eSIMion

iPhone SE (2020) and SE (2022) eSIM support

Yes — both the iPhone SE (2020, 2nd generation) and SE (2022, 3rd generation) support eSIM. They sit oddly against the numbered line: the 2020 SE behaves like the 11 era (one active eSIM plus the physical SIM), while the 2022 SE picked up the 13 era's two-active-eSIM support.

What this device can do

The facts first, then why each one matters on a trip.

eSIM support Yes — both the SE (2020) and SE (2022)

Your plan arrives by email and installs without touching the SIM tray.

eSIM profiles stored SE (2020): multiple. SE (2022): 8 or more

Stored profiles cost nothing: last trip's eSIM can stay on the phone.

Active at the same time SE (2020): 1 eSIM + physical SIM. SE (2022): 2 lines

This is the real difference between the two SEs — check which you have in Settings, General, About.

Physical SIM tray Yes on both, in every region — the trayless design never reached the SE line

A physical local SIM stays available as a fallback, though you will not need one.

Dual SIM combinations SE (2020): physical + eSIM only. SE (2022): physical + eSIM, or eSIM + eSIM

On the 2022 model an all-eSIM setup works; on the 2020 model the tray stays in use.

eSIM Quick Transfer Yes on iOS 16 or later; carrier-dependent

Sort your home line's transfer before departure, not at the gate.

iOS requirement Supported out of the box (SE 2020 ships with iOS 13; SE 2022 with iOS 15)

An up-to-date iOS makes eSIM installs smoother.

Hotspot on the eSIM line Yes

Share the plan with a laptop; hotspot use counts against the allowance.

5G SE (2020): no — 4G/LTE. SE (2022): yes

Travel plans run fine on LTE either way.

Which SE do you have?

The two modern SEs look nearly identical, so check Settings, General, About, Model Name. It matters because the eSIM behaviour differs: SE (2020) runs one eSIM at a time alongside the nano-SIM; SE (2022) supports two active eSIMs, matching the iPhone 13 generation it launched beside.

For a standard trip the difference is invisible — home SIM in the tray, one travel eSIM for data works on both. It only shows up if you want two eSIMs live at once, which the 2020 model cannot do.

The original SE from 2016 has no eSIM at all.

The usual checks

Both SEs kept the physical SIM tray in every market, including the US — the trayless design never reached the SE line.

The phone must be carrier-unlocked; SEs were often sold on carrier deals, so this is worth confirming early. Settings, Cellular, Add eSIM (or Add Cellular Plan on older iOS) confirms eSIM is live, and *#06# works as the universal check.

Installing your travel eSIM

Your eSIMion eSIM arrives by email with a tap-to-install link, a QR code, and manual details. Full steps on the iPhone guide below.

Related

iPhone eSIM guide →

iPhone 11 eSIM support →

iPhone 13 eSIM support →