Quick compatibility check

Before diving into detailed steps, here's what you need to know:

• iPhone: eSIM support started with iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR (2018)
• iPad: Cellular-capable iPad Pro, Air, and mini models from 2019 or later
• Regional restrictions: Some models sold in China, Hong Kong, and Macao may not support eSIM
• Device must be unlocked: Carrier-locked devices cannot use eSIM

Method 1: Check in Settings (Recommended)

For iPhone and iPad

1. Open the Settings app
2. Tap General
3. Tap About
4. Look for these key indicators:

Carrier Lock status

• Scroll to find Carrier Lock
• If it shows "No SIM restrictions," your device is unlocked and can use eSIM
• If it shows a carrier name, your device is locked and cannot use eSIM

eSIM identifier (EID)

• Scroll down to find Available SIM, Digital SIM, or EID
• If you see a 32-digit EID (Embedded Identity Document), your device supports eSIM
• You may also see a 15-digit IMEI number for the eSIM

Method 2: Check cellular settings

iPhone

1. Go to Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data)
2. Look for Add eSIM or Add Cellular Plan option
3. If this option appears, your device supports eSIM

iPad

1. Go to Settings
2. Use the search bar at the top to type "Cellular"
3. If cellular settings appear, your iPad is a cellular model that supports eSIM
4. If nothing appears, your iPad is Wi-Fi only

Method 3: Using the dial pad

This method works for iPhones only:

1. Open the Phone app
2. Dial *#06#
3. If you see an EID number displayed, your device supports eSIM
4. The EID will be a 32-digit identifier

Checking if your iPad is cellular-capable

Before checking eSIM support, confirm your iPad has cellular capability:

Physical inspection

• SIM tray: Cellular iPads have a SIM card tray on the side
• Wi-Fi only models: No SIM tray present

Model number verification

1. Go to Settings > General > About
2. Find your Model Number (starts with "A" followed by 4 digits)
3. Compare with Apple's official specifications or use Apple's coverage check website

Settings check

• Look for Cellular Data or Mobile Data in Settings
• If these options exist, your iPad supports cellular connectivity

Complete list of eSIM-compatible iPhones

All supported models:

• iPhone XS, XS Max, XR (2018)
• iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max (2019)
• iPhone SE (2nd generation, 2020)
• iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max (2020)
• iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max (2021)
• iPhone SE (3rd generation, 2022)
• iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max (2022)
• iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max (2023)
• iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max (2024)

Important notes:

• US iPhone 14 and later: No physical SIM slot, eSIM only
• Regional restrictions: Models sold in mainland China and some Hong Kong/Macao variants may not support eSIM
• Exceptions: iPhone 13 mini, 12 mini, SE (2020), and XS have eSIM support even in restricted regions

eSIM-compatible iPads

Supported models:

• iPad Pro (3rd generation and later, 2018+)
• iPad Air (3rd generation and later, 2019+)
• iPad mini (5th generation and later, 2019+)
• iPad (7th generation and later, 2019+)

Note: Only cellular-capable versions of these iPads support eSIM