EID number: What it is and how to find it on your phone and smartwatch

What is an EID number? 

An EID number is a 32-digit code that uniquely identifies the embedded SIM (eSIM) chip inside your device. To grasp the meaning of an EID number, you need to look at its full name: Embedded Identity Document. Just as a driver’s license or passport identifies an individual, the EID uniquely identifies your specific phone. Cellular networks rely on the code to securely verify and manage your connection. Do not confuse the EID with an APN, which serves as a gateway between a mobile device and the internet.

Why is the EID number important? 

You may need your phone’s EID number to authenticate your device on a cellular network. While the carrier usually reads the 32-digit code without user input, you may need to provide the identifier manually during specific account updates or network errors. Here are the main scenarios where knowing the EID number is necessary:

• eSIM activation. While carriers use the identifier to activate an eSIM on your device, the process usually happens in the background when you scan an eSIM QR code or download an eSIM. Some smaller or international carriers might ask for the code during activation if they lack a streamlined QR system. Setting up a profile through your carrier’s online portal or app might also prompt you to check your EID number and enter the digits manually to link the digital plan to your device.

• Troubleshooting. If you experience network errors, providing the EID number helps technicians diagnose and resolve profile-related problems quickly.

• Switching carriers. Activating a new digital profile with a different mobile provider can require you to submit your exact EID. Sharing the 32-digit code lets the new network identify and authorize your phone remotely.

• Device identification. The unique code may prove useful when you register your device for repair services and make warranty claims. Manufacturers sometimes use the EID identifier to verify your specific phone and process your request.

Memorizing another 32-digit string on top of your daily passwords is not practical. You should copy your EID number into a secure note on your phone. Keeping the code handy ensures you can quickly resolve network errors or switch providers on the fly. If you want to understand the physical hardware that predates the eSIM era, read our guide that explains what a SIM card is.

How to find the EID number on your phone

Wondering exactly where to find the EID number details? Below, we’ve provided the steps to find a Samsung EID number and an iPhone EID number, along with the EIDs of Google Pixel, OnePlus, and Motorola phones. Just keep in mind that these guidelines are only relevant for eSIM-compatible devices.

Find the EID number on an iPhone

1. Go to “Settings.”

2. Scroll down to “General” and tap it.

3. In the first section, choose “About.”

4. Scroll down to locate the EID number.

Find the EID number on an Android

If you are wondering how to find the EID number on an Android device, the following instructions should apply to most Android devices on the market:

1. Open “Settings.”

2. Scroll down and tap on “About phone” or a similar option.

3. Tap on “Status information” or a similar option.

4. Look for the EID number entry in the list.

Find the EID number on a Samsung

1. Go to “Settings.”

2. Scroll down and tap on “About phone.”

3. Tap on “Status” or “IMEI information.”

4. Look for your EID number in the list. If you don’t see it, check under “SIM card status” or on the packaging your phone came in.

Find the EID number on a Google Pixel

1. Go to “Settings.”

2. Tap on “About phone.”

3. Tap on “IMEI” (slot 2).

4. If IMEI is not there, go to “Settings,” then “Network and internet.” Tap on “Mobile network,” “Advanced,” then tap on “Carrier,” and, finally, “View SIM details.”

Find the EID number on a OnePlus

1. Tap the “Settings” icon on your home screen or app drawer.

2. Open the “Wi-Fi and network” section.

3. Select “SIM and network.”

4. If your OnePlus device supports eSIMs, tap on the eSIM settings or look for an option called “eSIM settings” or “SIM card settings.”

5. On some OnePlus phones, you can find your EID under the “Advanced” or “Additional settings” submenu within the SIM settings.

6. You should find the EID under the eSIM details. If you can’t see it there, you might need to tap on the eSIM profile to expand and see more information.

Find the EID number on a Motorola

1. Tap the “Settings” icon on your home screen or app drawer.

2. Enter the “Network and internet” section.

3. Tap on “SIM cards” to access the settings related to your SIM card.

4. If your Motorola device supports eSIMs, look for an option related to eSIM profiles. Tap on it to see the details.

5. You should see the EID within the eSIM profile settings. It might be under an advanced or additional information section.

How to find an EID number on your watch 

Smartphones aren’t the only devices that have EID numbers — smartwatches can have them too. If you need to find your Apple Watch’s EID number or the EID for other popular smartwatches, follow these steps.

Find the EID number on an Apple Watch

1. Press the digital crown.

2. Press “Settings.”

3. Press “General.”

4. Press “About.”

5. Scroll down to find your EID number under “EID.”

Find the EID number on a Samsung Watch

1. Press the “Home” key.

2. Press the “Settings” icon.

3. Press “About watch.”

4. Press “Device.”

5. Press “View EID number.”

Find the EID number on a Google Pixel Watch

1. On your Google Pixel Watch’s home screen, swipe down. 

2. Tap “Settings.”

3. Tap “Connectivity mobile.”

4. Tap “SIM status.” Your EID will be at the bottom of this menu.

What to do if the EID number is not showing on your device 

If you’re trying to find the EID on your device, but it’s not showing up, it might be because your phone doesn’t support eSIM technology. Here’s what you can do about it:

• Check eSIM compatibility. First, check if your device is eSIM compatible. Find out if your phone is eSIM compatible by checking the specifications on the manufacturer’s website or the user manual. 

• Update your software. Ensure your device’s software is up to date because some manufacturers enable eSIM functionality through software updates.

• Contact customer support. If you’re still unsure, contact customer support for your device and ask for help. They’ll let you know what steps you might need to take.

If it turns out your device doesn’t support eSIMs, consider upgrading to a device that does, because, in some cases, eSIM technology is simply unbeatable.

• Flexibility and convenience. With an eSIM, you can switch carriers without using a physical SIM card, which is great if you travel a lot and need to switch between networks in different countries. For example, you could use one eSIM for the United States, switch to a different eSIM for Germany and the EU, and use another in Asia without breaking the bank.

• Multiple plans on one device. An eSIM lets you have more than one phone number and service plan on a single device, which is great if you want separate lines for personal and business calls without carrying multiple phones.

• Sleek design. Devices with eSIMs often have more space for other features or larger batteries because they don’t need a physical SIM slot.

• Better security. You can’t physically remove an eSIM, so you can’t lose it, and no one can steal it.

It’s worth investing in a phone that supports eSIMs if you often travel internationally or need multiple lines. With an eSIM, you can switch between mobile carriers or plans without replacing physical SIMs. An eSIM can also save you money because you can switch to a local carrier in the country you're visiting and avoid overpriced roaming charges.

EID privacy and security considerations  

Even though the cellular industry builds strong security into the EID standard, you must still protect your physical device and your digital connections.

• Hardware encryption: Global telecom standards ensure the security of the setup process. When you download an eSIM profile, the communication between your phone and the cellular provider uses strict end-to-end encryption. Public Wi-Fi routers and local cell towers are designed to prevent interception of your EID in plaintext.

• Device theft: An EID functions strictly as a hardware serial number. A hacker cannot clone your cellular line by knowing your identifier. However, if a criminal steals your physical phone, the thief could use your active cellular lines to intercept two-factor authentication texts and access personal accounts.

• Unsecured travel networks: While your EID remains secure by design, you will likely manage your travel accounts and personal data on public Wi-Fi networks. Standard internet connections lack built-in protection against outside snooping.

You can take these specific actions to better secure your phone and your data:

• Lock your physical device: Set up strong security measures to control who can access your phone. Enable Face ID or fingerprint authentication to ensure a thief cannot open your apps, view your contact list, or access your account settings.

• Encrypt your web traffic: To keep your standard internet connection safe on public Wi-Fi, always use a VPN. A virtual private network encrypts your browsing activity and app data while you travel.

EID number: Key takeaways 

Here are the core facts about your device’s EID to help you manage your digital cellular connection safely and efficiently:

• Core definition: An EID acts as a unique 32-digit serial number for the internal cellular chip inside a phone or smartwatch.

• Primary function: Cellular providers use the identifier to securely verify your specific device when you download an eSIM profile, switch carriers, or troubleshoot network errors.

• Location: You can find the number in your device’s general settings menu, usually under the “About” or “Network” sections depending on the operating system.

• Device compatibility: Only devices built with embedded SIM technology possess an EID.

• Security reality: Global telecom standards secure the EID setup process with end-to-end encryption. A bad actor cannot clone your cellular line using the hardware serial number alone.

• Actionable protection: You must lock your physical device with biometric authentication to prevent thieves from accessing your active cellular lines. To protect your standard internet traffic on public networks, always use a VPN.

The transition from physical plastic cards to digital profiles marks a leap in mobile technology, and your EID is right at the heart of this change. Today, an internal microscopic SIM chip and the 32-digit EID assigned to it together power a completely digital approach to global connectivity.