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    Does the iPhone XR Have eSIM?

    Yes — the iPhone XR supports eSIM. It was part of the first generation of eSIM-capable iPhones, alongside the XS and XS Max.

    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/Macau, A2108)Dual physical SIM, no eSIM

    Regional caveats and limits

    • China, Hong Kong and Macau A2108 models use two physical SIM trays 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.

    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 XR is set up, the plan itself is the last step — travellers heading out with one usually start with Ethiopia eSIM, Senegal eSIM, Mozambique eSIM, Cameroon eSIM, Nigeria eSIM or Ghana 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 XR have eSIM?

    Yes. The global iPhone XR supports eSIM; the A2108 models sold in mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau use two physical SIMs 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.

    If your iPhone XR 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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