eSIM Guide: Activate Your Virtual SIM Card on iPhone Easily!

July 17, 2025

esim-iphone

The eSIM technology offers a flexible solution for managing multiple phone numbers and simplifying communications while traveling internationally. Learn how to activate it on an iPhone.

Understanding the eSIM

An eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a virtual SIM card that can either substitute a traditional SIM card or allow the use of multiple SIMs simultaneously. Built directly into the iPhone’s motherboard, an eSIM can be activated remotely with a suitable plan. Currently, many carriers such as Orange, Free, SFR, and Bouygues Telecom offer plans that support eSIM technology. There are also several providers of international eSIM plans like Holafly, Airalo, Saily, and Nomad.

One of the key benefits of an eSIM is the ability to hold multiple phone numbers on a single device, which is particularly useful for separating personal and business calls or for maintaining local connectivity when traveling abroad.

How to Activate an eSIM on an iPhone?

Although the latest iPhone models can support up to 8 eSIMs, it’s important to note that only 2 numbers can be active at the same time. You can have one physical SIM and one eSIM active, or two active eSIMs.

Here’s how to manually activate an eSIM on your Apple smartphone:

  • Go to the Settings app,
  • Select Cellular Data then Add eSIM,
  • Two options will appear: Transfer from Nearby iPhone or Use QR Code; select the option that suits your situation. If you need to enter your details manually, choose Use QR Code then Enter Details Manually, and provide the required information.

List of iPhones Compatible with eSIM

Most recent models of Apple smartphones are compatible with eSIM. Here is a list of iPhones that support eSIM:

  • iPhone XR
  • iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max
  • iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max
  • iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max
  • iPhone SE (3rd generation)
  • iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max
  • iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max
  • iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max
  • iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max
  • iPhone 16e

Note that the following models, which are marketed in the United States, no longer have a slot for a physical SIM card: iPhone 14, iPhone 15, iPhone 16, iPhone 16e, as well as their Plus, Pro, and Pro Max versions.

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