Is My iPhone eSIM compatible?

You're probably here because you've heard about eSIMs and wondered if your trusty iPhone can handle one.

Maybe you're fed up with swapping tiny plastic SIM cards like it's 2010.

Or perhaps you're just tired of paying through the nose for roaming charges every time you pop over to Dublin or Barcelona for the weekend.

Is My iPhone eSIM Compatible?

Well, you're in luck. eSIMs are becoming the go-to choice for savvy travellers across the UK and Ireland.

Which means no more hunting for SIM card shops in unfamiliar airports or trying to explain your data needs in broken Spanish.

It's 2025 and it's about time our phones got with the times.

Are iPhones eSIM Compatible? A 2025 Guide for Holidaymakers from the UK and Ireland 

Adobe Free Stock / Leszek Czerwonka

Let's start with the good news. Most modern iPhones are eSIM compatible. But it's not quite that simple.

This guide will walk you through exactly which iPhone models support eSIM technology, how to check if yours does and most importantly, how to make the most of your iPhone while travelling around Europe and beyond.

Whether you're a seasoned jet-setter or someone who considers a trip to Edinburgh going abroad, we've got you covered.

What Is an eSIM and How Can It Change the Way You Travel?

Think of an eSIM for iPhone as a digital SIM card that lives inside your phone.

No physical card to lose down the back of your sofa or on the floor of a busy airport.

Instead of fumbling around with a paperclip at 6am in Gatwick trying to swap SIM cards, you simply download your eSIM plan straight to your phone. Job done.

You can even have multiple eSIMs stored on your device and switch between them as needed.

Fancy using your UK number for calls and a local data plan for scrolling through TikTok? No problem.

The benefits speak for themselve - no more shock eye-watering roaming charges.

No more panic when you realise you've left your SIM card tool at home. And if you're the type who loses everything, you'll love that there's nothing physical to misplace.

Travellers from the UK and Ireland are increasingly ditching physical SIM cards for eSIMs. And it's no wonder really.

It's convenient, it's clever and it's one less thing to worry about when you're trying to navigate the airport queue with three suitcases.

Are iPhones eSIM Compatible in 2025?

Adobe Free Stock / Kaspars Grinvalds

Here's the thing; most newer iPhones support eSIM technology, but some older models don't. It depends on which model you've got and where you bought it.

If you've got a relatively recent iPhone (iPhone XR and newer), you're probably in the clear. But there are a few exceptions.

For example, devices bought in mainland China often don't support eSIM at all.

The good news? If you bought your iPhone in the UK or anywhere in the EU, it's almost certainly eSIM-friendly. Just double-check if you picked up a second-hand device or bought it abroad.

eSIM Compatible iPhones (Updated 2025 List)

Ok, here's the full list of iPhone models that support eSIM technology:

• iPhone 16
• iPhone 16e
• iPhone 16 Plus
• iPhone 16 Pro
• iPhone 16 Pro Max
• iPhone 15
• iPhone 15 Plus
• iPhone 15 Pro
• iPhone 15 Pro Max
• iPhone 14
• iPhone 14 Plus
• iPhone 14 Pro
• iPhone 14 Pro Max
• iPhone 13
• iPhone 13 Mini
• iPhone 13 Pro
• iPhone 13 Pro
• iPhone 13 Pro Max
• iPhone 12
• iPhone 12 Mini
• iPhone 12 Pro
• iPhone 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 11
• iPhone 11 Pro
• iPhone 11 Pro Max
• iPhone XS
• iPhone XS Max
• iPhone XR
• iPhone SE (2020 and 2022)

Important note: iPhones bought in mainland China typically don't support eSIM, regardless of model. If you've got a Chinese iPhone, you're stuck with physical SIMs for now.

When in doubt, check Airalo's regularly updated device compatibility list or follow the steps below to test your specific phone.

How to Check if Your iPhone Supports eSIM

Here are three quick ways to check if your iPhone supports eSIM:

Method 1:

Go to Settings > Mobile Data (or Cellular on some versions). Look for an option that says "Add eSIM" or "Add Mobile Plan". If it's there, you're in the clear.

Method 2:

Open your phone app and dial *#06#. If you see an EID number (it'll be 32 digits long), your phone supports eSIM. No EID? No eSIM.

Method 3:

Tap Settings > General > About and scroll down to EID. If there's a number there, you're in business.

Still not sure? Check Airalo's regularly updated list of eSIM-compatible phones on our website.

How to Install an eSIM on iPhones

Adobe Free Stock / vita

Installing an Airalo eSIM on your iPhone is surprisingly straightforward. Here's how to do it:

1. Purchase your eSIM via the Airalo website or app. Make sure your iPhone is unlocked and eSIM-compatible first. There's nothing worse than buying something you can't use.
2. Get on a stable Wi-Fi connection. You'll need it for the installation.
3. Open the Airalo app and go to "My eSIMs" and select the eSIM you just bought. It should be sitting there waiting for you. Tap 'View Instructions'.
4. You'll get three options: Direct, Manual, or QR code install. (For this example, we’ll go with the Direct method.) Choose 'Direct' and then tap 'Install eSIM'.
5. Airalo will guide you through iPhone's eSIM installation screens. When prompted, tap 'Continue', then 'Done'.
6. Give your eSIM plan a name like 'Airalo Japan' or 'Holiday Data'. This helps when you're switching between plans later.
7. Go to Settings > Mobile Data (or 'Cellular') > [Your Airalo eSIM] > toggle 'Turn On This Line' to on.
8. Check if you need to enable data roaming on your device. (You can find this information on the Airalo app under 'View Instructions'.)
9. If you need to enable data roaming, head back to your Settings, tap on your eSIM and toggle ;Data Roaming' to on. (Yes, it says roaming, but it won't cost you extra.)

That's it. Your eSIM will activate when you arrive at your destination or when your plan starts.

What If My iPhone Doesn't Support eSIM Technology?

Got an older iPhone that doesn't support eSIM technology? Don't panic. You've got options.

1. Use a physical travel SIM: Not ideal, but it works. You'll still save money compared to roaming charges.
2. Carry a second phone: A bit inconvenient, but some people swear by having a dedicated travel phone.
3. Upgrade your device: If you're due an upgrade anyway, now might be the perfect time to get an eSIM-compatible iPhone.

Bonus Travel Tips for iPhone Users

About to jet off somewhere exciting? Here are a few travel-friendly iPhone features you might not know about.

Emergency SOS and Medical ID

Set up emergency contacts and medical information for quick access even when your phone's locked. Brilliant peace of mind when you're abroad. You can access Medical ID using the Health app on your iPhone. Activate Emergency SOS calls by holding the side button and volume button.

Adobe Free Stock / Prostock-studio

Offline Maps

Download maps before you travel. Your eSIM data is precious, and you don't want to waste it trying to navigate narrow streets.

Low Power Mode

Squeeze extra hours from your battery when you're out exploring all day. Essential for those 15-hour city walking tours you probably shouldn't have signed up for. Go to Settings and then Battery then select to optimise charging and usage options.

Find My Phone

Make sure this is set up before you travel. Losing your phone abroad is bad enough without having no way to track it down.

Adobe Free Stock / Farknot Architect

Where to Get a Travel eSIM for Your iPhone

If you've made it this far, you probably want to get your hands on an eSIM.

Lucky for you, Airalo offers eSIMs for over 200 destinations worldwide.

Ready to ditch those plastic SIM cards for good? Check out our range of travel eSIMs and start your next adventure connected from day one.

Explore eSIMs from Airalo here.

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