eSIM in Israel: Which Carriers Support It & How to Activate

eSIM technology has transformed the way people connect to mobile networks, and Israel has embraced it fully. An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM built into your phone that lets you activate a cellular plan without inserting a physical SIM card. For travelers, new immigrants, and tech-savvy residents, eSIM offers unmatched convenience: instant activation, dual-line capability, and no more fumbling with tiny SIM cards.

In this guide, we cover every Israeli carrier that supports eSIM, which phones are compatible, how to activate step by step, and which eSIM plans offer the best value in 2026.

What Is an eSIM and Why Does It Matter?

A traditional SIM card is a small chip you physically insert into your phone. An eSIM eliminates this entirely -- it is a tiny chip soldered directly onto your phone's motherboard at the factory. Instead of swapping cards, you download a carrier profile digitally. Think of it like downloading an app instead of buying a physical disc.

The practical benefits are significant:

• Instant activation: Purchase a plan online, scan a QR code, and you are connected in minutes. No store visit needed.
• Dual SIM capability: Keep your home country's physical SIM active while adding an Israeli eSIM. Receive calls on both numbers simultaneously.
• Perfect for travelers: Buy an Israeli eSIM before your flight and have service the moment you land at Ben Gurion Airport.
• Easy carrier switching: Changing carriers is as simple as downloading a new eSIM profile. No need to wait for a SIM card in the mail.
• No physical damage risk: No SIM tray to break, no card to lose, no pins to misplace.

Which Israeli Carriers Support eSIM?

As of January 2026, six Israeli carriers offer eSIM support. Here is the complete list with their notable eSIM-compatible plans:

Cellcom (MNO)

Israel's largest carrier with full eSIM support across all its plans. Notable eSIM plans include the Unlimited 69 (69/month) with 3GB data and 5G access, the Unlimited 100GB (99/month) with international minutes, and the Prepaid Tourist plan (99/month) with 120GB -- a favorite among travelers who want to activate before landing.

Partner (MNO)

Israel's second-largest carrier, formerly known as Orange, offers eSIM on all postpaid plans. The Unlimited plan (69/month) includes 3GB data with 5G, and the Premium 100GB (109/month) adds 100 international minutes. Partner's eSIM activation is available through their website and app.

Pelephone (MNO)

One of Israel's original carriers with eSIM across its plan lineup. The Unlimited Digital (69/month) offers 3GB with 5G access, and the Premium 100GB (99/month) includes 50 international minutes. Pelephone's eSIM setup is straightforward through their customer portal.

Hot Mobile (MNO)

Hot Mobile supports eSIM on its postpaid plans, including the Unlimited 50 (49.90/month) with 3GB data and the Special 5GB Plus (89.90/month). Hot Mobile is part of the Hot telecommunications group and operates its own nationwide network.

Golan Telecom (MVNO)

Golan was one of the first Israeli MVNOs to offer eSIM, and their English-language website makes it particularly accessible for international customers. The standout plan is the Unlimited 59 (59/month) -- unlimited calls, SMS, and data on Cellcom's network. Golan's eSIM activation is entirely self-service through their website, making it the easiest option for tourists and new arrivals.

019 Mobile (MVNO)

019 Mobile supports eSIM on its postpaid plans, including the excellent 50GB Global (49/month) with 100 international minutes and the 100GB Global (69/month). They operate on Partner's network and are known for competitive international calling rates.

Wecom

Wecom (part of the Xfone 018 group, formerly We4G) was the first carrier in Israel to offer eSIM, and it still advertises instant eSIM activation on every plan it sells. Options run from the Basic Plan (32.90/month) with 150GB to Unlimited 5G (35/month), and there is no SIM cost or connection fee on either.

Carriers Without eSIM Support

The following carriers currently do not support eSIM: Rami Levy and Cellact. Their plans can offer great value, but you will need a physical SIM card.

Compatible Devices

Not every phone supports eSIM. Here are the major compatible devices as of 2026:

Apple iPhone

• iPhone XS, XS Max, XR and all later models
• iPhone SE (2nd generation, 2020) and later
• iPhone 15 and 16 series (US models are eSIM-only with no physical SIM tray)

Samsung Galaxy

• Galaxy S21, S22, S23, S24, S25 series
• Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip series (all generations)
• Galaxy Note 20 and later
• Galaxy A54 and A55

Google Pixel

• Pixel 3a and all later models
• Pixel Fold

Other Brands

• Motorola Razr (2019 and later)
• Huawei P40, Mate 40 series (limited carrier compatibility)
• OnePlus 12 and later
• Xiaomi 13, 14 series (select models)

To check if your specific device supports eSIM, go to Settings > General > About on iPhone or Settings > Connections > SIM Manager on Samsung. If you see an option to add an eSIM or digital SIM, your phone supports it.

How to Activate an eSIM in Israel: Step by Step

The exact process varies slightly by carrier, but the general flow is the same:

1. Choose a carrier and plan. Visit the carrier's website and select an eSIM-compatible plan. We recommend using our eSIM plan comparison to find the best deal.
2. Purchase online. Complete the purchase on the carrier's website. You will typically need to provide your passport or ID number, email address, and payment information.
3. Receive your QR code. The carrier will send a QR code to your email, usually within minutes. Some carriers also display it on-screen immediately after purchase.
4. Scan the QR code on your phone.
   • iPhone: Go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Use QR Code. Point your camera at the QR code.
   • Android: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Add eSIM. Scan the QR code with your camera.
5. Label your lines. Your phone will ask you to label the new line (e.g., "Israel" or "Travel"). You can also set which line to use for calls, data, and messages by default.
6. Restart your phone. A quick restart ensures the eSIM profile is fully activated.
7. Verify connectivity. Make a test call or load a website to confirm everything is working.

The entire process typically takes 5-10 minutes from purchase to activation.

eSIM Tips and Best Practices

• Activate before traveling. If you are visiting Israel, purchase and download your eSIM profile while connected to Wi-Fi at home. You need internet access to download the eSIM profile, and airport Wi-Fi can be unreliable.
• Screenshot your QR code. Save a screenshot or print the QR code email in case you need to re-scan it. Some carriers only let you use a QR code once, but having it saved avoids potential issues.
• Check your phone is not carrier-locked. Even with eSIM, your phone must be unlocked to accept a SIM from a different carrier. If you purchased your phone through a carrier on a payment plan, it may still be locked.
• Manage data usage between lines. If you have both a home SIM and Israeli eSIM active, make sure your phone is set to use the Israeli eSIM for cellular data to avoid international roaming charges on your home line.
• Keep your eSIM profile after departing. If you plan to return to Israel, you can keep the eSIM profile on your phone and simply reactivate or recharge it on your next visit.

Best eSIM Plans in Israel: Our Picks

• Best overall: Golan Telecom Unlimited 59 -- 59/month, unlimited everything, easy self-service activation
• Best for tourists: Cellcom Prepaid Tourist -- 99/month, 120GB, no Israeli ID required
• Best value with international calls: 019 Mobile 50GB Global -- 49/month, 50GB data, 100 international minutes
• Best premium: Partner Premium 100GB -- 109/month, 100GB, 5G, 100 international minutes
• Most affordable 5G eSIM: Cellcom Unlimited 69 -- 69/month, 3GB, 5G network access

eSIM vs Physical SIM: Which Should You Choose?

If your phone supports eSIM and you value convenience, eSIM is the better choice in almost every scenario. The only reasons to prefer a physical SIM are:

• Your phone does not support eSIM
• You want a plan from a carrier that does not offer eSIM (like Rami Levy or YouPhone)
• You need to easily move your SIM between multiple devices

For everyone else, eSIM is faster, more flexible, and increasingly the standard in Israel's mobile market.