eSIM on iPhone: how to activate it and which models have it (+ dual SIM)
eSIM is a digital SIM card built directly into the phone — instead of a plastic card, you scan a QR code from your carrier. In Europe it is supported by every iPhone from iPhone XS, XR and newer, including the iPhone SE (2020) and SE (2022). Activation takes two minutes: Settings → Mobile Data → Add eSIM → scan the QR code. From the iPhone 13 onwards you can have two eSIMs active at once, while older models support one eSIM plus a physical SIM — either way, that's two phone numbers in one phone. All the iPhones we sell are unlocked for all carriers, so eSIM works without restrictions.
eSIM is a digital SIM card built directly into the phone — instead of a plastic card, you scan a QR code from your carrier. In Europe it is supported by every iPhone from iPhone XS, XR and newer, including the iPhone SE (2020) and SE (2022). Activation takes two minutes: Settings → Mobile Data → Add eSIM → scan the QR code. From the iPhone 13 onwards you can have two eSIMs active at once, while older models support one eSIM plus a physical SIM — either way, that's two phone numbers in one phone. All the iPhones we sell are unlocked for all carriers, so eSIM works without restrictions.
In this article
- What is eSIM and how does it differ from a classic SIM card
- Which iPhones support eSIM and dual SIM
- How to activate eSIM on iPhone step by step
- Dual SIM: two numbers in one iPhone
- How to transfer eSIM to a new iPhone
- The most common eSIM problems and how to fix them
- eSIM on a pre-owned iPhone: what to watch out for
- Which iPhone to choose if you want eSIM
- Summary
What is eSIM and how does it differ from a classic SIM card
eSIM (embedded SIM) is a chip built permanently into the phone, onto which the carrier's profile is loaded digitally. You don't insert any plastic card — the carrier issues you a QR code or an activation link, and the phone downloads the profile over the internet.
Practical differences compared to a classic SIM:
- You can't lose or break it. The eSIM is part of the motherboard, so there's no risk of a damaged slot or cracked card.
- Activation within a few minutes. With Czech carriers you get a QR code by email or in the self-service portal — no need to wait for a courier or visit a shop.
- Multiple profiles in one phone. The iPhone can remember several stored eSIM profiles (typically up to eight to ten) and you switch between two of them as needed.
- Ideal for travel. You can buy a data eSIM from a foreign carrier online and activate it right at the airport, while your Czech number stays active for calls.
The only downside: you can't move an eSIM to another phone simply by taking out a card. The transfer is done via the Quick Transfer feature, or you request a new QR code from your carrier.
Which iPhones support eSIM and dual SIM
Overview for models sold in Europe. European units always also have a physical nanoSIM slot — the version without a slot is sold only in the US.
| iPhone XS, XS Max, XR | eSIM: yes. Dual SIM in one nanoSIM + one eSIM mode. |
|---|---|
| iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max | eSIM: yes. Dual SIM: nanoSIM + eSIM. |
| iPhone SE (2020), SE (2022) | eSIM: yes. Dual SIM: nanoSIM + eSIM. The cheapest way to get eSIM. |
| iPhone 12 and 12 Pro (all variants) | eSIM: yes. Dual SIM: nanoSIM + eSIM. |
| iPhone 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 (all variants) | eSIM: yes. Support two active eSIMs at once, or nanoSIM + eSIM. Multiple profiles can be stored. |
| iPhone 16e | eSIM: yes, full support for two active eSIMs. The cheapest current model with USB-C and Face ID. |
| iPhone 8, 8 Plus, X and older | eSIM: no. They only work with a physical nanoSIM card. |
How to activate eSIM on iPhone step by step
The process is the same for O2, T-Mobile and Vodafone, as well as for all virtual carriers. The phone must be connected to Wi-Fi and running an up-to-date version of iOS.
Request an eSIM from your carrier
In your carrier's self-service portal, choose to swap your SIM for an eSIM, or ask for it in a shop or on the phone line. You'll receive a QR code by email or printed out. Some carriers also offer activation directly in their app without a QR code.
Open Settings → Mobile Data
On older iOS versions the section is called Mobile Network. Tap Add eSIM, or Add Cellular Plan.
Scan the QR code
Point the camera at the QR code from your carrier. If you don't have the code handy, choose Enter Details Manually and type in the SM-DP+ address and activation code from the email.
Name the plan
Choose clear names, such as Personal and Work. The names then appear in the status bar and while calling, so you know which number you're calling from.
Set your default line
The iPhone will ask which number to use for calls, iMessage and mobile data. You can change this at any time in Settings → Mobile Data → Mobile Data / Default Line.
Verify it works
Turn off Wi-Fi and try loading a website over mobile data, then have someone send you a text. If the plan shows No Service, restart the phone and check in Settings → General → About that you have the latest carrier settings downloaded.
Dual SIM: two numbers in one iPhone
Dual SIM means having two phone numbers active in the phone at the same time. It's useful when you want to separate work and personal calls, use a good-value data plan alongside your main number, or have a local data SIM abroad while staying reachable on your Czech number.
How it works on iPhone:
- iPhone XS through iPhone 12 combine one physical nanoSIM and one eSIM.
- iPhone 13 and newer can handle two active eSIMs at once, or nanoSIM + eSIM. You can store more profiles and switch between them.
- Both numbers receive calls and texts. If the phone doesn't support 5G/LTE on both lines at once (DSDS mode), the second line is briefly unavailable during a call — in practice you'll rarely notice this.
- For each contact you can set which number is used to call them. The iPhone also remembers the last line used for a given contact.
- Mobile data always runs on only one line at a time. Switching takes two taps, and you can also enable "Allow Cellular Data Switching", where the phone chooses automatically based on availability.
How to transfer eSIM to a new iPhone
When switching to a different phone, the eSIM isn't moved physically. You have three options, from the fastest to the most reliable.
Quick Transfer between iPhones
Put both phones next to each other, and on the new one go to Settings → Mobile Data → Add eSIM → Transfer From Nearby iPhone. Confirm the transfer on the old phone. Works on iOS 16 and newer with most Czech carriers.
Transfer during initial setup
When you set up a new iPhone from scratch and transfer data from the previous phone, the setup assistant offers to transfer the eSIM automatically. This is the easiest route.
A new QR code from your carrier
If the transfer doesn't work, ask your carrier for a new activation QR code. This will cancel the original profile on the old phone. Some carriers charge for issuing a new code, as with a SIM swap.
Delete the eSIM before selling your old phone
In Settings → Mobile Data, select the plan and choose Delete eSIM. Do this only once the new number is working on the new phone.
The most common eSIM problems and how to fix them
Five situations customers run into most often.
- The QR code won't scan: Increase the brightness of the screen showing the code, or use Enter Details Manually and type in the SM-DP+ address and activation code. A QR code can only be scanned once — it becomes invalid after use.
- eSIM shows No Service: Restart the phone, toggle Airplane Mode on and off, and check in Settings → General → About whether a carrier settings update is available.
- Mobile data doesn't work on the second line: Data always runs on only one line at a time. Switch it in Settings → Mobile Data → Mobile Data and select the correct plan.
- iMessage or FaceTime doesn't work: In Settings → Messages → Send & Receive, check that the correct number is ticked. After adding an eSIM, the setting sometimes switches to the other line.
- The Add eSIM option is missing: Either the model doesn't support eSIM (iPhone X and older), or the phone is locked to a single carrier. Our iPhones are always unlocked for all carriers.
eSIM on a pre-owned iPhone: what to watch out for
With a second-hand phone, two things matter: it must be unlocked for all carriers, and it must not have a leftover eSIM profile from the previous owner.
A phone locked to a single network (SIM lock) will either refuse an eSIM from another carrier entirely, or return an activation error. Locked units typically come from subsidised plans abroad, and you'll come across them fairly often in classified ads. So before buying, be sure to check the IMEI.
A leftover eSIM profile shows up as a foreign plan appearing in Settings → Mobile Data. Only someone with access to the phone can delete it — with a vetted seller this can't happen.
With us, every phone goes through a thorough inbound technical check, which includes a complete wipe, signing out of the Apple ID, removing all eSIM profiles, and verifying that the device isn't locked to any carrier. You get a receipt, a 2-year warranty, 30 days to return it, and a battery with 86–100% capacity for every unit.
Which iPhone to choose if you want eSIM
If eSIM is the main reason for replacing your phone, use whether you need two active eSIMs at once as your guide:
- One eSIM + physical SIM is enough: the cheapest route is the iPhone SE (2022) or the iPhone 11. Both handle eSIM without restrictions.
- You want two eSIMs at once: choose the iPhone 13 or newer. Today the iPhone 14 offers a sensible balance of price and performance.
- You want the latest technology for reasonable money: the iPhone 16e has USB-C, Face ID, two active eSIMs and a modern chip.
You'll find the full technical specs of all models in our overview of iPhone models, and current prices by condition in our iPhone price list. If you're still deciding, our guide to the best iPhones can help, as can our range of pre-owned iPhones with delivery in 2 business days and free in-person pickup at selected iLoveServis stores.
Summary
eSIM is a digital SIM card supported in Europe by every iPhone from the XS and XR upwards, including both generations of the iPhone SE. Activation takes two minutes: just a QR code from your carrier and Settings → Mobile Data → Add eSIM. Two active eSIMs at once are supported by the iPhone 13 and newer, while older models combine an eSIM with a physical nanoSIM — so either way you get two numbers in one phone.
The condition is an unlocked phone. All the iPhones we sell are unlocked for all carriers, free of leftover eSIM profiles, come with a 2-year warranty, and have a verified battery at 86–100%.