iPhone 11 "Add eSIM" option missing after iOS 26.4 update

Question

Level 1

4 points

iPhone 11 "Add eSIM" option missing after iOS 26.4 update

Hi everyone,

I’m experiencing a strange issue with my iPhone 11 (Model A2111). I recently updated to iOS 26.4, and I noticed that the "Add eSIM" (or Add Cellular Plan) option has completely disappeared from Settings > Cellular.

The strange thing is that when I was running iOS 18, the eSIM functionality was working perfectly and the option was visible. Since the update, it seems to have vanished.

Here’s what I’ve tried so far:

Restarted the device multiple times.
Reset Network Settings.
Checked for any pending Carrier Settings updates.

Has anyone else encountered this issue with iOS 26? Is there a known bug or a specific way to re-enable the eSIM menu on this model?

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

iPhone 11, iOS 26

Posted on Apr 7, 2026 11:58 PM

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Answer 1

SravanKrA

Level 10

444,696 points

Apr 8, 2026 12:54 AM in response to activitos

eSIM option issues are not always the fault of the iOS update! Many things can cause phone problems. If you tell people you think it's an iOS update, it might make it harder to fix or find a solution for the real issue.

Remember, the right question often leads to the solution!

Was/Is your device Jailbroken? If that's the situation, please be informed that attributing the issues to iOS updates may not be accurate.

iOS updates aim to enhance user experience, boost security, and fix bugs rather than disrupt core features. The majority of the issues after updates might stem from underlying, unmentioned factors. Updates won't typically alter personal data but may refine settings or features. Backup before major updates for safety. Review Apple's update details and backup advice for a smooth process.

Kindly consider checking your settings and addressing any device issues before attributing the issue to external factors. This could be a pure coincidence that the iOS update affected the iPhone functions.

Before initiating a standard iOS update, it's advisable to create a backup. Have you completed this step? If yes, proceed with the restoration from the backup.

See what each update does: OS — iOS 26, About iOS 18 Updates, About iOS 17 Updates, About iOS 16 Updates, About iOS 15 Updates, About iOS 14 Updates, About iOS 13 Updates, About iOS 12 Updates, and so on...

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Answer 2

Apr 9, 2026 1:01 AM in response to activitos

iPhone 11 can only support one eSIM at a time. Delete the current one and Add eSIM should reappear.

Or if there is no current eSIM, it is possible that the stress of the update,like any update, has broken the hardware,

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Answer 3

SravanKrA

Level 10

444,696 points

Apr 8, 2026 12:55 AM in response to activitos

If you have an option for eSIM on your device then you will have EID. Please check if you have it.

Settings > General > About > EID (See the pic below)

eSIM on iPhone is not offered in China mainland. In Hong Kong and Macao, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation), and iPhone XS feature eSIM. Learn about using Dual SIM with two nano-SIM cards in China mainland, Hong Kong, and Macao.

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Answer 4

SravanKrA

Level 10

444,696 points

Apr 8, 2026 12:55 AM in response to activitos

When you attribute every glitch or slowdown, or feature availability on your device to an iOS update, you risk overlooking other potential causes that may be specific to your hardware or settings. Updates often become the “easy scapegoat,” but not all issues originate from the operating system itself.

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Answer 5

activitos Author

Level 1

4 points

Apr 8, 2026 9:25 PM in response to SravanKrA

Hello, thank you for your response.

My device has only received official updates and is not jailbroken. It is the A2111 version, purchased at an Apple Store in Florida. Previously, I was able to add an eSIM without any issues under Settings -> Cellular, as I travel frequently and buy temporary data eSIMs. Now, I cannot add an eSIM because the option has disappeared.

When I dial *#06#, the EID code is not displayed, nor does it appear in the device information section.

My phone was sold and used perfectly with both a physical SIM and a data eSIM. I attribute this failure to the recent update, as the option vanished immediately afterward. I want to emphasize that it worked before, and now it does not.

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Answer 6

Apr 16, 2026 11:30 AM in response to SravanKrA

Wow… what a lame comment. IPhone 14 pro with exact same symptoms, taken to apple store and they changed to a new one, it was out of warranty and just because that ugly ios 26 bricked it (no esim possible after factory reset or anything wouldnt accept a new esim) their excellent support saved me, i lost some info because didnt make a backup but at least they gave me new iphone that worked. get a life and stop licking!

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