Does the iPhone 11 Have an eSIM?

If you’re wondering whether the iPhone 11 has eSIM capabilities, you’re not alone. The device does support eSIM technology, allowing you to manage multiple phone numbers with ease. This can be particularly useful for those juggling personal and work lines or traveling internationally. However, there are some caveats you should know, especially regarding certain regions. Curious about how to activate it or why it might not be available on your model? Let’s explore these nuances further.

Does the iPhone 11 have an eSIM?

Yes, the iPhone 11 supports eSIM. This includes the standard model, Pro, and Pro Max.

With eSIM, you can use a physical SIM card and an eSIM at the same time, allowing you to manage multiple phone numbers or plans easily.

eSIM lets you connect to your carrier without needing a physical SIM card, making it convenient to switch carriers or add plans, especially when traveling.

However, if you bought your iPhone 11 in Mainland China, Hong Kong, or Macao, it won’t have eSIM support.

How do I check if my iPhone 11 supports eSIM?

To check if your iPhone 11 supports eSIM, follow these steps:

Ensure your device is carrier-unlocked:

1. Go to Settings > General > About.
2. Look for the Carrier Lock section. If it says “No SIM restrictions,” your iPhone is unlocked.

Check for eSIM compatibility:

1. Go to Settings and tap Cellular (or Mobile Data).
2. Look for an option that says Add eSIM or Add Cellular Plan. If you see this option, your iPhone 11 supports eSIM.

Alternatively, you can check in the About section:

1. After confirming your phone is unlocked, go back to About.
2. Scroll down to Available SIM (for iOS 15 or later) or Digital SIM (for earlier iOS versions). If eSIM is supported, you’ll see a 15-digit IMEI number listed.

How to activate eSIM on iPhone 11

To activate eSIM on your iPhone 11, follow these steps:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Go to Cellular (or Mobile Data).
3. Tap Add eSIM or Add Cellular Plan.
4. Select Use QR Code. If you have a QR code from your carrier, scan it. If you can’t scan, tap Enter Details Manually and input the activation code. If you’re using iOS 17 or higher, you can also choose Open Photos to upload an image of the QR code.
5. After scanning or entering the details, tap Next to complete the installation.
6. Once set up, turn on Data Roaming and Cellular Data to use the internet.

Note: Don’t enable Data Roaming until you arrive at your destination to avoid early activation.

FAQ

Why doesn’t my iPhone 11 have eSIM?

Some iPhone 11 models don’t support eSIM because of where they were made. If your iPhone 11 was made for Mainland China, it won’t have eSIM. Apple made this choice to follow local rules.

To find out where your iPhone was manufactured, please check:

1. Open the Settings app, then tap General.
2. Tap About.
3. Tap the Model Number until it changes to a combination like AXXXX.
4. Verify that the Model Number doesn’t originate from a Chinese region through this link of Apple

If your iPhone 11 is locked to a carrier, you need to unlock it to use eSIM. A locked phone limits your ability to switch carriers or use dual SIM features. To see if your phone is unlocked, follow these steps:

1. Go to Settings > General > About.
2. Look for the Carrier Lock section. If it says “No SIM restrictions,” your iPhone is unlocked.

Can I use eSIM and SIM card at the same time iPhone 11?

Yes, the iPhone 11 can use both a physical SIM card and an eSIM at the same time.

This allows you to manage two phone numbers easily, which is useful for separating personal and work calls or for using a local plan while traveling.

To set it up, follow these steps:

1. Insert your physical SIM into the SIM tray.
2. Activate your eSIM through your carrier, usually by scanning a QR code or using their app.

Once activated, you can choose which line to use for calls, texts, and data.

Note that only one line can use cellular data at a time, but you can switch between them in your settings.

This dual SIM feature offers flexibility for communication.

How many eSIMs can be used with an iPhone 11?

You can have up to eight eSIMs on your iPhone 11, but only one can be active at a time along with your physical SIM. This allows you to store multiple eSIM profiles for different carriers or plans, but you must switch between them when needed.

To manage your eSIMs, follow these steps:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap on Cellular.
3. Choose to add a new plan or manage existing ones.

When you want to switch eSIMs, select the one you want to activate, and your iPhone will take care of the rest.

This feature is helpful for travelers or those wanting to keep personal and business lines separate without multiple physical SIM cards.

Just remember that only one eSIM can be active at a time.

How do I find my eSIM phone number on my iPhone 11?

To find your eSIM phone number on your iPhone 11, follow these steps:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap on Phone.
3. Select My Number. Your phone number should be shown there.

If you don’t see it, you can try using a USSD code from your mobile carrier. Open the dialer and enter the specific USSD code (You can search this term “USSD codes + [Your Carrier]” to find the USSD codes of your carrier) . You should receive a message with your number.

Another option is to call a friend or family member. Your number will display on their phone. You can ask them to text you your number afterward.

Note: If your eSIM is for data only while traveling, it may not have a phone number.

How do you erase the eSIM on your iPhone 11?

To erase the eSIM on your iPhone 11, follow these steps:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap on “Cellular.”
3. If you have only one eSIM plan, select “Delete eSIM.”
4. If you have multiple plans, tap on the plan you want to erase, then choose “Delete Plan.”