iPhones that support international sim cards

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iPhones that support international sim cards

I recently learned that there are 3 different versions of the iPhone11. The one sold in the US is not compatible with international SIM cards. I bought and it didn’t none of the international SIM cards I have worked in the iPhone 11 but worked just fine in the iPhone SE (1st gen). I’d like to know which iPhones work with international sims cards that can be purchased in the US? Or do I need to test it in front of the sales staff to make sure I get the right one before buying? I don’t want to change companies but I’ll have no choice if this becomes the norm and there’s no access to the worldwide phones in the US.

iPhone 11

Posted on Aug 15, 2020 9:51 AM

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Answer 1

Brian_P7

Community Specialist

Aug 16, 2020 3:49 PM in response to aggiet

Hello Aggiet,

iPhones within the US can be sold either locked to a specific carrier or unlocked, which allows the use of alternate SIM cards. The following articles outlines what SIM card types are compatible with the iPhone 11, along with activation instructions.

Learn which size SIM card your iPhone or iPad uses - Apple Support

Using Dual SIM with an eSIM - Apple Support

If your purchased iPhone is not an unlocked model, you will want to speak to the cellular carrier that it was purchased for to inquire about unlocking it.

Have a great day!

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Answer 2

ShannonM1

Community Specialist

Aug 17, 2020 8:20 AM in response to aggiet

Hi aggiet,

Thanks for getting back to us,

If your iPhone is not activating with multiple working SIM cards, then we would recommend reviewing this resource; this will show you which specific models are supported by region:

iPhone - View countries with supported LTE networks

Thank you for using Apple Support Communities!

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Answer 3

aggiet Author

Level 1

10 points

Aug 17, 2020 8:29 AM in response to ShannonM1

Thank you, that list is very helpful. However, how do I place an order to get the iPhone 11 Model A2223 instead of being automatically shipped iPhone 11 Model A2111. That is why I'm running into the issue that I'm having. It is because I specifically asked for iPhone 11 Model A2223 but was sipped the iPhone 11 Model A2111.

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Answer 4

aggiet Author

Level 1

10 points

Aug 17, 2020 12:43 AM in response to Brian_P7

When I put in the SIM cards for Portugal, Czech Republic, Turkey and South Africa the phone doesn’t recognize the sims. I shave never purchased tied to any service due to my travel to numerous places and need to utilize SIM cards. These sims work in my old iPhone SE with no problem so it isn’t an issue with the SIM cards but the model of phone. I’ve talked to others having the same issue.

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Answer 5

i_rina

Community Specialist

Aug 17, 2020 10:59 AM in response to aggiet

Hello aggiet,

The model A2223 is for sale within China, Hong Kong, and Macao. Within the US, the only model that would be able to be ordered is the A2111.

On the article provided, linked below, the Country or Region column is where a device is available.

iPhone - View countries with supported LTE networks

Cheers!

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iPhones that support international sim cards

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