Apple iPhone SE 2020 64GB eSIM: compatibility and setup guide

Quick answer: Apple documents the iPhone SE (2nd generation, introduced in 2020) as supporting Dual SIM with one nano-SIM and one eSIM in regions where eSIM is available. The 64GB storage option does not change that capability. However, the name “Apple iPhone SE 2020 64GB” does not identify the sales region or exact model number, so it cannot confirm that every individual handset has eSIM hardware enabled. Check the phone itself before choosing a travel plan, especially if it was sold for mainland China or is carrier-locked.

This guide explains how to identify the version you have, check for EID and eSIM controls, add a data profile, and select it for mobile data during a trip. Apple’s current iPhone User Guide lists the second-generation iPhone SE among the models that can use one physical SIM and one eSIM, while noting that eSIM is not available in every country or region. Apple’s technical specifications for the model also list nano-SIM and eSIM together. Treat those statements as a model-family capability, then verify the region and carrier conditions for your exact phone.

Does Apple iPhone SE 2020 64GB support eSIM?

Usually, yes—if this is an eSIM-enabled regional version of the 2020 iPhone SE (second generation). In supported markets, the documented setup is one physical nano-SIM plus one eSIM. It is not a dual-eSIM phone. The 64GB storage option does not change SIM capability; it does not identify the sales region or prove eSIM is enabled on a specific handset.

Apple identifies the 2020 iPhone SE model numbers as A2275 (Canada and United States), A2298 (mainland China), and A2296 (other countries and regions). Apple’s current guidance says eSIM is not available in every country or region, and its mainland-China list does not include the 2020 SE among models that support eSIM activation there. If your device is A2298 or was sold for mainland China, do not rely on a travel eSIM unless the phone’s own Settings and Apple or the carrier confirm it.

A regional model number is a useful clue, but the Settings screen on your own phone is the practical check. Used and refurbished devices may have been imported or repaired. Do not infer support from a SIM tray, seller location, interface language, or the product title. Apple’s current iPhone User Guide and technical specifications list the second-generation SE for nano-SIM plus eSIM in supported markets; the model family’s capability does not guarantee regional or carrier eligibility. Apple’s separate current “SIM type” support page, however, places iPhone SE (2nd generation or earlier) in a nano-SIM-only group. Because these Apple pages conflict, the product name alone cannot settle compatibility for an individual handset. Treat eSIM as a documented model-family capability, but verify the actual EID/Add eSIM controls and the exact market with Apple or the carrier before purchase.

Check the exact version before buying

Open Settings → General → About and find Model Number. Tap the part number if needed to reveal the A-number. Record it and compare it with Apple’s model identification. The same screen shows iOS and carrier-lock information. If you are buying used, ask for a photo of this screen and confirmation that Settings → Cellular (sometimes Mobile Data) offers an eSIM-add option.

Regional status and carrier status are separate. A phone may have eSIM hardware but remain locked to its original carrier. Removing a carrier lock cannot add eSIM hardware to a version that lacks it. Apple recommends checking that Carrier Lock says No SIM Restrictions before using another provider. If a restriction appears, ask the original carrier about unlocking; a reset or update will not remove the lock.

How to check for EID or Add eSIM

Check the phone you will take on the trip. Menu labels can differ slightly by iOS version and language.

1. Look for EID. Open Settings → General → About and scroll through the identifiers. EID is the identifier associated with eSIM; its presence is strong evidence of capability.
2. Look for the add control. Open Settings → Cellular or Mobile Data. Look for Add eSIM, Add Cellular Plan, or similar.
3. Confirm the model number. Compare the A-number with Apple’s identification information. Treat A2298, the mainland-China 2020 SE, as not eSIM-compatible unless the actual phone and Apple or the carrier confirm otherwise.
4. Check Carrier Lock. In General → About, look for No SIM Restrictions. Otherwise contact the original carrier about unlocking.
5. Confirm plan eligibility. Ask the provider whether it supports this model, market and destination before paying.

An EID is useful evidence, but it does not prove that every plan will work. If there is no EID and no eSIM-add option, do not buy on the assumption that setup will succeed. Restart, install any iOS update available for the device, and check again. If both remain absent, ask Apple or the original carrier to confirm the exact version. Do not delete profiles or reset the phone as a first troubleshooting step. Also compare the model number, the market where the handset was originally sold, and the country where you intend to activate the plan. These checks answer different questions: the model identifies the hardware family, the market may determine eSIM availability, and the carrier or plan determines whether activation is accepted. If these details do not agree, wait for provider confirmation before placing an order.

Check whether your device is compatible before selecting a plan. Compatibility depends on the exact phone, market version, carrier lock, destination and plan—not just the “iPhone SE 2020” name.

What to check before selecting a travel eSIM

Complete these checks while you have a reliable connection and time to contact the seller or provider:

• eSIM capability: Confirm EID and an Add eSIM option, or obtain confirmation for the exact model number.
• Carrier lock: Look for No SIM Restrictions. Ask the original carrier about unlocking if needed.
• Destination and route: Confirm that every country on your itinerary is listed. A nearby country or layover is not automatically included.
• Allowance and validity: Choose for your expected use and trip length. Check when validity begins and whether the plan expires.
• Activation: Understand whether installing the profile, activating it and starting data use are separate events.
• Setup access: Keep the QR code or activation details accessible on another screen and have Wi-Fi or another connection.
• Line settings: Decide whether to keep the home SIM for calls and messages. Check roaming terms and which line is selected for data.
• Data roaming: Follow the provider’s instructions for the travel eSIM. Its setting is separate from roaming on your home line.

Kaspersky eSIM Store is an app and website where you can choose, arrange and activate an eSIM with a plan for mobile data on an international trip. In this context, the plan is a data option, not a replacement phone number; calls and SMS are not included unless its terms specifically say so. Check compatibility first, then review destination, allowance, validity and activation conditions.

How to install and activate an eSIM on iPhone

On a phone that passes the checks above, add the travel profile using the method supplied with the plan. Button names can vary by iOS version and region.

1. Prepare a connection. Connect to Wi-Fi or another working internet connection. Keep the QR code or activation details available. If the QR code is on this iPhone, display it on another device or use manual installation if offered.
2. Open cellular settings. Go to Settings → Cellular (or Mobile Data) and choose Add eSIM or Add Cellular Plan.
3. Choose the supplied method. Scan the QR code or follow the provider’s on-screen installation flow. Enter a confirmation code only if one was supplied for this plan.
4. Wait for the profile. Follow iOS prompts and keep the phone online while the profile downloads. Avoid repeatedly scanning a one-time code.
5. Label the line. Use a clear name such as “Travel data” to distinguish it from your home line.
6. Follow the start timing. If you are not travelling yet, check whether the provider says to leave the line off. Some plans have activation or validity rules tied to installation.
7. Select the data line. When ready, open Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data and select the travel eSIM. Review home-line roaming settings separately.
8. Set data roaming as instructed. Some travel plans require it on for the travel line. Do not enable roaming on the home SIM unless its carrier terms make that appropriate.
9. Test on arrival. Turn on the travel line and mobile data in a covered destination. Allow a few minutes to register, then check the signal and open a web page.

For platform-specific steps, see the iPhone eSIM installation instructions or the Android eSIM installation instructions. The Android guide is for comparing another device’s steps; the iPhone steps above apply to iOS. If the plan’s flow differs, follow its supplied instructions or contact support before deleting a profile.

Adding a profile and receiving service are not always the same event. A profile may appear in Settings before it connects to a local network. Some plans begin validity at installation or activation; others begin data use at the destination. Check the plan terms rather than assuming that scanning always starts—or never starts—the validity period.

Using the eSIM for mobile data on a trip

On an eSIM-enabled iPhone SE 2020 64GB, you can keep a physical nano-SIM and an eSIM profile. Select the travel eSIM for mobile data when your trip starts. Your home SIM can remain available for its number, but its carrier may charge for roaming, calls or voicemail under its own terms.

You may install the profile before departure if the plan allows it and you understand when validity begins. Keep the line off until arrival if the provider instructs you to do so. If installation must happen after arrival, save the activation details somewhere accessible and plan for Wi-Fi or another connection. Timing depends on plan rules, not the phone’s storage capacity.

At the destination, select the travel line under Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data. Turn on Data Roaming for that line only if the plan says it is needed. Keep home-line data roaming off if you want to avoid using it, and review Allow Cellular Data Switching so the phone does not unexpectedly use the other line. Apple notes that data switching and roaming behavior depend on the line settings and carrier.

A simple arrival routine is: turn off Airplane Mode, make sure the travel line is enabled, select it for data, apply the plan’s roaming instruction, then wait for local network registration. If service does not appear, troubleshoot one setting at a time.

Practical scenarios

• Keep your home number: Use the nano-SIM for your regular number and the eSIM for data. Disable home-line data roaming unless your carrier confirms it is included. Calls and SMS can still have separate charges.
• Use only travel data: You can turn off the home line if you do not need its number, provided the phone is unlocked and the travel plan works. Check first that you will not need that line for account verification.
• Travel across countries: Check each stop against the plan’s country list. A regional plan covers a destination only when that country is explicitly included.
• Layover: Do not assume an airport stop is covered. Verify the country and activation terms before relying on data during transit.

Common problems and what to check

“Add eSIM” is missing

Check General → About for an EID and confirm the A-number. Look under Cellular or Mobile Data, restart and install any available iOS update. If the phone is a mainland-China version or both indicators are absent, ask Apple or the original carrier; a QR code cannot add missing hardware.

The QR code is rejected

Confirm it belongs to this plan and has not already been used. Display it on another screen at good brightness, scan in clear light and keep the phone online. If manual entry is offered, copy details exactly. An activation code may be one-time or tied to one device. Do not delete the profile expecting the code to work again; contact the provider with the error message.

The profile installed but there is no signal

Check that the travel line appears and Turn On This Line is enabled. Confirm you are in a covered country and the plan’s activation period has started. Toggle Airplane Mode, restart, and wait for network registration. Follow provider instructions for network selection or roaming.

Signal appears but data does not work

Select the travel eSIM under Cellular Data, confirm mobile data is on, and set Data Roaming as instructed for that eSIM. Check remaining data and the plan’s start condition. Temporarily disable automatic data switching while diagnosing which line is in use.

The home line is roaming or the phone is locked

Check the selected data line, home-line roaming and Allow Cellular Data Switching. Review home carrier charges for calls and messages. For a lock, open General → About → Carrier Lock; if it does not say No SIM Restrictions, ask the original carrier about unlocking. Kaspersky eSIM Store cannot remove a carrier lock.

The plan appears inactive

Review whether the provider distinguishes profile download from plan activation or data start. Check any scheduled activation, expiry window and automatic date/time setting. Contact the provider with the order reference and status shown in the app or website; do not erase the profile while support investigates.

When contacting support, note the model number, iOS version, exact error and whether EID appears. Keep the QR code and account password private.

Frequently asked questions

Can Apple iPhone SE 2020 64GB use an eSIM and a physical SIM together?

Yes, on eSIM-enabled regional versions. Apple documents one nano-SIM plus one eSIM for the second-generation iPhone SE. Storage size does not affect support.

Does it support two active eSIMs?

No. Do not expect dual-eSIM use on the 2020 second-generation model; its documented combination is a physical SIM and one eSIM.

Is A2298 eSIM-compatible?

A2298 is the mainland-China model number for this generation. Apple’s current regional guidance does not list the 2020 SE for eSIM activation in mainland China. Check the actual phone and confirm with Apple or the carrier before buying a plan.

If EID appears, will every travel eSIM work?

Not necessarily. EID indicates device capability, but a carrier lock, provider restrictions or destination exclusions can still prevent use.

Does a travel data eSIM replace my number?

Usually not. A data-only plan does not include a regular phone number, cellular calls or SMS unless its terms explicitly include them. Internet calling and messaging apps can work over data.

Should Data Roaming be on?

Follow the plan’s instructions for the travel line. Confirm that the travel eSIM is selected for data and review the home carrier’s roaming terms separately.

Can I move the eSIM to another phone?

Do not assume so. Transfer or reinstallation rules depend on the provider and plan. Ask before erasing or replacing the phone.

Before you choose a plan for your trip

Start with the handset, not the tariff: confirm the A-number, look for EID and Add eSIM, and check that Carrier Lock says No SIM Restrictions. If the phone was sold for mainland China, or the eSIM controls are missing, ask Apple or the original carrier for a model-specific answer before purchasing. A listing that says “Apple iPhone SE 2020 64GB” does not prove that the particular handset is eligible.

Once the phone passes those checks, choose a plan whose listed destinations, data allowance, validity and activation rules match your route. Kaspersky eSIM Store’s English site lets you browse available plans and check current conditions for a destination; the page is a general starting point, not a claim that a particular country plan is available. Review the plan details before completing your choice, then install and activate it using the supplied method. Compatibility first, plan details second, and the correct data line selected when you arrive will make the setup easier to manage.