Does the iPhone SE (2020) support eSIM?
Yes. The iPhone SE (2020) supports eSIM. Here is how to check your unit, install a travel eSIM and keep your Indian number working.
iPhone SE (2020) at a glance
Yes. The iPhone SE (2020) supports eSIM. The second-generation SE supports eSIM everywhere except mainland China. Universal eSIMs plans install on an unlocked iPhone SE (2020) in about two minutes, with prices from ₹249 and hotspot allowed. Dial *#06# to confirm an EID on your unit, and check that the phone is carrier-unlocked.
Prices checked on 25 October 2026 · Hotspot allowed on every plan · Full refund if your phone cannot install the eSIM
Carrier lock: the caveat
eSIM hardware is not enough; the iPhone SE (2020) must also be free of a carrier lock. Check Settings, General, About, Carrier Lock; it should say "No SIM restrictions". Phones bought outright in India are unlocked. Phones bought on instalments in the USA, Canada, Japan or the UK are usually locked until paid off, and the carrier must unlock them on request.
Dual-SIM behaviour on the iPhone SE (2020)
One nano-SIM plus one eSIM.
For travel, keep your Indian SIM active for calls, OTPs and WhatsApp verification with data roaming switched off, and set mobile data to the travel eSIM. WhatsApp stays on your Indian number. Read the dual-SIM setup guide.
How to install a travel eSIM on the iPhone SE (2020)
Buy a plan and open the QR code
Choose a destination, pay, and open the email or app on another screen, or save the QR code to Photos. Stay on Wi-Fi.
Open the eSIM menu on the iPhone SE (2020)
Settings, Cellular (or Mobile Data), Add eSIM, Use QR Code. Scan the code or enter the SM-DP+ address manually.
Scan or enter manually
Scan the QR code. If the camera cannot read it, choose "Enter details manually" and paste the SM-DP+ address and activation code from the email.
Label the line
iOS asks you to label the new line (choose Travel) and to pick which line is default for data. Choose the travel eSIM for cellular data and keep your home SIM for voice and iMessage.
Set data to the eSIM and roaming on, for that line only
Settings, Cellular, Cellular Data: select the travel line. Then tap the travel line and turn on Data Roaming. Leave Data Roaming off on your home SIM.
Land and connect
The eSIM finds a partner network within a minute of landing. Validity starts now. If nothing happens, toggle Airplane mode or pick the network manually.
Full iPhone install guide with the manual SM-DP+ path and screenshots.
Troubleshooting on the iPhone SE (2020)
Common iPhone SE (2020) eSIM problems
More fixes in eSIM troubleshooting and eSIM not activating.
Recommended plans for the iPhone SE (2020)
Popular destinations for travellers from India. Every plan allows hotspot and delivers a QR code within 60 seconds.
Popular destinations
Also see the Japan eSIM, the Europe eSIM for 42 countries, and the Global eSIM.
iPhone SE (2020) eSIM questions
Does the iPhone SE (2020) support eSIM?
Yes. The second-generation SE supports eSIM everywhere except mainland China.
Can I keep my Indian SIM active while using an eSIM on the iPhone SE (2020)?
Yes. One nano-SIM plus one eSIM. Keep the home SIM on for calls and OTPs with data roaming off, and put data on the travel eSIM.
How do I check whether my iPhone SE (2020) is carrier-locked?
Settings, General, About, Carrier Lock. "No SIM restrictions" means unlocked. Phones bought outright in India are unlocked; US and Canadian instalment phones are often locked until paid off.
How many eSIMs can the iPhone SE (2020) store?
Eight or more profiles stored, two active at once on iPhone 13 and later (one active on older models). You can keep eSIMs for several countries installed and switch between them.
Does Universal eSIMs work on the iPhone SE (2020)?
Yes. Every Universal eSIMs plan, for 195+ destinations, installs on an unlocked iPhone SE (2020). Hotspot is allowed on all plans.
What if the eSIM will not install on my iPhone SE (2020)?
Check Wi-Fi is connected, that the QR has not been scanned on another device, and that the phone is unlocked. Then follow troubleshooting. If it still fails on a compatible, unlocked phone we refund in full.
Can I transfer the eSIM to a new phone later?
Travel eSIMs are single-install profiles. iOS eSIM transfer may move the line, but if it fails, contact us and we issue a replacement QR for the unused balance where the plan allows it.
Does 5G work on the iPhone SE (2020) with a travel eSIM?
Yes, where the destination plan includes 5G and the iPhone SE (2020) supports the local 5G bands; check the phone's specification sheet for the bands it covers. 4G LTE is the fallback everywhere and is what most travellers use most of the time.
Other Apple phones
• iPhone XS Yes
· • iPhone XR Yes
· • iPhone 11 Yes
· • iPhone 12 Yes
· • iPhone 13 Yes
· • iPhone SE (2022) Yes
· • Full list
· • Checker
Ready to install on your iPhone SE (2020)?
Buy now, install on Wi-Fi tonight, connect when you land. Full refund if it cannot install.