Does iPhone 13 Support eSIM? Complete Guide (2026)
iPhone 13 laying in a small compartment inside the car

The iPhone 13 lineup fully supports eSIM - making it easier to switch carriers, add travel data plans, and manage multiple numbers without swapping physical SIM cards. In this guide, you'll learn how eSIM works on the iPhone 13, step-by-step setup instructions, troubleshooting tips, carrier compatibility, and how Maaltalk eSIM can simplify global connectivity.

Does iPhone 13 Support eSIM?

Yes. All iPhone 13 models support eSIM, and you can use one physical SIM + one eSIM simultaneously. Apple also allows storing multiple eSIM profiles, making it ideal for travelers, remote workers, or anyone who wants separate personal and work lines.

What Is eSIM and How Does It Work?

An eSIM (“embedded SIM”) is a digital SIM built into your phone. Instead of inserting a physical SIM card, you activate a plan via QR code or activation details from your carrier, or from Maaltalk eSIM, which delivers instant QR codes for over 200 countries.


What you can do with eSIM:

  • Activate a new carrier instantly
  • Store multiple plans (e.g., home, travel, work)
  • Switch networks in seconds from Settings
  • Avoid physical SIM swapping

It's faster, more flexible, and significantly more travel-friendly.

iPhone 13 Models That Support eSIM

Every global iPhone 13 model supports eSIM:

  • iPhone 13 mini
  • iPhone 13
  • iPhone 13 Pro
  • iPhone 13 Pro Max

Exception:
Mainland China models do not support eSIM due to local regulations.
Hong Kong and Macao versions do support dual SIM with eSIM.


You can store up to 8 eSIM profiles, with 2 lines active at once.


Buy Maaltalk eSIM blog banner

How to Set Up eSIM on iPhone 13 (Step-by-Step)

What You Need Before Starting

  • iPhone 13 with iOS 15 or later
  • A stable internet connection
  • eSIM QR code or manual activation details
  • About 5–10 minutes

Method 1: QR Code Activation

  1. Go to Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM / Add Cellular Plan
  2. The camera opens automatically
  3. Scan the QR code provided by your carrier or eSIM service
  4. Tap Continue
  5. Label the new plan (e.g., “Travel Data” or “Work”)
  6. Choose which line handles calls, messages, and data (you can change this anytime)

Method 2: Manual Activation

Use this method if your QR code is unavailable or unreadable.


  1. Open Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM
  2. Select Enter Details Manually
  3. Enter the SM-DP+ address and activation code
  4. Confirm installation and assign line labels

5 Common iPhone 13 eSIM Issues & How to Fix Them

1. eSIM Activation Fails

  • Reset via Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Reset → Reset Network Settings
  • Try activation using Wi-Fi instead of mobile data

2. No “Add eSIM” Option Appears

  • Update to the latest iOS
  • Check if your device is a mainland China model

3. QR Code Doesn't Scan

  • Activate manually using SM-DP+ details
  • Clean the screen and try again in good lighting

4. No Service After Activation

  • Restart your phone
  • Turn Airplane Mode ON → OFF
  • Check if the plan is set as the active data line

5. Dual SIM Data Switching Issues

Enable Settings → Cellular → Allow Cellular Data Switching for best performance.

Which Carriers Support eSIM on iPhone 13?

Most global carriers support eSIM, including Vodafone, Orange, Airtel, O2, Deutsche Telekom, Optus/Telstra, Singtel, and Starhub.


For travelers, Maaltalk eSIM simplifies everything by providing prepaid, instant global plans without visiting local carrier stores. Users can activate new plans in minutes and manage multiple countries from one iPhone.

How Dual SIM Works on the iPhone 13

Using “Physical SIM + eSIM,” you can:


Use Two Numbers at Once

  • One for work
  • One for personal use

Use One Line for Calls, Another for Data

Great for:

  • Saving money by pairing cheap data plans with reliable voice plans
  • Travel (home SIM for calls, travel eSIM for data)

Store Multiple Plans

Frequent travelers can store plans for dozens of countries and activate them instantly.


Pros & Cons of Using eSIM on iPhone 13

Pros

  • No physical SIM needed
  • Instant activation
  • Multiple profiles stored
  • Ideal for international travel
  • Easy carrier switching
  • Fewer lost/damaged SIM issues

Cons

  • Some carriers still require store visits
  • Troubleshooting requires internet access
  • Not supported on mainland China iPhone 13 models
  • Transferring eSIM between devices can vary by carrier

Stay Connected Anywhere and Simplify Travel with Our Maaltalk eSIMs

Managing multiple carriers and plans can get complicated, especially if you travel often or juggle work and personal lines. Our Maaltalk eSIMs make this effortless. Whether you need a quick solution for a short trip or a flexible plan you can top up and reuse, our eSIMs let you manage multiple lines directly from your iPhone 13 - no swapping physical SIMs, no store visits, and no unexpected roaming charges.


Here’s how our Maaltalk eSIMs make life easier:

  • Instant global activation: Get connected in over 200 countries in minutes.
  • Flexible options:Use our prepaid eSIM for short trips, or our rechargeable eSIM for longer-term or repeat travel.
  • Multiple lines, one device:Store several profiles and switch between them instantly.
  • Easy setup:Receive QR codes or activation details via email or our app, ready to use right away.

With our Maaltalk eSIMs, you can stay connected wherever you go, manage personal, work, and travel lines seamlessly, and avoid high roaming fees - all from a single device.


Buy Maaltalk eSIM blog banner