iPhone · Updated April 2026
eSIM on iPhone,
done in 5 minutes.
Everything you need to set up a travel eSIM on iPhone without losing iMessage, your home number, or $200 to accidental roaming charges.
Compatibility
Every iPhone since 2018 supports eSIM.
If your iPhone is an XS or newer, you're good. Here's what each generation supports.
iPhone 17 series
Full eSIM — US models have no SIM tray
iPhone 16 / 16 Pro
Dual eSIM worldwide (two active)
iPhone 15 / 15 Pro
Dual eSIM (US) · eSIM + nano-SIM (global)
iPhone 14 series
US: eSIM-only · Rest of world: eSIM + SIM
iPhone 13 / 12 / 11
eSIM + physical SIM (all markets)
iPhone XS / XR / SE (2nd gen+)
eSIM + physical SIM supported
5-step setup
From purchase to connected.
Buy & install
Purchase the eSIM, then scan the QR (or use a one-tap activation link on iOS 17+). Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM.
Label the line
Name it "Travel" or the country name. This prevents accidentally using your home line for data abroad.
Set data to travel line
Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data → pick the travel eSIM. Leave your home line for calls/SMS only.
Turn OFF home-line roaming
Settings → Cellular → your home line → Data Roaming OFF. This is the step most people forget — and the one that costs $200.
Land & connect
Airplane mode on during flight; back off at the gate. The eSIM auto-connects within 1–2 minutes of touching the local network.
Good to know
4 iPhone-specific gotchas.
iMessage & FaceTime stay on your home number
Even with the travel eSIM as your default data line, iMessage still uses your Apple ID + home number. That's good — friends reach you normally. Just make sure Wi-Fi calling is on so you can answer over data without SMS charges.
Personal Hotspot works — usually
Most travel eSIM plans explicitly support tethering. A few budget providers block it. If your laptop can't reach Hotspot, it's the plan, not iPhone settings.
US iPhones since 14 have no SIM tray
If you buy a US iPhone 14 or newer and move abroad, you cannot insert a physical SIM — eSIM is your only option. Every major travel provider supports this; local prepaid SIMs at airports often don't yet.
8 eSIMs stored, 2 active
iPhone 13+ can store up to 8 eSIM profiles and run 2 simultaneously. Old plans sitting in Settings don't cost anything — delete only the ones you're sure you won't reuse.
Ready to add a travel line to your iPhone?
Pick a destination, compare plans from four providers in one place, and install directly from your iPhone — no QR scanning gymnastics.
FAQ
Which iPhones support eSIM?+
Every iPhone from XS, XR and SE (2nd gen) onwards supports eSIM. iPhone 13 and newer support dual eSIM (two active lines). US iPhone 14 and newer are eSIM-only with no physical SIM tray.
Can I use a travel eSIM and keep my home number?+
Yes. This is the default setup. Your home SIM (physical or eSIM) handles calls, SMS and iMessage on your regular number. The travel eSIM handles cellular data while abroad — no changes needed from anyone who has your number.
How do I install an eSIM on iPhone?+
Go to Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → Scan QR Code (or use the one-tap activation link if your provider supports it). The whole process takes about 2 minutes and you can do it before you leave home.
Do I need to remove my physical SIM to use eSIM?+
No. iPhone 13+ runs your physical SIM and an eSIM simultaneously (or two eSIMs). Both lines remain active — you choose which one handles data and which handles calls in Settings → Cellular.
Why does my iPhone eSIM show "No Service" abroad?+
Three usual suspects: (1) The eSIM line isn't enabled yet — toggle it on in Settings → Cellular. (2) Data Roaming is OFF on the travel eSIM — turn it ON (only turn it OFF on the home line). (3) The plan hasn't started yet — many providers activate on first use.