The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is taking steps to promote eSIM technology in Pakistan, with a new policy to make eSIM services more accessible to mobile phone users.
Under the new policy, the initial eSIM fee has been set at Rs1,500, while users will be allowed to transfer an eSIM from one phone to another at least 10 times free of charge. The new policy will come into effect on August 17, 2026.
However, not every smartphone currently supports eSIM technology, making it important for users to check whether their device is compatible.
Which phones support eSIM in Pakistan?
Pakistan currently has more than 190 million active mobile connections, while smartphones account for around 55% to 60% of the total. This means approximately 100 to 110 million people in the country use smartphones.
However, only around 8% to 12% of smartphones currently in use are estimated to support eSIM technology.
The relatively low proportion is largely because eSIM hardware is still concentrated in flagship and selected mid-range smartphones.
Devices that commonly support eSIM include:
- Apple iPhones: iPhone XS and later models, depending on the region and variant
- Samsung: Selected Galaxy S and Note series models
- Google: Selected Pixel smartphones
- Xiaomi: Certain higher-end models
- Motorola: Selected premium and mid-range models
Users should note that eSIM availability can vary by model, region and carrier, so checking the exact model is important.
Why don’t most Pakistani phones support eSIM?
A large portion of Pakistan’s smartphone market consists of budget and entry-level devices. Many of these phones currently do not include the hardware required for eSIM functionality.
As a result, eSIM adoption remains relatively limited compared with conventional physical SIM cards.
How to check if your phone supports eSIM
The easiest way to check is through your phone’s settings.
On iPhone, go to:
Settings → Mobile Service/Cellular → Add eSIM
If the option appears, the device supports eSIM functionality, although carrier compatibility may still need to be confirmed.
On Samsung Galaxy, check:
Settings → Connections → SIM Manager → Add eSIM
On other Android phones, the option may appear under Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs or a similar menu, depending on the manufacturer.
Users can also check their phone’s exact model number on the manufacturer’s official website to confirm eSIM support.
eSIM adoption expected to grow
Experts believe eSIM usage in Pakistan could increase significantly in the coming years as manufacturers begin incorporating eSIM hardware into more affordable smartphones.
The PTA’s new policy and limits on eSIM-related charges could further encourage adoption, potentially making the technology available to a much larger number of mobile users in Pakistan.
Also read: PTA launches portal to compare mobile packages across Pakistan