eSIM on iPhones and iPads Bought in Turkey

Devices sold in Turkey before June 2020 shipped with eSIM disabled. Here is the fix.

eSIM on iPhones and iPads Bought in Turkey

Some iPhones and iPads sold in Turkey shipped with eSIM disabled by default. This catches travelers out because the device is otherwise fully compatible.

If your device was purchased and activated after 23 June 2020, eSIM is enabled after normal setup and nothing special is needed. If eSIM options are still missing, contact your mobile carrier.

For Devices Bought Before 23 June 2020

Enabling eSIM requires a full device reset. Back up first — this erases everything.

1Back up the device, and update it to the latest iOS or iPadOS

2Settings > General > Transfer or Reset

3Tap Erase All Content and Settings

4Enter your passcode or Apple ID password and confirm

5Complete setup again — eSIM should now be available under Settings > Cellular

6Restore from your backup

Before You Do This

Buy nothing until you have confirmed eSIM works. Reset the device, check that Settings > Cellular offers Add eSIM, and only then purchase. If the option is still missing after a reset, your carrier disabled it and only they can restore it.

eSIM on iPhones and iPads Bought in Turkey