When it comes to how many eSIMs your iPhone can have, your device relies on a single built-in chip that can store eight or more digital profiles at once. If you have an iPhone 13 or newer, you can keep two eSIM plans active at once, while older models support one active eSIM plan at a time.
For model-specific features, setup steps, and carrier rules, check out the dedicated guides for the iPhone 17 eSIM, iPhone 16 eSIM, iPhone 15 eSIM, iPhone 13 eSIM, and iPhone 11 eSIM compatibility.
Regional differences in eSIM compatibility on iPhones
Whether your iPhone relies strictly on an eSIM, uses a dual physical SIM tray, or combines one physical card with an eSIM also depends on where you bought your phone. If you got an iPhone 14 or newer in the US, your device has no physical SIM tray — Apple dropped it in favor of an eSIM-only design. In most other regions, you get a hybrid setup featuring both a physical SIM slot and eSIM technology.
Most iPhones purchased in mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macao don’t support eSIM technology at all, featuring a tray for two physical SIM cards instead. The global exception is the iPhone Air, which relies exclusively on digital SIMs worldwide no matter where it’s sold.
Which iPad models support using an eSIM?
In addition to iPhones, several cellular iPad models also support eSIM technology so you can connect to mobile data on a bigger screen while traveling:
iPad Pro 11-inch (all generations)
iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation or later)
iPad Air (3rd generation or later)
iPad (7th generation or later)
iPad mini (5th generation or later)
You can add an eSIM plan directly from your settings the same way you would on your iPhone. Regional models can differ, so if your tablet doesn’t show an “Add eSIM” option in the “Mobile service” or “Cellular” sections of your settings, contact your carrier to confirm compatibility and activation options.
Which iPhones do not have an eSIM?
Apple first added eSIM support in 2018, with the iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max. If you’re using an earlier model, you’ll need to stick with a physical SIM card.
iPhone X
iPhone 8 and 8 Plus
iPhone 7 and 7 Plus
iPhone 6s and 6s Plus
iPhone 6 and 6 Plus
iPhone SE (1st generation)
iPhone 5s, 5c, 5, and earlier
Older models handle mobile data just as well without an eSIM. Physical nano-SIMs provide the same dependable connection, and changing carriers is simply a matter of swapping cards. If you want a refresher on how SIM trays, card sizes, and activation have evolved on the iPhone, start with our article on iPhones and SIM cards. It explains why SIM cards kept shrinking and what that means for today’s phones.
Thinking about an upgrade because you want two lines or more readily available travel data? That’s where the eSIM shines. From iPhone XR onward, you can add data plans digitally, and on newer models, you can run two eSIM plans at once or use a SIM card with an eSIM profile. The Saily guide to iPhone’s dual SIM functionality explains how dual-line setups work and which combinations each generation supports.
How to check if your iPhone supports eSIM technology
Not every iPhone model has the same features, and depending on where your phone was originally purchased, it might lack eSIM support entirely. The quickest way to find out if your device supports eSIM technology is to verify your settings. In most cases, you can tell by looking for an option to add a cellular plan or by checking your model number. If nothing shows up, your iPhone might be a carrier-specific version or an older model. When in doubt, contact your carrier to confirm whether an eSIM setup is available for your device and network.
Method 1: Check your part number
Your iPhone’s model number reveals where the device was originally sold, which tells you its specific eSIM capabilities. To check yours, go to “Settings” > “General” > “About.” Note the part number. Its suffix reveals the sales region: “CH/A” means the device was made to be sold in mainland China, while “LL/A” means it was made for the US.
Method 2: Check model number
In the same “About” section, tap “Model number” once to reveal the “A” number (for example, A2644). This is the hardware variant and is useful when you look up detailed compatibility lists.
Method 3: Dial a code
Another option is dialing *#06#, and if an EID number appears alongside your IMEI numbers, that means your iPhone has eSIM support.
You can also open “Settings” and tap “Cellular” or “Mobile service.” If you don’t see an option to “Add eSIM” or “Add cellular plan,” your device doesn’t support eSIM technology.
Method 4: Confirm that your device is unlocked
To use a travel eSIM, your iPhone needs to be fully unlocked from your home network. Check your status by going to “Settings” > “General” > “About.” As long as “Carrier lock” shows “No SIM restrictions,” you can add any digital plan you like.
How to check if your carrier supports using an eSIM on an iPhone
Even if your iPhone supports eSIM technology, your carrier ultimately determines whether you can use digital plans. If you can’t get connected, the issue might simply be that your network provider does not offer eSIM support yet.
Check if your carrier supports eSIM technology by visiting its website, opening its official app, or contacting customer support. If you’re traveling, a Saily eSIM plan is a dependable alternative that works on any eSIM-compatible iPhone.
Major US carriers
If you live in the US, your network most likely supports eSIM technology. With major carriers and dozens of smaller networks, you can activate your eSIM line automatically at checkout, by scanning a QR code, or by transferring your plan from your old iPhone. Major networks include:
AT&T.
T-Mobile USA.
Verizon Wireless.
Major UK carriers
UK mobile networks now generally support eSIM technology, so you can get connected in minutes with a QR scan or an app download. This makes it easy to set up new plans or activate prepaid data without handling a physical SIM card. Key carriers include:
Major Australian carriers
Get an eSIM data plan for Australia ahead of your trip to connect across the country’s main mobile networks, including:
Major Canadian carriers
With eSIM technology now widespread across Canadian mobile networks, getting connected no longer requires a physical card. You can download a digital profile to your iPhone through the following major carriers or their prepaid digital subsidiaries:
How to set up an eSIM profile on a compatible iPhone
Setting up an eSIM profile and checking if an eSIM is activated on your iPhone takes just a few taps in your device’s settings. Before you begin, you need an unlocked iPhone, a carrier or eSIM provider that supports eSIM technology, and a Wi-Fi connection for the download. If you’re unsure about the lock status, you can quickly check if your iPhone is unlocked.
Carrier activation. Your carrier can activate your eSIM plan through a prompt during device setup or inside “Settings,” where you can follow the steps and choose which line handles calls, texts, and data.
QR code or manual entry. Set up an eSIM line by going to “Settings” > “Cellular” > “Add eSIM” to scan the QR code provided in your carrier’s app or confirmation email. Alternatively, select manual entry to input details like your SM-DP+ address and activation code.
eSIM quick transfer. Keep both iPhones nearby and use the transfer option during setup or later in “Settings” > “Cellular” to copy your existing eSIM over Bluetooth.
For screenshots and a full walkthrough, see the Saily guide on how to install an eSIM on an iPhone.
What to do if your eSIM profile isn’t working
Fixing an eSIM profile on an iPhone comes down to identifying where the process stalled — during setup, activation, or initial connection:
eSIM plan not activating. If the setup screen hangs on “Activating,” restart your phone or turn on airplane mode for a few seconds.
eSIM option missing in the settings. If you don’t see this setting, your device may not support eSIMs or might need an iOS update.
Carrier-locked iPhone. Because a locked phone blocks outside profiles, you’ll need to contact your provider to release the restriction.
No service after activation. You might need to turn on data roaming or select the right network manually in your settings.
eSIM plan not downloading. When an eSIM line can’t be added on an iPhone, a weak Wi-Fi connection is often the cause. Connect to a stronger network and try scanning the code again.
How many eSIM profiles can an iPhone store?
Think of eSIM profiles like apps stored on your phone. Most iPhones can store eight or more profiles side by side. You can keep a home line, a travel plan, and a work line saved, then switch in “Settings” > “Cellular” or “Mobile service” when you need them. Storing multiple plans is one thing — how many you can run at once is another.
How many eSIMs your iPhone can have stored depends on the specific model. On the iPhone 13 and newer, you can have two active eSIM profiles at once. That means two digital lines with no card in the tray. On earlier models the iPhone XR, XS, 11, 12, and SE (2nd gen), you can use one active eSIM profile alongside one physical nano-SIM. You can still save multiple eSIM profiles on those phones by switching which one is active when you travel or change carriers.
eSIM vs. physical SIM: Which is better for an iPhone?
An eSIM offers convenience because you can switch carriers or buy travel plans without waiting for a plastic card to ship or lining up at the airport. While you may be used to traditional SIMs , they require a tiny tool to swap out, making the chip easy to drop or lose. An eSIM does the same job, but the digital profile activates instantly. Which setup works best for you depends on your travel habits and how your phone is built.
Deciding between an eSIM vs. a physical SIM comes down to your phone model and your travel style. eSIM profiles offer speed and multi-line flexibility, whereas physical SIMs make sense if your carrier lacks digital support or you move your card often.
The best eSIM for an iPhone: The Saily eSIM app
The Saily eSIM app makes managing travel data easy. It combines reliable connections with built-in security features like ad blocking and web protection. All you do is download the app, pick your destination, and activate a plan directly on your iPhone — no physical cards or store visits required. It works on all eSIM-compatible iPhones, from iPhone XS onward, and plays nicely with other Apple devices that support eSIM technology.
Learning how to add an eSIM to your iPhone takes just a few steps. Download the Saily eSIM app, browse the Saily eSIM plans by destination, and choose the right data package for your trip. You can activate the line directly inside the app or use your camera to scan the QR code you received. Your new line appears in “Settings,” where you control when to turn it on.
With the Saily eSIM app, you get predictable travel costs and a fast eSIM setup on your iPhone. You keep your primary number, add local data, and move on with your trip. Ready to try it? Download the Saily eSIM app and set up your first plan today!
