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Does iPhone SE Have eSIM? (Gen 1, 2 & 3 Explained)

My Travel Story With iPhone SE

Hi, I’m Anna – a passionate traveler who has tested more than a dozen eSIM providers while roaming across Asia, Europe, and the Americas. If you’ve ever wondered “does iPhone SE have eSIM?”, you’re not alone. Many travelers with iPhone SE want to know if they can skip expensive roaming fees and use a travel eSIM instead.

The short answer: Yes, but it depends on which iPhone SE generation you own. In this guide, I’ll explain everything you need to know, plus share my personal eSIM experiences and the best providers to use with iPhone SE (2020 and 2022).

👉 Quick Tip: If you already know your iPhone SE supports eSIM, you can check out top travel eSIM deals here:

iPhone SE Generations: Which Ones Support eSIM?

iPhone SE (1st Gen – 2016)

  • Released in 2016.

  • Only supports a single nano-SIM card.

  • ❌ No eSIM support.

iPhone SE (2nd Gen – 2020)

  • Released in 2020.

  • ✅ Supports eSIM.

  • Dual SIM capability: nano-SIM + eSIM.

  • Great choice for travel because you can keep your home SIM active and add an eSIM for data abroad.

iPhone SE (3rd Gen – 2022)

  • Released in 2022.

  • ✅ Full eSIM support (same as iPhone 12/13 series).

  • Dual SIM: nano-SIM + eSIM.

  • Future-proof: Apple is moving toward eSIM-only models (like US iPhone 14 and 15).

📌 Summary:

  • SE 2016 → No eSIM.

  • SE 2020 → Yes, eSIM + nano-SIM.

  • SE 2022 → Yes, eSIM + nano-SIM.

How to Activate eSIM on iPhone SE (2020 & 2022)

Activating eSIM is simple. Here’s how I usually set it up before flights:

  1. Purchase a travel eSIM from providers like Airalo, Nomad, or Yesim.

  2. You’ll receive a QR code or installation link via email.

  3. On your iPhone SE: Go to Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan.

  4. Scan the QR code.

  5. Your new eSIM profile is installed within seconds.

  6. Turn on Cellular Data for the eSIM, while keeping your primary SIM for calls/messages if needed.

💡 Tip from Anna: I always install the eSIM before boarding the plane, so I have internet right after landing.

Benefits of Using eSIM on iPhone SE

  • 🌍 Global connectivity – Buy a local eSIM before arrival.

  • 💰 Save money – Avoid $10–15/day roaming fees.

  • 📱 Dual SIM flexibility – Keep your home SIM for WhatsApp/OTP, while using eSIM for data.

  • ⚡ Instant setup – No need to find SIM card kiosks at airports.

  • 🔐 More secure – Harder to lose compared to physical SIM cards.

As someone who has used eSIM across 15+ countries, I can confirm that speed and coverage are often better than prepaid tourist SIMs at airports.

Best Travel eSIMs for iPhone SE (2020 & 2022)

Here’s a quick comparison of top eSIM providers I personally recommend:

Provider Best For Example Price (Europe 5GB) Link
Airalo Budget travelers $20 Airalo eSIM
Maya eSIM Simple app & setup $22 Maya eSIM
Yesim Flexible top-ups $25 Yesim
Nomad eSIM Fast data, multiple regions $23 Nomad eSIM
WorldSIM Global coverage $30 Worldsim
Pocket eSIM Frequent travelers $24 Pocket eSIM
Fonus Mobile Unlimited global talk & data $30 Fonus Mobile

👉 More options: Globalesim, Breeze eSIM, Roamic, Saily, Ubigi, Voye eSIM.

Personal Note: What Really Matters When Choosing an eSIM

As someone who has personally used over 10 eSIMs across Europe and Asia, here’s what I’ve learned:

  • Price isn’t everything. Sometimes $2 more gives you double the speed.

  • Coverage is king. If you’re in rural areas, pick providers with strong local partnerships.

  • App usability matters. I loved Airalo’s and Nomad’s apps – easy to top-up and track usage.

So if you’re traveling with iPhone SE, don’t just pick the cheapest plan – think about reliability.

FAQ: iPhone SE and eSIM

Q: Does iPhone SE support multiple eSIMs?

  • Yes, SE 2020 and SE 2022 can store multiple eSIM profiles, but only one active at a time.

Q: Can I use dual SIM (physical + eSIM) on iPhone SE?

  • Yes, on SE 2020 and SE 2022, you can use nano-SIM + eSIM together.

Q: Does the first iPhone SE (2016) have eSIM?

  • No, it only supports nano-SIM.

Q: Can I use an eSIM for international roaming on iPhone SE?

  • Absolutely. Just install before you travel, and switch to local data immediately upon arrival.

Conclusion: Should You Use eSIM on iPhone SE?

So, does iPhone SE have eSIM?

  • SE 2016 → ❌ No.

  • SE 2020 & SE 2022 → ✅ Yes, supports eSIM (perfect for travel).

I’m Anna, and as someone who travels with an iPhone SE 2020, I can confidently say: using eSIM is the smartest way to stay connected abroad. No more hunting for SIM cards at airports or paying crazy roaming fees.

👉 Ready to try? Explore the best travel eSIMs here:

If this guide helped you, feel free to share it with your fellow travelers – it might save them hundreds in roaming costs! 🌍✈️

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