Does the iPhone 11 have an eSIM? Here’s everything you need to know about its compatibility

What is an eSIM on an iPhone?

Are you wondering what an eSIM is? An eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a type of SIM card integrated directly into an iPhone's hardware. This technology enables you to activate a cellular data plan from your carrier without needing a physical SIM card. The newest iPhones can hold up to eight or more eSIM profiles. 

iPhone 11 also has a SIM card slot, so thanks to iPhones’ dual SIM capability, you can effortlessly manage two phone numbers simultaneously. Whether juggling personal and business lines or switching carriers while traveling, the iPhone makes having more than one SIM a breeze.

Does the iPhone 11 have an eSIM?

The iPhone 11 supports eSIM technology, so you can use two SIMs at the same time — one with a physical nano-SIM and one with a digital eSIM. This is especially useful for travelers who want a local data plan without swapping out SIM cards or for anyone who wants to keep personal and work lines separate on the same device.

Setting up an eSIM is simple. You can activate it through your carrier or scan a QR code in the Settings app. However, the iPhone 11 cannot run two eSIMs at once — you can only pair one eSIM with a physical SIM.

Note: iPhone 11 models sold in Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macao do not support eSIMs.

The iPhone 11 eSIM compatibility 

The regular iPhone 11 supports eSIM technology. It has dual SIM functionality, so you can have a physical SIM and an eSIM active simultaneously on the same device.

The iPhone 11 Pro eSIM compatibility

The iPhone 11 Pro is eSIM compatible. It also supports dual SIM functionality, allowing you to simultaneously operate both a physical SIM and an eSIM. 

The iPhone 11 Pro Max eSIM compatibility

The iPhone 11 Pro Max is compatible with eSIM technology. Like other models in the iPhone 11 series, it supports dual SIM functionality, allowing you to use both a physical SIM and an eSIM simultaneously.

How many eSIMs can be used with an iPhone 11?

All iPhone 11 models — including the standard iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max — can store multiple eSIM profiles, typically around eight depending on your carrier. However, only one eSIM can be active at a time, paired with a physical nano-SIM. This means the iPhone 11 cannot have two eSIMs active simultaneously.

While you can switch between stored eSIM profiles, only one digital SIM works alongside your physical SIM at any given moment.

How to activate an eSIM on an iPhone 11

To set up an eSIM on your iPhone 11, begin by confirming that you meet all the requirements for an eSIM activation:

• Update your iPhone 11 to the latest iOS version.

• Your iPhone 11 needs to be connected to a Wi-Fi network.

• Get eSIM activation details from your carrier. These often include a QR code, an activation code, or instructions on how to download an eSIM app from the carrier.

Note: The wording of buttons and menu options may differ slightly depending on your region or device settings. Don’t worry if you see variations — just look for similar options. You can also read more on how to install an eSIM on an iPhone in another article on our blog.

Activate an eSIM on an iPhone 11 via QR code 

Most of the eSIM services will send you a QR code after you buy the plan. Here’s how to use it:

1. Navigate to “Settings” > “Mobile service” > “Add eSIM.”

2. Tap “Use QR code.”

3. Follow the instructions to scan the QR code.

4. Follow the prompts to add the eSIM to your device.

5. Tap “Done.”

Activate an eSIM on an iPhone 11 manually 

You can also activate your eSIM manually:

1. Navigate to “Settings” > “Mobile service” > “Add eSIM.”

2. Tap “Use QR code.”

3. Tap “Enter details manually” at the bottom of your iPhone screen.

4. Input the required information, including the SM-DP+ address and activation code provided by your carrier.

5. Tap “Next.”

6. When the “Cellular plan detected” notification appears, tap “Continue.”

7. Tap “Done.”

Activate an eSIM on an iPhone 11 via the carrier’s app

Here’s how to activate your eSIM via the app:

1. Download and install your carrier’s app from the App Store.

2. Open the carrier’s app and follow the instructions to set up your eSIM.

To be completely sure if you’re good to go, you can then check if your eSIM is activated on your iPhone. 

How to convert a physical SIM to an eSIM on an iPhone 11 

Before you start, ensure your carrier offers the service to convert a physical SIM to an eSIM. Then, reach out to it via its customer service line, website, or by visiting a local store. The carrier will provide you with all the specific instructions and essential details you need for a smooth transition. Typically, you will get a QR code or a digital eSIM activation card to facilitate the transition.

To convert your physical SIM to an eSIM on your iPhone 11, just follow these easy steps:

1. Navigate to “Settings” > “Mobile service.”

2. Tap “Convert to eSIM.” If this option isn’t visible, your carrier may not support it. In that case, move your phone number from your physical SIM to an eSIM through eSIM Carrier Activation or scanning a QR code.

3. Tap “Convert cellular plan,” then select “Convert to eSIM” again.

4. Wait for your eSIM to activate. Once the cellular plan on your iPhone is active, the physical SIM card will be deactivated.

5. Remove the physical SIM from your iPhone and restart the device to complete the setup.

What to do if the eSIM on an iPhone 11 is not working 

If your eSIM isn't working on your iPhone 11, try these steps to troubleshoot and resolve the issue:

• Ensure your carrier supports eSIM technology. Not all carriers offer eSIM technology, so you must confirm that your mobile service provider supports eSIMs. Usually, you can find this information on the carrier’s website or by contacting customer service for confirmation. If your current carrier doesn’t support eSIM technology, you might need to switch to a different carrier. 

• Make sure your eSIM is activated correctly. The most direct way to confirm activation is to contact your carrier. It can check the status, troubleshoot any problems, and confirm whether your eSIM is activated and correctly linked to your account.

• Restart your iPhone. Often, a simple restart can resolve any network connection issues. Restarting stops all running processes and relaunches them, clearing any temporary glitches or bugs that might be disrupting connectivity.

• Update carrier settings. Some updates are necessary to resolve compatibility issues between your network and your device. Updates can also fix bugs related to network connectivity. To check for carrier settings updates, navigate to “Settings” > “General” > “About.” 

• Reset network settings. If other fixes don’t work, reset your network settings by navigating to “Settings” > “General” > “Reset” > “Reset network settings.” This step can resolve persistent connectivity issues on your iPhone by returning all network settings to their factory defaults.

If the issue persists after following these steps, it may be related to your carrier or the eSIM profile. Contact your carrier for further assistance.

Benefits of using an eSIM on an iPhone 11

Using an eSIM on your iPhone 11 brings a host of advantages that boost the convenience, flexibility, and efficiency of managing your mobile services. Some of the most notable benefits of an eSIM include:

• You get dual SIM for double convenience. The standout feature of the iPhone 11 is its dual SIM functionality, which blends an eSIM with a traditional physical SIM card slot. This innovative setup allows you to manage two different phone plans from two providers at the same time. You’ll find this feature invaluable if you need a personal and business number on a single device.

• Helps you decrease data roaming charges when traveling. For travelers, an eSIM simplifies switching to a local data plan while abroad, reducing roaming charges and improving connectivity. With dual SIM, you can keep your home country's number active for personal calls and texts on your SIM line while using an eSIM line for local mobile data services. 

• It’s secure and reliable anywhere you go. With no physical component to misplace or steal, eSIMs drastically cut down the risk of SIM-swapping attacks. Also, you can forget worries of losing physical SIM cards. eSIMs simplify your digital life by eliminating the need for physical cards — everything you need is stored digitally and securely.

Moreover, consistent and reliable internet access is a traveler's best friend, yet it's not always within reach. While you might find a coffee shop with open Wi-Fi, the potential security risks of unsecured networks can be a concern. With an eSIM, you can securely and instantly connect to the internet anywhere you go without depending on potentially unsafe public Wi-Fi networks.