Planning a trip and wondering if your iPhone can use an eSIM? Good news: every iPhone released since 2018 supports this technology. This guide lists all compatible models and walks you through activating your first eSIM.
Full list of eSIM-compatible iPhones
Apple introduced eSIM with the iPhone XS in 2018. Since then, every new model includes this feature. Here’s the breakdown by generation.
iPhone 15 (2023)
| Model | eSIM | Dual eSIM | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 15 Pro Max | Yes | Yes | US variant: eSIM only |
| iPhone 15 Pro | Yes | Yes | US variant: eSIM only |
| iPhone 15 Plus | Yes | Yes | US variant: eSIM only |
| iPhone 15 | Yes | Yes | US variant: eSIM only |
iPhone 14 (2022)
| Model | eSIM | Dual eSIM | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 14 Pro Max | Yes | Yes | US variant: eSIM only |
| iPhone 14 Pro | Yes | Yes | US variant: eSIM only |
| iPhone 14 Plus | Yes | Yes | US variant: eSIM only |
| iPhone 14 | Yes | Yes | US variant: eSIM only |
iPhone 13 and SE (2021–2022)
These models are 100% eSIM-compatible:
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 mini
- iPhone 13
- iPhone SE (3rd generation)
iPhone 12 and SE (2020)
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 mini
- iPhone 12
- iPhone SE (2nd generation)
iPhone 11 (2019)
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11
First iPhones with eSIM (2018)
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XR
iPhones that do NOT support eSIM
Note: models from before 2018 do not support eSIM:
- iPhone X
- iPhone 8 and 8 Plus
- iPhone 7 and 7 Plus
- iPhone 6s and 6s Plus
- iPhone SE (1st generation, 2016)
If you have one of these, you’ll need a traditional physical SIM for travel.
iPads with eSIM
eSIM is also available on cellular-capable iPads (Wi-Fi + Cellular):
| Line | Compatible models |
|---|---|
| iPad Pro 12.9" | 3rd generation (2018) and newer |
| iPad Pro 11" | 1st generation (2018) and newer |
| iPad Air | 3rd generation (2019) and newer |
| iPad mini | 5th generation (2019) and newer |
| iPad | 7th generation (2019) and newer |
How to check if your iPhone supports eSIM
You can verify this several ways on the device.
Method 1: Settings (easiest)
Step 1: Open Settings
Step 2: Tap General, then About
Step 3: Scroll to EID
Result: If an EID number appears (a long alphanumeric string), your iPhone supports eSIM.
Method 2: USSD code
Step 1: Open Phone
Step 2: Dial *#06#
Step 3: Look for EID among the displayed details
Method 3: Add plan option
Step 1: Open Settings
Step 2: Go to Cellular (or Mobile Service)
Step 3: Check for Add Cellular Plan or Add eSIM
Check my compatibility instantly →
Checking if your iPhone is unlocked
eSIM compatibility alone is not enough. Your iPhone must also be unlocked—able to use any carrier.
How to verify
Step 1: Open Settings → General → About
Step 2: Look for Carrier Lock or Network Provider Lock
Step 3: If you see No SIM restrictions or Unlocked, your iPhone can use any eSIM
What if my iPhone is locked?
| Carrier | Conditions | Typical time |
|---|---|---|
| Orange FR | 3 months active | ~3 business days |
| SFR | 3 months active | ~3 business days |
| Bouygues | 3 months active | ~3 business days |
| Free | Usually unlocked | — |
| Apple Store | Unlocked | — |
Unlocking is free with major carriers in France—contact support or request online.
How many eSIMs can an iPhone store?
Storage varies by generation:
| Generation | Profiles stored | Active eSIMs |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 13, 14, 15 | Up to 8 | 2 (Dual eSIM mode) |
| iPhone XS through 12 | 5–8 depending on build | 1 (+ physical SIM) |
Practical perk: configure eSIMs for multiple countries and toggle them when you travel without reinstalling each time.
How Dual SIM works on iPhone
eSIM lets your iPhone use two lines at once. The first is often your physical home SIM; the second is your travel eSIM.
Benefits of Dual SIM
- Keep your main number: calls and SMS on your usual number
- Split usage: home SIM for voice, travel eSIM for data
- Apps stay intact: WhatsApp, iMessage, FaceTime keep working
- No fiddling: no risk of losing your physical SIM
In Settings you can pick defaults for calls, SMS, and data.
Activating an eSIM on iPhone: step by step
Activation takes a few straightforward steps.
Requirements
- Stable Wi‑Fi
- QR code from your provider after purchase
- Unlocked iPhone
- iOS 12.1+ (preferably iOS 16+)
Activation flow
Step 1: Settings → Cellular (Mobile Data)
Step 2: Tap Add Cellular Plan / Add eSIM
Step 3: Choose Scan QR Code
Step 4: Scan the emailed QR code
Step 5: Wait for profile download (about 30s–2 min)
Step 6: Label the line (e.g., “Trip Japan”)
Step 7: Choose defaults: keep primary SIM for calls/SMS
Step 8: Turn on data roaming for the eSIM plan
Don’t skip this
Settings → Cellular → [Your eSIM] → Data Roaming: ON
Without roaming, your eSIM won’t work abroad.
Common issues
| Issue | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| “Unable to activate” | Poor Wi‑Fi or lock | Check Wi‑Fi and unlock status |
| QR not recognised | Light/size | Larger screen, better lighting |
| No signal | Roaming off | Enable data roaming |
| Profile vanished | iOS glitch | Restart iPhone |
Next steps
Compatible and unlocked? Pick the right plan for your destination.
Compare eSIMs by destination →
Updated January 2026. Checked against iOS 17 and iOS 18.
Developer and digital nomad, I lived between Canada and the United States before continuing to explore the world. After struggling with internet connectivity abroad one too many times, I created eSIMPlanet to compare plans clearly and honestly. Every article is carefully written and reviewed to save you time and money.
