iPhone 17 eSIM: Compatibility and setup guide

Does an iPhone 17 support eSIMs?

All iPhone 17 models (iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and iPhone 17 Air) support eSIM technology. You can activate a cellular plan without a physical card, change carriers directly from your phone, and use two numbers at once.

Apple started phasing out physical SIM cards with the iPhone 14. The iPhone 17 lineup pushes this further:

• eSIM-only in the US, Canada, Japan, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and select other countries.

• Dual SIM (nano-SIM + eSIM) in Europe and most international markets

• No eSIM in mainland China (nano-SIM only, except for the iPhone Air)

The iPhone 17 Air model is eSIM-only everywhere, including China. It’s the first iPhone to fully support eSIM in all countries. Apple ditched the SIM tray to slim the device down to just 5.6mm and free up internal space. 

iPhone 17 models and eSIM support by region

In the US, your new iPhone 17 won’t have a physical SIM card slot because it doesn’t need one. But eSIM-only availability isn’t universal. In Europe and most other regions, Apple still includes a physical SIM tray alongside eSIM support. In China (except for the Air), it’s nano-SIM only.

Let’s see how eSIM availability varies by model and region.

Why eSIM-only models have better battery life

Removing the physical SIM tray gives Apple more room inside the phone to add a slightly larger battery, improve internal airflow and thermal design, and enhance water resistance.

The result is measurable. The eSIM-only iPhone 17 models get up to two extra hours of battery life compared to dual-SIM tray versions. This is especially noticeable on the larger Pro and Pro Max.

For reference, here are the main hardware variants:

• A3258 – eSIM-only (US)

• A3520 – dual SIM (international)

• A3519 – nano-SIM only (China)

How many eSIMs does the iPhone 17 support?

The iPhone 17 can store up to eight eSIM profiles, but you can only use two at the same time. That means you can keep multiple plans saved (say, one for home, one for travel, and others for different carriers) and switch between them when needed.

Depending on your model, you can run:

• Two active eSIMs (iPhone dual eSIM)

• One eSIM + one nano SIM (if your phone still has a SIM tray)

Each eSIM takes up internal storage space and needs to be managed separately, but switching between them is quick and doesn’t require restarting the device.

For more details, you can read: 

• How many eSIMs can an iPhone have?

• How does a dual SIM work?

Benefits of using an eSIM on an iPhone 17

If you’re new to the concept, iPhones with an eSIM offer a more flexible and secure way to manage mobile connectivity. The benefits of an eSIM include:

• Instant setup. You can just connect without visiting a store or waiting for a SIM card.

• Seamless connectivity for travelers. An eSIM lets you activate a mobile data plan the minute you land in a new country. There’s no need to look for kiosks or fumble with local SIMs. 

• Fewer physical risks. Without a SIM tray, there’s nothing to remove, clone, or tamper with. eSIM also helps reduce the risk of SIM swap scams.

• Multiple profiles in one device. You can store several eSIMs (like for work, personal use, or different countries) and switch between them in your settings. If you travel regularly, a regional eSIM plan will save you from having to deal with multiple SIMs.

• Better deals abroad. It’s easier to compare and move between local plans, which helps avoid roaming fees.

An eSIM vs. a physical SIM on an iPhone 17

If you’re weighing an eSIM vs. a physical SIM, the difference mostly comes down to convenience, flexibility, and how you use your phone, especially when traveling or managing multiple numbers.

An eSIM is more convenient if your carrier supports it, especially for travel or changing plans frequently. Physical cards still offer broader compatibility, particularly in countries where eSIM adoption is limited.

An iPhone 17 vs. iPhone 16: What changed with eSIMs? 

Apple first dropped the SIM tray in the US with the iPhone 14. That setup stayed the same through the iPhone 15 and 16: eSIM-only in the US, but most other regions still had access to dual SIM (nano SIM + eSIM).

With the iPhone 17, Apple pushes eSIM adoption further. eSIM-only models are now sold not just in the US, but also in Canada, Japan, Mexico, and several Gulf countries. And for the first time, Apple released a fully eSIM-only device worldwide: the iPhone 17 Air. It even supports eSIM in mainland China, thanks to new carrier agreements, most notably with China Unicom.

On top of that, eSIM-only iPhones enjoy better battery endurance due to the space saved by removing the SIM tray.

Looking for how eSIM works on earlier models? Check out our guides:

• iPhone 11 eSIM

• iPhone 13 eSIM

• iPhone 15 eSIM

• iPhone 16 eSIM

How to install an eSIM on an iPhone 17

Setting up an eSIM on an iPhone 17 is straightforward. You’re adding a mobile plan directly through your phone’s settings. You can use a QR code, enter details manually, or install it through your carrier’s app. Most users find the app method the fastest, especially with providers like Saily.

Before you start:

• Check if the iPhone is unlocked.

• Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network.

• Have your QR code or activation details ready.

• Confirm that your carrier supports eSIMs.

Note: If you’re moving from another iPhone, you may also see a Quick Transfer option, which lets you transfer your eSIM wirelessly during setup.

Install an eSIM using a QR code

This is one of the most common methods and works with most major carriers:

1. Open the Settings app and tap "Cellular" or "Mobile service" (depending on your region).

2. Tap "Add eSIM" or "Add cellular plan."

3. Choose "Use QR code."

4. Scan the QR code provided by your carrier.

5. Follow the onscreen instructions.

6. Label the plan (like "Travel," "Personal," or "Work").

7. Set it as your primary or secondary line.

8. If you’re abroad, enable data roaming under "Cellular"/"Mobile service" settings.

For more details, follow our full guide on how to install eSIM on an iPhone.

Once you’ve completed the setup, make sure to check if the eSIM is activated by going to "Settings" > "Cellular/Mobile service" and verifying that your new plan is listed with signal bars. If not, try toggling airplane mode or restarting your phone. If it still doesn’t activate, contact your carrier.

Install an eSIM manually

If your carrier didn’t provide a QR code, you can still set up your eSIM by entering the details manually:

1. Go to "Settings" > "Cellular" or "Mobile service."

2. Tap "Add eSIM" or "Add cellular plan."

3. Choose "Enter details manually."

4. Enter the SM-DP+ address and activation code from your carrier.

5. Tap "Continue" and wait for the plan to be added.

Install an eSIM with the carrier’s app 

If your carrier supports it, using its app is usually the fastest way to install an eSIM. 

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

2. Open the app and follow the prompts to activate your eSIM.

For travel, Saily is a reliable option that works seamlessly with the iPhone 17. It’s designed for fast setup and global coverage — perfect if you want to avoid roaming charges or fiddling with local SIM cards.

Download the Saily eSIM app and enjoy:

• Easy setup in just a few taps.

• Coverage in over 200 countries.

• Flexible eSIM plans for all destinations.

• No roaming fees.

• Instant activation.

• Security features.

• Hotspot support for sharing data with other devices.

• 24/7 customer support.

• Access to the Saily Ultra plan, which includes unlimited data in 110+ destinations and many additional perks.

Troubleshooting eSIM issues on an iPhone 17

Most of the time, eSIM activation takes just a few minutes. If something doesn’t go as expected, follow these tips to fix the most common problems.

• eSIM won’t activate: Double-check your Wi‑Fi connection, make sure your iPhone is unlocked, and verify that your QR code or activation code hasn’t expired.

• No signal or service: Toggle airplane mode on and off. If that doesn’t help, restart your phone and check that data roaming is turned on (especially when abroad).

• "Add eSIM" option not showing: Check that your iPhone 17 model supports eSIM (some regional versions don’t) and install the latest iOS updates.

• The eSIM disappeared after an update: You may need to reinstall the eSIM using the original QR code or activation method.

• Carrier says an eSIM isn’t supported: Confirm that your iPhone model is compatible and that the carrier actually supports eSIM for your region or plan.

Still stuck? Our full guide breaks it down step by step: iPhone eSIM not working.

Wrap up: Should you use an eSIM on an iPhone 17?

If you’re using an iPhone 17, chances are you’ll be using eSIM by default, especially if you’re in a country where Apple no longer includes a SIM tray. In any case, it’s worth getting comfortable with how eSIMs work.

An eSIM is easy to set up, more secure than a physical SIM, and removes the hassle of tracking down local SIM plans when traveling. Apps like Saily make it easy to manage your eSIM directly on your phone, which is useful if you travel frequently or want more control over your mobile plan without a store visit.

Planning a trip? Download the eSIM app and get connected the moment you arrive.