An ICCID is the unique serial number assigned to a physical SIM card or individual eSIM profile. It allows a provider to match the profile installed on your device with the correct account or order.
If support asks for it, keep the eSIM installed and double-check which profile you are viewing before copying the number. While getting everything ready for your trip, take a moment to compare TravelKon eSIMs so you know which plan you’re using and have your order details saved offline.
A Closer Look at the ICCID
ICCID stands for Integrated Circuit Card Identifier. And as mentioned above, it identifies the SIM or eSIM profile and not the phone, traveller, mobile number or embedded eSIM hardware.
Every physical SIM has an ICCID. Each separately issued eSIM profile also normally receives its own ICCID, allowing several profiles stored on one device to be distinguished.
Most ICCIDs displayed to consumers contain 19 or 20 digits and begin with 89. The current international standard specifies a visible identifier of 19 digits, but carrier and device implementations can display an additional digit or padding. Match the complete number shown by your device or provider rather than judging it by length alone.
A masked example may look like this:
8961 01•• •••• •••• •••
Spaces may be added for readability.
What the Digits Represent
An ICCID usually contains:
- 89: The telecommunications industry identifier
- Issuer identification: The issuing country or numbering area and SIM issuer
- Individual account identification: The sequence distinguishing that profile
- Check digit: A digit used to detect common transcription errors
The encoded issuer may differ from the brand that sold the travel eSIM. Many eSIM companies use international carrier and provisioning partners.
An activation QR code is different, as it contains information used to download the eSIM and should not be treated as an ICCID. You can learn how a travel eSIM works before you start the setup process. For a clearer picture of what happens during installation, it also helps to understand an eSIM QR code before scanning anything.
ICCID vs. IMEI, EID, IMSI, and Phone Number
| Identifier | What It Identifies | Where You Find It |
| ICCID | A physical SIM or individual eSIM profile | SIM packaging, device settings or provider account |
| IMEI | Cellular hardware within a phone | Device settings, packaging or *#06# |
| EID | The embedded component that stores eSIM profiles | Device settings or packaging |
| IMSI | The subscriber identity used by the mobile network | Stored within the SIM profile; rarely shown to users |
| Phone number | A calling or messaging service | SIM settings or provider account |
Please keep in mind that moving the same physical SIM to another compatible phone does not change its ICCID. However, the phone’s IMEI changes because the SIM is operating in different hardware.
A dual-SIM phone may display IMEI 1 and IMEI 2 for different SIM positions. Neither identifies the travel eSIM profile.
The EID identifies the device’s embedded eSIM component. One EID can store several eSIM profiles, each carrying a separate ICCID.
Note: A data-only travel eSIM may have an ICCID without providing a callable phone number.
How to Find Your ICCID Quickly
iPhone
- Open Settings.
- Tap General.
- Tap About.
- Scroll to the SIM or eSIM sections.
- Find ICCID beneath the relevant profile.
- Touch and hold the number to copy it.
When several profiles are installed, open Settings → Mobile Service, Mobile Data or Cellular first. Note the label assigned to the travel plan, then match it with the correct section on the About screen.
An inactive profile may not display its ICCID on every iPhone configuration. If necessary, switch on one profile at a time and check the About screen again.
If the eSIM has not been installed, check the provider’s app, account portal or order confirmation. Follow the steps to install an eSIM on iPhone or Android when installation is still required.
Android
Android menu names vary by manufacturer, carrier and operating-system version. Search Settings for ICCID, SIM status or SIM Manager if the listed route is unavailable.
Finding an ICCID on Samsung Galaxy
For an installed Samsung eSIM:
- Open Settings.
- Tap Connections.
- Tap SIM Manager.
- Select the relevant eSIM.
- Tap More information.
- Copy the ICCID.
An alternative path on many Galaxy devices is Settings → About phone → Status information → SIM card status. This screen may show the physical SIM first, so verify the selected profile.
Finding an ICCID on Google Pixel
- Open Settings.
- Tap Network and internet.
- Tap SIMs and note the travel eSIM’s slot or position.
- Return to Settings → About phone.
- Select the matching SIM status entry.
- Look for ICCID or SIM ID.
Some Pixel versions hide the ICCID. Check the provider’s app, customer portal or order details if it does not appear.
The *#06# dialling code is not a universal ICCID checker. It commonly displays the IMEI and sometimes the EID, but many phones omit the ICCID.
On a Physical SIM
The ICCID number on a SIM card is commonly printed on the SIM or the larger carrier card from which it was removed. It may also appear beside a barcode on the original packaging.
Do not confuse it with a SIM PIN, PUK, phone number, order number or device IMEI.
Note: If several eSIM profiles are installed, confirm the provider or plan label before copying the number. The first ICCID displayed may belong to your Australian mobile service rather than the travel eSIM.
What Happens When a SIM Is Replaced?
Moving the same physical SIM between compatible phones retains its ICCID. Replacing the SIM creates a new ICCID, even when the phone number remains unchanged.
Porting a mobile number to another provider normally involves a new physical SIM or eSIM profile and therefore a different ICCID. A replacement eSIM may also receive a new identifier, depending on the provider’s provisioning process.
Record the ICCID before transferring devices, performing a factory reset that may remove eSIMs or deleting the profile.
Why Your ICCID May Not Appear
The ICCID may be missing because:
- The eSIM has not finished installing
- The profile is switched off
- The wrong SIM slot is being viewed
- The device manufacturer hides the field
- The profile has already been deleted
- The provider displays it only in its app or account portal
Avoid installing unknown SIM-information apps. Contact the provider with the device model, software version and order number instead.
When Support May Request an ICCID
Support may use the ICCID to match the installed profile with an order, identify the correct plan or investigate activation and network-registration problems.
Provide:
- The complete ICCID
- Order or reference number
- Phone model
- Operating-system version
- Destination country
- Screenshot of the error
- Confirmation that the eSIM remains installed
Send this information through a verified support channel. An ICCID is not a password, but it remains an account-linked identifier. Never post it publicly or share the accompanying activation QR code.
An ICCID number checker may validate the format, prefix or check digit. It cannot reliably reveal the owner, mobile number, data balance, expiry or activation status. No legitimate public tool can convert an ICCID into its associated phone number because that relationship is held within the provider’s customer systems.
FAQs
Is ICCID the Same as a SIM Number?
Usually. “SIM number” commonly refers to the ICCID printed on a physical SIM or assigned to an eSIM profile. Some carrier forms use the term for a mobile number, so confirm which identifier is required.
Is ICCID the Same as a Phone Number?
No. The ICCID identifies the SIM profile, while a phone number identifies a calling or messaging service. Data-only travel eSIMs can have an ICCID without providing a usable phone number.
Does Every eSIM Profile Have Its Own ICCID?
Yes. Each separately issued eSIM profile normally has its own ICCID. A phone storing several personal, work and travel profiles can therefore display several ICCIDs under one device EID.
Can a Phone Work Without an ICCID?
A phone can use Wi-Fi and offline functions without an ICCID. Ordinary mobile calls, messages and data require an active physical SIM or eSIM profile. Emergency-calling availability varies by device, network and location.
Is It Safe to Share an ICCID With Support?
Yes, through the provider’s official support channel. Treat it as private account information. Do not publish it, enter it into an unknown checker or share the eSIM QR code.
