All compatible devices

Does the iPhone XR Have eSIM?

Yes — the iPhone XR supports eSIM, except models bought in mainland China, Hong Kong or Macao, which use two nano-SIM cards instead. It was part of the first generation of eSIM-capable iPhones, alongside the XS and XS Max.

Find a travel eSIM planEstimate data for your trip

Before buying a travel eSIM

  1. Settings > General > About > Carrier Lock should say ‘No SIM restrictions’. If it does not, contact your home carrier; eSIM hardware alone does not mean the phone is unlocked.
  2. Compare your model and purchase region with the table below. A second IMEI can belong to a physical SIM and does not prove eSIM support.
  3. Choose plans for your destination and check coverage, validity and what starts the activation clock. Install over Wi-Fi following the instructions for the plan you bought.

Want to try Wanderly first? Read the free eSIM trial requirements, including account eligibility, supported coverage and the no-charge card check, before claiming.

The iPhone XR, released in 2018, was one of the first iPhones with an eSIM chip. It supports Dual SIM Dual Standby: one physical nano-SIM plus one eSIM, both active.

Because the XR is an older device, the practical questions are usually about iOS version and carrier lock rather than hardware.

iPhone XR variants

ModeleSIM support
iPhone XR (global)eSIM + nano-SIM
iPhone XR (mainland China, A2108)No eSIM — dual physical nano-SIM
iPhone XR (Hong Kong, Macao)No eSIM — dual physical nano-SIM

Regional caveats and limits

  • XR models bought in mainland China (A2108), Hong Kong or Macao take two nano-SIM cards instead of eSIM.
  • Run iOS 12.1 or later — eSIM support arrived in that update, and a current iOS build is strongly recommended.
  • Carrier-locked XR handsets, common on older contracts, will not accept a third-party eSIM.
  • The XR is 4G/LTE only; there is no 5G, which is a network-speed limit rather than an eSIM one.

How to set up an eSIM on iPhone XR

  1. Update to the newest iOS version the XR supports.
  2. Connect to Wi-Fi and turn off any VPN.
  3. Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan and scan your QR code.
  4. Label the plan and keep your home SIM as the default voice line.
  5. Enable Data Roaming for the travel line and set it as your data line after landing.

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. Travel eSIM transfers depend on the plan; contact support before deleting a profile because its QR code may not be reusable.

Once your exact iPhone XR model and region are confirmed compatible and the phone is unlocked, compare coverage and activation rules for trips to 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 October 23, 2026 against official manufacturer documentation. Regional carrier restrictions can still vary by model number and where the device was purchased.

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

Apple: Models with two nano-SIM cardsApple: Identify your iPhone modelApple: Check your iPhone's carrier lock

Frequently asked questions

Does the iPhone XR have eSIM?

Yes. The iPhone XR supports eSIM, except models bought in mainland China, Hong Kong or Macao, which use two nano-SIM cards instead.

What iOS version is needed for eSIM on iPhone XR?

iOS 12.1 or later. Updating to the latest supported version is recommended.

Is the iPhone XR still good for travel eSIMs?

Yes. It handles travel data plans fine; you are limited to 4G speeds rather than 5G.

Can the iPhone XR run two eSIMs?

No — one eSIM plus one physical SIM.

Once your iPhone XR is confirmed compatible and unlocked, compare travel plans by destination. On phones with Dual SIM, you can keep your home line enabled; your home carrier may charge for calls, texts or roaming.

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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