Every iPhone from the XS (2018) onward supports eSIM, and the iPhone 14 and later models sold in the US are eSIM-only — no physical SIM tray at all. This guide covers the complete process of setting up a travel eSIM on any compatible iPhone, from installation through activation to managing dual SIM settings.
Compatible iPhone models
All of these iPhones support eSIM: iPhone XS, XS Max, XR, 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max, 12 mini, 12, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max, SE (2020), 13 mini, 13, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max, SE (2022), 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max, 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max, and all newer models. iPhones 14 and later (US models) support two eSIM profiles simultaneously with no physical SIM. International models support one eSIM plus one physical SIM.
Important: carrier-locked iPhones may not accept third-party eSIMs. If you bought your iPhone through a carrier on a payment plan, contact them to confirm eSIM is unlocked for other providers. See our full compatibility list for details.
How to install a travel eSIM on iPhone
Step 1: Purchase your eSIM plan. Download the app for your chosen provider — Airalo, Yesim, Saily, or Drimsim. Browse by destination, select a plan, and complete payment. You will receive a QR code.
Step 2: Scan the QR code. Go to Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM (or Add Cellular Plan on older iOS versions). Select "Use QR Code" and scan the code from your provider's app or email. Your iPhone will download the eSIM profile — this requires WiFi or an existing data connection.
Step 3: Label your plans. iOS will ask you to label each cellular plan. Label your home SIM "Home" or "Personal" and your travel eSIM with the destination name (e.g., "Japan Travel"). This makes it easy to identify which plan is which.
Step 4: Set default lines. Under Settings → Cellular, you can choose which plan handles calls, messages, and data independently. For travel: set your travel eSIM as the "Cellular Data" line and keep your home SIM for calls and messages.
Step 5: Activate at your destination. When you arrive, go to Settings → Cellular → your travel eSIM → toggle on "Turn On This Line." Data should connect within 1–5 minutes. If not, toggle airplane mode on and off.
Managing dual SIM on iPhone
iOS makes dual SIM management straightforward. Under Settings → Cellular, you see both plans listed. You can independently control which plan is used for cellular data, default voice, and iMessage/FaceTime. For travel, the optimal setup is: travel eSIM for data, home SIM for voice and messages. This way you receive calls and texts on your home number while using affordable travel data.
To avoid roaming charges on your home SIM, go to Settings → Cellular → your home SIM → turn off Data Roaming. This prevents your home carrier from charging for any data that might leak through the physical SIM. See our dual SIM guide for advanced configuration.
Troubleshooting iPhone eSIM issues
eSIM won't activate: Toggle airplane mode on/off. If that does not work, restart your iPhone. Ensure you are in an area with coverage for the eSIM's carrier. No data after activation: Check that your travel eSIM is set as the cellular data line under Settings → Cellular. Also verify that data roaming is enabled on the travel eSIM plan. QR code won't scan: Ensure the QR code is displayed clearly — try expanding it on your screen. You can also enter the activation details manually using the SM-DP+ address provided by your eSIM provider. Cannot add eSIM: Your iPhone may be carrier-locked. Contact your home carrier to unlock it.
For more solutions, see our complete troubleshooting guide.
Removing a travel eSIM after your trip
Once your trip is over, you can remove the eSIM profile: Settings → Cellular → select the travel eSIM → Remove Cellular Plan. This completely deletes the profile. Note that this cannot be undone — if you need to use the plan again, you would need to purchase a new one. If your plan has unused data, keep it installed until it expires. See our eSIM deletion guide.
Install your eSIM before departure — it takes 5 minutes.
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