Which iPhones support eSIM? XR to iPhone 17
Every iPhone from the iPhone XS and XR (2018) onward supports eSIM, including the iPhone 11, 12, SE (2nd and 3rd generation) and everything newer, apart from some models sold in mainland China. The difference that matters for travel: iPhone 13 and later, and the SE (3rd generation), can run two eSIMs at once, while iPhone XS to iPhone 12 run one eSIM next to a physical SIM. The phone must also be carrier-unlocked.
Model by model
| iPhone | eSIM | Two lines at once | For a travel eSIM |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone X and older | No | No | Not possible |
| XS, XS Max, XR | Yes | Physical SIM + eSIM | Home SIM in the tray, travel eSIM for data |
| 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max | Yes | Physical SIM + eSIM | Same as above |
| SE (2nd generation) | Yes | Physical SIM + eSIM | Same as above |
| 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max | Yes | Physical SIM + eSIM | Same as above |
| 13 and later, SE (3rd generation) | Yes | Two eSIMs, or physical SIM + eSIM | Works whether your home line is physical or eSIM |
| US models from iPhone 14 | eSIM only | Two eSIMs | No SIM tray; see eSIM-only iPhones |
Apple has dropped the SIM tray from more models and countries since the iPhone 14, and the iPhone Air has no tray anywhere. If you are unsure about yours, look for a tray on the side of the phone or check Apple’s eSIM page.
The iPhone 11 and 12 catch
On an iPhone XS to 12, only one eSIM can be on at a time. That is no problem when your home number is on a physical SIM: it stays in the tray, the travel eSIM carries the data, and texts to your number still arrive.
It is a problem when your home line is already an eSIM. Turning the travel eSIM on switches the home eSIM off, so SMS codes from your bank won’t reach you until you switch back. Two ways round it:
- Ask your carrier to move your home line to a physical SIM before the trip.
- Or switch to the home line briefly when you expect a code, then back to the travel eSIM. Set up your bank’s app-based approval at home if it offers one.
Check that it’s unlocked
Settings → General → About → Carrier Lock. “No SIM restrictions” means you are fine. Anything else means the phone only accepts its carrier’s lines, and a travel eSIM may install but won’t connect. How unlocking usually works: is my phone carrier-locked?
Where to find eSIM settings
Settings → Cellular (called Mobile Data in some countries). If you see Add eSIM, the phone supports it. Our iPhone install guide has the full steps, and dual-SIM settings explains which line should carry data, calls and iMessage.
How many eSIMs fit
An iPhone can store several eSIMs and switch between them, but only one or two are active at once depending on the model above. You don’t need to delete an old travel eSIM to add a new one. More in how many eSIMs a phone can hold.
Ready to pick a plan? Start from all destinations, or the most visited: Japan, Europe, the US.
Set it up before you fly
- Check your phone is eSIM-capable and carrier-unlocked: supported devices.
- Pay with Apple Pay, Google Pay or card. Your account is created from the payment.
- Install at home on Wi-Fi. On iPhone it installs from a link; elsewhere you scan the QR code. Both are on the install page and in your receipt. Steps for iPhone and Android.
- When you land, turn on the eSIM line and Data Roaming for it. Validity starts when it first connects in the destination.
Prefer an app? eSIM for Travel by e-sim.net finds the plan, installs it and shows what is left.
Questions
Does the iPhone 11 support eSIM?
Yes. The iPhone 11, 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max support one active eSIM alongside a physical SIM. Keep your home SIM in the tray and add the travel eSIM as the data line. The phone must be carrier-unlocked.
Can an iPhone 12 use two eSIMs at once?
No. iPhone XS, XR, 11, 12 and the iPhone SE (2nd generation) run one eSIM plus one physical SIM. Two eSIMs active at the same time needs an iPhone 13 or later, or the iPhone SE (3rd generation).
My home line is an eSIM on an iPhone 12. Can I add a travel eSIM?
You can install it, but only one eSIM can be on at a time, so turning the travel eSIM on turns the home line off. You'll miss SMS codes to your number while it is off.
Which iPhones don't support eSIM?
iPhone X and older. Some models sold in mainland China use two physical SIM slots instead of eSIM. If Settings → Cellular shows no Add eSIM option, the phone can't take one.
How do I check my iPhone is unlocked?
Settings → General → About → Carrier Lock. It should say No SIM restrictions. Anything else means the carrier must unlock it before a travel eSIM will connect.