Apple Locks / API

eSIM EID Checks and Dummy eSIM Cards for iPhones

An iPhone without an eSIM-capable EID cannot use digital SIMs — which matters for resale, for carrier-unlock workflows and for dummy eSIM setups used with SIM adapters.

Last reviewed 2026-10-26

Every eSIM-capable device has an embedded eUICC identifier (EID), a 32-digit number separate from the IMEI. Carriers issue eSIM profiles against the EID, so a device without one behaves exactly like a device with no SIM slot — it cannot be activated on an eSIM-only plan.

For resellers this is a valuable check: eSIM capability is not visible on the box, varies by region, and directly changes the resale price of an iPhone or Pixel.

When to run an EID check

Selling an iPhone regionally — eSIM support varies by model number (China, Hong Kong and some Middle East models ship with two physical SIMs and no eSIM).
Buying a device for a travel or eSIM-only plan.
Confirming that a carrier unlock actually made the device usable with eSIM profiles.
Verifying that the IMEI you were given belongs to a device with eSIM at all.

Important

EID checks are charged per lookup even when the device has no eSIM, because the lookup itself succeeds. Check the device model first if you are unsure.

Dummy eSIM cards

A dummy eSIM QR code is a profile that lets a phone holding a physical SIM adapter behave as if an eSIM profile were installed. It is used with SIM adapters in repair and testing workflows, and QR codes are issued once per order — they are not refundable after delivery because the code is generated and cannot be reissued.

Services used in this guide

These are the exact catalogue entries this guide refers to. Prices and turnaround are live.

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Frequently asked questions

How do I find my EID on an iPhone?

Dial *#06# on the device, or check Settings → General → About → EID. If the field is missing, the device has no eSIM capability.

Do all iPhones support eSIM?

No. eSIM support started with iPhone XS and varies by model number and region; mainland China models generally have no eSIM.

Is an eSIM the same as an unlocked phone?

No — eSIM is a hardware/profile capability, carrier lock is a policy. A device can support eSIM and still be locked.

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