Setting up an eSIM on your iPhone takes less than five minutes — but only if you know exactly where to tap. Whether you just bought an iPhone 16 Pro Max or you’re dusting off an iPhone XS for travel, this guide walks you through every method, every model, and every edge case.

Quick Answer: Which iPhones Support eSIM?

Every iPhone released since 2018 supports eSIM. Here is the complete list:

• iPhone 16 series (16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max) — 2 eSIMs + 1 nano-SIM
• iPhone Air — eSIM-only (no physical SIM tray)
• iPhone 15 series (15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max) — 2 eSIMs + 1 nano-SIM
• iPhone 14 series (US models) — eSIM-only (no physical SIM tray)
• iPhone 14 series (non-US) — 1 eSIM + 1 nano-SIM
• iPhone SE (3rd generation, 2022) — 1 eSIM + 1 nano-SIM
• iPhone 13 series — 2 eSIMs + 1 nano-SIM (iOS 16+ required for dual eSIM)
• iPhone 12 series — 2 eSIMs + 1 nano-SIM (iOS 16+ required for dual eSIM)
• iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max — 1 eSIM + 1 nano-SIM
• iPhone XS, XS Max, XR — 1 eSIM + 1 nano-SIM
• iPhone SE (2nd generation, 2020) — 1 eSIM + 1 nano-SIM

Not supported: iPhone X, iPhone 8, iPhone 7, and all earlier models do not support eSIM.

iPhone eSIM Support Table

Model	eSIM Slots	Nano-SIM Slot	Max Stored eSIM Profiles	Dual SIM Config	Notes
iPhone 16 Pro Max / Pro	2	1	8+	eSIM + eSIM or eSIM + nano-SIM	International version
iPhone 16 / 16 Plus	2	1	8+	eSIM + eSIM or eSIM + nano-SIM	International version
iPhone Air	2	0	8+	eSIM + eSIM	eSIM-only, no SIM tray
iPhone 15 Pro Max / Pro	2	1	8+	eSIM + eSIM or eSIM + nano-SIM
iPhone 15 / 15 Plus	2	1	8+	eSIM + eSIM or eSIM + nano-SIM
iPhone 14 (US)	2	0	8+	eSIM + eSIM	US-only, no SIM tray
iPhone 14 (non-US)	1	1	8+	eSIM + nano-SIM
iPhone SE 3 (2022)	1	1	8+	eSIM + nano-SIM
iPhone 13 series	2*	1	8+	eSIM + eSIM or eSIM + nano-SIM	*Dual eSIM requires iOS 16+
iPhone 12 series	2*	1	8+	eSIM + eSIM or eSIM + nano-SIM	*Dual eSIM requires iOS 16+
iPhone 11 series	1	1	5+	eSIM + nano-SIM
iPhone XS / XS Max / XR	1	1	5+	eSIM + nano-SIM
iPhone SE 2 (2020)	1	1	5+	eSIM + nano-SIM

Key insight: You can store 8 or more eSIM profiles on newer iPhones, but only 2 lines can be active simultaneously. Think of it like having 8 SIM cards in a drawer — you pick which two to use at any time.

Step-by-Step: Add eSIM to iPhone

There are four ways to add an eSIM to your iPhone. The method you use depends on what your eSIM provider gives you.

Method 1: Scan a QR Code (Most Common)

This is the method used by most travel eSIM providers like Airalo, Holafly, and Saily.

What you need: A QR code from your eSIM provider (displayed on screen or printed).

1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
2. Tap Cellular (or Mobile Data in some regions).
3. Tap Add eSIM or Add Cellular Plan.
4. Tap Use QR Code.
5. Point your iPhone camera at the QR code. Your iPhone will detect it automatically.
6. When the carrier plan details appear, tap Continue.
7. Wait for the activation to complete (usually 1-3 minutes).
8. Label your new line (e.g., “Travel”, “Data Only”, “Japan Trip”).
9. Choose your default line settings (see Dual SIM section below).

Pro tip: If you are scanning a QR code from your own phone screen, take a screenshot and open it in Photos. Then go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Use QR Code, and your iPhone can scan QR codes from saved photos (iOS 17+).

Method 2: Use an Activation Link (iOS 17+)

Many eSIM providers now send activation links that open directly in Settings. This is the fastest method.

What you need: An activation link (usually received via email or in-app).

1. Tap the activation link on your iPhone. It will open Settings automatically.
2. Review the carrier plan details.
3. Tap Continue to confirm.
4. Wait for activation (1-2 minutes).
5. Label and configure your new line.

Note: This method requires iOS 17 or later. If you are on an older iOS version, ask your provider for a QR code instead.

Method 3: Manual Entry (SM-DP+ Address)

If the QR code will not scan or you only received text credentials, you can enter the details manually.

What you need: An SM-DP+ address and an activation code from your provider.

1. Open Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM.
2. Tap Use QR Code.
3. At the bottom of the scanning screen, tap Enter Details Manually.
4. Enter the SM-DP+ Address (looks like: smdp.example.com).
5. Enter the Activation Code (a long alphanumeric string).
6. If provided, enter the Confirmation Code.
7. Tap Next and wait for activation.

When to use this: Manual entry is a reliable fallback when QR codes fail due to screen glare, low resolution, or remote setup where you cannot physically scan.

Method 4: eSIM Carrier Activation (Carrier App)

Some carriers allow you to activate an eSIM directly through their own app.

What you need: The carrier’s official app installed on your iPhone.

1. Download your carrier’s app from the App Store.
2. Log in or create an account.
3. Navigate to the eSIM activation section.
4. Follow the in-app instructions.
5. When prompted, confirm the cellular plan in Settings.

Supported carriers vary by region. In the US, carriers like T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T support this method. Check your carrier’s website for compatibility.

Setting Up Dual SIM on iPhone

Once you have added an eSIM, your iPhone can use two lines simultaneously. Here is how to configure them properly.

Label Your Lines

Give each line a clear label so you know which is which.

1. Go to Settings > Cellular.
2. Tap on a phone number.
3. Tap Cellular Plan Label.
4. Choose a preset label (Travel, Personal, Business) or tap Custom Label to create your own.

Recommended labels for travelers:

Scenario	Line 1 Label	Line 2 Label
Home + Travel	”Home” or “Personal"	"Travel” or destination name
Work + Personal	”Work"	"Personal”
Voice + Data	”Calls"	"Data Only”

Choose Default Lines

Your iPhone needs to know which line to use for different tasks.

• Default Voice Line: Used for outgoing calls and SMS. Set this to your home number if you want to keep your regular phone number active.
• Default Data Line: Used for internet access. Set this to your travel eSIM for the fastest local data.
• iMessage & FaceTime: Choose which number to associate with iMessage. You can select both.

How to configure:

1. Go to Settings > Cellular.
2. Tap Default Voice Line — select your preferred line for calls.
3. Tap Cellular Data — select which line handles internet traffic.
4. Toggle Allow Cellular Data Switching ON if you want your iPhone to automatically use the other line when your primary data line has no signal.

Switch Data Between Lines

When traveling, you typically want to keep your home SIM for calls/SMS but route all data through your travel eSIM.

1. Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data.
2. Select your travel eSIM line.
3. Optional: Turn on Allow Cellular Data Switching for automatic fallback.

Important: If you enable “Allow Cellular Data Switching,” your iPhone may use your home line for data when the travel line has poor signal. This could result in roaming charges. Disable it if you want strict control.

Tips & Tricks

Store Multiple eSIM Profiles

Modern iPhones can store 8 to 10 eSIM profiles simultaneously, even though only 2 can be active at once. This is perfect for frequent travelers.

• Before your trip: Purchase and install the eSIM, but do not activate data yet.
• When you arrive: Go to Settings > Cellular, tap the travel eSIM, and toggle it on.
• After your trip: Toggle it off. The profile stays for your next visit.

You effectively build a “library” of eSIMs for countries you visit regularly — no need to repurchase each time if your plan has not expired.

Quick Switch Between eSIMs

To rapidly switch your active data line:

1. Open Control Center (swipe down from top-right).
2. Press and hold the Cellular Data icon (the antenna icon).
3. You will see your available lines — tap to switch instantly.

On iOS 18 and later, you can also add a Cellular Data toggle to your Control Center for one-tap switching.

eSIM Quick Transfer (iPhone to iPhone)

Upgrading to a new iPhone? You can transfer your eSIM without contacting your carrier.

1. On your new iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM.
2. If your old iPhone is nearby and on the same Apple ID, you will see an option: Transfer from Nearby iPhone.
3. Follow the on-screen prompts on both devices.
4. The eSIM will deactivate on your old iPhone and activate on the new one.

Requirements: Both iPhones must be on iOS 16 or later, signed into the same Apple ID, with Bluetooth enabled. Not all carriers support eSIM Quick Transfer — check with your carrier if the option does not appear.

Check eSIM Lock Status

Before buying a travel eSIM, make sure your iPhone is unlocked:

1. Go to Settings > General > About.
2. Scroll to Carrier Lock or SIM Lock.
3. It should say No SIM restrictions or SIM Unlocked.

If your iPhone is carrier-locked, contact your carrier to unlock it before using a third-party eSIM.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many eSIMs can I install on my iPhone?

You can store 8 to 10 eSIM profiles on iPhones from the iPhone 13 and later (including iPhone 16, 15, Air, and SE 3). Older models (XS through 12) can store around 5 profiles. However, only 2 lines can be active at the same time.

2. Does an eSIM take up storage space on my iPhone?

No. An eSIM profile is stored on a dedicated secure chip (eUICC) inside your iPhone, not on your main storage. Installing multiple eSIMs will not reduce your available storage for apps, photos, or music.

3. Can I convert my physical SIM to an eSIM?

Yes. Many carriers support SIM-to-eSIM conversion. Go to Settings > Cellular, tap your physical SIM line, and look for Convert to eSIM. If the option is available, follow the prompts. The process takes about 5 minutes.

4. How do I transfer my eSIM to a new iPhone?

Use eSIM Quick Transfer: On your new iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Transfer from Nearby iPhone. Both devices need iOS 16+, the same Apple ID, and Bluetooth. If Quick Transfer is not available, contact your carrier to re-issue the eSIM for your new device.

5. Does eSIM drain more battery than a physical SIM?

No. An eSIM uses the same cellular radio as a physical SIM. Battery consumption is identical. However, running two active lines (dual SIM) may use slightly more battery than a single line, regardless of whether you use eSIM or physical SIM.

6. Can I use eSIM on a carrier-locked iPhone?

You can use your carrier’s own eSIM on a locked iPhone. However, to use a third-party travel eSIM, your iPhone must be unlocked. Check your lock status in Settings > General > About > Carrier Lock.

7. What happens if I reset my iPhone — do I lose my eSIM?

If you choose Erase All Content and Settings, iOS will ask whether you want to keep or remove your eSIM plans. Choose Keep if you want to retain your eSIM after the reset. If you remove them, you will need to reactivate with your carrier.

8. My eSIM is not working after installation. What should I do?

Try these steps in order:

1. Toggle Airplane Mode on and off.
2. Restart your iPhone.
3. Make sure the correct line is selected for Cellular Data (Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data).
4. Check that Data Roaming is enabled (Settings > Cellular > [your eSIM line] > Data Roaming).
5. If nothing works, delete the eSIM and reinstall it using your QR code or activation details.

For a detailed troubleshooting guide, see our eSIM Troubleshooting Guide.

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iPhone eSIM设置完全教程：含国行版特别攻略

eSIM让你无需插拔实体SIM卡就能连接全球网络——对于出国旅行、双卡需求来说，这是最便捷的方式。本教程将手把手教你在所有支持eSIM的iPhone上完成设置，并特别针对国行iPhone用户提供解决方案。

哪些iPhone支持eSIM？完整列表

自2018年起，苹果发布的每一款iPhone都支持eSIM（国行版本除外，详见下方国行专区）。

• iPhone 16系列（16、16 Plus、16 Pro、16 Pro Max）— 2个eSIM + 1个nano-SIM（国际版）
• iPhone Air — 纯eSIM机型，无实体卡槽
• iPhone 15系列 — 2个eSIM + 1个nano-SIM（国际版）
• iPhone 14系列（美版） — 纯eSIM，无实体卡槽
• iPhone 14系列（非美版） — 1个eSIM + 1个nano-SIM
• iPhone SE 3（2022） — 1个eSIM + 1个nano-SIM
• iPhone 13系列 — 2个eSIM + 1个nano-SIM（需iOS 16+才能双eSIM同时使用）
• iPhone 12系列 — 2个eSIM + 1个nano-SIM（需iOS 16+）
• iPhone 11系列 — 1个eSIM + 1个nano-SIM
• iPhone XS / XS Max / XR — 1个eSIM + 1个nano-SIM
• iPhone SE 2（2020） — 1个eSIM + 1个nano-SIM

不支持eSIM的机型： iPhone X、iPhone 8、iPhone 7及更早机型。

iPhone eSIM支持一览表

机型	eSIM数量	实体SIM	可存储配置文件数	双卡组合	备注
iPhone 16 Pro Max / Pro	2	1	8+	eSIM+eSIM 或 eSIM+实体	国际版
iPhone 16 / 16 Plus	2	1	8+	eSIM+eSIM 或 eSIM+实体	国际版
iPhone Air	2	0	8+	eSIM+eSIM	纯eSIM机型
iPhone 15系列	2	1	8+	eSIM+eSIM 或 eSIM+实体	国际版
iPhone 14 美版	2	0	8+	eSIM+eSIM	美国独占无卡槽版
iPhone 14 非美版	1	1	8+	eSIM+实体
iPhone SE 3	1	1	8+	eSIM+实体
iPhone 13系列	2*	1	8+	eSIM+eSIM 或 eSIM+实体	*需iOS 16+
iPhone 12系列	2*	1	8+	eSIM+eSIM 或 eSIM+实体	*需iOS 16+
iPhone 11系列	1	1	5+	eSIM+实体
iPhone XS / XR	1	1	5+	eSIM+实体

重要提示： 你的iPhone可以存储8个以上的eSIM配置文件，但同一时刻最多只能有2条线路处于激活状态。就像你有一个装满SIM卡的抽屉，随时选两张来用。

分步教程：如何在iPhone上添加eSIM

方法一：扫描二维码（最常用）

这是Airalo、Holafly、Saily等旅行eSIM供应商最常提供的激活方式。

你需要准备： 供应商提供的二维码（显示在屏幕上或打印出来）。

1. 打开 设置。
2. 点击 蜂窝网络（或”移动数据”）。
3. 点击 添加eSIM 或 添加蜂窝号码方案。
4. 选择 使用二维码。
5. 将iPhone摄像头对准二维码，系统会自动识别。
6. 看到运营商方案详情后，点击 继续。
7. 等待激活完成（通常1-3分钟）。
8. 为新号码设置标签（如”旅行”、“日本”、“数据”）。
9. 配置默认线路设置（详见下方双卡设置章节）。

实用技巧： 如果二维码就在你自己手机屏幕上怎么办？截图保存到相册，然后到 设置 > 蜂窝网络 > 添加eSIM > 使用二维码，iOS 17+支持从相册照片中扫描二维码。

方法二：使用激活链接（iOS 17+）

越来越多的供应商支持直接发送激活链接，点击即可跳转到设置完成激活。

1. 在iPhone上点击激活链接，会自动打开设置。
2. 查看运营商方案详情。
3. 点击 继续 确认。
4. 等待激活（1-2分钟）。
5. 设置标签和默认线路。

注意： 此方法需要iOS 17或更高版本。如果你的系统较旧，请让供应商提供二维码。

方法三：手动输入（SM-DP+地址）

当二维码无法扫描，或者你只收到了文字凭证时，可以手动输入。

1. 前往 设置 > 蜂窝网络 > 添加eSIM。
2. 点击 使用二维码。
3. 在扫描界面底部，点击 手动输入详细信息。
4. 输入 SM-DP+地址（格式如：smdp.example.com）。
5. 输入 激活码（一串较长的字母数字组合）。
6. 如有确认码，一并输入。
7. 点击 下一步 等待激活。

方法四：运营商APP激活

部分运营商支持通过自家APP直接激活eSIM。

1. 从App Store下载运营商官方APP。
2. 登录或注册账号。
3. 在APP中找到eSIM激活入口。
4. 按提示操作。
5. 当系统弹出确认时，在设置中确认蜂窝号码方案。

iPhone双卡设置指南

添加eSIM后，你的iPhone可以同时使用两条线路。以下是最佳配置方案。

为线路设置标签

1. 前往 设置 > 蜂窝网络。
2. 点击一个电话号码。
3. 点击 蜂窝号码方案标签。
4. 选择预设标签或自定义名称。

旅行者推荐标签方案：

场景	线路1标签	线路2标签
国内+出国	”主号"	"旅行”或目的地名称
工作+个人	”工作"	"个人”
语音+数据	”电话"	"流量”

设置默认线路

• 默认语音线路： 用于打电话和发短信。出国时建议设为主号。
• 默认数据线路： 用于上网。出国时设为旅行eSIM可获得最快的本地网速。
• iMessage和FaceTime： 可以选择关联哪个号码，也可以两个都选。

在线路之间切换数据

旅行时，通常的最佳方案是：主号保持接打电话和收短信，所有上网流量走旅行eSIM。

1. 前往 设置 > 蜂窝网络 > 蜂窝数据。
2. 选择旅行eSIM线路。
3. 可选：开启 允许蜂窝数据切换 实现自动回退。

注意： 开启”允许蜂窝数据切换”后，当旅行eSIM信号不好时，iPhone可能会自动使用主号上网，这会产生漫游费。如果你想严格控制，建议关闭此选项。

国行iPhone eSIM攻略（中国大陆特别章节）

这是最多国内用户关心的话题。由于中国大陆的政策限制，国行iPhone的eSIM支持情况与国际版截然不同。

国行iPhone 16 / 15 / 14：不支持eSIM

国行版iPhone 16、15、14系列均不支持eSIM。 它们配备的是双实体nano-SIM卡槽（而非国际版的eSIM+nano-SIM组合）。这意味着你无法通过系统设置添加eSIM。

这是苹果为满足中国大陆监管要求而做的硬件层面调整，无法通过软件更新解决。

iPhone Air国行版：仅支持中国联通

iPhone Air是苹果最新的纯eSIM机型，在国行版中也没有实体卡槽。目前的情况是：

• 仅支持中国联通，需要到联通营业厅办理eSIM开通
• 中国移动和中国电信暂不支持
• 办理时需携带身份证，现场完成实名认证

提示： 联通eSIM办理并非所有营业厅都支持，建议提前拨打10010或在联通APP查询附近支持eSIM业务的网点。

解决方案

如果你是国行iPhone用户，想使用eSIM（尤其是出国旅行时），有以下选择：

方案一：购买港版或美版iPhone

• 港版iPhone支持eSIM+nano-SIM双卡
• 美版iPhone 14起为纯eSIM（无卡槽）
• 在中国大陆使用时，eSIM功能正常，可以安装旅行eSIM
• 缺点：需在香港、美国或通过代购渠道购买，且保修可能受限

方案二：使用5ber工具卡

5ber是一种eSIM转实体SIM的硬件工具，可以让不支持eSIM的手机也能使用eSIM套餐：

• 5ber提供一张可写入的实体SIM卡
• 通过配套APP将eSIM配置文件写入5ber卡
• 将5ber卡插入任何手机的SIM卡槽即可使用
• 适合国行iPhone用户出国旅行时使用旅行eSIM

注意： 5ber卡需要单独购买（约$35-50），并非所有eSIM供应商的配置文件都兼容，建议购买前确认。

方案三：出国时使用WiFi蛋或实体流量卡

如果你不想折腾设备问题，传统方案依然可靠：

• 租用WiFi蛋（随身WiFi）
• 在目的地购买当地预付费SIM卡
• 使用运营商国际漫游（费用较高）

详细对比请参阅我们的 eSIM vs WiFi蛋 vs 实体流量卡终极对比。

实用技巧

在一台iPhone上存储多个eSIM配置

新款iPhone可以同时存储8-10个eSIM配置文件。对于经常出国的人来说，这意味着你可以：

• 买了日本eSIM，用完后不删除，下次去日本直接重新激活
• 同时保存美国、欧洲、东南亚的eSIM，到了目的地一键切换
• 长期积累一个”eSIM出行卡包”

快速切换eSIM的技巧

1. 打开 控制中心（从右上角下滑）。
2. 长按 蜂窝数据 图标。
3. 直接点选要使用的线路，即时切换。

iOS 18及以后版本还可以在控制中心添加蜂窝数据快捷开关，一键切换。

eSIM快速传输（旧iPhone到新iPhone）

换新iPhone时，eSIM可以无缝转移：

1. 在新iPhone上，前往 设置 > 蜂窝网络 > 添加eSIM。
2. 如果旧iPhone在旁边且登录相同Apple ID，会出现 从附近iPhone转移 选项。
3. 按照屏幕提示在两台设备上操作。
4. eSIM会在旧设备上停用，在新设备上激活。

要求： 两台iPhone都需要iOS 16+，登录相同Apple ID，蓝牙开启。并非所有运营商都支持此功能。

常见问题

1. 国行iPhone能用eSIM吗？

国行iPhone 16/15/14/13/12/11系列均不支持eSIM（使用双实体SIM卡槽）。唯一的例外是国行iPhone Air，但目前仅支持中国联通。如果你想使用eSIM，可以考虑购买港版/美版iPhone，或使用5ber工具卡。

2. iPhone最多能装几个eSIM？

iPhone 12及以后的机型可以存储8个以上的eSIM配置文件，但同一时刻最多只能有2条线路处于激活状态。iPhone XS到iPhone 11系列约可存储5个配置文件。

3. eSIM会占iPhone的存储空间吗？

不会。eSIM配置存储在iPhone内部的专用安全芯片（eUICC）上，与你的照片、APP、音乐使用的存储空间完全独立。安装多个eSIM不会减少可用存储。

4. 换iPhone怎么转移eSIM？

有两种方式：（1）eSIM快速传输——两台iPhone靠近，在新机的 设置 > 蜂窝网络 中选择”从附近iPhone转移”；（2）联系运营商重新发放eSIM二维码。方式一需要两台都是iOS 16+且登录相同Apple ID。

5. 可以把实体SIM卡转成eSIM吗？

可以。许多运营商支持实体SIM转eSIM。前往 设置 > 蜂窝网络，点击你的实体SIM线路，查找”转换为eSIM”选项。如果可用，按提示操作即可，大约5分钟完成。

6. eSIM比实体SIM更耗电吗？

不会。eSIM使用与实体SIM完全相同的蜂窝无线模块，功耗一致。不过，同时开启两条线路（双卡模式）可能比只用一条线路稍微多耗一点电，但这与使用eSIM还是实体SIM无关。

7. 恢复出厂设置会丢失eSIM吗？

执行”抹掉所有内容和设置”时，iOS会询问你是否保留eSIM方案。选择”保留”即可在重置后继续使用。如果你选择了删除，需要联系运营商重新激活。

8. 安装eSIM后无法上网怎么办？

按以下顺序排查：

1. 开关一次 飞行模式。
2. 重启iPhone。
3. 确认蜂窝数据线路选择正确（设置 > 蜂窝网络 > 蜂窝数据 > 选择eSIM线路）。
4. 确认 数据漫游 已开启（设置 > 蜂窝网络 > [eSIM线路] > 数据漫游）。
5. 如仍无法使用，删除eSIM后用二维码重新安装。

更多排查方法请参阅我们的 eSIM故障排除指南。