iPhone eSIM Compatibility: Complete Model List
Here is a comprehensive compatibility table for every iPhone model with eSIM support, from the first eSIM-capable iPhone through the current iPhone 16 lineup:
| iPhone Model | Year | eSIM | Physical SIM | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone XS / XS Max / XR | 2018 | Yes (1) | Yes (nano) | First iPhones with eSIM |
| iPhone 11 / 11 Pro / 11 Pro Max | 2019 | Yes (1) | Yes (nano) | Dual SIM: nano + eSIM |
| iPhone SE (2nd gen) | 2020 | Yes (1) | Yes (nano) | Compact form factor |
| iPhone 12 / 12 mini / 12 Pro / 12 Pro Max | 2020 | Yes (up to 8 stored) | Yes (nano) | Multi-eSIM storage added |
| iPhone 13 / 13 mini / 13 Pro / 13 Pro Max | 2021 | Yes (up to 8 stored) | Yes (nano) | Improved 5G connectivity |
| iPhone SE (3rd gen) | 2022 | Yes (up to 8 stored) | Yes (nano) | 5G support added |
| iPhone 14 / 14 Plus / 14 Pro / 14 Pro Max | 2022 | Yes (up to 8 stored) | US: None / Intl: Yes | US models eSIM-only |
| iPhone 15 / 15 Plus / 15 Pro / 15 Pro Max | 2023 | Yes (up to 8 stored) | US: None / Intl: Yes | USB-C introduced |
| iPhone 16 / 16 Plus / 16 Pro / 16 Pro Max | 2024 | Yes (up to 8 stored) | US: None / Intl: Yes | Apple Intelligence added |
In summary: if you own any iPhone released in 2018 or later, your device supports eSIM. For iPhone-specific activation guidance, also see our eSIM iPhone installation guide.
eSIM-Only iPhones: What It Means for Travellers
Starting with the iPhone 14 in the United States (and continuing through iPhone 15 and 16 US models), Apple removed the physical SIM card tray entirely. These are "eSIM-only" devices. Here is what this means practically for travellers:
What Changes on an eSIM-Only iPhone
- There is no physical nano-SIM slot on the device. You cannot insert a local SIM card purchased at a destination.
- All carrier connectivity must be handled via eSIM profiles downloaded digitally.
- You can store up to 8 eSIM profiles and switch between them from Settings.
- Two eSIMs can be active simultaneously (Dual eSIM), replacing what was previously Dual SIM (nano + eSIM).
Impact for International Travellers
For travellers who previously bought cheap local SIM cards at destination airports, eSIM-only iPhones change the workflow entirely. You must now either:
- Purchase a travel eSIM before departure and install it ahead of time (the recommended approach).
- Purchase an eSIM from a local carrier digitally after arrival (possible in most developed countries, but requires internet access to download).
- Use roaming via your home carrier's eSIM (expensive in most cases).
Option 1 - buying a travel eSIM before departure from a provider like PuraSim - is clearly the best approach. It costs less than airport kiosk options, avoids the chicken-and-egg problem of needing data to download your eSIM, and means you are connected the moment your plane lands.
How to Add eSIM on iPhone: Step-by-Step
Adding an eSIM to your iPhone takes under three minutes when you follow these steps:
- Open Settings on your iPhone.
- Tap Mobile Service (the exact name varies slightly by iOS version and region - look for the option that mentions your carrier or SIM).
- Tap Add eSIM or Add Mobile Plan. On eSIM-only iPhones, this may appear as Add Data Plan.
- Choose Use QR Code to scan your provider's QR code. Alternatively, select Enter Details Manually if your provider gives you an activation code instead of a QR code.
- Point your iPhone camera at the QR code in your confirmation email. Keep the code centred in the viewfinder until it scans automatically.
- Tap Continue on the confirmation screen. Your iPhone will display the plan name and data allowance.
- Wait for the profile to download (10-60 seconds on Wi-Fi).
- Tap Done. Your new eSIM will appear in your mobile plan list.
- Set the new eSIM as your Default Line for cellular data if using it for travel.
- If required by your provider, toggle Data Roaming on for the new eSIM line.
That is all it takes. Your iPhone is now set up with the travel eSIM and ready to connect when you arrive at your destination.
Managing Multiple eSIMs on iPhone
One of the most powerful features of iPhone eSIM is the ability to store up to 8 profiles simultaneously and switch between them without reinstalling. Here is how to manage multiple eSIMs effectively:
Labelling Your eSIM Plans
When you add each eSIM, iPhone prompts you to give it a label. Use descriptive names like "Home - AT&T", "PuraSim Europe", "Japan Trip 2026". Good labels make switching between plans obvious and error-free, especially when managing both a home SIM and multiple travel eSIMs.
Setting Default Lines
In Settings > Mobile Service (or Cellular), you can independently set:
- Default Line: Which plan handles outgoing calls by default
- Cellular Data: Which plan provides mobile data (set this to your travel eSIM when abroad)
- iMessage & FaceTime: Which number is used for Apple messaging services
Switching Active Plans
To switch which eSIM is active for data: Settings > Mobile Service > Mobile Data > select your desired plan. The switch takes effect immediately. You can toggle between your home plan and travel eSIM in seconds, which is useful when crossing back into home territory.
Deleting Stored eSIMs
If you want to remove a used travel eSIM: Settings > Mobile Service > tap the plan > Remove Mobile Plan. Note that deletion is permanent - you will need a new QR code to reinstall the same plan if it was a one-time-use profile.
Using Dual SIM on iPhone for Travel
Dual SIM is the feature that makes eSIM genuinely powerful for international travellers - it lets you run two lines simultaneously on a single iPhone:
Physical SIM + eSIM (iPhone XS through 13 series internationally)
You keep your home carrier's nano-SIM in the physical tray and add a travel eSIM. Both are active at the same time. Your home number receives calls and texts normally; your travel eSIM handles mobile data at local rates. This is the ideal setup for travellers who need to remain reachable on their home number.
Dual eSIM (iPhone 14+ US models, and some international models)
On eSIM-only iPhones, two eSIM profiles can be active simultaneously. Your home carrier eSIM handles calls, texts, and home-country data; your travel eSIM handles data at your destination. The functionality is identical to physical SIM + eSIM, just without the physical card.
Practical Dual SIM Settings
- Set your travel eSIM as the Cellular Data default to use local data rates
- Keep your home SIM/eSIM as the Default Line for calls so your home number receives incoming calls
- Enable Allow Cellular Data Switching if you want iPhone to fall back to your home plan when the travel eSIM has no signal
Common iPhone eSIM Issues and Fixes
eSIM activation on iPhone is reliable in the vast majority of cases, but here are the most common issues and how to resolve them:
Invalid QR Code
Symptom: iPhone says "Invalid QR Code" or fails to scan.
Fix: Ensure your screen brightness is high and the QR code is fully visible. Try printing the QR code or opening it on a separate device and scanning from that screen. If the code still fails, contact your eSIM provider - the code may have expired or been already used.
Activation Error / "Could Not Activate Mobile Plan"
Symptom: The QR code scans but activation fails with an error message.
Fix: Check your Wi-Fi connection is stable. Restart your iPhone and try again. Some providers require a short wait after purchase before the QR code becomes valid. If the issue persists after 15 minutes, contact your provider's support.
SIM Not Recognised / No Service
Symptom: The eSIM installs successfully but shows "No Service" in the destination country.
Fix: Check that Data Roaming is enabled for the eSIM in Settings > Mobile Service > your eSIM plan > toggle Data Roaming on. Some plans require roaming to be enabled even though the eSIM is technically a local plan. Also verify the plan has activated (some activate on a scheduled date, not immediately).
eSIM Disappears After iOS Update
Symptom: An installed eSIM profile vanishes after an iOS update or iPhone reset.
Fix: eSIM profiles can be lost during a full device restore. Always save your QR codes permanently (screenshot or print them). Contact your eSIM provider with your order details to request a new QR code for reinstallation.
Wrong APN Settings
Symptom: eSIM shows signal but data does not work.
Fix: Some eSIM providers require manual APN (Access Point Name) configuration. Check your provider's setup guide for APN details, then enter them in Settings > Mobile Service > your eSIM > Mobile Data Network.
Best Travel eSIM Plans for iPhone Users
With your iPhone's eSIM capabilities confirmed, here is what to look for in a travel eSIM plan optimised for iPhone users:
For Europe Travel
Browse PuraSim's Europe eSIM plans for coverage across 30+ countries. Plans with 10-20GB suit most two-week European trips. All plans install via standard iPhone QR code scanning - no app required.
For Worldwide Travel
For multi-destination or less common country travel, see PuraSim's international eSIM plans. These cover multiple regions under a single plan, ideal for complex itineraries.
Key Features to Prioritise for iPhone
- QR code activation: Avoid providers that require a proprietary app - native iPhone Settings activation is simpler and more reliable.
- Clear network disclosure: Know which carrier network your plan uses in each country.
- No speed throttling below 4G: Many budget unlimited plans throttle to 3G after a daily limit - check the plan specs.
- Responsive support: For eSIM-only iPhones especially, reliable support is critical since there is no physical SIM fallback.
Ready to set up your travel eSIM? Browse all PuraSim travel eSIM plans and activate before your next flight. For a general introduction to eSIM technology, see our complete eSIM guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does iPhone 13 have eSIM?
Yes. All iPhone 13 models - iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max - fully support eSIM. They use a Dual SIM configuration with one physical nano-SIM card slot and one eSIM. The iPhone 13 can store up to 8 eSIM profiles simultaneously and switch between them from Settings without any reinstallation.
How many eSIMs can iPhone hold?
iPhone can store up to 8 eSIM profiles at the same time, though only one or two can be active simultaneously depending on your model. Stored (inactive) profiles remain safely saved on the device and can be switched on at any time from Settings without needing to reinstall them. This is useful for travellers who regularly visit the same destinations and want to keep their travel eSIM profiles ready to reactivate.
How do I delete an eSIM from iPhone?
To delete an eSIM profile: go to Settings > Mobile Service (or Cellular) > tap the eSIM plan you want to remove > scroll to the bottom > tap Remove Mobile Plan > confirm deletion. Important: this action is permanent. The profile is deleted from your device's chip and cannot be recovered without a new QR code from your provider. Save your original QR codes (screenshot or print them) before deleting any eSIM.
Why isn't my iPhone eSIM working?
The most common causes are: Data Roaming is not enabled (check Settings > Mobile Service > your eSIM > Data Roaming), the eSIM is not set as the default data line, incorrect APN settings, or the plan has not yet activated (some plans activate at a scheduled date). Start by toggling Data Roaming off and on, then check with your eSIM provider whether the plan has activated and whether any APN configuration is required.
Can I use eSIM on an unlocked iPhone?
Yes. Unlocked iPhones support eSIM fully and work with any eSIM provider globally, including travel eSIM providers like PuraSim. Carrier-locked iPhones - those still on a contract or bought subsidised from a carrier - may restrict which eSIMs can be added. In most countries, carriers are legally required to unlock devices after the end of the contracted period. Contact your carrier to confirm your iPhone is unlocked before your trip.
