EID number: What it is and how to find it on different devices

Knowing your phone’s EID number is helpful if you want to use an eSIM card. Hearing about EIDs for the first time? Every device has this number, and you’ll need to know where to find it to get the most out of your device. Let’s look at what EID numbers are and how to find and use them.

original tiktok svg
original x svg
original facebook svg
original instagram svg
original youtube svg

9 min read

EID number: What it is and how to find it on different devices

What is an EID number? 

Every phone with eSIM technology has an EID, or Embedded Identity Document, number. Just as personal documents like a driving license or passport identify individuals, the EID number uniquely identifies your device. This number is essential for verifying and managing your phone on a network, ensuring it can be recognized and authenticated. Don't confuse it with an APN, which is a gateway between a mobile device and the internet.

Why do you need to know the EID number of your device? 

Here’s a breakdown of situations when it’s best to know your EID:

  • eSIM activation. While carriers use the EID to activate an eSIM on your device, this process usually happens in the background when you scan a QR code or download an eSIM. However, some smaller or international carriers might ask for your EID during activation if they don’t have a streamlined QR system. Also, in some cases, when setting up an eSIM through your carrier’s online portal or app, you might be prompted to enter your EID to link the eSIM to your device.

  • Switching carriers. The EID helps you easily switch between carriers or add new profiles when you are traveling.

  • Troubleshooting. If you’re having trouble with your mobile service, knowing your EID can help technicians diagnose and resolve network or SIM-related problems.

  • Device identification. The EID comes in handy when you register your device for certain services or make warranty claims. For example, when you need to file a warranty claim, the manufacturer might use the EID to identify your specific phone and process your request quickly.

How to find the EID number on your phone

So, where’s your phone’s EID? 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 your 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" section and tap it to see your EID.

Find the EID number on your 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.

The steps for locating the EID on any other Android phone or Android device should be similar. 

Find the EID number on your 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 your 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 your 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 mobile numbers — smartwatches have them too. If you need to find your Apple Watch EID number or the EID for other popular smartwatches, follow these steps.

Find the EID number on your 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 your 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 your Google Pixel Watch

  1. On your Google Pixel Watch 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.

Is the EID number the same as a SIM card number? 

Not exactly. The EID is a unique number that identifies the eSIM chip in your device, and it never changes, even if you switch carriers or profiles.

Meanwhile, physical SIMs and eSIMs have their own SIM card number, known as the ICCID (Integrated Circuit Card Identifier) number, which identifies that specific SIM card or eSIM profile. In the case of an eSIM, the ICCID is tied to a particular profile, so it can change when you switch from one profile to another, but the EID remains the same.

Is the EID number the same as the IMEI?

No, they’re not the same. Your EID number identifies your phone’s eSIM chip, while your IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number identifies the phone itself.

The IMEI helps network providers make sure that only authorized devices can access their networks and assists law enforcement in identifying your phone in case you lose it or someone steals it. A quick way to tell the two numbers apart is that an EID number is typically 32 digits long, while an IMEI is usually 15 or 16 digits.

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:

  1. 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. 

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

  3. Contact customer support. If you’re still unsure, contact the 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

It’s important to think about your EID’s privacy and security issues. Here’s why:

  • Your EID is linked directly to your eSIM profile, so if someone gets hold of your EID, they could potentially clone your profile and use it for identity theft. 

  • When your EID travels over networks, it can be exposed because networks need to see and verify it. To keep your data safe, always use a VPN to encrypt your connection and prevent your EID from falling into the wrong hands.

  • If someone steals your phone, your EID goes with it. Whoever has your phone can access your eSIM profiles, contact list, call history, and other personal information. It’s one more reason to keep your phone secure.

Don't worry, you can take a few simple steps to keep your EID safe:

  • Encrypt your eSIM profiles. For example, when setting up your eSIM, choose a carrier that automatically encrypts your data, and use a secure connection like a VPN if you’re making changes to your eSIM settings while on public Wi-Fi.

  • Control access to your EID. Set up strong security measures like passwords or biometrics to control who can access your EID information. For instance, enable Face ID or fingerprint authentication on your phone to make sure only you can manage your eSIM settings.

Take advantage of your phone’s privacy settings to control who can access your EID details. For example, regularly check your phone’s settings to make sure apps don’t have unnecessary access to your eSIM data and adjust permissions as needed.

Also available in: 日本語

original tiktok svg
original x svg
original facebook svg
original instagram svg
original youtube svg

saily blog author ugne zieniute
Ugnė Zieniūtė

Ugnė thrives on exploring new places and capturing moments on the go, so it’s no surprise her social media comes back to life whenever she’s abroad. An avid traveler, she believes staying connected with an eSIM is as essential as packing a passport, ensuring seamless adventures wherever she roams.