Apple logoApple eSIM device guide

Apple iPhone XS MaxeSIM Support and Specs

Apple iPhone XS Max supports eSIM. Review Apple mobile compatibility, key device specs, SIM details, battery, display, camera and network bands for encryptSIM. Released 2018, September 21.

At a glance

Key device specs

eSIM
Ready for instant activation
SIM
Network
GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE
5G
Display
6.5", 1242x2688 pixels
DSP
Camera
12 MP, 2160p
CAM
Chipset
Apple A12 Bionic (7 nm)
CPU
Battery
3174 mAh, 15W 5W
BAT
Storage
64GB/256GB/512GB storage, no card slot
GB

Does Apple iPhone XS Max support eSIM?

Apple iPhone XS Max is listed as an eSIM-capable device in the encryptSIM device catalog.

Bring eSIM support above the dense specification table so visitors can make a purchase decision quickly.

eSIM supported

eSIM facts

  • OKActive eSIMs: Supported
  • OKStored eSIMs: Varies by model
  • OKSIM variants: 2 variants

· Nano-SIM + eSIM · Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM (China)

Connectivity profile

  • OKGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE
  • OK1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 66 - A2101
  • OKDiscontinued

Install guide preview

  • OKOpen your encryptSIM order page on the iPhone XS Max.
  • OKTap the iOS eSIM installation button or link.
  • OKWhen iPhone asks to activate the new eSIM, tap Activate.
Installation guide

How to install an eSIM on iPhone XS Max

Follow the device-specific setup flow for installing and activating an encryptSIM eSIM.

This guide shows you how to install and activate your encryptSIM eSIM on iPhone XS Max. You can install your eSIM using a Universal Link, QR code, or manual activation details.

Before you start

Check that your iPhone XS Max is ready for eSIM installation.

Device models covered by this guide:

  • Model numbers: A1921, A2101, A2102, A2104
  • Apple internal identifier: iPhone11,6

The Apple internal identifier is a technical hardware identifier. For example, iPhone17,2 is not an iPhone 17 model name.

Make sure your iPhone:

  • Supports eSIM.
  • Is not network or carrier locked.
  • Has a stable Wi-Fi connection.
  • Is updated to Latest available iOS.
  • Has your eSIM details ready: installation link, QR code, or manual activation details.

Most iPhones from iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, and newer support eSIM. Some regional models may not support eSIM, and Mainland China iPhone models are generally not eSIM-compatible. Hong Kong and Macao models have limited exceptions.

aboutModel
Direct install

Use this if your order page or app provides an iOS Universal Link or direct eSIM installation link. This is usually the easiest method because it can open iPhone eSIM setup directly.

  1. Open your encryptSIM order page on the iPhone XS Max.
  2. Tap the iOS eSIM installation button or link.
  3. When iPhone asks to activate the new eSIM, tap Activate.
  4. Tap Continue if iPhone asks for confirmation.
  5. Follow the on-screen setup.
  6. Label the eSIM as encryptSIM.
  7. Set Cellular Data / Mobile Data to encryptSIM.
  8. Turn on Data Roaming.
installEsimButton
activateNewEsimPrompt
Method 2: install with QR code

Use this method if you have the eSIM QR code on another phone, computer, tablet, or printed page.

Step 1: Open eSIM settings

On your iPhone XS Max, go to:

Settings - Cellular / Mobile Data - Add eSIM

Depending on region or language, the menu may say Cellular, Mobile Data, Mobile Service, Add eSIM, Add Cellular Plan, or Add Mobile Data Plan.

cellularSettings
addEsim

Step 2: Choose Use QR Code

Tap Use QR Code.

useQrCode

If your iPhone opens the Set Up Cellular screen, tap Scan QR Code.

setUpCellularScanQr

Step 3: Scan your eSIM QR code

Point your iPhone XS Max camera at your encryptSIM eSIM QR code.

When the phone detects the eSIM, tap Continue.

If asked for a confirmation code, enter it only if one was provided with your eSIM. Most travel eSIMs do not need a confirmation code.

scanQrCode
activateContinue

If asked where you will use this eSIM, choose the option that matches the plan:

  • Choose Abroad if this is a travel eSIM for another country or region.
  • Choose Home if this is a local eSIM for the country or region where you live.

This choice helps iPhone set up the new line in the right context. It does not change the eSIM plan itself. You can still change the important line settings later in Settings - Cellular / Mobile Data, including the eSIM label, default voice line, cellular data line, data roaming, and whether the line is turned on.

esimUseLocation
esimUseLocationHome
esimUseLocationAbroad

After selecting Home or Abroad, tap Continue.

If asked which type of plan you have, choose the option that matches the eSIM:

  • Choose Data Only for most travel eSIMs. This keeps calls and SMS on your normal line while the eSIM is used for mobile data.
  • Choose Voice and Data only if the eSIM plan includes calling and text messaging.

You can change the active data line later in Settings - Cellular / Mobile Data.

esimPlanType
esimPlanTypeDataOnly

After selecting the plan type, tap Continue.

If asked how to turn on the travel eSIM, choose the option that matches how you want to use your regular line:

  • Choose Travel eSIM Only to use the travel eSIM and keep your regular line from causing roaming charges. This is the safest option for most travel data eSIM users.
  • Choose Travel eSIM and Current eSIM if you need your regular number active for calls or SMS while traveling. Your carrier may charge roaming fees for calls, texts, or data on the current line.

You can change which lines are on later in Settings - Cellular / Mobile Data.

travelEsimLineChoice
travelEsimOnlySelected

After choosing the line setup, tap Continue.

If asked about Low Data Mode, choose based on the plan:

  • Tap Turn On Low Data Mode if the eSIM has a small data allowance or you want to reduce background data use while traveling.
  • Tap Not Now if you want normal background data behavior and are comfortable with the plan's data allowance.

Low Data Mode can be changed later in the eSIM line settings.

lowDataModePrompt

If your iPhone asks for final confirmation, tap Add Cellular Plan or Add Mobile Plan.

Step 4: Wait for the eSIM to install

Your iPhone may show Activating eSIM. This can take a few minutes. Keep the phone connected to Wi-Fi and do not close Settings.

activatingEsim

When setup is complete, tap Done if your iPhone shows a completion screen. If it goes straight back to Cellular settings with the travel eSIM already turned on, confirm the new line appears, then continue with the data roaming checks below.

installedEsimLine

Step 5: Check the installed eSIM line

After installation, iPhone may return to Cellular / Mobile Data settings. Confirm that the new eSIM line appears and is turned on.

installedEsimLine

Go to:

Settings - Cellular / Mobile Data - encryptSIM

Make sure:

  • Turn On This Line is on.
  • Data Roaming is on.

For most travel eSIMs, Data Roaming must be enabled for the eSIM to connect abroad.

dataRoamingOn

Step 6: Check that the eSIM is working

When you arrive in your destination, make sure:

  • encryptSIM is turned on.
  • Cellular Data / Mobile Data is set to encryptSIM.
  • Data Roaming is on for encryptSIM.
  • Wi-Fi is turned off briefly to test mobile data.
  • Safari can load a website.
cellularDataLine
safariTest
Optional setup screens

Most users only need the steps above. Use this section if iOS shows extra setup screens or if you want to change the line name.

Rename the eSIM

Use a clear label so you can recognize the eSIM later.

Recommended label: encryptSIM

If Apple shows labels like Primary, Secondary, Travel, or Business, choose Travel or edit the custom label.

cellularPlanLabel
cellularPlanLabelEdit
cellularPlanLabelTyped

Default line, iMessage, and data switching

If iOS asks during setup:

  • Keep Default Voice Line on your normal SIM or phone number unless this eSIM includes voice service.
  • Keep iMessage and FaceTime on your normal number unless you specifically want to switch them.
  • Set Cellular Data / Mobile Data to encryptSIM for travel data.
  • Keep Allow Cellular Data Switching off unless you want iPhone to switch between lines automatically.

You can change these later in Settings - Cellular / Mobile Data.

defaultLine
cellularDataLine
allowDataSwitchingOff
Alternative QR method: install from a QR code on the same iPhone

Use this if the QR code was sent to the same iPhone by email or opened in Safari.

On iOS 17.4 or later:

  1. Open the email or web page containing the QR code.
  2. Tap and hold the QR code, or tap Add eSIM if iPhone detects the QR code automatically.
  3. Tap Add eSIM.
  4. Tap Continue.
  5. Follow the on-screen steps.
samePhoneQr
Manual installation

Use this if QR code scanning does not work.

Step 1: Open manual entry

Go to:

Settings - Cellular / Mobile Data - Add eSIM - Use QR Code

Then tap Enter Details Manually.

enterDetailsManually

Step 2: Enter the manual eSIM details

Open your encryptSIM order page or email and copy the manual installation details.

manualDetailsSource

Enter:

  • SM-DP+ Address: provided with your eSIM
  • Activation Code: provided with your eSIM
  • Confirmation Code: leave blank

Tap Next, then tap Continue.

manualDetails

Step 3: Finish setup

Wait for the eSIM to install, then complete the same setup choices:

  • Label the eSIM as encryptSIM.
  • Keep Default Line as Primary.
  • Keep iMessage and FaceTime as Primary.
  • Set Cellular Data / Mobile Data to encryptSIM.
  • Turn on Data Roaming for encryptSIM.
Troubleshooting

Unable to Activate eSIM or setup takes too long

Try this:

  • Make sure Wi-Fi is connected.
  • Turn Airplane Mode on for 10-15 seconds, then off. Wait up to 1 minute for the iPhone to reconnect.
  • Go to Settings - Cellular / Mobile Data and check if the eSIM appears.
  • If the eSIM appears, turn the line off and on again.
  • Restart the iPhone if setup is still stuck.
  • Make sure the phone is unlocked and eSIM-compatible.
  • Confirm the QR code or activation code has not already been used.
installedEsimTroubleshooting
lineToggleOffOn
airplaneModeOn
airplaneModeOff
restartIphone

eSIM is installed but internet does not work

Check:

  • Settings - Cellular / Mobile Data - Cellular Data is set to encryptSIM.
  • Settings - Cellular / Mobile Data - encryptSIM - Data Roaming is on.
  • You are in your destination.
  • Your plan has remaining data.
  • Network Selection is set to Automatic.
  • Try the Airplane Mode reset: turn Airplane Mode on for 10-15 seconds, then off.
  • Restart the iPhone.
cellularDataTroubleshooting
dataRoamingTroubleshooting
networkSelectionAutomatic

The user cannot see Add eSIM

Possible reasons:

  • The device does not support eSIM.
  • The iPhone is carrier locked.
  • The iPhone model is from a region with limited eSIM support.
  • iOS is outdated.
  • Screen Time or mobile device management restrictions are blocking changes.

Ask the user to check Settings - General - About.

Carrier Lock should say No SIM restrictions. If EID is visible, the device has eSIM hardware.

carrierLock
eid
Device FAQ

Common questions about Apple iPhone XS Max

Does Apple iPhone XS Max support eSIM?

Apple iPhone XS Max is listed as an eSIM-capable device in the encryptSIM device catalog. eSIM availability can still vary by region, carrier, firmware, and hardware variant.

Can I use encryptSIM with Apple iPhone XS Max?

Yes. If your Apple iPhone XS Max model is unlocked and supports eSIM in your region, you can install an encryptSIM eSIM data plan on it.

Does Apple iPhone XS Max support 5G?

Apple iPhone XS Max is not listed with 5G support in this catalog entry. It may still work with LTE or other supported mobile networks depending on the model and destination.

What SIM setup does Apple iPhone XS Max use?

Apple iPhone XS Max SIM details: · Nano-SIM + eSIM · Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM (China).

Which operating system does Apple iPhone XS Max use?

Apple iPhone XS Max is listed with iOS 12, up to iOS 18.7. Software updates and regional firmware can affect setup flows and carrier options.

Keep exploring
Technical details

Detailed Apple iPhone XS Max specifications

5G

Network Architecture

Technology
GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE
2g Bands
GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
Other
CDMA 800 / 1900
3g Bands
HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
Other 2
CDMA2000 1xEV-DO
4g Bands
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 66 - A2101
Other 3
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 29, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 66, 71 - A1921, A2104
Speed
HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (4CA) Cat16 1024/150 Mbps, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps
GO

Launch & Availability

Announced
2018, September 12. Released 2018, September 21
Status
Discontinued
MM

Physical Attributes

Dimensions
157.5 x 77.4 x 7.7 mm (6.20 x 3.05 x 0.30 in)
Weight
208 g (7.34 oz)
Build
Glass front (Corning-made glass), glass back (Corning-made glass), stainless steel frame
Sim
· Nano-SIM + eSIM · Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM (China)
Other
IP68 dust tight and water resistant (immersible up to 2m for 30 min) Apple Pay (Visa, MasterCard, AMEX certified)
PX

Display Performance

Type
Super Retina OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 625 nits (HBM)
Size
6.5 inches, 102.9 cm 2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution
1242 x 2688 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~458 ppi density)
Protection
Scratch-resistant glass
Other
3D Touch
OS

Platform

Os
iOS 12, upgradable to iOS 18.7
Chipset
Apple A12 Bionic (7 nm)
Cpu
Hexa-core (2x2.5 GHz Vortex + 4x1.6 GHz Tempest)
Gpu
Apple GPU (4-core graphics)
GB

Memory

Card Slot
No
Internal
64GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM, 512GB 4GB RAM
Other
NVMe
MP

Main Camera

Dual
12 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.4, 52mm (telephoto), 1/3.4", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS, 2x optical zoom
Features
Quad-LED dual-tone flash, HDR (photo/panorama)
Video
4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, HDR, stereo sound rec.
FR

Selfie Camera

Single
7 MP, f/2.2, 32mm (standard) SL 3D, (depth/biometrics sensor)
Features
HDR
Video
1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS
AU

Sound

Loudspeaker
Yes, with stereo speakers
3 5mm Jack
No
RF

Connectivity

Wlan
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, hotspot
Bluetooth
5.0, A2DP, LE
Positioning
GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS
Nfc
Yes
Radio
No
Usb
Lightning, USB 2.0
FN

Features

Sensors
Face ID, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
WH

Battery

Type
Li-Ion 3174 mAh, non-removable (12.08 Wh)
Charging
15W wired, PD2.0, 50% in 30 min Wireless (Qi)
ID

Misc

Colors
Space Gray, Silver, Gold
Models
A1921, A2101, A2102, A2104, iPhone11,6
Sar
1.16 W/kg (head) 1.17 W/kg (body)
Sar Eu
0.99 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body)
Price
$ 179.68 / € 197.89 / £ 149.99