iPhone 16 eSIM: Compatibility, installation, and best options

Is the iPhone 16 eSIM only?

Yes, the iPhone 16 series manufactured and sold in the US only supports eSIMs, which means it lacks a physical SIM card slot. However, iPhone 16 models manufactured and sold outside of the US (such as in Japan, Germany, or France) come with a SIM slot as well as support eSIM technology. This means that you can use two mobile data plans at once — one from an eSIM, the other from a SIM card — known as dual SIM functionality. 

The iPhone 16 series includes the iPhone 16, iPhone 16e, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. 

💡 What is an eSIM? An eSIM is a digital version of a SIM card. Instead of popping a physical card into your phone, you install an eSIM on it. 

iPhone 16 eSIM support in different countries

Certain countries have restrictions on eSIMs, while iPhone 16 models sold in the United States are eSIM only. Take a look below at how iPhone 16 eSIM support varies from country to country:

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?

According to Apple, the number of eSIM profiles that can be used on the iPhone 16 series is “eight or more,” 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, or if you’re traveling abroad and need a prepaid mobile data plan. 

For more information about iPhone dual SIM functionality, read our in-depth article. 

How to install an eSIM on your iPhone 16: Three methods

As long as your iPhone is eSIM-compatible (if you have an iPhone 11 or a later model), you’ll have three options for installing an eSIM: 1) By scanning a QR code from your network provider, 2) manually entering the activation code and SM-DP+ address, or 3) by downloading an eSIM app.

Activate an eSIM plan on your iPhone 16 via 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 code sent to you by your network provider and follow the instructions on your screen.

   

Activate an eSIM plan on your iPhone 16 manually using an SM-DP+ address

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. 

   

Activate an eSIM plan on your iPhone 16 via your carrier’s app

The process of activating an eSIM plan will vary depending on your carrier. We’ll demonstrate how to activate a prepaid travel eSIM plan on your iPhone 16 from the Saily eSIM app as an example. 

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

2. Tap “Add data” and search for the destination you’re traveling to.

   

3. Choose a mobile data plan that works best for your trip and tap “Continue.”

   

4. If you’ve got a valid Saily coupon code, enter it at checkout. Next, select a payment method and buy the plan.

   

5. Once you’ve purchased your eSIM plan, tap “Activate eSIM.” Make sure you have a stable Wi-Fi connection during the installation process.

6. Follow on-screen instructions to install your eSIM.

7. Within a few minutes, your eSIM will be installed. 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.

8. To activate your Saily eSIM plan, make sure to toggle the switch beside “Turn on this line” and “Data roaming.” As long as both of these settings are enabled, your plan will activate automatically when you arrive at your travel destination.

For more information about eSIM installation and plan activation, check our in-depth guides: 

• How to install an eSIM on an iPhone 

• How to check if an eSIM is activated on your iPhone

How to transfer an eSIM to an iPhone 16

To transfer an eSIM from an old iPhone to your new iPhone 16, you’ll need to use the “Quick eSIM transfer” function. To do so: 

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 to another iPhone.

Benefits of using an eSIM on an iPhone 16

If you opt for an eSIM for your iPhone 16, you can enjoy the following benefits: 

• 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.

• Easy 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!).

Best eSIM options for the iPhone 16 series

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 in your home country, or you want affordable mobile data while you travel without having to pay international roaming fees. 

What to know about getting an eSIM from your primary carrier:

• Major carriers in the US like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile offer 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, you can check your mobile carrier’s website to see if it offers eSIM plans. 

What to know about getting an eSIM for travel: 

• The easiest way to get a prepaid travel eSIM on your iPhone 16 is through an eSIM app like Saily, which offers data plans for 200+ worldwide destinations. 

• Many eSIM providers offer data plans for single countries, regional plans for multiple countries (like an eSIM for Europe), and Global eSIM plans with coverage across every continent. 

• With Saily, you’ll only need one eSIM for all its available destinations. In other words, you’ll only have to install an eSIM once and buy as many data plans as you want in the app. 

What to do if an eSIM on your iPhone 16 is not working

Though installing an eSIM on the iPhone 16 series 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 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 from 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. 

iPhone 16 eSIM support: 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.

Further reading:

• Do iPhones have SIM cards? 

• Does the iPhone 11 support eSIMs?