Apple eSIM Complete Guide: Devices, Countries & Settings

Apple has been steadily moving toward eSIM technology, and with the iPhone 17 series, more countries than ever are getting eSIM-only devices. This guide covers everything you need to know about Apple eSIM compatibility, which countries sell eSIM-only iPhones, and essential iOS settings to manage your lines effectively.

eSIM-Compatible Apple Devices

iPhones

All iPhone models from iPhone XS onwards support eSIM technology:

iPhone XS, XS Max, XR (2018+)
iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max
iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max
iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max
iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max
iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max
iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, 17 Air

Key Point: iPhones can store up to 8 eSIMs and use 2 lines simultaneously (Dual SIM).

iPads (Wi-Fi + Cellular Models)

The following iPad models with cellular connectivity support eSIM:

iPad Pro (3rd generation and later, 11-inch and 12.9-inch)
iPad Air (3rd generation and later)
iPad (7th generation and later)
iPad mini (5th generation and later)
iPad Pro (M4) - eSIM only
iPad Air (M2) - eSIM only

Apple Watch

All cellular-enabled Apple Watch models support eSIM. However, activation requires your carrier to offer multi-device service (often called NumberShare or similar).

Important Exceptions

China mainland: Most iPhones and iPads do NOT support eSIM (except iPhone Air)
MacBooks and iMacs: Currently do NOT support eSIM technology
Wi-Fi only iPads: No cellular capability, therefore no eSIM support

eSIM-Only Countries: Where Physical SIM Trays Are Gone

iPhone 14, 15, 16, 17 (Standard/Pro/Pro Max Models)

These iPhone models are sold as eSIM-only (no physical SIM tray) in the following 12 countries and regions:

Region	Countries
North America	United States, Canada, Mexico, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands
Asia	Japan
Middle East	Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates

iPhone 17 Air

The ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air is eSIM-only WORLDWIDE, including China mainland (sold exclusively through China Unicom).

Rest of World

All other regions including Europe, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, South America, and most of Asia still receive iPhone models with both eSIM support AND a physical nano-SIM tray.

China Exception: Regular iPhones sold in mainland China support nano-SIM only (no eSIM), except for the iPhone Air model.

Why Apple Removed the Physical SIM Tray

Apple's shift to eSIM-only devices offers several advantages:

Larger battery capacity: Removing the SIM tray freed internal space, providing up to 2 hours additional video playback time
Enhanced security: eSIMs cannot be physically removed if your device is lost or stolen
Travel flexibility: Instantly switch carriers digitally without swapping physical cards
Easier activation: No need to visit stores or wait for SIM cards to arrive by mail
Environmental benefits: Eliminates plastic SIM cards and packaging

Essential iOS eSIM Management Tips

1. Setting Up Your Default Lines

After installing an eSIM (especially for travel), you need to configure which line handles calls, texts, and data.

Go to Settings > Cellular:

Cellular Data: Choose which line uses mobile data
Default Voice Line: Choose which number makes and receives calls by default
Allow Cellular Data Switching: Toggle ON to use either line's data depending on coverage

2. Keep Your Main Line for SMS/Calls While Using Travel eSIM for Data

This is the most common setup for travelers: use your travel eSIM for data while keeping your home line active for calls and SMS.

Configuration steps:

Go to Settings > Cellular
Enable both lines (toggle ON for both your primary and travel eSIM)
Tap Cellular Data and select your travel eSIM
Tap Default Voice Line and select your primary/home number
Turn ON "Allow Cellular Data Switching" to receive calls on your primary line even while using the travel eSIM for data

Important: If you want to avoid roaming charges on your primary line, turn OFF Data Roaming for that line in Settings > Cellular > [Primary Line] > Data Roaming.

3. Configure iMessage & FaceTime Properly

When using dual SIMs, you need to specify which number appears to your contacts in iMessage and FaceTime.

For iMessage:

Go to Settings > Messages > Send & Receive
Check that your primary phone number is selected
Under "Start New Conversations From," ensure it shows your primary number

For FaceTime:

Go to Settings > FaceTime
Under "Caller ID," select your primary number

Pro Tip: Turn OFF "Send as SMS" in Settings > Messages to prevent accidentally sending SMS messages (which may incur charges) when iMessage isn't available.

4. Label Your Lines Clearly

Giving your cellular lines descriptive names makes it much easier to identify which line you're using.

Go to Settings > Cellular
Tap on each line
Choose "Cellular Plan Label"
Rename to something clear like "Primary," "Travel," "Work," or "Personal"

5. Manage Data Roaming Carefully

Data roaming settings need to be configured separately for each line:

For your primary/home line: Turn OFF Data Roaming to avoid expensive roaming charges
For your travel eSIM: May need Data Roaming ON (check with your eSIM provider)

Check at: Settings > Cellular > [Line Name] > Data Roaming

6. Quick Toggle Between Lines in Control Center

You can quickly check which lines are active without diving into Settings:

Pull down from top-right corner (or swipe up on older iPhones) to open Control Center
Long press the cellular icon
See which lines are active for calls, texts, and data

7. Starting New Messages on Specific Lines

When sending a new message, you can choose which line to use:

Open the Messages app
Tap New Message
Enter contact name
Tap the number shown at the top
Select which line to use for this conversation

Note: Once a conversation starts on one line, you cannot switch it to another line. You would need to delete the conversation and start fresh.

8. Removing or Deactivating an eSIM

When you no longer need a travel eSIM or want to remove a line:

Go to Settings > Cellular
Tap the eSIM you want to remove
Choose "Remove Cellular Plan" (permanently deletes) or "Turn Off This Line" (temporarily disables)

Travel tip: With iOS 26, your iPhone can automatically turn off travel eSIMs when you return home and reactivate your primary SIM.

Troubleshooting Common eSIM Issues

iMessage Showing Green Bubbles Instead of Blue?

Verify that Settings > Messages > Send & Receive has your primary number checked
Ensure cellular data or Wi-Fi is active
Wait up to 24 hours after eSIM installation for iMessage to fully activate
Restart your iPhone

Can't Receive Calls on One Line?

Enable Wi-Fi Calling for both lines (Settings > Cellular > [Line] > Wi-Fi Calling)
Turn ON "Allow Cellular Data Switching"
Ensure both lines are enabled (not just one)

eSIM Won't Activate?

Requires Wi-Fi connection in most countries (some eSIM-only regions allow activation without Wi-Fi)
Wait 24-48 hours for full activation
Ensure your device is unlocked (not carrier-locked)
Contact your carrier for a new QR code if issues persist
Restart your device after installation

Visual Voicemail Not Working on One Line?

If Data Roaming is enabled on the line selected for Cellular Data, Visual Voicemail and MMS may be disabled on your other line. Check your Data Roaming settings for both lines.

How to Activate an eSIM: Five Methods

Method	Description	Best For
eSIM Carrier Activation	Automatic during purchase from carrier or Apple	New devices purchased from carriers
QR Code	Scan code from carrier (Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM)	Most travel eSIMs and new plans
Carrier App	Download carrier's app and follow setup instructions	Carriers with dedicated apps
eSIM Quick Transfer	Transfer from old iPhone during setup or in Settings	Upgrading to new iPhone
Manual Entry	Enter SM-DP+ address and activation code manually	When QR code isn't available

Key Takeaways

↖︎ eSIM available on iPhone XS and all later models
↖︎ Can store up to 8 eSIMs, use 2 simultaneously
↖︎ 12 countries now sell eSIM-only iPhone 14/15/16/17 models
↖︎ iPhone 17 Air is the first globally eSIM-only Apple device
↖︎ Always set "Default Voice Line" to your primary number to keep calls and SMS working properly
↖︎ Use travel eSIM for data while keeping home line for voice
↖︎ Label your lines clearly for easy management
↖︎ Turn OFF Data Roaming on your primary line to avoid unexpected charges when traveling

Pro Tip: Before traveling, purchase and install your travel eSIM at home while connected to Wi-Fi. It's faster and easier than trying to set up at the airport with unreliable connections!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use two eSIMs from different carriers at the same time?

Yes! Your iPhone must be unlocked, then you can use two eSIMs from different carriers simultaneously. One can be for data and the other for calls/SMS, or both can be active for everything.

What happens to my eSIM if I factory reset my iPhone?

Factory reset will erase your eSIM. Make sure to contact your carrier before resetting to ensure you can reinstall it afterward, or use eSIM Quick Transfer if moving to a new device.

Can I share my cellular data from an eSIM using Personal Hotspot?

Yes, Personal Hotspot uses whichever line is selected for Cellular Data. Just make sure your eSIM plan allows hotspot/tethering.

Do eSIMs work while traveling internationally?

Absolutely! This is one of the biggest advantages. You can purchase local or regional eSIM plans from providers like Airalo, Holafly, or Nomad and activate them instantly without finding a SIM card vendor.

Can I transfer my physical SIM to an eSIM on the same iPhone?

Yes, if your carrier supports it. Go to Settings > Cellular > Convert to eSIM. Not all carriers offer this feature, so check with yours first.