iPhone X / XS / XR Series

The iPhone X series covers two distinct eSIM situations: the 2017 iPhone X (no eSIM) and the 2018 models — XS, XS Max, and XR — which introduced eSIM to the iPhone lineup.

Key Takeaways

• iPhone X (2017): No eSIM support. Does not work with travel eSIMs.
• iPhone XS, XS Max, XR (2018): eSIM supported alongside physical nano-SIM.
• One active eSIM at a time (not Dual eSIM).
• Carrier unlock required for third-party eSIMs.

Does iPhone X Have eSIM?

iPhone X (2017): No. The iPhone X does not support eSIM. Despite the similar name, it predates eSIM on iPhone by one year.

iPhone XS, XS Max, XR (2018): Yes. All three 2018 models support eSIM. These were the first iPhones with eSIM capability, and they support one active eSIM at a time alongside the physical nano-SIM card.

If you have an iPhone X and need eSIM support, you would need to upgrade to an XS, XR, or later model.

iPhone X Series — eSIM Compatibility at a Glance

How to Activate eSIM on iPhone XS, XS Max, or XR

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Cellular, then Add Cellular Plan.
3. Scan the QR code from your eSIM provider. Roamix emails the QR code within 60 seconds.
4. Name the line (e.g., "Roamix Travel").
5. Set the Roamix eSIM as your cellular data line.
6. Your physical SIM remains active for calls and texts.

Using Two Lines on iPhone XR, XS, XS Max

These models support one active eSIM alongside one physical SIM — a true two-line setup, just without Dual eSIM (two simultaneous active eSIMs). For travel:

• Physical SIM: Home carrier, calls and texts. Data Roaming off.
• Roamix eSIM: Primary data line. Data Roaming on.

Set the data line at Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data.

iPhone XR / XS eSIM for International Travel

iPhone XR and XS work with Roamix on any unlocked device. Purchase a plan, scan the QR code, and your phone connects to local networks when you land.

Carrier lock check: Settings → General → About → Carrier Lock.

iPhone XR / XS eSIM Troubleshooting

"Add Cellular Plan" missing on XR or XS: Check that the iPhone is carrier-unlocked. Settings → General → About → Carrier Lock.

iPhone X showing no eSIM option: Correct — the iPhone X does not support eSIM. This is a hardware limitation.

eSIM not working after installation: Set the Roamix line as data line, enable Data Roaming for it, and toggle Airplane Mode off/on.

Transfer not supported error: iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR do not support eSIM Quick Transfer between iPhones. You need to install the eSIM fresh via QR code on the new device.