All compatible devices

    Does the iPhone 12 Have eSIM?

    Yes — every iPhone 12 model supports eSIM, including the mini, Pro and Pro Max, except handsets sold in mainland China.

    The iPhone 12 supports Dual SIM with one physical nano-SIM and one eSIM active at the same time. Unlike the iPhone 13, it can store multiple eSIM profiles but only keep one eSIM active at once.

    Check yours in Settings > General > About: an EID row means the eSIM chip is present.

    iPhone 12 models and eSIM support

    ModeleSIM support
    iPhone 12eSIM + nano-SIM (one eSIM active)
    iPhone 12 minieSIM + nano-SIM (one eSIM active)
    iPhone 12 ProeSIM + nano-SIM (one eSIM active)
    iPhone 12 Pro MaxeSIM + nano-SIM (one eSIM active)
    iPhone 12 (mainland China)No eSIM — dual physical nano-SIM

    Regional caveats and limits

    • Mainland-China models have no eSIM hardware.
    • Only one eSIM can be active at a time on the iPhone 12, though several can be stored.
    • The phone must be carrier-unlocked for third-party travel eSIMs.
    • Update to the latest iOS available for the device before installing — older builds occasionally fail profile downloads.

    How to set up an eSIM on iPhone 12

    1. Connect to Wi-Fi and disable any VPN.
    2. Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan.
    3. Scan the QR code, or choose manual entry for the SM-DP+ address and activation code.
    4. Label the plan and set your default voice line to your home number.
    5. On arrival: set Cellular Data to the travel plan and switch on Data Roaming for that line.

    Step five is where most travellers get stuck: roaming is set per line, so it has to be enabled on the travel eSIM rather than your home number. See how to turn on data roaming for the exact path on iPhone and Android. Moving to a different handset later? Read how to transfer an eSIM to a new phone first — deleting the profile before you transfer it is the one mistake you cannot undo.

    Once your iPhone 12 is set up, the plan itself is the last step — travellers heading out with one usually start with South Korea eSIM, Peru eSIM, Turkey eSIM, Greece eSIM, Netherlands eSIM or Singapore eSIM. Browse all destinations.

    Sources and verification

    Compatibility details were last verified on August 27, 2026 against official manufacturer documentation. Regional carrier restrictions can still vary by model number and where the phone was purchased.

    Need help identifying the eSIM hardware? Read what an EID number is and where to find it.

    Apple Support: Use Dual SIM with an eSIM

    Frequently asked questions

    Does the iPhone 12 have eSIM?

    Yes, all iPhone 12 models support eSIM apart from those sold in mainland China.

    Can the iPhone 12 use two eSIMs at once?

    No. It supports one active eSIM plus one physical SIM; the iPhone 13 and later added dual-eSIM.

    How do I know if my iPhone 12 supports eSIM?

    Look for the EID row in Settings > General > About.

    Does eSIM drain the iPhone 12's battery?

    Running two active lines uses slightly more power, but the difference is small. Disable the line you are not using to save battery.

    How many eSIMs can the iPhone 12 have?

    You can store eight or more eSIM profiles on an iPhone 12, but only one of them can be active at a time, alongside the physical nano-SIM.

    Does the iPhone 12 support eSIM and a physical SIM at the same time?

    Yes. The iPhone 12 runs one eSIM and one nano-SIM simultaneously (Dual SIM Dual Standby), so a travel plan and your home number can both be live.

    If your iPhone 12 supports eSIM, a Wanderly travel plan installs in a couple of minutes and keeps your home number active.

    Browse plans by destination

    Not sure which iPhones support eSIM?

    Our full breakdown covers every eSIM-capable iPhone model and how to check yours.

    Read: Which iPhones have eSIM?

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