eSIM for iPhone

Which iPhone models have eSIM, how to check yours and how to install the data eSIM for your trip.

Which models have eSIM

Indicative list, pending a model-by-model review against official sources. The check that counts is the one on your own phone, a little further down.

Have it

iPhone XR
iPhone XS
iPhone XS Max
iPhone 11
iPhone 11 Pro
iPhone 11 Pro Max
iPhone SE (2020)
iPhone SE (2022)
iPhone 12
iPhone 12 mini
iPhone 12 Pro
iPhone 12 Pro Max
iPhone 13
iPhone 13 mini
iPhone 13 Pro
iPhone 13 Pro Max
iPhone 14
iPhone 14 Plus
iPhone 14 Pro
iPhone 14 Pro Max
iPhone 15
iPhone 15 Plus
iPhone 15 Pro
iPhone 15 Pro Max
iPhone 16
iPhone 16 Plus
iPhone 16 Pro
iPhone 16 Pro Max
iPhone 16e
iPhone 17
iPhone Air
iPhone 17 Pro
iPhone 17 Pro Max

Don’t have it

iPhone X
iPhone 8
iPhone 8 Plus
iPhone 7
iPhone 7 Plus
iPhone SE (2016)
iPhone 6s
iPhone 6s Plus

If your model isn’t here, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have one: check on your phone.

How to check on your phone

Dial *#06# on the phone keypad. If a number called EID appears on screen, your phone has eSIM.

It also has to be unlocked. A phone bought on a contract may be locked to other carriers: if that’s your case, ask for it to be unlocked before you travel.

How to install it

Open the purchase email on another screen: your QR code is inside.
On the iPhone, go to Settings → Mobile Data and tap Add eSIM.
Choose Use QR Code and point the camera at the QR code in the email.

The full steps, with the usual errors, are in the installation guide for iPhone.

Frequently asked questions

Does my iPhone have eSIM?

From the iPhone XR and XS onwards, yes, according to our indicative list. The sure way to know is to dial *#06# and look for the EID.

Can I have my SIM and the eSIM at the same time?

Yes. Your usual line stays on the iPhone and the travel eSIM is a second line, for data only.

Does it have to be unlocked?

Yes. An iPhone locked to one carrier won’t accept another carrier’s eSIM: ask for it to be unlocked before you travel.