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Get an eSIM

Does the iPhone 17 support eSIM?

Supports eSIM

Yes — the iPhone 17 supports eSIM.

One exception: most iPhones sold in mainland China — and some sold in Hong Kong and Macao — use two physical SIM slots instead of eSIM. The phone also needs to be unlocked (not tied to one carrier).

Check your own iPhone 17 in 10 seconds

  1. 1. Dial *#06#. If you see a 32-digit EID number next to your IMEI, the phone has eSIM. Only an IMEI and no EID means it doesn't.
  2. 2. Look in settings: Settings → Mobile Service (or Cellular) → Add eSIM.

Have an EID but no "Add eSIM" option? Your mobile network may have switched eSIM off on your line — here's what to do.

Travelling soon?

If your iPhone 17 passes the check, you can buy a data eSIM in a minute and scan the QR code before you fly — setup takes about 60 seconds.

Nigeria eSIMGhana eSIMKenya eSIMSouth Africa eSIMEgypt eSIMAfrica (multi-country) eSIMUK eSIMUAE (Dubai) eSIMUSA eSIMAll destinations →

Common questions

Does the iPhone 17 have eSIM?

Yes — the iPhone 17 supports eSIM. One exception: most iPhones sold in mainland China — and some sold in Hong Kong and Macao — use two physical SIM slots instead of eSIM. The phone also needs to be unlocked (not tied to one carrier). To be sure about your own phone, dial *#06# and look for a 32-digit EID number.

Can a software update add eSIM to the iPhone 17?

No. eSIM needs a chip built into the phone at the factory. If your phone doesn't have one, no update will add it — the EID check (*#06#) tells you straight away.

Does eSIM work if my phone is locked to a network?

A phone locked to one carrier usually can't use another provider's eSIM. Ask the carrier you bought it from to unlock it before you travel.

My phone shows an EID but there's no "Add eSIM" option. Why?

Some mobile networks switch eSIM off on their lines, even when the phone supports it. Only the network can switch it back on — ask them to enable eSIM on your line, or install the eSIM using a different phone.

Other Apple phones

Other brands: Samsung, Google, Tecno, Infinix, itel

Checked September 2026 against: Apple — Using Dual SIM with an eSIM; Apple — Using eSIM in China mainland. Regional versions can differ — the *#06# check on your own phone is always the final word.