coupon or review websites.
Paying off a phone is not unlocking it
Paying off a phone does not always unlock it automatically. Complete the carrier’s process before travel.
Dual-SIM requirements
ConnectedYou can usually work beside a physical home SIM. After installation:
- Label the new line ConnectedYou.
- Choose it for mobile data.
- Turn on data roaming for ConnectedYou at the destination.
- Turn off roaming for the home SIM.
- Disable mobile-data switching.
The home SIM can stay available for its number, subject to the home carrier’s roaming fees. ConnectedYou plans are normally data-only.
Can the eSIM move to another device?
No. ConnectedYou states that the profile is locked to the device and account after installation. Deleting it does not make it transferable.
Install on the phone you will actually carry. If a new phone is arriving before the trip, wait rather than installing on the old one.
Compatibility and refund risk
ConnectedYou’s live refund policy allows an unused direct purchase to be requested within 15 days for reasons including incompatibility. An administrative charge is deducted. Once any data is used, normal refunds are not issued.
Checking first is cheaper than relying on the refund process. Read the ConnectedYou refund guide for exact fees and reseller rules.
QR-code installation requirements
The QR code can be scanned from the phone’s eSIM settings. You may need a second screen or printed copy. iPhones running iOS 17.4 or later may receive a direct installation link in the ConnectedYou email.
The code can be single use. If it reports that it is no longer valid, check whether the profile is already installed. Do not scan it on a spare phone to “test” compatibility.
Regional variants that often cause confusion
Two phones can share the same retail name and still have different eSIM support. Manufacturers change radio hardware for countries, carriers and sales channels. This is particularly important with Samsung, Pixel and Xiaomi devices.
Record these details before asking support:
- Full model number, not just the product family
- Country where the device was purchased
- Original mobile carrier
- Operating-system version
- Whether Add eSIM appears
- Whether an EID appears in About settings
The IMEI identifies cellular hardware, while the EID identifies the embedded SIM component. Do not publish either number in a forum or send it to an unknown review site.
How many eSIMs can a phone store?
ConnectedYou’s Help Centre says many devices can store around five to eight profiles, but the real number varies. Storage is not the same as simultaneous use. Some phones can keep many profiles but activate only one or two cellular lines at once.
Remove an old profile only when you are certain it is no longer needed. Deleting a ConnectedYou profile does not make it transferable and may not allow the original QR code to be scanned again.
Buying for another person
Check the traveller’s phone rather than your own. If the profile is installed on the purchaser’s device by mistake, ConnectedYou says it cannot be transferred to the traveller’s phone.
Send the unopened delivery information securely to the person who will use it, or let them complete installation while you are together. Avoid posting the QR code in a shared group where someone else could scan it.
Compatibility decision table
| Result | Buying decision |
|---|---|
| Add eSIM, EID and unlocked status confirmed | Suitable to proceed |
| Add eSIM appears but phone is locked | Unlock before buying |
| Model listed but menu missing | Check regional variant and update software |
| No EID or Add eSIM option | Do not purchase for that device |
| New phone arriving before travel | Install only on the new travel phone |
| MacBook or desktop only | Use a compatible phone hotspot instead |
Best pre-purchase checklist
- Exact model appears on an official or manufacturer list.
- Add eSIM is visible in settings.
- An EID is present.
- Device is carrier-unlocked.
- Operating system is current.
- Phone will remain with you for the trip.
- Regional version supports eSIM.
- Destination plan covers the itinerary.
Then follow how ConnectedYou eSIM works for installation and activation. Apply the 10% code ESIMBROS10 from the coupon page at checkout.
Passed both tests? Get 10% off with code ESIMBROS10
View ConnectedYou PlansFrequently asked questions
Does ConnectedYou work on every iPhone?
No. It works on supported eSIM models, generally from iPhone XS, XR and later, with regional exceptions. The phone must be unlocked.
Does ConnectedYou work on Samsung phones?
It works on many recent Galaxy S, Z and selected other models. Check for Add eSIM in SIM manager and verify the regional model code.
Can I use ConnectedYou on an iPad?
Yes, on supported Wi-Fi + Cellular iPads. Wi-Fi-only models cannot use eSIM.
Can I install it on a laptop?
Yes, on selected Windows laptops containing compatible cellular and eSIM hardware.
Can I use it on a MacBook?
Not directly. Use a phone hotspot because MacBooks do not currently include native eSIM support.
Does an unlocked phone always support eSIM?
No. Unlock status and eSIM hardware are separate requirements.
Can I move ConnectedYou to another phone?
No. ConnectedYou says installed profiles cannot transfer between devices or accounts.