Is the iPhone SE eSIM compatible?
Yes. Both the iPhone SE (2nd generation, 2020) and the iPhone SE (3rd generation, 2022) are eSIM compatible. Each one keeps a physical nano-SIM slot alongside the eSIM, so it works as a Dual SIM phone in every region — including the US, where iPhone 14 and later are eSIM-only. That makes the iPhone SE one of the most flexible travel phones Apple makes: keep your home SIM in the tray for calls and texts, and add a travel eSIM for cheap local data. Only the original iPhone SE (1st generation, 2016) does not support eSIM.
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Which iPhone SE models support eSIM?
| Model | Released | eSIM support | Physical SIM | Dual SIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone SE (3rd gen) | March 2022 | Yes | nano-SIM (all regions) | Yes — nano-SIM + eSIM |
| iPhone SE (2nd gen) | April 2020 | Yes | nano-SIM (all regions) | Yes — nano-SIM + eSIM |
| iPhone SE (1st gen) | March 2016 | No | nano-SIM only | No |
What you need before adding an eSIM
- An iPhone SE 2nd gen (2020) or 3rd gen (2022) — confirm in Settings → General → About → look for "Available SIM" or a digital "EID" number, which only eSIM-capable models show.
- The phone must be carrier-unlocked. A carrier-locked iPhone SE will reject third-party eSIM profiles — contact your carrier to unlock (free after contract).
- iOS 15 or later (any current iPhone SE 2nd/3rd gen runs this).
- A Wi-Fi connection to install the QR code before you travel.
How to install a travel eSIM on iPhone SE
- Purchase your travel eSIM from Flysimio before your trip — you need Wi-Fi for installation.
- Open the Flysimio email containing your QR code.
- Go to Settings → Cellular (or Mobile Data) on your iPhone SE.
- Tap "Add eSIM".
- Select "Use QR Code" and scan the QR code from your email.
- The eSIM installs in under 30 seconds.
- Name the new line (e.g., "Spain").
- Set the travel eSIM as your Cellular Data line.
- Turn off Data Roaming on your home line only.
- Your physical home SIM stays active for calls and texts.
iPhone SE vs iPhone 14/15/16 for travel eSIM
The iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd gen) is an excellent travel phone for eSIM precisely because it keeps the physical SIM tray — so you can run a home SIM and a travel eSIM together, or drop in a local SIM if needed. US iPhone 14, 15, and 16 models removed the SIM tray entirely and are eSIM-only. Both approaches work for a Flysimio travel eSIM; the SE just gives you the extra physical-SIM fallback, and costs far less.
Frequently asked questions
Is the iPhone SE eSIM compatible?
Yes. The iPhone SE 2nd generation (2020) and 3rd generation (2022) are both eSIM compatible, each with a physical nano-SIM slot too. The original iPhone SE (1st gen, 2016) is not eSIM compatible.
Does the iPhone SE 2020 (2nd gen) support eSIM?
Yes. The iPhone SE 2nd generation, released April 2020, supports eSIM alongside a physical nano-SIM. It is a Dual SIM device — keep your home SIM in the tray and add a travel eSIM for data. Setup: Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM.
Does the iPhone SE 2022 (3rd gen) support eSIM?
Yes. The iPhone SE 3rd generation, released March 2022, supports eSIM alongside a physical nano-SIM slot in all regions, including the US — unlike iPhone 14/15/16 US models, which are eSIM-only.
How do I add an eSIM to my iPhone SE?
Go to Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → Use QR Code. Scan the QR code from your Flysimio purchase email. The eSIM installs automatically in 10–30 seconds. Then set it as your Cellular Data line and turn off Data Roaming on your home line.
Can I use two SIMs on the iPhone SE?
Yes. Both the 2nd and 3rd gen iPhone SE support Dual SIM: one physical nano-SIM and one eSIM active at the same time. Keep your home SIM for calls and texts; use the travel eSIM for data.
Does the original iPhone SE (1st gen, 2016) support eSIM?
No. The 1st generation iPhone SE (2016) does not support eSIM — it has a physical nano-SIM slot only. You need the 2nd gen (2020) or 3rd gen (2022) for eSIM.
How do I check if my iPhone SE is eSIM compatible?
Go to Settings → General → About and scroll to look for a "Digital SIM" or "EID" entry — only eSIM-capable models show it. Alternatively, Settings → Cellular will show an "Add eSIM" option on the 2nd and 3rd gen iPhone SE.
Daniel Reyes
eSIM & Mobile Networks Writer
Daniel is a telecoms writer who has covered mobile networks and eSIM technology since 2019. He breaks down carrier coverage, device compatibility, and activation step by step.