Add eSIM option missing on iPhone

See these two circumstances:

• Your iPhone model 13 was manufactured for China, Macao or HongKong markets. Should be this case, it doesn't support eSIMs. Just 2 physical SIM cards.
• You have restrictions enabled in your ScreenTime. Go to Settings>ScreenTime>Content & Privacy Restrictions>Allow Changes... the first 3 options MUST be set to "Allow". When done, restart your iPhone.

Regards

Giulio

Well, as I suspected, that code belongs to a 13 ProMax device manufactured for China, Honkong, Macao markets, and it doesn't support any eSIMs, just two phisycal SIM cards.

See these specs, extracted from this support page:--> Identify your iPhone model

That's an 8 Plus. There is no eSIM in an 8 Plus.

I had this issue and it took me a long time to figure out. I did not find the answer on any forums. I ended up taking my phone to the Apple Store and the Genius Bar found the esim module was not installed on my iPhone and they swapped it out. I can now add an esim using the QR code or setting up manually. Hope this helps others.

vikthebest wrote:

my model is a A2634 iphone 13 and i still can not find an esim option ://

There is a good reason for this. Your iPhone was manufactured for Mainland China, which does NOT support eSim as iPhone's manufactured for China are dual physical Sim only. You cannot ever use an eSim on this phone.

aamalia wrote:

Hi Im having the same problem here. No eSIM options

here is my code A2639

That model has Dual Nano SIM capability for the Chinese market, thus no eSIM capability.

buse225 wrote:

Hi, this is my Axxxx code MWN02CH/A. My iphone is manufactured in China and I dont have esim options too. Can you help me?

Help you to what?

That phone does not support eSIM at all. No phone sold in China does.

That phone supports 2 physical SIM cards.

For the iPhone 11 Pro Max, the Support document says (emphasis mine):

"Model numbers: A2161 (Canada, United States), A2220 (China mainland, Hong Kong, Macao), A2218 (other countries and regions)"

I think that means it is a dual-SIM phone that supports both nano-SIM and eSIM. However, a note in the Technical Specifications indicates that carriers can disable the eSIM functionality:

iPhone 11 Pro Max - Technical Specifications

Not all carriers support eSIM. Use of eSIM in iPhone may be disabled when purchased from some carriers. See your carrier for details.

LakepaBeth wrote:

Hi I have an iPhone 12 Pro and I can’t seem to have the option of eSIM. Can someone help me please

There are two primary reasons for not having the option to use eSim:

1. The phone was manufactured for China, Macau or Hong Kong and doesn't support eSim at all
2. You carrier doesn't support eSim or it hasn't been set up for your account

Assuming your phone wasn't manufactured for the three markets noted, contact your carrier for help.

chas3rrr wrote:

Hello Apple

I need help with the issue of not having a (Add Esim) option on my iPhone 11 settings. My phone is manufactured from China and I don't have this option on my phone. Please kindly assist with this issue as soon as possible.

Thank You

If you own an iPhone manufactured for China, there's no way to help you. iPhone's made for China, Hong Kong and Macau are dual physical sim ONLY.

What is the model number in Settings>General>About>Model Number?

If it ends in CH/A there is no eSIM.

If it’s A2644 model this is China region model will not work for e-sim but you can put 2 sims in same Sim tray (front & back). I’m also using same model .. hope this will help you all

It is expected behavior as China region do not support esim

Devices sold in China do not contain an eSIM. There is no way to add one.

Yes, an A2218 iPhone should support eSIMs.

Can you see the "Add eSIM" (in blue) option in Settings>Cellular?

Should be this case, contact your carrier and ask them for a new traffic plan with eSIM.

If you cannot see the "Add eSIM" option, please contact Apple Support directly, using this link:--> Contact Apple for support and service , and explain your problem.

Regards

Giulio