eSIM in the US: how it works and what to check

An eSIM is a SIM built into the phone. Instead of inserting a plastic card, you download your carrier's profile over Wi-Fi, usually through the carrier's app or a prompt during setup. In the US it's no longer optional on iPhones: every iPhone from the iPhone 14 onward that was bought in the US has no SIM tray at all. Most Android phones sold here take both an eSIM and a physical SIM card, though Google's main Pixel models are eSIM-only in the US too. AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile all let you move an eSIM line to a new phone yourself.

What eSIM is, and what it changes

Apple describes eSIM as "an industry-standard digital SIM built into your iPhone." T-Mobile's SIM and eSIM page puts it more simply: "just a SIM card gone digital, so you don't have to wait for a physical SIM."

A few practical differences, from Apple's travel eSIM page:

• An eSIM "can't be removed if your iPhone is lost or stolen," which a thief can do with a card.
• You don't wait for a card in the mail.
• Supported iPhones can have two eSIMs active at the same time, for example a work line and a personal line.

Apple's eSIM setup page adds that an iPhone can store "up to eight or more eSIMs," though only two can be active at once.

Which phones are eSIM-only in the US

Apple's SIM type list, published September 17, 2026, says these iPhones can only be activated with an eSIM:

• iPhone Air, wherever it was bought.
• iPhone 18 Pro, 18 Pro Max, 17e, 17, 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max bought in the United States (and some other countries).
• iPhone 16e, 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max bought in the United States.
• iPhone 15 and iPhone 14 models bought in the United States.

The iPhone Duo isn't on that list, but its spec page says it "is activated with an eSIM and does not support a physical SIM." Apple notes that iPhone 13 models and earlier still have a SIM tray.

Here is what the phones we track use, as their makers list it:

If you need a physical SIM card, for example because you swap cards between phones, a US iPhone and the main Pixel models are out. Our Pixel 11 overview and guide to which iPhone to buy cover those phones in more detail.

Moving your number to a new phone

iPhone to iPhone. Apple's eSIM Quick Transfer moves your number "without contacting" the carrier, if the carrier supports it. You need to be signed in to both phones with your Apple Account, keep them nearby with Bluetooth on, and run iOS 18.4 or later on both. You'll get a prompt during setup.

Between Android and iPhone. Apple says that with iOS 26 or later, "some carriers and select smartphone manufacturers support transferring your eSIM from Android to iPhone, and vice versa." Otherwise, your carrier moves the number by sending the profile to the phone or giving you a QR code.

Android to Pixel. Google's SIM transfer page says both phones need Android 12 or later, the current Google Play Services and a screen lock. You can transfer during setup, or later in Settings under Network & internet, SIMs, Add SIM, then "Transfer SIM from another device." Google says that if the transfer fails, your existing phone or eSIM should still work, and your carrier can activate the eSIM instead.

The carriers have their own routes:

• AT&T. Its eSIM swap page says to turn off Wireless Account Lock first, connect both phones to Wi-Fi, then go to Bring your own device and choose "Switch the device used on my line." You'll need a one-time PIN. AT&T Prepaid customers have to call 800.901.9878 from another phone.
• Verizon. Its eSIM FAQ says to install the My Verizon app on the new phone, connect to Wi-Fi and sign in. Only the Account Owner or an Account Manager can move a line, the new phone must be unlocked, and there's no fee. If yours is the only line on the account, you need the old phone to confirm the move. Service on the old phone then stops.
• T-Mobile. Its SIM and eSIM page says to turn off SIM Protection before upgrading or transferring, "If you don't, you'll receive an error." iPhones and Samsung phones then prompt you to activate or transfer the eSIM during setup.

Traveling with eSIM

You have two choices abroad, according to Apple's travel eSIM page:

1. Roam with your US carrier. Check whether your plan includes the country or offers a travel pass. Apple notes that roaming on an eSIM "works the same as roaming with a physical SIM."
2. Buy a travel eSIM from a local carrier or a worldwide data provider. For this, "your iPhone cannot be locked to a carrier." You can keep your home line on as a second eSIM. If you switch to the travel eSIM only, Apple says FaceTime and iMessage keep working on your home number.

The FCC's unlocking guide adds a general warning: check with your provider before you leave, because "your phone may be incompatible with the networks where you are traveling." Some countries also ask for ID, such as a passport, when you buy a local plan.

What to check before buying

• Is the phone unlocked? A locked phone can't take another carrier's eSIM, at home or abroad. Our explainer on unlocked vs carrier phones has each carrier's current rules.
• Do you need a SIM card slot? Check the table above. Some phones sold elsewhere have a tray when the US version doesn't.
• Does your plan support eSIM moves in the app? Prepaid plans often work differently. AT&T Prepaid needs a phone call, and T-Mobile sends new prepaid customers to a separate Prepaid eSIM app.
• Are you buying used? Make sure the seller's line has been moved off the phone. On a used eSIM-only phone, there's no card to take out.

Common mistakes

Leaving account protection on. AT&T's Wireless Account Lock and T-Mobile's SIM Protection both block eSIM changes until you turn them off.

Deleting the eSIM by accident. If you erase it, you can get a new profile. Verizon, for example, lets you do this in the My Verizon app under Activate or get SIM.

Expecting the old phone to keep working. Once the number moves, the old phone loses service on that line.

Buying a travel eSIM for a locked phone. Apple says the phone can't be locked to a carrier for a travel eSIM to work. Check the carrier lock before you go.