Does the iPhone 17 Pro Max support eSIM?
The iPhone 17 Pro Max supports eSIM. UK models also take a nano-SIM, while US models are eSIM-only with no SIM tray.
Bought your iPhone 17 Pro Max in mainland China? The Chinese-market iPhone 17 Pro Max doesn't include eSIM. Apple ships it with two physical nano-SIM slots instead, to comply with local regulations, so an iPhone 17 Pro Max bought in mainland China can't use a travel eSIM.
Check it yourself in 10 seconds
- Open the keypad and dial
*#06#. - If an EID number appears alongside the IMEI, your iPhone 17 Pro Max is eSIM-ready.
- Or open Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM.
How to set up a travel eSIM on the iPhone 17 Pro Max
- Stay on WiFi. Go to Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM.
- Tap Use QR Code and scan the code from your idealesim order email.
- Label it "Travel" and add the plan.
- Set it as your data line, then enable Data Roaming for that eSIM.
- On iOS 26 or later, your iPhone may show Turn On Travel eSIM when you arrive. Tap it, choose Travel eSIM and Current eSIM to keep your usual number for calls and texts (or Travel eSIM Only), then tap Continue.
Is your iPhone 17 Pro Max carrier-unlocked?
An eSIM-ready iPhone 17 Pro Max still won't activate a travel eSIM if it's locked to a network. Phones bought outright are usually unlocked; contract phones often aren't. The 20-second check:
- Open Settings → General → About.
- Scroll to Network Provider Lock (called Carrier Lock on some iPhones).
- "No SIM Restrictions" means you're unlocked and good to go.
Locked? Your carrier can usually unlock it for free once any contract is paid off.
iPhone 17 Pro Max eSIM FAQ
Does the iPhone 17 Pro Max support eSIM?
Yes. The iPhone 17 Pro Max supports eSIM. UK models also take a nano-SIM, while US models are eSIM-only with no SIM tray.
How do I check if my iPhone 17 Pro Max supports eSIM?
Dial *#06# on the keypad. If an EID number appears next to the IMEI, your iPhone 17 Pro Max is eSIM-ready. You can also look under Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM.
How do I set up a travel eSIM on the iPhone 17 Pro Max?
On WiFi, go to Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → Use QR Code, scan the QR code from your order email, label it, then turn on Data Roaming for the travel eSIM under Settings → Cellular → (your eSIM) → Cellular Data Options. On iOS 26 or later your iPhone may ask whether the eSIM is for home or travel (choose travel), and when you arrive it may show a Turn On Travel eSIM notification: tap it, choose Travel eSIM and Current eSIM to keep your usual number for calls and texts (or Travel eSIM Only), then tap Continue.
Will my iPhone 17 Pro Max work with a travel eSIM abroad?
Yes, as long as the iPhone 17 Pro Max is carrier-unlocked. A travel eSIM from idealesim installs a second line for data while you travel, with no roaming fees — your home SIM stays in place for calls and texts.
Does an iPhone 17 Pro Max bought in mainland China support eSIM?
No. The mainland China version of the iPhone 17 Pro Max has two physical nano-SIM slots and no eSIM, to comply with local regulations, so it cannot use a travel eSIM. An iPhone 17 Pro Max bought elsewhere (UK, US, EU, etc.) supports eSIM normally. Apple has added eSIM to a few newer China-market models (iPhone Air, iPhone 17e, iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and iPhone Duo), and some Hong Kong and Macao models use two physical SIMs instead, so if you are not sure, dial *#06# and look for an EID.