Quick answer: The iPhone 13 supports eSIM and was the first iPhone with dual eSIM, meaning two eSIMs can stay active at the same time. To activate a Simbye eSIM on iPhone 13, open Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM and scan the QR code from Simbye, then set the new line as the default for data. The iPhone 13 keeps its nano-SIM tray, so a home SIM and a travel eSIM can run side by side. Simbye travel eSIMs work on every iPhone 13 model and start at $3 with coverage in 190+ countries.
The iPhone 13 was a turning point for travelers. Released in 2021 on the A15 Bionic chip, it became the first iPhone to support two active eSIMs at once — a feature earlier models did not have. That makes it one of the easiest phones to use abroad: install a travel data plan in under two minutes and keep your home number reachable the whole trip.
This guide covers iPhone 13 eSIM compatibility, step-by-step activation, the best dual-SIM setup for travel, fixes for the most common errors, and where to get a plan. Every model in the family — iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max — works exactly the same way.
iPhone 13 eSIM compatibility
Every iPhone 13 model ships with an embedded eSIM and a physical nano-SIM tray. Unlike some later US iPhone 14/15 units sold as eSIM-only, the iPhone 13 is not eSIM-only in any region — you always get the SIM tray as a backup.
| Feature | iPhone 13 detail |
|---|---|
| eSIM support | ✅ Yes — built in |
| Dual eSIM (two active at once) | ✅ Yes — first iPhone to support it |
| Physical SIM | 1× nano-SIM (tray present in all regions) |
| eSIM profiles stored | Multiple profiles — up to 2 active simultaneously |
| Dual-SIM modes | eSIM + nano-SIM, or eSIM + eSIM |
| Chip | A15 Bionic |
| Release year | 2021 |
| Models covered | 13 mini, 13, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max |
One requirement applies to every model: the iPhone 13 must be carrier-unlocked to add a third-party travel eSIM. Phones bought outright from Apple are unlocked; phones financed through a carrier may be locked until paid off. The dual-eSIM capability is documented on Apple's official eSIM support page. New to the technology? Start with What Is an eSIM? or the broader eSIM vs SIM card comparison.
How to activate a Simbye eSIM on iPhone 13
The whole process takes about two minutes and needs a Wi-Fi or data connection to download the profile. You can do this at home before you fly — the plan only starts counting once you connect to a network in your destination.
- Buy your eSIM: Get a travel plan from Simbye (190+ countries, from $3). The QR code arrives by email and in the Simbye app within seconds.
- Open Settings: Tap Settings → Cellular (shown as Mobile Data in some regions).
- Add eSIM: Tap Add eSIM (older iOS versions say Add Cellular Plan).
- Scan the QR code: Point the camera at the Simbye QR code. To install without a printout, tap Enter Details Manually and paste the SM-DP+ address and activation code instead.
- Label the plan: Name it something clear like "Travel" or "Japan Data" so it is easy to tell apart from your home line.
- Set the data line: Choose the Simbye eSIM as your default data line for internet, and keep your home line for calls and texts.
- Turn on Data Roaming for the eSIM: Go to Settings → Cellular → the Simbye line → Data Roaming → On. This is required for the travel eSIM to connect abroad and does not incur your home carrier's roaming fees, because the data runs on the Simbye plan.
That is it — your iPhone 13 connects automatically when you land. Prefer screenshots for every tap? Follow the full iPhone eSIM installation guide, or for the manual method see how to install an eSIM via SM-DP+ address.
Best dual-SIM setup for travel
This is where the iPhone 13 shines. Because it was the first iPhone with two active eSIMs, you have two solid travel configurations. Both keep your home number reachable so you never miss a bank code or a call from home.
Option A — home nano-SIM + travel eSIM (most common)
- Line 1 (nano-SIM): Your home number — leave it on for calls and SMS, but turn its data off so it never roams.
- Line 2 (Simbye eSIM): Set as the default data line for all internet.
Option B — home eSIM + travel eSIM (no SIM tray needed)
- Line 1 (home eSIM): If your home carrier already moved you to eSIM, keep it for calls and texts.
- Line 2 (Simbye eSIM): Your travel data line, active at the same time as line 1.
To switch which line carries data at any point: Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data → pick the line. Enable "Allow Cellular Data Switching" only if you want iMessage and FaceTime to fall back to your home line — note this can use home-carrier data, so most travelers leave it off. More background in the eSIM vs SIM card guide.
Common iPhone 13 eSIM issues & fixes
Most problems come down to one of four things: a locked phone, a missing Data Roaming toggle, the wrong default data line, or a QR code that was already used. The table below maps each symptom to the fix.
| Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| "eSIM Cannot Be Added" | Phone is carrier-locked, no internet, or QR already scanned | Unlock the phone with your carrier, connect to Wi-Fi, and use a fresh QR. See the full fix guide |
| "Unable to Activate eSIM" | Temporary network or profile glitch | Toggle Airplane Mode, restart the iPhone, then reset network settings. Step-by-step guide |
| No data after landing | Data Roaming off, or eSIM not the default data line | Settings → Cellular → Simbye line → Data Roaming On, and set it as default data |
| Connected but slow / no internet | Wrong network selected or APN issue | Turn off automatic network selection and pick the local carrier; check APN settings |
| eSIM disappeared after iOS update or reset | eSIM profiles can be erased by "Erase All Content" or some restores | Re-add from the Simbye app; never choose "Remove eSIM" before a trip ends. Troubleshooting guide |
| Removing a finished eSIM | Cleaning up after the trip | Settings → Cellular → select the eSIM → Remove eSIM (only after the plan expires). How to delete an eSIM |
Tip: removing an eSIM is permanent. If a plan still has data or validity left, keep it installed — you cannot re-add the same profile from the original QR code once it has been deleted.
Get a Simbye eSIM for your iPhone 13
Simbye offers data plans for 190+ countries, all fully compatible with every iPhone 13 model. Plans start at $3, the QR code is delivered instantly, and select destinations include a real local phone number with calls and SMS.
- Europe eSIM — 39 countries on one plan, from $3 (Europe guide)
- Japan eSIM — from $3 (Japan guide)
- USA eSIM — from $3 (USA guide)
- Thailand eSIM — from $3, Unlimited with a real Thai number from $7 (Thailand guide)
- Turkey eSIM — from $3 (Turkey guide)
Not sure how much data to buy? Read how much data you need when traveling, or compare prices in the cheapest eSIM for travel 2026 breakdown.
→ Browse all Simbye eSIM plans from $3
Frequently asked questions
Does the iPhone 13 support eSIM?
Yes. Every iPhone 13 model — mini, standard, Pro, and Pro Max — has a built-in eSIM alongside a physical nano-SIM tray. The iPhone 13 was also the first iPhone to support two active eSIMs at the same time.
Was the iPhone 13 the first iPhone with dual eSIM?
Yes. The iPhone 13 was the first iPhone able to run two eSIMs active simultaneously. Earlier iPhones supported dual-SIM only as one eSIM plus one physical nano-SIM, not two eSIMs at once.
How do I activate a travel eSIM on iPhone 13?
Open Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM, scan the QR code from your provider, label the plan, set it as the default data line, and turn on Data Roaming for that line. The plan activates automatically when you connect to a network at your destination.
Can I use eSIM and a physical SIM together on iPhone 13?
Yes. The iPhone 13 supports one nano-SIM plus one eSIM active at the same time, so you can keep your home number on the physical SIM and use a Simbye travel eSIM for data.
How many eSIMs can the iPhone 13 store?
The iPhone 13 can store multiple eSIM profiles and keep up to two of them active at once. You install as many as you like over time and switch which lines are turned on in Settings → Cellular.
Is my iPhone 13 unlocked for a travel eSIM?
If you bought it directly from Apple or paid in full, it is unlocked. If you bought it on a carrier payment plan it may be locked until paid off. Check Settings → General → About for a "No SIM restrictions" line, or ask your carrier.
Will an iPhone 13 eSIM work as soon as I land?
Yes. Once the Simbye eSIM is installed, set as the default data line, and has Data Roaming enabled, it connects automatically when your plane lands and the phone finds a local network — no extra steps at the airport.
Does using an eSIM void the iPhone 13 warranty?
No. eSIM is a standard built-in feature of the iPhone 13. Installing and using a travel eSIM is fully supported by Apple and has no effect on the warranty.
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