IMEI vs MEID vs EID: What’s the Difference? How to Check eSIM Support (Dial *#06# + Activation Guide)
IMEI vs MEID vs EID · eSIM compatibility · eUICC · *#06# code · eSIM activation · iPhone & Android eSIM · how to check EID
IMEI vs MEID vs EID: What’s the Difference? (Fast eSIM Check + *#06# + Activation Guide)
If you’re trying to use an eSIM, you’ve probably seen IMEI, MEID, and EID and wondered which one actually matters. This guide explains what each code means, how to check eSIM support in 30 seconds, and how to install/activate an eSIM with fewer mistakes—on iPhone or Android.
For eSIM, the key signal isn’t IMEI or MEID—it’s whether your phone supports eSIM (often shown by an EID) and whether you can see “Add eSIM” in Settings.
Fastest option: check your device in 1 minute
If you just want a quick “yes/no,” the most reliable shortcut is to use a compatibility list and search your model.
Check if your phone supports eSIM (instant)
Open the compatibility list → search your model → confirm eSIM support in seconds.
Prefer manual checks? Keep reading for the 30-second method and *#06# tips.
30-second check: does my phone support eSIM?
1) Open Settings → Cellular / Mobile Data → look for “Add eSIM”
2) Check for EID (sometimes in About, sometimes via *#06#)
3) Still unsure? Use the compatibility list to confirm by model
IMEI and MEID are often misunderstood as “proof” of eSIM support. Most of the time, they’re simply device identifiers. For eSIM, focus on “Add eSIM” and EID.
Quick table: IMEI vs MEID vs EID
| Code | What it is | What it means for eSIM |
|---|---|---|
| IMEI | A device identifier used for cellular hardware (support, warranty, blacklist/anti-theft use cases). | ⚠️ IMEI ≠ eSIM Having an IMEI doesn’t prove your phone supports eSIM. |
| MEID | Another device identifier (historically common in certain networks/regions). Some phones show IMEI + MEID. | ⚠️ MEID isn’t an eSIM pass MEID alone can’t confirm eSIM support—check “Add eSIM” and EID. |
| EID | The identifier for the eSIM’s embedded chip (eUICC), often a long numeric string. | ✅ EID is directly related to eSIM If you can find an EID, your phone likely supports eSIM (with some model/region exceptions). |
1) What is IMEI?
IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a standard identifier for cellular devices. You may need it for:
- Carrier or manufacturer support
- Warranty verification
- Lost/stolen phone reporting and blacklist checks
- Safer used-phone transactions (avoid blacklisted devices)
IMEI does not mean your phone supports eSIM. It’s a hardware/device identifier—not the eSIM chip ID.
2) What is MEID?
MEID (Mobile Equipment Identifier) is another device identifier. Some phones display MEID alongside IMEI, and it may appear when you use *#06#.
Seeing a MEID does not confirm eSIM support. Treat it as device ID info—then check “Add eSIM” and look for EID.
3) What is EID (and why it matters most for eSIM)
EID is the identifier for your phone’s eSIM chip (eUICC). If your phone supports eSIM, you’ll often find an EID in Settings (or sometimes via *#06#).
If you can locate an EID and you see “Add eSIM,” you’re usually good to install an eSIM by scanning a QR code (or entering details manually).
EID placement varies by brand/model. If you don’t see EID via *#06#, check Settings → About or Settings → Cellular. When in doubt, confirm using a compatibility list.
4) What does *#06# show?
*#06# is a common shortcut code on many phones. It typically shows IMEI, may show MEID, and on eSIM-capable devices it may also show EID.
- IMEI: normal device identifier
- MEID: another device identifier (not eSIM proof)
- EID: strongly related to eSIM (good sign)
- No EID shown: not definitive—check “Add eSIM” in Settings or use a compatibility list
5) eSIM install & activation checklist (best practice)
After you confirm eSIM support, the next step is installing and activating your eSIM. The smoothest approach for travel:
1) After purchase, check your email for QR code / manual details
2) Install the eSIM on Wi-Fi (don’t switch mobile data yet)
3) After arrival, set Cellular Data to the eSIM line
4) Enable Data Roaming / set APN only if instructions require it
5) Wait 60–120 seconds for network registration
Changing multiple settings at once (roaming/APN/network selection) makes troubleshooting harder. Change one thing, then wait 1–2 minutes to re-test.
6) Still unsure? Confirm by model (fastest)
If you don’t want to guess where EID is displayed on your device, the fastest method is simple: search your phone model in a compatibility list.
Compatible Device List (EN)
Search your model → instantly confirm if eSIM is supported.
Once confirmed, pick your destination eSIM
If your phone supports eSIM (you can add an eSIM and/or see EID), you can choose a travel eSIM by destination and get online faster after arrival—maps, ride-hailing, bookings, messaging, and more.
FAQ: IMEI / MEID / EID & eSIM
Q1: Which code matters most for eSIM—IMEI, MEID, or EID?
EID is most directly related to eSIM (eUICC). IMEI/MEID are usually device identifiers and can’t confirm eSIM support alone. The most reliable check is whether you can see “Add eSIM” in Settings.
Q2: I typed *#06# but didn’t see EID. Does that mean no eSIM?
Not necessarily. Some devices show EID in Settings → About or within the Cellular menu instead. If you can still see “Add eSIM”, your phone may be compatible. Use a compatibility list to confirm by model.
Q3: Why do I see IMEI (and sometimes MEID) but still can’t tell eSIM support?
Because IMEI/MEID are about identifying the device hardware. eSIM support depends on the eSIM chip (eUICC) and whether your OS/carrier model includes eSIM features like “Add eSIM”.
Q4: What’s the fastest way to check eSIM compatibility on iPhone?
Open Settings → Cellular and look for “Add eSIM”. You can also check Settings → General → About for EID (when available). If you’re unsure, confirm by model in a compatibility list.
Q5: What’s the fastest way to check eSIM compatibility on Android?
Look for “Add eSIM” or “Add mobile plan” in Settings → Network & Internet (wording varies). Some Android phones show EID in About. If it’s unclear, confirm by model in a compatibility list.
Q6: When should I install my eSIM—before traveling or after arrival?
Best practice: install on Wi-Fi before you travel, then switch Cellular Data to the eSIM after arrival. This avoids airport Wi-Fi issues and reduces setup failures.
Q7: My eSIM is installed but I have no internet. What should I check first?
First: make sure Cellular Data is set to the eSIM line. Then wait 1–2 minutes for registration. Only enable Data Roaming or adjust APN if your plan instructions require it. If needed, follow a troubleshooting checklist.
Q8: Is eSIM “safe” to use?
Generally, yes. eSIM is a digital way to provision a mobile plan. Safety depends more on where you purchase, device settings, and basic security habits. Buying from a reputable source and keeping your order details helps.
Related reading
Want a deeper dive into EID checks, compatibility, installation, and troubleshooting? Start here:
Ready? If your phone supports eSIM, pick a travel plan next
Once you confirm eSIM support (“Add eSIM” and/or EID), choosing a destination plan is usually the simplest part—install before you go, switch data after arrival, and you’re online.
Go to eSIMKitStore to shop travel eSIMs
Choose your destination → install before travel → switch data on arrival.