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Saily£2.99(£2.99 / GB)
Plan: 1 GB · 7 Days
- Network: Turkcell (4G/LTE/5G)
- 100% Digital · Instant Activation
- Hotspot & Tethering allowed
iPhone eSIM Support for Turkey
Apple introduced eSIM technology starting with the iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR in September 2018. All subsequent iPhone generations (iPhone 11 through iPhone 16 series and SE 2nd/3rd gen) feature built-in eSIM functionality. If you own an iPhone purchased in the UK or Europe, your device features a Dual SIM configuration (one physical nano-SIM tray + multiple digital eSIM profiles), allowing you to keep your UK mobile number active for 2FA security codes and WhatsApp while using a cheap Turkish eSIM for all mobile data.
28models with eSIM
3models without eSIM
How to Install a Turkey eSIM on iPhone
Step-by-step setup walkthrough for iOS 16, 17 & 18.
1
Verify Carrier Unlock Status
Open Settings → General → About → scroll to 'Carrier Lock'. It MUST read 'No SIM restrictions'. If it shows a carrier name (EE, Vodafone, O2, Three), contact your network to unlock it before departure.
2
Scan the eSIM QR Code
Connect to Wi-Fi. Go to Settings → Mobile Service (or Cellular) → tap 'Add eSIM' → select 'Use QR Code' and scan the code provided by your eSIM vendor (or enter the activation details manually).
3
Label Your New eSIM Line
When prompted, label your primary UK line as 'Primary' and your new eSIM line as 'Turkey Travel' to easily distinguish them.
4
Set Default Line for Mobile Data
Select 'Turkey Travel' as your Default Line for Mobile Data. IMPORTANT: Turn OFF 'Allow Mobile Data Switching' to prevent accidental UK carrier roaming charges.
5
Enable Data Roaming on Arrival
Upon landing in Turkey, go to Settings → Mobile Service → tap 'Turkey Travel' line → toggle 'Data Roaming' to ON. Your iPhone will connect to Turkcell, Türk Telekom, or Vodafone in seconds.
Regional Hardware & Dual SIM Variations
Important device nuances depending on where your iPhone was purchased.
UK & European Models
Equipped with 1 nano-SIM tray + multiple digital eSIMs (Dual Active eSIMs supported from iPhone 13 onwards).
US Models (iPhone 14, 15, 16 Series)
eSIM-only devices without a physical SIM tray. Can store up to 8+ eSIM profiles with 2 active simultaneously.
Mainland China, Hong Kong & Macao Models
Certain iPhone models sold in mainland China/Hong Kong feature dual physical nano-SIM trays and do NOT support digital eSIM.
iPhone models with eSIM support
| Model | eSIM | Dual eSIM | Carrier lock note | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone XS | ✓ | — | Must show 'No SIM restrictions' | — |
| iPhone XS Max | ✓ | — | Must show 'No SIM restrictions' | — |
| iPhone XR | ✓ | — | Must show 'No SIM restrictions' | — |
| iPhone 11 | ✓ | — | Must show 'No SIM restrictions' | — |
| iPhone 11 Pro | ✓ | — | Must be carrier-unlocked (No SIM restrictions) | — |
| iPhone 11 Pro Max | ✓ | — | Must be carrier-unlocked (No SIM restrictions) | — |
| iPhone SE (2nd gen, 2020) | ✓ | — | Must be carrier-unlocked (No SIM restrictions) | — |
| iPhone 12 | ✓ | ✓ | Must be carrier-unlocked (No SIM restrictions) | — |
| iPhone 12 Mini | ✓ | ✓ | Must be carrier-unlocked (No SIM restrictions) | — |
| iPhone 12 Pro | ✓ | ✓ | Must be carrier-unlocked (No SIM restrictions) | — |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | ✓ | ✓ | Must be carrier-unlocked (No SIM restrictions) | — |
| iPhone 13 | ✓ | ✓ | Must be carrier-unlocked (No SIM restrictions) | — |
| iPhone 13 Mini | ✓ | ✓ | Must be carrier-unlocked (No SIM restrictions) | — |
| iPhone 13 Pro | ✓ | ✓ | Must be carrier-unlocked (No SIM restrictions) | — |
| iPhone 13 Pro Max | ✓ | ✓ | Must be carrier-unlocked (No SIM restrictions) | — |
| iPhone SE (3rd gen, 2022) | ✓ | — | Must be carrier-unlocked (No SIM restrictions) | — |
| iPhone 14 | ✓ | ✓ | Must be carrier-unlocked (No SIM restrictions) | UK model has nano-SIM + eSIM. US model is dual eSIM-only. |
| iPhone 14 Plus | ✓ | ✓ | Must be carrier-unlocked (No SIM restrictions) | — |
| iPhone 14 Pro | ✓ | ✓ | Must be carrier-unlocked (No SIM restrictions) | — |
| iPhone 14 Pro Max | ✓ | ✓ | Must be carrier-unlocked (No SIM restrictions) | — |
| iPhone 15 | ✓ | ✓ | Must be carrier-unlocked (No SIM restrictions) | — |
| iPhone 15 Plus | ✓ | ✓ | Must be carrier-unlocked (No SIM restrictions) | — |
| iPhone 15 Pro | ✓ | ✓ | Must be carrier-unlocked (No SIM restrictions) | — |
| iPhone 15 Pro Max | ✓ | ✓ | Must be carrier-unlocked (No SIM restrictions) | — |
| iPhone 16 | ✓ | ✓ | Must be carrier-unlocked (No SIM restrictions) | — |
| iPhone 16 Plus | ✓ | ✓ | Must be carrier-unlocked (No SIM restrictions) | — |
| iPhone 16 Pro | ✓ | ✓ | Must be carrier-unlocked (No SIM restrictions) | — |
| iPhone 16 Pro Max | ✓ | ✓ | Must be carrier-unlocked (No SIM restrictions) | — |
iPhone models without eSIM
✗iPhone XiPhone X does not support eSIM — physical SIM only
✗iPhone 8 / 8 PlusPhysical SIM only — no eSIM support
✗iPhone SE (1st gen, 2016)Physical SIM only — no eSIM support
If your iPhone model is listed above, you cannot use an eSIM. You'll need a physical SIM card instead — available from Turkish carrier kiosks at major airports and in city centres.
Recommended eSIM plans for your iPhone
These top-rated plans are fully compatible with your eSIM-enabled iPhone and provide excellent network coverage across Turkey.
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Breeze SIM£15.00(£0.75 / GB)
Plan: 20 GB · 30 Days
- Network: Turkcell (4G/LTE/5G)
- 100% Digital · Instant Activation
- Hotspot & Tethering allowed
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Yesim£2.97
Plan: Unlimited · 1 Days
- Network: Turkcell (up to 5G)
- 100% Digital · Instant Activation
- Hotspot & Tethering allowed
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iPhone eSIM — FAQs
All iPhone models from iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR (2018) up to the newest iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max support eSIM. The iPhone SE (2nd generation 2020 and 3rd generation 2022) also support eSIM. The original 2016 iPhone SE and iPhone X or earlier do not.
Go to Settings → General → About. Look for 'Carrier Lock' (or 'Network Provider Lock'). If it displays 'No SIM restrictions', your iPhone is fully unlocked and ready to use any Turkey eSIM. If it displays a network name, you must request an unlock from your UK mobile provider.
Yes. Keep your UK SIM line enabled for calls and SMS, while setting your Turkey eSIM as the dedicated line for Mobile Data. Make sure 'Data Roaming' is turned OFF on your UK line and ON for your Turkey eSIM.
1. Ensure 'Data Roaming' is toggled ON under Settings → Mobile Service → [Turkey eSIM Line]. 2. Restart your iPhone. 3. If it still doesn't connect, go to Network Selection and manually choose Turkcell or Türk Telekom instead of Automatic.
Yes. When you open WhatsApp with the new eSIM active, it may ask 'Would you like to switch your phone number?'. Always tap 'Keep Existing Number'. WhatsApp will continue using your UK phone number and chat history over the Turkish eSIM data connection.