IMEI vs MEID vs EID: What’s the Difference? How to Check eSIM Support (Dial *#06# + Activation Guide)
IMEI vs MEID vs EID / what is EID / eSIM compatibility / eSIM supported phones / dial *#06# / Add eSIM / eUICC / eSIM activation / travel eSIM
IMEI vs MEID vs EID: What’s the Difference? How to Check eSIM Support (Dial *#06# + Activation Guide)
If you’re searching for IMEI, MEID, or EID, chances are you’re really asking one thing: “Can my phone use eSIM?” This guide explains the difference between IMEI/MEID/EID in plain English, shows how to check eSIM compatibility (including *#06#, EID, and “Add eSIM”), and gives you a simple eSIM activation checklist for travel.
For eSIM, don’t over-focus on IMEI or MEID. The most eSIM-relevant identifier is usually EID (the eSIM / eUICC identity). The most reliable real-world check is: Settings → you can see “Add eSIM”, and (often) you can find an EID. If you’re unsure, confirm with the compatibility list—fast and accurate.
30-second check: Can my phone use eSIM?
1) Open Settings → Mobile / Cellular → look for “Add eSIM”
2) Find EID in Settings (About) or sometimes via *#06#
3) Still unsure? Use the eSIMKitStore compatibility list to confirm your exact model.
Online advice often overemphasizes IMEI/MEID, but those are primarily device identifiers. For eSIM support, what matters is whether your phone has an eUICC (eSIM hardware) and exposes an eSIM add/management flow in settings—often accompanied by an EID.
IMEI vs MEID vs EID: One table that clears it up
| Code | What it is (typical use) | What it means for eSIM |
|---|---|---|
| IMEI | Mobile device identifier commonly used for GSM/LTE/5G networks; used for support, warranty, blacklist/anti-theft checks, etc. | ⚠️ IMEI ≠ eSIM support Having an IMEI doesn’t tell you whether your phone supports eSIM. |
| MEID | Another mobile device identifier historically used in certain device/network identification contexts; some phones show both IMEI and MEID. | ⚠️ MEID isn’t the eSIM “pass” either MEID alone can’t reliably confirm eSIM support. Use “Add eSIM” and/or EID instead. |
| EID | The identifier for the eSIM / eUICC (often 32 digits). Think of it as the eSIM chip’s ID. | ✅ EID is directly eSIM-related If you can find an EID, it’s usually a strong sign the device supports eSIM. |
Check “Add eSIM” in Settings → look for EID → confirm with the compatibility list if anything looks unclear.
1) What is IMEI?
IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a device identifier used in mobile networks. You’ll see it used for customer support, warranty verification, stolen-device blacklisting, and device identification.
IMEI is not an eSIM identifier. A phone can have IMEI and still not support eSIM.
If your goal is a travel eSIM, shift your focus to EID and whether your phone shows Add eSIM in settings.
2) What is MEID?
MEID (Mobile Equipment Identifier) is another device identifier. Some devices show IMEI and MEID together, depending on hardware and region variants.
Seeing MEID does not automatically confirm eSIM support. MEID is still primarily a device ID. For eSIM, the more relevant items are EID and the presence of Add eSIM.
In other words: don’t use MEID as a shortcut to decide eSIM compatibility. Use the Settings “Add eSIM” check and confirm via the compatibility list.
3) What is EID—and why it’s the key for eSIM?
EID is the identifier tied to the eSIM hardware (eUICC) inside your phone. Many eSIM activation flows rely on the device being eUICC-capable, and EID is the most eSIM-specific identifier you can find.
If you can find an EID, it’s usually a strong sign your phone supports eSIM. Then you can install a travel eSIM via QR code or manual entry and activate when you land.
Different phones show EID in different places. Some display it via *#06#, others in Settings → About or in the Cellular/Mobile page. If you don’t see EID immediately, use “Add eSIM” + the compatibility list to confirm.
4) What does dialing *#06# do?
*#06# is a common shortcut code that brings up device ID information. It often shows IMEI, sometimes MEID, and on many eSIM-capable phones it may also show EID.
- IMEI: normal device ID (doesn’t confirm eSIM)
- MEID: another device ID (doesn’t confirm eSIM by itself)
- EID: eSIM/eUICC ID (usually a strong eSIM signal)
- No EID shown: check “Add eSIM” in settings and confirm via the compatibility list.
Want the fastest answer? Use the compatibility list below—no guessing.
5) eSIM installation & activation: do this before you travel
Once your phone is eSIM-compatible, the best travel workflow is: install on Wi-Fi before departure, then switch mobile data to the eSIM after you arrive.
1) After purchase, open your order email for the QR code / manual details
2) Install the eSIM on Wi-Fi (don’t switch data yet)
3) After landing: Settings → Cellular/Mobile → switch mobile data to the eSIM
4) If your plan requires it: enable Data Roaming / set APN (follow instructions)
5) Wait 60–120 seconds for network registration (normal after country change)
Changing multiple settings at once (roaming + APN + network selection) makes troubleshooting slower. Change one thing, then wait 60–120 seconds before judging results.
If eSIM isn’t working (no service / no data)
Follow a step-by-step checklist instead of random toggles.
Helpful links:
6) Not sure if your phone supports eSIM? Use the compatibility list (fastest)
If you don’t want to interpret IMEI/MEID/EID screens, the simplest option is: search your exact phone model in the compatibility list and confirm in seconds.
https://esimkitstore.com/pages/esim-compatible-devices
Once your phone supports eSIM, the next step is easy: pick a destination travel eSIM
If your phone supports eSIM (you can add an eSIM and often find EID), you can choose a travel eSIM for your destination and stay connected for maps, rides, bookings, work chat, and social—without swapping physical SIM cards.
FAQ: IMEI / MEID / EID & eSIM compatibility
Q1: Which one matters most for eSIM—IMEI, MEID, or EID?
EID is the most eSIM-specific identifier because it’s tied to the eSIM hardware (eUICC). IMEI and MEID are mainly device identifiers and can’t reliably confirm eSIM support by themselves. The best check is “Add eSIM” in settings, then confirm via the compatibility list.
Q2: I dialed *#06# and don’t see EID. Does that mean my phone can’t use eSIM?
Not always. Some phones show EID in Settings → About or inside the Cellular/Mobile page instead. Check whether you can see “Add eSIM”. If you’re still unsure, use the compatibility list to confirm your exact model.
Q3: Why do I see IMEI (and maybe MEID) but still can’t tell if eSIM is supported?
Because IMEI/MEID identify the device, not the eSIM hardware (eUICC). eSIM support depends on whether your phone has eUICC and exposes eSIM management in settings—often accompanied by an EID.
Q4: What should I do before traveling to avoid eSIM activation issues?
Install the eSIM on Wi-Fi before departure, then switch mobile data to the eSIM after landing. If data doesn’t work, follow a checklist: Fix guide →
Q5: What’s the fastest way to confirm eSIM compatibility and start using a travel eSIM?
Use the compatibility list to confirm your exact model: Compatibility list → Then pick your destination plan on eSIMKitStore: Shop travel eSIM →