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

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. 

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? (Is the iPhone 11 eSIM-compatible?)

Yes, the iPhone 11 has an eSIM. It offers you a seamless and convenient way to manage your mobile services without the need for a regular physical SIM card. Apple has included eSIM support in almost all subsequent iPhone models.

Note: iPhones from Mainland China and those from Hong Kong and Macao, except for the iPhone 13 Mini, iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone SE 2020, and iPhone XS, don’t have eSIM capability.

Does the iPhone 11 Pro have an eSIM?

Yes, the iPhone 11 Pro has an eSIM. It supports dual SIM functionality, allowing you to simultaneously operate both a physical SIM and an eSIM. 

Does the iPhone 11 Pro Max have an eSIM?

Yes, the iPhone 11 Pro Max has an eSIM. 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 to set up and activate an eSIM on the iPhone 11

To set up an eSIM on your iPhone 11, begin by confirming that you meet all the requirements for 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 to download a carrier's app.

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.

Method #1. Scan a QR code

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.”

Method #2. Enter details 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.”

Method #3. Use the carrier’s 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.

Once you add the eSIM to your iPhone 11, customize it to suit your needs:

• Label your plans with personal, business, or travel descriptors to easily distinguish them.

• Choose either the eSIM or physical SIM as your default line. Your iPhone 11 will use this line for voice calls, SMS, and mobile data.

Note: Similar or exact instructions can also be applied to set up and activate an eSIM on other eSIM-compatible iPhone devices, such as iPhone XR, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max,  iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd gen), 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 and iPhone 15 Pro Max. All these iPhone models support eSIM.

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

Before you start, ensure your carrier offers the service to convert a physical SIM to an eSIM. Then, reach out to them via their customer service line, website, or by visiting a local store. They'll happily provide you with all the specific instructions and essential details you need for a smooth transition. Typically, your carrier will provide 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.

Benefits of using an eSIM on 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:

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.

Decrease data roaming charges then traveling

For travelers, an eSIM simplifies switching to a local data plan while abroad, reducing roaming charges and improving connectivity. With an eSIM, you can keep your home country's number active for personal calls and texts while using a local carrier for mobile data services. 

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, say goodbye to the hassle of losing physical SIM cards, especially when traveling internationally. eSIMs simplify your digital life by eliminating the need for small 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. 

With an eSIM, enjoy peace of mind and uninterrupted connectivity, ensuring your online adventures are as safe as they are thrilling, no matter where your feet take you.

FAQ

Why is my eSIM not working on iPhone 11?

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. They 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 restarts 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.

How many eSIMs can be used with an iPhone 11?

Wondering how many eSIMs you can use on an iPhone 11? The iPhone 11 can store around eight eSIM profiles, depending on your carrier, but only one eSIM can be active at a time alongside one physical SIM. This setup allows for easy cellular data switching between eSIM profiles without the need for physical SIM swaps.

How do I find my eSIM number on my iPhone 11?

To find your eSIM number on your iPhone 11, navigate to “Settings” > “General” > “About.” Scroll down until you see the EID section. Your EID should be displayed here. Alternatively, simply dial *#06# to get your EID number.

How do you erase the eSIM on your iPhone 11?

If you’ve transferred the eSIM's data plan or phone number to another device, or if you plan to sell, trade in, or give away your device, you might need to erase your eSIM. To delete an eSIM from an iPhone, follow these steps:

1. Go to “Settings.”

2. Tap “Mobile service.”

3. If you have a single plan, tap “Delete eSIM.” If you have multiple plans, tap the plan you want to erase, then tap “Delete plan.”