esim-vs-google-fi
Travel eSIM providers offer data in 150-200 countries from $3.00/GB. Google Fi covers 200+ countries at $10/GB after the plan limit. eSIM providers cost less for short trips. Google Fi works better for US residents who want one plan at home and abroad. HelloRoam scores 8.6/10 in our comparison matrix.
esim-for-apple-watch
Apple Watch Series 3 and later support eSIM for cellular connectivity. Travel eSIM providers do not support Apple Watch directly. Apple Watch eSIM requires a carrier plan (AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, EE, Vodafone). Number sharing with your iPhone plan costs $5-10/month.
esim-not-working
eSIM not working: 1) enable data roaming in settings, 2) verify your device supports eSIM (iPhone XS or later, most 2020+ Android phones), 3) check carrier coverage in your area, 4) toggle airplane mode on and off, 5) reset network settings. Contact your eSIM provider if activation fails.
iPhone eSIM guide · 2026
eSIM Compatible iPhones
Every iPhone model with eSIM support, from the XS (2018) through the iPhone 16 series (2024). Includes dual eSIM capability, stored profile limits, and US eSIM-only models.
Full list
Every eSIM-compatible iPhone
| Model | Year | Dual eSIM | eSIM Only (US) |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 16 Pro Max | 2024 | Yes | Yes |
| iPhone 16 Pro | 2024 | Yes | Yes |
| iPhone 16 Plus | 2024 | Yes | Yes |
| iPhone 16 | 2024 | Yes | Yes |
| iPhone 15 Pro Max | 2023 | Yes | Yes |
| iPhone 15 Pro | 2023 | Yes | Yes |
| iPhone 15 Plus | 2023 | Yes | Yes |
| iPhone 15 | 2023 | Yes | Yes |
| iPhone 14 Pro Max | 2022 | Yes | Yes |
| iPhone 14 Pro | 2022 | Yes | Yes |
| iPhone 14 Plus | 2022 | Yes | Yes |
| iPhone 14 | 2022 | Yes | Yes |
| iPhone SE (3rd gen) | 2022 | Yes | No |
| iPhone 13 Pro Max | 2021 | Yes | No |
| iPhone 13 Pro | 2021 | Yes | No |
| iPhone 13 mini | 2021 | Yes | No |
| iPhone 13 | 2021 | Yes | No |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | 2020 | Yes | No |
| iPhone 12 Pro | 2020 | Yes | No |
| iPhone 12 mini | 2020 | Yes | No |
| iPhone 12 | 2020 | Yes | No |
| iPhone SE (2nd gen) | 2020 | No | No |
| iPhone 11 Pro Max | 2019 | No | No |
| iPhone 11 Pro | 2019 | No | No |
| iPhone 11 | 2019 | No | No |
| iPhone XS Max | 2018 | No | No |
| iPhone XS | 2018 | No | No |
| iPhone XR | 2018 | No | No |
Setup
How to add a travel eSIM on iPhone
- 01
Open Settings
Go to Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan (or Add eSIM on iOS 17+).
- 02
Scan QR code
Use your camera to scan the QR code from your eSIM provider. The plan downloads automatically.
- 03
Label your plan
Give the eSIM a label like 'Travel Data' to distinguish it from your primary line.
- 04
Set as data line
Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data and select your travel eSIM as the active data line.
FAQ
iPhone eSIM FAQ
Which iPhones support eSIM?
Which iPhones support eSIM?
Every iPhone from the XS (2018) onward supports eSIM. That includes all iPhone XS, XR, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 series models and the SE 2nd and 3rd generation.
Which iPhones are eSIM-only (no SIM tray)?
Which iPhones are eSIM-only (no SIM tray)?
iPhone 14 and later models sold in the United States have no physical SIM tray and are eSIM-only. Models sold outside the US still include a nano-SIM tray alongside eSIM support.
Can an iPhone have two eSIMs active at once?
Can an iPhone have two eSIMs active at once?
Yes. iPhone 13 and later support Dual eSIM Dual Standby, meaning two eSIM profiles can be active simultaneously. Older models (XS through 12) support one eSIM plus one physical SIM.
How many eSIM profiles can an iPhone store?
How many eSIM profiles can an iPhone store?
iPhone 15 and 16 series can store up to 20 eSIM profiles. iPhone 13 and 14 series can store up to 8. Only 2 can be active at any given time.
Does my iPhone need to be unlocked for a travel eSIM?
Does my iPhone need to be unlocked for a travel eSIM?
Yes. Your iPhone must be carrier-unlocked. If you bought it directly from Apple or paid off your contract, it is likely already unlocked. Contact your carrier to confirm.