Which iPhones support eSIM? Full list by model
Every iPhone from the XS and XR onward has an eSIM. In the US, iPhone 14 and newer have no SIM tray at all.
Photo by Andrey Matveev on Unsplash
iPhone eSIM compatibility by model
- iPhone XS, XS Max, XR: eSIM plus a physical nano-SIM. These were the first.
- iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation): eSIM plus a physical nano-SIM.
- iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max: eSIM plus a physical nano-SIM.
- iPhone 12 series: eSIM plus a physical nano-SIM.
- iPhone 13 series: eSIM plus a physical nano-SIM.
- iPhone 14 and newer: in the US, eSIM only with no SIM tray. Other countries may still sell models with a tray.
- iPhone X, 8 and older: no eSIM. Physical SIM only.
The newest iPhones follow the same rule: if you bought one in the US, assume it is eSIM only. If you are not sure about a specific model, check Apple's current tech specs for your iPhone or follow the check below.
Is the iPhone 13 eSIM compatible? Is the iPhone 12?
Yes to both. Every iPhone 13 and iPhone 12 model supports eSIM, and both still have a physical nano-SIM slot. That makes them dual SIM phones: one physical SIM and one eSIM, for example a main number on a SIM card and a cheap travel data plan on an eSIM. How many eSIMs can be active at once depends on the model and iOS version, so check Settings › Cellular on your own iPhone.
How to check if your iPhone has eSIM
- 1
Open Settings › Cellular.
- 2
Look for Add eSIM or Set Up Cellular Plan.
If you see it, your iPhone supports eSIM.
- 3
Or find the EID.
Open Settings › General › About and scroll down. An EID number means the iPhone has an eSIM chip. You can also dial *#06# and look for EID.
Regional exceptions
iPhones sold in mainland China do not have eSIM. Models sold in Hong Kong and Macau also lack it, with a few exceptions for some older models. If you bought your iPhone outside the US, such as in China or Hong Kong, check Settings › Cellular before you buy a plan. A phone bought in the US works with eSIM in most countries when you travel.
eSIM works only if the iPhone is unlocked
Supporting eSIM is only half of it. A carrier locked iPhone only accepts that carrier's plans, even if the hardware supports eSIM. Before you buy a travel or prepaid eSIM, make sure the iPhone is unlocked. Our guide to checking if your phone is unlocked shows how.
What you can do with an eSIM
- Use two numbers on one iPhone, such as personal and work.
- Add a local data plan when you travel and keep your home number for calls and texts. See using your iPhone in Europe.
- Switch carriers without waiting for a SIM card in the mail.
- Keep a backup line if your main carrier has an outage.
To set one up or move it to a new phone, read how to transfer an eSIM to a new iPhone. If your eSIM line shows Unknown number, see iPhone eSIM showing Unknown number.
Frequently asked questions
Is the iPhone 13 eSIM compatible?
Yes. All iPhone 13 models support eSIM. They also have a physical nano-SIM slot, so you can use one SIM and one eSIM.
Can an iPhone 12 use eSIM?
Yes. iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max all support eSIM alongside a physical nano-SIM.
Which iPhones are eSIM only?
In the US, iPhone 14 and every newer model have no SIM tray and use eSIM only. Models sold in other countries may still have a SIM tray.
Does the iPhone XR support eSIM?
Yes. The iPhone XR, XS and XS Max were the first iPhones with eSIM, alongside a physical nano-SIM.
Can a locked iPhone use an eSIM from another carrier?
No. A carrier locked iPhone only accepts that carrier's SIM or eSIM. The iPhone must be unlocked first.
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