Does the iPhone Air support eSIM?
The iPhone Air is eSIM-only: it has no physical SIM tray, so it is ready for a travel eSIM out of the box. Unlike most Chinese-market iPhones, it supports eSIM in mainland China too.
Check it yourself in 10 seconds
- Open the keypad and dial
*#06#. - If an EID number appears alongside the IMEI, your iPhone Air is eSIM-ready.
- Or open Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM.
How to set up a travel eSIM on the iPhone Air
- 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 Air carrier-unlocked?
An eSIM-ready iPhone Air 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 Air eSIM FAQ
Does the iPhone Air support eSIM?
Yes. The iPhone Air is eSIM-only: it has no physical SIM tray, so it is ready for a travel eSIM out of the box. Unlike most Chinese-market iPhones, it supports eSIM in mainland China too.
How do I check if my iPhone Air supports eSIM?
Dial *#06# on the keypad. If an EID number appears next to the IMEI, your iPhone Air is eSIM-ready. You can also look under Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM.
How do I set up a travel eSIM on the iPhone Air?
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 Air work with a travel eSIM abroad?
Yes, as long as the iPhone Air 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.