iPhone 16 eSIM: Compatibility, installation, and best options

Is the iPhone 16 series eSIM only?

You heard it right — iPhone 16s manufactured and sold in the US are eSIM only, meaning that they lack a physical SIM card slot. This includes the iPhone 16, the iPhone 16e, the iPhone 16 Plus, the iPhone 16 Pro, and the iPhone 16 Pro Max. However, iPhone 16s manufactured and sold outside of the US (such as Japan, Germany, France, or elsewhere) come with a SIM tray and support eSIM technology. This means that you can use two mobile data plans at once — one from an eSIM, another from a SIM card — known as dual SIM functionality. 

Unsure about whether your iPhone model supports eSIMs? Check out Saily’s updated list of eSIM-compatible phones.  

How many eSIMs can you use on the iPhone 16 series?

Curious about the number of eSIMs that can be used on an iPhone 16? According to Apple, the iPhone 16 series can store “eight or more” eSIM profiles, but only two can be active at once (known as dual eSIM functionality). This dual eSIM feature comes in handy when you want to use two separate phone numbers to receive calls from either number at any given time. That way, you can close that big business deal … right after you’ve let your mom know that you’ve landed safely.  

Is it better to get a physical SIM card or an eSIM for your iPhone 16?

If your iPhone 16 has been manufactured outside of the US, you’ll have the option of using an eSIM, a SIM card, or both at once. Choosing between an eSIM vs. a physical SIM card for your iPhone 16 comes down to what’s most convenient for you. While each SIM option offers benefits, we’re on team eSIM all the way — especially if you’re looking for convenient internet access on a trip. 

But before jumping the gun, let’s explore the advantages of eSIMs vs. physical SIMs.

Advantages of getting an eSIM on an iPhone 16

If you go with an eSIM for your iPhone 16, you can enjoy benefits like: 

• More convenience for international travel. If you’re traveling internationally and want to avoid sky-high roaming charges, you won’t need to spend time and effort searching for a physical SIM card when you arrive. Instead, you can purchase a mobile data plan from an eSIM app and install an eSIM in a couple of minutes.

• Easily switching between plans. If you have a SIM card, you’ll have to physically take it out if you want to switch between your data plans. With an eSIM, you just go to “Settings,” then “Mobile service” or “Cellular” (depending on your iPhone’s language settings). Under your list of SIM profiles, find your eSIM and toggle the switch beside “Turn on this line.” Easy peasy!

• No risk of losing, damaging, or having an eSIM stolen. Since an eSIM is a virtual SIM card, there’s nothing to actually lose or damage (except if you lose your phone, of course!).

Advantages of getting a physical SIM card on an iPhone 16

In some cases, sticking with a SIM card for your iPhone 16 might be a better option — for example: 

• iPhone 16s manufactured and sold in China won’t support eSIMs. If you’ve purchased an iPhone 16 in China, your phone won’t support eSIMs and you’ll only have the option to use a physical SIM. 

• Switching SIM cards is easier than transferring an eSIM to a new device. Inserting a physical SIM into a new phone or tablet requires fewer steps than transferring an eSIM between devices via “eSIM Quick Transfer.” 

Best eSIM options for the iPhone 16 series: At home vs. abroad

If you want an eSIM for your iPhone 16, you’re likely in one of two situations — either you’re looking for a digital version of the SIM card you use at home, or you want affordable mobile data while you travel without having to enable your roaming and pay a shockingly high bill. Let’s take a look at your best options for getting an eSIM to use at home vs. while you travel. 

A local eSIM from your primary carrier

The world’s gone digital, and SIM cards are no exception — major carriers in the US like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile offer “local” eSIMs to use with your regular cellular data plans. If your iPhone 16 only supports eSIMs and lacks a SIM tray, your primary carrier can hook you up with an eSIM when you purchase your phone. Many carriers will also let you switch from a SIM to an eSIM, but some exceptions may apply. If you’re outside of the US, check your network provider’s website to see if they offer eSIM plans. 

A travel eSIM from the Saily eSIM app

Saily is a fantastic option for iPhone 16 users planning to use a travel eSIM on their next trip. If you want reliable mobile data without racking up your international roaming bill, you can find flexible and affordable plans on the Saily eSIM app. 

Saily offers plans in 200+ destinations around the world, with options ranging from 1 GB to unlimited data.* If you’re looking to hit multiple countries, you can opt for a regional plan with an eSIM for Europe, or globe-trotters can enjoy one of Saily’s Global eSIM plans. 

What makes Saily so convenient is that you’ll only need one eSIM for all its available destinations. In other words, you’ll only have to install an eSIM one time and buy as many data plans as you want in the app. 

Switching on your international roaming is painful, and searching for a local SIM card is a hassle. If you want a stable internet connection from local networks while you travel, Saily’s a great choice. 

*Unlimited data plans are only available in select destinations. 

Now that we’ve covered your eSIM options, the next step is learning how to install an eSIM on your iPhone 16 series.

How to install an eSIM on your iPhone 16 series

You’ll have four options for installing an eSIM on your iPhone 16: 1) by scanning a QR code from your network provider, 2) by manually entering the activation code and SM-DP+ address, 3) by transferring an eSIM from your old device to your new iPhone, or 4) by downloading a third-party eSIM app. 

To install an eSIM on your iPhone 16 from a QR code:

1. Make sure you’re connected to a stable Wi-Fi network. Next, go to “Settings,” then “Mobile service” or “Cellular” (depending on your region and iPhone’s language settings).  

2. Under your list of SIMs, tap “Add eSIM.”

3. Select “Use QR code.”

4. Scan the QR sent to you by your network provider and follow the instructions on your screen.

To manually install an eSIM on your iPhone 16 using an SM-DP+ address and activation code:

1. Go to “Settings,” then “Mobile service” or “Cellular” (depending on your region and iPhone’s language settings).  

2. Under your list of SIMs, tap “Add eSIM.”

3. Select “Enter details manually” at the bottom of the screen. 

4. Enter the SM-DP+ address and activation code sent to you by your network provider. Some providers also require a confirmation code. 

To use “eSIM Quick Transfer” on your iPhone 16:

1. Go to “Settings,” then “Mobile service” or “Cellular” (depending on your region and iPhone’s language settings). 

2. Choose the mobile data plan you’d like to transfer from another iPhone. If you can’t find your plan, tap “Transfer from nearby iPhone.” This will only work if both devices have iOS 16 or later.

3. Check for instructions on your previous iPhone to confirm the transfer. Here, you’ll either tap “Transfer” or need to enter an activation code, which can be found on your new iPhone. 

4. Wait until your eSIM has been transferred. Once it’s activated on your new iPhone, it’ll be deactivated on your old one. 

If you receive instructions on your new iPhone to “Finish setting up your carrier’s cellular plan,” tap it to proceed. This will direct you to your carrier’s website and you may need to contact customer support to guide you. 

For more details, check out our in-depth guide on how to transfer an eSIM onto another iPhone.

To install an eSIM on your iPhone 16 from the Saily eSIM app:

1. Download the Saily eSIM app and log in or sign up.

2. Tap “Explore plans” and search for the destination you’re traveling to.

3. Choose a mobile data plan that works best for your trip and go to checkout.

4. Once you’ve purchased your eSIM plan, tap “Install eSIM.” Make sure you have a stable Wi-Fi connection while installing your eSIM. 

5. You’ll be redirected to a pop-up in your settings. When asked about activating your new eSIM, tap “Allow.” When you get another prompt to activate your eSIM from 1GLOBAL, select “Continue.” 

6. Within a few minutes, your eSIM will be installed — tap “Done.” You’ll be redirected to your list of SIM profiles. The default label for your new eSIM might be “Primary,” but we suggest labeling the eSIM or SIM card you use at home as “Primary,” and renaming your travel eSIM. 

7. Ensure that the switch beside “Turn on this line” and “Data roaming” are both on for your mobile data plan. If both of these settings are enabled, your plan will activate automatically when you arrive at your travel destination. 

To check if the eSIM is activated on your iPhone, go to “Settings,” and then “Mobile service” or “Cellular” (depending on your language settings). Here, you’ll see a list of your SIM profiles — select the eSIM you’ve just installed. Make sure you’ve turned on your eSIM by toggling the switch beside “Turn on this line” and that the switch beside “Data roaming” is on. 

Check out our detailed guide on how to install an eSIM on an iPhone.

Troubleshooting for when an eSIM is not working on your iPhone 16

Though installing an eSIM on your iPhone 16 (including 16e, Plus, Pro, or Pro Max) should be straightforward, you may encounter some hiccups along the way. If an eSIM is not working on your iPhone 16, the culprits could be:  

• Carrier compatibility issues.

• Outdated iOS versions.

• eSIM account issues.

If you’re stuck on how to set up an eSIM on your iPhone 16 series:

1. Make sure that your phone has no carrier locks. Some network carriers lock phones to their cellular network. You can check if your iPhone is unlocked by going to “Settings” > “General” > “About.” If you see “No SIM restrictions” next to “Network provider lock”, yipee! Your phone is unlocked and you can follow the next steps to get an eSIM. However, if you see “SIM locked,” you’ll need to contact your carrier to unlock your iPhone. 

2. Ensure that you’ve only scanned your QR code once. Many QR codes provided by a network provider can only be scanned once, unless otherwise specified. 

3. Confirm that your iPhone 16 supports eSIMs. As long as your iPhone has been manufactured and purchased outside of China, it should support eSIMs. You can double-check by going to the “Settings” app, then to “Mobile service” or “Cellular” (depending on your iPhone’s language settings). Here, you’ll see a list of your SIM profiles. If you can find the “Add eSIM” button at the bottom of the list, your iPhone 16 will support eSIM technology. 

4. Make sure your iOS version is up to date. If you’re having trouble with setting up an eSIM on your iPhone 16, outdated software might be the culprit. Staying up-to-date with the latest OS update is also important if you want to transfer an eSIM via “eSIM Quick Transfer” from an older iPhone model. 

5. Check the payment method on your eSIM app. If you’ve purchased an eSIM plan through an eSIM app, missing or incorrect details in your account may be what’s stopping installation. 

6. Try restarting your iPhone 16. The tried and true solution to IT issues: restarting your device. It’s worth a shot if all else fails. 

If absolutely nothing works, you can reach out to Apple support or your network carrier, or — if you’ve gotten an eSIM from a service like Saily — contact its customer support. 

The iPhone 16 series and eSIMs: Final takeaways

If you want to get an eSIM on your iPhone 16 (including the 16e, Plus, Pro, or Pro Max), here’s what you’ll want to know: 

• The iPhone 16 series manufactured in the US is eSIM only. If your iPhone 16 has been manufactured outside the US and China, it’ll support eSIMs and come with a physical SIM card slot as well. 

• You can get an eSIM at home or while you travel — whether it’s a digital version of the SIM card you use at home with your primary carrier or a travel eSIM to avoid steep roaming charges. 

• eSIMs are more convenient than SIM cards for travelers. Instead of hunting for a SIM card after you land, find mobile data plans by downloading an eSIM app and install a travel eSIM in just a few taps.  

• You can install an eSIM on your iPhone 16 through a QR code sent by your network provider, by transferring an eSIM from another iPhone, by manually entering an SM-DP+ address and activation code, or through an eSIM app like Saily.