Your Complete Guide to eSIMs on iPhones

Apple’s iPhone 17 debut event was packed with announcements, but one in particular has everyone talking. The iPhone 17 Air has arrived, and for the first time, it is eSIM-only worldwide.

This is a big shift, especially for people who travel. No more fiddling with tiny plastic SIM cards at the airport or worrying about losing them along the way. With an eSIM, you can set up a new plan in minutes and be connected the moment you land abroad.

There are a lot of questions about how this all works. This post will help you understand everything you need to know about the iPhone 17’s move to eSIM. Let’s get started!

An eSIM is a digital SIM card that is built into your phone. Unlike a physical SIM card, there is no plastic card to insert or remove. You can activate an eSIM plan directly on your iPhone by scanning a QR code, downloading it from an app, or entering the details manually.

The iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR were the first iPhones to support eSIM. These models offered eSIM support alongside a physical SIM, so you could have two phone numbers on the same iPhone.

iPhone XS, XS Max, XR (first models with eSIM support – dual SIM with one nano-SIM + one eSIM)

iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max

iPhone SE (2nd generation and later)

iPhone 12 series (mini, 12, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max)

iPhone 13 series (mini, 13, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max)

iPhone 14 series (U.S. models are eSIM-only, no physical SIM slot)

iPhone 15 series (U.S. models are also eSIM-only)

iPhone 16 series (U.S. models are also eSIM-only)

iPhone 17 series (iPhone 17 air model is eSIM only worldwide)

The iPhone 17 Air is Apple’s first eSIM-only iPhone sold worldwide.

Yes. Most models in the iPhone 17 series, including the iPhone 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max, still have a physical SIM tray. You can use a regular SIM card just like before, alongside an eSIM if you want. The only exception is the iPhone 17 Air, which is eSIM-only worldwide and doesn’t have a physical SIM slot.

Yes, eSIM-only iPhone 17 Pro models do exist, but they are only available in the following regions:

• Bahrain
• Canada
• Guam
• Japan
• Kuwait
• Mexico
• Oman
• Qatar
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• US
• US Virgin Islands

Setting up an eSIM on the iPhone 17 is quick and easy. Here’s how:

1. Pick an eSIM plan: Choose one from your mobile operator or grab a travel eSIM from Sim Local. We partner with top local providers in more than 200 destinations worldwide.

2. Scan and go: Most carriers give you a QR code, app download, or activation codes. Just scan it with your iPhone or follow the app prompts.

3. Follow instructions: Go to Settings > Mobile Data > Add eSIM and follow the simple on-screen instructions.

4. Name your eSIM: If you’re using multiple numbers, give each eSIM a name so it’s easy to switch between them. For example, you could label one “Work” and the other “Travel”, so you always know which one to use.

5. Connect instantly: Once it’s set up, you’ll be connected the moment you land abroad.

Need more help? Check out our step-by-step activation guide or watch our quick YouTube video below to get your eSIM up and running in minutes!👇

Yes, you can! If your carrier allows it, you can move your existing physical SIM over to an eSIM on your iPhone 17.

Here’s how it works:

1. Go to Settings > Cellular.
2. Tap on the phone number linked to your physical SIM.
3. Select Convert to eSIM and follow the instructions on your screen.

Tip: Not all carriers support this yet, so check with your provider first to make sure it’s possible.

Switching to eSIM can make your life a lot easier, especially if you travel often and want to avoid high roaming charges. Unlike a physical SIM card, everything is digital, which makes managing your eSIM plan super convenient. Here are the five benefits of using an eSIM:

1. No SIM card swapping: With eSIM, there’s no need to insert or remove tiny SIM cards. You can activate a new plan in minutes. This is especially handy when travelling, so you don’t have to hunt for a SIM card at the airport. It also reduces the risk of losing or damaging a SIM.

2. Multiple plans on one phone: You can store several eSIMs on your phone depending on the model and switch between them easily.

3. Quick setup and activation: Adding a new eSIM is usually as simple as scanning a QR code or using your carrier’s app. You can even set up a travel eSIM before you leave your home. Once activated, you’re ready to go the second you land abroad.

4. Secure: Since there’s no physical card, it’s harder for someone to steal or clone your number. Carriers manage eSIM activation digitally, which adds an extra layer of security. It also helps protect against SIM-swap fraud, which is a common way hackers try to access accounts. 

5. Flexible: eSIM makes staying connected abroad simple. You can activate a local plan instantly without removing your home SIM. This allows you to keep your phone number active while using local data. 

Apple hasn’t shared the exact number of eSIMs you can store on the iPhone 17 yet, but it’s likely around eight or more.

The iPhone 17 series is moving more toward eSIM, but not all carriers around the world are on the same page yet. For example, The iPhone 17 Air faces release delays in China due to eSIM compliance issues. If you want the most accurate information, it’s always good to check with your local carrier directly.

Yes, the iPhone 17 lets you have two eSIMS simultaneously. This means you could keep your home number active while also using a local eSIM plan, or manage separate work and personal phone numbers without swapping SIM cards.

Traveling with an eSIM iPhone makes staying connected abroad much easier. Instead of buying a SIM card at the airport, you can purchase a travel eSIM online before you leave. Once you land, you can activate it instantly and start using local data without removing your home number.

This means you can keep your regular number active for calls and messages while using a local plan for data. It’s quick, easy, and saves you the hassle of hunting for a shop or worrying about losing a SIM card. 

Tip: In countries such as Turkey, new eSIM regulations block access to many international eSIM websites and apps. To stay connected, activate your eSIM before you go and enjoy zero roaming stress.

First, contact your carrier using another device or else in store and let them know your phone is lost or stolen. They can deactivate your eSIM remotely to protect your number and prevent anyone else from using it. Then, when you get a new iPhone, your carrier can transfer your eSIM over for you, so you’re back online in no time.

eSIMs are actually more secure than regular SIM cards. Since there’s no physical card to take out, lose, or swap, it’s much harder for someone to steal your number or hack your account. As mentioned previously everything is set up and managed digitally through your carrier, which adds another layer of protection against SIM-swap fraud. 

With Sim Local, getting connected when you travel is super simple. You can buy and set up your eSIM plan in just a few minutes. With access to the best local networks, plans that include everything you need like hotspot use and 5G speeds, and 24/7 support when you need it, Sim Local keeps you connected wherever you travel, just like you are at home. Try it for free today!