MODEL AND REGIONAL GUIDE
iPhone SE (1st generation) does not support eSIM. The second and third generations support it in supported markets, so “iPhone SE” alone is not a complete answer.
Exact models & regional exceptions · Checks in Settings · Official sources
Loading the interactive checker. Sourced compatibility information is available on this page.
Use the model evidence and regional exceptions below if the interactive checker is unavailable.
Read the full model name in Settings → General → About and compare its A-number below. A Home button or the SE name alone cannot distinguish the original SE from the two later generations.
The second and third generations have mainland-China exceptions. Apple specifically lists these two generations among the Hong Kong and Macao models that use eSIM.
Apple’s second-generation specifications list nano-SIM plus eSIM. The third-generation specifications additionally list dual eSIM support. That distinction matters if your existing home line is already an eSIM.
Use a physical nano-SIM or your carrier’s roaming package for a first-generation SE. For a later SE, complete the market and carrier-lock checks before comparing destination plans.
No. The 2016 model is the first-generation iPhone SE and needs a physical nano-SIM. It does not share the eSIM support of the 2020 and 2022 models.
The 2020 model is the second-generation SE. It supports eSIM in supported markets, with a mainland-China exception. Confirm the exact version and carrier lock.
Yes, in supported markets. Apple’s third-generation SE specifications include dual eSIM support. This differs from the nano-SIM plus eSIM arrangement specified for the second generation. Mainland-China versions do not support eSIM.
The model records on this page retain their own regional and hardware evidence. Compatibility is documented from manufacturer sources. This does not represent hands-on activation testing.
EXACT MODEL EVIDENCE
Compare the full model and A-number or SM-number where listed. The phone’s original market can differ from the shop where you bought it or the country you are visiting.
No eSIM support
Physical SIM only. Apple eSIM support starts with iPhone XS, XS Max and XR; this model is older.
Model numbers in the sourced record: A1723, A1662, A1724.
Apple: Using Dual SIM with an eSIM (opens in a new tab) · Checked
Check region or variant
Purchase-market rules apply. The phone must also be carrier-unlocked for an unrelated travel provider.
Model numbers in the sourced record: A2275, A2298, A2296.
Apple: Using Dual SIM with an eSIM (opens in a new tab) · Checked
Check region or variant
Purchase-market rules apply. The phone must also be carrier-unlocked for an unrelated travel provider.
Model numbers in the sourced record: A2595, A2782, A2784, A2785, A2783.
Apple: Using Dual SIM with an eSIM (opens in a new tab) · Checked
CHECK ON YOUR PHONE
Open Settings → General → About. Tap Model Number for the A-number. Under Carrier Lock, “No SIM restrictions” is Apple’s unlocked indication. Look under Cellular or Mobile Data for Add eSIM.
An EID indicates eSIM hardware. It does not prove the phone is unlocked, that every provider will accept it or that a plan includes coverage at your destination. Do not send us your IMEI, EID or account details.
These records use manufacturer documents, with no remote inspection or hands-on activation testing. Read how the compatibility checker works.