Introduction
In the digital connectivity age, eSIM technology has changed the usage pattern of mobile networks. Unlike inserting a physical SIM card, many modern smartphones and wearables come with an embedded SIM or eSIM that can be directly fitted into your device. This technology makes tasks like switching carriers, adding data plans, and traveling internationally much easier.
Behind this great innovation lies an important factor, which is the EID number. Understanding what the EID number is and how to find it is key for enabling, transferring, or troubleshooting eSIMs. This detailed guide explains what an EID number means, for what purpose it is used, how to find it on iPhones, Apple Watches, Android phones, and Google Pixels, and how different it is from other identifiers such as IMEI or SIM numbers.
What is an EID Number?
EID in full refers to Embedded Identity Document. This is a unique 32-digit number allocated to the eSIM chip built into your device. Each separate eSIM-enabled device, be it a smartphone, smartwatch, or tablet, has its EID number, identifying the embedded SIM hardware.
The EID may be thought of as the digital "serial number" of the eSIM in your device. In much the same way your IMEI identifies your telephone, the EID identifies the chip that makes eSIM functionality possible.
What are EID numbers used for?
EID numbers play a number of important roles in mobile connectivity:
Activating eSIM profiles means that when you set up an eSIM plan, your mobile carrier will use the EID to identify your device's eSIM chip and link the new plan to it.
Switching carriers: The EID will be required if you move to a different carrier or if you need to transfer your eSIM service to a new plan.
Device authentication: Carriers use the EID to verify that your device supports eSIMs and handle profile downloads securely.
Troubleshooting networking issues: Customer support may request your EID number when they contact you for problem diagnosis regarding eSIMs' activation/configuration.
In other words, the EID is your device's digital identity for eSIM operations. Your phone or wearable cannot be provisioned for an eSIM service without it.
Where Can I Find My EID Number?
The process of finding the EID number really depends on what device type you're using, but it mostly works similarly across manufacturers. Here are the most common ways to locate it:
Through device settings:
Go to Settings → General → About (for iPhone) or Settings → About phone (for Android).
Scroll down and look for “EID.” It is typically a long string of digits, often 32 digits in length.
On the original packaging:
Most manufacturers print the EID together with other identifiers such as IMEI and serial number on the label of the device box.
Carrier or account information:
Some mobile carriers display your device's EID in your account details, especially if you have activated an eSIM plan with them.
If these steps don't work for you, then there's probably no eSIM supported on your device, or the functionality of eSIM is disabled for your region.
iPhone EID Number
Apple was one of the first manufacturers to introduce eSIM technology, starting with the iPhone XS series. All newer iPhones (like iPhone XR, 11, 12, 13, and 14, including the 15 and beyond) have an EID number for eSIM use.
How to Find the EID Number on an iPhone
Follow these steps:
Open the Settings app.
Go to General → About.
Scroll down the list to find EID. It will be listed under your IMEI and serial number.
You can tap and hold on the EID number to copy it in case you have to share it with your carrier.
Alternative Methods:
Check the box your iPhone came in — the EID is printed on the side label next to the IMEI.
If you have dual eSIMs, you'll still see one EID because that identifies the eSIM hardware, not the profile.
Tip: If you can't see an EID, your model of iPhone may not support eSIM, or the device software needs an update.
Apple Watch EID Number
If you have a cellular-enabled Apple Watch, then it also contains an eSIM chip and thus an EID number.
How to Find the EID on Apple Watch
Method 1: On the Watch itself
Open the Home screen by pressing the Digital Crown.
Tap Settings → General → About.
Scroll down until you see EID.
Method 2: Using your iPhone
Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
Go to My Watch → General → About.
Scroll down until you find the EID field.
Method 3: Checking the packaging
If you still have the box, check the label printed on it-it often features the EID along with the serial number and IMEI. You may need the EID when activating your Apple Watch cellular plan with your carrier, in case the carrier supports standalone eSIM setup.
Android EID Number
Android phones from Samsung, OnePlus, Motorola, and more have been increasingly shipping with eSIM support. If your Android phone has an embedded SIM, it would contain an EID number as well.
How to Find the EID on Android
Open Settings.
Scroll to and select About phone (or About device).
Tap Status information or SIM status.
Look for the EID entry; this is usually listed below your IMEI or SIM information.
Alternative Methods:
Some Android phones show the EID under Settings → Connections → SIM manager (especially Samsung Galaxy devices).
Check the device box for printed details.
Tip: If the EID shows as “Not available,” then probably your phone does not have eSIM hardware or perhaps the software version does not support it. Make sure your phone is running the latest firmware.
Google Pixel EID Number
Google Pixel devices are among the first to implement eSIM technology. From the Pixel 3 onward, all the models will support eSIM and contain EID numbers.
How to Find the EID Number on Google Pixel
Open Settings → About phone.
Tap SIM status or Status information.
Scroll down to find EID.
You'll see a long numerical code — that's your device's EID.
Alternative Option:
When you are setting up a new eSIM, you can also see your EID during the activation:
Go to Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → Add eSIM.
Tap Need help? or Use carrier activation — your Pixel will often display the EID before scanning a QR code. As with other devices, your Pixel box also has the EID printed on the label for quick reference.
Difference Between EID and IMEI
It’s common to confuse EID and IMEI numbers, but they refer to entirely different identifiers. Understanding their distinction helps avoid confusion during device setup or carrier communication.
|
Feature |
EID |
IMEI |
|
Full Form |
Embedded Identity Document |
International Mobile Equipment Identity |
|
Purpose |
Identifies the eSIM chip inside the device |
Identifies the physical device hardware |
|
Used For |
eSIM activation, management, and profile linking |
Device registration, blocking stolen devices, warranty, etc. |
|
Assigned To |
eSIM hardware |
Mobile device |
|
Length |
Usually, 32 digits |
Typically, 15 digits |
|
Editable |
Fixed and permanent |
Fixed and permanent |
In short,
The IMEI identifies your phone itself.
The EID identifies the eSIM module inside your phone.
A single device can have both an IMEI and an EID.
When enabling an eSIM, carriers usually request the EID and not the IMEI, as the EID is directly linked to the embedded SIM hardware.
Are EID and SIM the Same?
No, EID and SIM are not the same; each one of them plays a different role in your device's mobile connectivity system.
SIM stands for Subscriber Identity Module and can be a physical SIM card or a digital eSIM profile. It contains your carrier information and lets your device connect to a cellular network. Each SIM, or eSIM profile, has an ICCID number unique to itself.
EID (Embedded Identity Document): This is the identifier for the actual eSIM hardware chip inside your device. It's permanent and cannot be changed or replaced.
Quite simply:
The EID identifies the device’s embedded SIM chip.
The ICCID/SIM number identifies the stored-on chip network profile, or carrier plan.
That is because, when you activate a new eSIM, your carrier uses your EID to push a new ICCID-a SIM profile-onto your device. In other words, they work together, but they are not the same.
Why the EID Number Matters
Understanding your EID number, while seemingly technical, is increasingly important as the world moves toward full digital management of SIMs. Here's why:
Future-proofing technology: Most modern phones, especially in the US and Europe, are now eSIM-only, meaning you will need the EID for any carrier activation.
Smarter travel options: eSIMs make it possible for travellers to purchase local or international data plans right away. Knowing your EID makes setup seamless.
Quick carrier switching: The EID helps those who frequently switch between different mobile carriers or plans to quickly activate the service.
Securer device management: The carriers use EID to install eSIM profiles within their devices safely, without any ability for cloning or misuse.
Conclusion
At the heart of the eSIM revolution is the EID number. It serves as a fingerprint for the embedded SIM chip inside your device, allowing seamless digital connectivity in the absence of physical SIM cards.
Here's what to remember:
· EID is the 32-digit identifier for your eSIM hardware.
· You can find it in your device’s settings or on the original packaging.
· It is needed for activating, transferring, or troubleshooting eSIM profiles.
· The EID is not the same as the IMEI or SIM number; each of these serves a different purpose.
As smartphones, wearables, and tablets continue to embrace eSIM technology, the EID number will be of even more importance. Whether you're activating a new eSIM on your iPhone, Apple Watch, Android, or Google Pixel, knowing how to find your EID means a smooth, hassle-free mobile experience.
