does iphone xr have esim

As a frequent traveler between domestic and international destinations, I’ve always struggled with dual-SIM needs. That was until I switched to iPhone XR last year and truly unlocked the convenience of eSIM. This article serves as my personal journal, documenting my journey from an “eSIM newbie” to a proficient user – complete with six real-life anecdotes.

1. First Encounter: The Nervousness of Activating My First Virtual SIM

1.1 Discovering New Territory: Realizing XR Supports eSIM

When I first got my refurbished iPhone XR last year, I accidentally found the “Cellular” option in Settings and noticed an “Add eSIM” button. Remembering friends mentioning how eSIMs allow carrier switching without physical cards, I was immediately intrigued – exactly what I needed! No more carrying multiple SIM cards during international trips.

1.2 Hands-on Activation: 5 Steps to My First eSIM

  1. Open Settings > Cellular, tap “Add Cellular Plan”
  2. Scan the QR code provided by my carrier (China Mobile’s eSIM package)
  3. Confirm plan details and tap “Activate”
  4. Wait 30 seconds for the “Cellular Plan Activated” prompt
  5. Remove physical SIM card – my phone suddenly felt lighter!

Side note: Initially couldn’t find the “Convert to eSIM” option until learning my carrier needed to enable permission – resolved with a 10-minute customer service call.

2. International Test: Airalo eSIM Made Me Instantly Local

2.1 Pre-trip Anxiety: Physical SIM Roaming Fees Were Ridiculous

Before my Europe business trip this year, I was shocked by standard roaming charges – £3.50 daily with throttled speeds that couldn’t handle video calls. Remembering Airalo from colleague recommendations, I decided to try virtual international SIMs.

2.2 5-Minute Setup: My Complete Airalo Experience

  1. Downloaded Airalo from App Store, selected “Europe 30-day 5GB” plan
  2. Received QR code after payment, scanned directly with iPhone camera
  3. Set new eSIM as primary data in Settings
  4. Automatically connected at Paris CDG airport – WeChat messages arrived instantly
  5. Deleted eSIM before return flight – zero impact on my domestic number

Real experience: Streamed live from the Colosseum with flawless quality – colleagues thought I was at a local internet cafe, all without paying a penny in roaming fees!

3. Transfer Crisis: The eSIM Migration Scare

3.1 That Heart-Stopping “Delete Plan” Mistake

Last month while helping a colleague set up their phone, I accidentally tapped “Remove Cellular Plan” on my primary eSIM! Instant cold sweat – it contained my corporate data package that would take 3 working days to reprocess.

3.2 Emergency Recovery: 3 Ways to Restore eSIM

  1. Carrier Restoration: Called 10086 with ICCID (found in Settings > About) – reactivated within 2 hours
  2. Backup Recovery: Thankfully restored from iCloud backup
  3. Manual Entry: Could manually input if I had the SM-DP+ address from carrier

Lesson learned: Always screenshot QR codes and note ICCID numbers for critical eSIMs – they’re digital lifelines!

4. Dual-SIM Lifestyle: Perfect Work-Life Separation

4.1 Why Dual eSIM Matters

As a freelancer, I need separate “client communication” and “personal life” numbers. Though iPhone XR only supports 1 active eSIM + 1 physical SIM simultaneously, it’s perfect for me:

  • Physical SIM: Bank accounts, family contacts – always on
  • eSIM: Dedicated client line – silenced after 10PM

4.2 Dual-SIM Setup Tips:

  1. Label each SIM in Cellular settings (e.g., “Work”/”Personal”)
  2. Assign distinct ringtones and message alerts
  3. Prioritize data usage for the better-value plan
  4. Instantly switch calling numbers when needed

Real scenario: When “Urgent Client Meeting” popped up during family time at the park, I silently switched to DND mode – eSIM truly enables work-life balance.

5. Buyer’s Guide: Verifying XR eSIM Compatibility

5.1 Secondhand Market Red Flags: 3 Verification Steps

When buying my refurbished XR, I used these checks:

  1. Model Check: Settings > About > Model Number – LL/A (US) or CH/A (China). Chinese models support 1 physical + 1 eSIM; some US models support dual eSIM
  2. Menu Check: Navigate to Settings > Cellular – authentic units show “Add eSIM”
  3. QR Test: Scan any eSIM QR code – genuine units display activation prompts

5.2 Carrier Quirks: Regional Policy Variations

  • China Mobile: Requires in-store ID verification, only supports “One Number Multi-Device”
  • China Unicom: Offers standalone eSIM plans online – ideal for travelers
  • China Telecom: Limited provincial support – call 10000 first

Cautionary tale: A friend’s US-model XR couldn’t activate China Telecom eSIM – always verify carrier compatibility!

6. Ultimate eSIM Knowledge: 10 XR Secrets

6.1 Hardware Secrets: Why XR Was Apple’s First eSIM iPhone

The 2018 XR/XS series debuted Apple’s SIM chip – this fingernail-sized component stores 8 eSIM profiles (though only 2 active). Compared to iPhone X, XR’s compact motherboard design made space for this innovation.

6.2 Hidden Feature: Where’s My eSIM Number?

Few realize eSIMs have dedicated numbers:

  1. Go to Settings > Cellular > Select active eSIM
  2. Find “Phone Number” – that’s your eSIM identifier
  3. Long-press to copy when sharing contacts

6.3 Future Trends: Will eSIM Replace Physical SIMs?

With EU legislation potentially mandating SIM-less phones, eSIM is inevitable. Apple removed physical slots entirely from US iPhone 14 models. While my XR retains its tray, I expect full virtual transition within 2 years.

Conclusion: eSIM Transforms More Than Phones – It Changes Lifestyles

From initial hesitation to confidently managing multiple eSIMs, my iPhone XR liberated me from physical SIM constraints. Whether traveling abroad, separating work/personal lines, or transferring between devices, eSIM works like an invisible butler solving connectivity puzzles. If you own an iPhone XR, explore that “Cellular” menu – your next convenience breakthrough might be one tap away!

Discussion: What’s the coolest thing you’ve done with eSIM? Share your stories below!