Can I enable eSIM functionality on an iPhone 12 mini from China?

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Level 1

4 points

Can I enable eSIM functionality on an iPhone 12 mini from China?

Hi! I bought for my job an iPhone 12 mini imported from a Chinese market. I have understood that the iPhone for China can´t configure eSim and only are able to use simcard, at difference of the rest of iPhone for all other countries. By the way, I want to know if it´s a situation of hardware for the iPhones destined to China or I can download and install another software version from other countries for have the eSim functions in my device.

Best regards!

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iPhone 12 mini, iOS 18

Posted on May 12, 2025 10:53 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Zachyy

Level 6

15,821 points

May 12, 2025 10:58 AM in response to WalAlanFran

eSIM's are entirely banned in China.

iPhone models intended for sale in China do not have the hardware components for eSIM.

You cannot just install software versions from other countries as it requires the hardware components as I stated.

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Answer 2

Kurtosis12

Level 9

77,954 points

May 12, 2025 10:59 AM in response to WalAlanFran

No, iPhones sold in Hong Kong, Macau, or China do not have eSIM capabilities. Yes, it's a hardware issue, no you cannot install a different version of iOS to give it eSIM functionality.

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Can I enable eSIM functionality on an iPhone 12 mini from China?

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