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Which iPhones support eSIM?
Two things have to be true before any travel eSIM will work: your phone needs eSIM hardware, and it needs to be carrier-unlocked. Both are quick to check.
Supported iPhone models
eSIM support starts with the iPhone XR and XS generation. Every iPhone released since then supports it.
- iPhone XR, XS, XS Max
- iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
- iPhone 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17 families, and iPhone Air — all models, including mini, Pro and Plus
- iPhone SE — 3rd generation only (2022)
Two exceptions that catch people out. The iPhone X does not support eSIM — the XS does, and the names are one letter apart. And the iPhone SE 2nd generation (2020) does not support eSIM either, despite being a recent phone running current software; Apple lists SE 2nd generation and earlier as nano-SIM only.
Some models have no SIM tray at all and can only use an eSIM: iPhone 14, 15 and 16 bought in the United States, and iPhone 17, 17e, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max and iPhone Air bought in the United States, US Virgin Islands, Canada, Mexico, Japan, Guam, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar or Oman. In mainland China only iPhone 17e and iPhone Air support eSIM. Model list from Apple, published 2 July 2026.
Not sure which model you have? Run the ten-second check →
You do not need an app to buy one — here is the browser route →
Checking in 10 seconds
- Open Settings → Cellular.
- If Add eSIM (or Add Cellular Plan) appears, the hardware is there.
- Then check Settings → General → About — if Carrier Lock says "No SIM restrictions", you're unlocked and ready.
Compatibility questions
How do I check if my iPhone supports eSIM?
Open Settings → Cellular. If you see an option to add an eSIM or a second line, your device supports it. You can also dial *#06# — an EID number in the results means the phone has eSIM hardware.
Does iPhone X support eSIM?
No. Apple lists the iPhone X as nano-SIM only. The iPhone XS does support eSIM, and because the names are one letter apart this is the most common mix-up on the topic.
Does iPhone SE support eSIM?
Only the 3rd generation, from 2022. Apple lists iPhone SE 2nd generation and earlier as nano-SIM only, so the 2020 SE cannot use a travel eSIM even though it still runs current software.
What does carrier-unlocked mean?
It means your phone is not restricted to one network. Phones bought on contract are sometimes locked until the contract ends. Your carrier can confirm and unlock it, usually free.
Does Num work on Android?
Num is currently an iPhone app. Many Android phones support eSIM, but the app is iOS-only for now.
Does it work on iPad or Apple Watch?
Num's plans are data plans intended for iPhone. Cellular iPads support eSIM, but the app and its install flow are built for iPhone.