Every iPhone from the XS onward supports eSIM. This guide covers setup for every model, from scanning a QR code to managing dual SIM lines for travel.
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Compatibility
| Model | eSIM Support |
|---|---|
| iPhone 16 / 16 Pro / 16 Pro Max | eSIM-only (US) / eSIM + nano-SIM (intl) |
| iPhone 15 / 15 Pro / 15 Pro Max | eSIM-only (US) / eSIM + nano-SIM (intl) |
| iPhone 14 / 14 Pro / 14 Pro Max | eSIM-only (US) / eSIM + nano-SIM (intl) |
| iPhone 13 / 13 Pro / 13 mini | eSIM + nano-SIM |
| iPhone 12 / 12 Pro / 12 mini | eSIM + nano-SIM |
| iPhone 11 / 11 Pro / 11 Pro Max | eSIM + nano-SIM |
| iPhone XS / XS Max / XR | eSIM + nano-SIM |
Setup
Do this on Wi-Fi at home before your trip. The entire process takes under 2 minutes.
Go to Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan (or Add eSIM on iOS 17+).
Point your camera at the QR code from your eSIM provider. The phone detects and loads the profile automatically.
Name it something like 'Travel Data' so you can identify it easily. Choose it as your default data line.
When you land, go to Settings > Cellular and set the travel line as your primary data. Enable Data Roaming for the travel line only.
Every eSIM-capable iPhone supports dual SIM, which means running two cellular lines at the same time. For travelers, this is the key feature: you keep your home carrier active on one line for calls and texts, and add a travel eSIM on the second line purely for data. When you arrive at your destination, set the travel line as your default data line, enable data roaming on the travel line only, and your phone connects to a local network while your home number stays reachable.
On US iPhone 14 and newer models, both lines are eSIM (there is no physical SIM tray). On all other eSIM-capable iPhones, one line is physical SIM and the other is eSIM. The result is the same: two active lines, one for home and one for travel.
Install before you fly. Set up the eSIM on Wi-Fi at home, label it clearly, and leave it inactive until you land. This way you arrive connected without fumbling with QR codes at the airport.
Turn off data roaming on your home line. Only enable data roaming on the travel eSIM line. This prevents accidental roaming charges on your home carrier.
Check carrier lock status. Your iPhone must be carrier-unlocked to add a third-party eSIM. If you bought directly from Apple, it is already unlocked. If you bought from a carrier, contact them to confirm.
QR code not scanning: Make sure you are on Wi-Fi. Try entering the activation details manually under Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan > Enter Details Manually.
No data after landing: Check that the travel line is set as your default data line and that data roaming is enabled for that line specifically. Restart your phone if the network does not appear within a minute.
Cannot add eSIM: Your phone may be carrier-locked or may have reached its eSIM profile limit. Contact your home carrier to unlock, or delete an unused eSIM profile to make room.
FAQ
Every iPhone from the XS (2018) onward supports eSIM. The iPhone 14 and newer models sold in the US are eSIM-only with no physical SIM tray. International models still have one physical SIM slot plus eSIM support.
iPhone 13 and newer can store up to 8 eSIM profiles and have 2 active at once. iPhone XS through 12 can store multiple profiles but activate only one eSIM at a time alongside the physical SIM.
Yes, on all eSIM-capable iPhones except US iPhone 14 and newer (which have no physical SIM tray). You run your home carrier on one line and your travel eSIM on the other. Set the travel eSIM as your default data line when abroad.
Your iPhone must be carrier-unlocked to use a third-party travel eSIM. Most iPhones bought directly from Apple are unlocked. Carrier-locked phones need to be unlocked by your carrier before adding a travel eSIM.
Yes, and we recommend it. Install the eSIM over Wi-Fi at home, label it Travel Data, and leave it inactive until you land. Then set it as your default data line and you connect instantly.
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