Will my iPhone bought in USA work in uk w… (2024)

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User profile for user: JonDev90

JonDev90

User level: Level1

8 points

Dec 23, 2023 8:10 AM in response to ball1761

I just bought an iPhone 15 Pro in Oregon, USA, unlocked from the Apple Store and brought it back to England. Went into the O2 store who moved my eSIM from my British iPhone 13 Pro over with no issue. All fine. I don’t know about the warranty though, hopefully won’t have to find out

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User profile for user: Branta_uk

Branta_uk

User level: Level7

32,434 points

Sep 23, 2023 6:22 PM in response to Niel

Niel wrote:

It'll work with an eSIM, but not physical SIM cards. Note that you'll likely be denied warranty coverage outside the USA.

(244895)

The problem might be the different radio frequencies used in North American or Rest of World networks. So far the compatibility has not really been tested with the new phones.

There is also a minor issue that only our EE network is listed as supporting eSIM, so options might be rather limited. It might be accepted as a roaming visitor, but I have some concerns whether they could setup onto a UK based plan and accounting.

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User profile for user: Branta_uk

Branta_uk

User level: Level7

32,434 points

Sep 23, 2023 6:17 PM in response to ball1761

The USA versions have a different model number (and USA versions are eSIM only).

Identify your iPhone model - Apple Support

You can also see the regional compatibility for the different model numbers

iPhone - Supported 5G and LTE networks - Apple

It is likely a USA sourced iPhone will work as a roaming phone on UK networks using a USA airtime plan and account but there is no information whether the UK networks would be able to activate the eSIM if you wanted to set it up on a UK plan and accounting. It looks like only the EE network supports eSIM in UK.

About eSIM on iPhone - Apple Support

Find wireless network providers and worldwide service providers that offer eSIM service – Apple Support (UK)

My advice is to contact the EE network and ask the questions direct to the likely service provider.

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User profile for user: Niel

Niel

User level: Level10

727,163 points

Sep 23, 2023 6:07 PM in response to ball1761

It'll work with an eSIM, but not physical SIM cards. Note that you'll likely be denied warranty coverage outside the USA.

(244895)

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User profile for user: JonDev90

JonDev90

User level: Level1

8 points

Nov 14, 2023 4:18 PM in response to satsy4444

Hey there,

I'm planning to do the same thing, did you do it and if so how did you get on? I'm on O2 using an eSIM in my 13 Pro at the moment and haven't had issues, but don't want to buy a US 15 Pro and find it doesn't work for some reason...anyone's thoughts on this are really welcome!

User profile for user: satsy4444

satsy4444

User level: Level1

8 points

Oct 21, 2023 8:07 AM in response to ball1761

Hi,

So, is your US phone working in the UK?

I'm planning to buy the 15 pro Max in US and use it in the UK.

Your reply would be really helpful.

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User profile for user: Bob Timmons

Bob Timmons

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User level: Level10

159,698 points

Oct 21, 2023 8:09 AM in response to satsy4444

If you will be spending most of your time in the UK, a better plan would be to buy the phone in the UK.

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User profile for user: ball1761

ball1761 Author

User level: Level1

5 points

Nov 14, 2023 9:42 PM in response to JonDev90

You need to check with O2 first and see if they do an eSIM as American phones do take sims.

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User profile for user: Mynewphone-206

Mynewphone-206

User level: Level1

8 points

Dec 23, 2023 7:38 AM in response to ball1761

Will my iphone15 bought in NY work the same in the UK. And does my warranty work as well

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User profile for user: Bob Timmons

Bob Timmons

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User level: Level10

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Dec 23, 2023 7:43 AM in response to Mynewphone-206

The phone will work in the U.K. if your carrier supports eSIM.

If you buy a phone in the U.S., it will have no warranty in the U.K.

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Will my iPhone bought in USA work in uk w… (2024)

FAQs

Will my iPhone bought in USA work in uk w…? ›

All iPhone models are world phones, so you can use them almost anywhere.

Can I use my US iPhone in the UK? ›

If your device supports an eSIM, you may be able to download and activate an eSIM for the UK without having to go out of your way to purchase a physical SIM card. If you own an iPhone 14 or newer iPhone purchased in the US, your iPhone was activated with an eSIM. Many other popular phone models also support eSIM.

Can I buy an iPhone from the USA and use in Europe? ›

Yes, you can! iPhones are compatible with GSM networks, which is the standard in Europe. Make sure you have an unlocked phone to avoid restrictions from your carrier.

Can I use an iPhone bought from another country? ›

There is no such thing as an International iPhone. iPhones are region specific because different countries use different cellular frequencies. If you buy an iPhone in one country / region to use in another: The warranty might not be valid in the country in which you intend to use it.

Do US iPhones work internationally? ›

If you purchased an iPhone 14 model or later in the United States but will use it while living in a different country or region. You can activate an unlocked iPhone 14 model or later that you purchased in the United States with over 400 carriers in 100 markets worldwide that support eSIM on iPhone.

How do I change my iPhone from US to UK? ›

Use your iPhone or iPad to change your region
  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Tap your name, then tap Media & Purchases.
  3. Tap View Account. ...
  4. Tap Country/Region.
  5. Select your new country or region.
  6. Tap Change Country or Region.
  7. Tap your new country or region, then review the terms and conditions.
Apr 11, 2024

How do I prepare my iPhone for international travel? ›

How to set your iPhone for international travel
  1. Your Primary SIM should be ON, with Data Roaming toggled OFF. ...
  2. Your eSIM should be ON, with Data Roaming toggled ON. ...
  3. Your eSIM should be your only data source. ...
  4. Your Default Voice Line should be your Primary SIM/phone number. ...
  5. Make sure iMessage can use email.

How do I get my US iPhone to work in Europe? ›

How to configure your iPhone for international travel?
  1. Check if your iPhone is unlocked. Go to Settings > General > About. ...
  2. Choose a SIM card for the country you're visiting. ...
  3. Activate your SIM card. ...
  4. Turn off cellular data on your current carrier's plan. ...
  5. Set up your iPhone for international use.
Oct 28, 2023

What are the disadvantages of buying an iPhone from the USA? ›

  • You will not be covered under warranty for iPhones' warranty is restricted to its country of purchase.
  • You will be getting the standard US charger, not the indian unit. There would be no difference in power output but you would have to purchase a converter or an indian power adapter (which retails for about 1500INR).
Feb 19, 2015

Is it better to buy an iPhone in the US or the UK? ›

it's much cheaper, but consumer rights are better protected in the EU (2yr warranty instead of only 1yr). Any other things I should consider? iPhones in the us no longer have sim trays. If you need a physical sim you are out of luck.

Does it matter in which country I buy my iPhone? ›

But you can purchase iphone anywhere and it will work fine in any part of the world provided your service provider has network to place you want to use your iPhone. The only drawback is that the warranty will not be valid in any other country other than the country where you purchased it.

Can I buy a phone and use it in another country? ›

It can be as easy as purchasing an unlocked phone in the U.S., traveling to your destination country, and purchasing a local SIM card. It's a good idea to buy your unlocked phone before your trip because you can use it at home as well as overseas.

Is it worth buying an iPhone from the USA? ›

You should ALWAYS buy your iPhone in the country you live and will use it. You will have NO warranty on an iPhone purchased in the US in India. This means if anything goes wrong with it, you need to factor in the cost of flying back to the US for warranty support.

Will an iPhone bought in the US work in Ireland? ›

If you buy a phone in the US or Canada ("America") if it is locked to an american carrier you can use it under a roaming plan in Ireland, keeping the original number, but paying roaming rates. You cannot use it with a SIM from a local carrier in Ireland.

Do US unlocked phones work internationally? ›

International savings: When traveling abroad, you can activate your unlocked device with any foreign carrier that's compatible with the phone's technology. This allows you to pay local rates rather than roaming charges (or have a phone that doesn't work at all).

Do I need a voltage converter for iPhone in the UK? ›

No. The Apple-supplied charging equipment will accept 100 to 240 volts with only a plug adapter.

Do I need a converter for my iPhone in England? ›

When traveling with an iPhone you only need to bring the correct adapter plug for your destination country. Your iPhone comes standard with a USB charger and plug, you then plug that into your Going In Style travel adapter. Plug your travel adapter into the countries wall outlet and Voila!

Do I need an adapter for my iPhone in the UK? ›

If you'd rather avoid fiddling with adapters, then grabbing a new charger in the UK is a perfectly viable option. The good news is that iPhones are universal; any UK charger with a Lightning connector will work flawlessly with your US iPhone.

How to use iPhone internationally without charges? ›

How to avoid data roaming charges on your iPhone
  1. Your Primary SIM should be OFF. ...
  2. Your eSIM should be ON and roaming. ...
  3. Your eSIM should be your only data source. ...
  4. Make sure iMessage can use email. ...
  5. Make sure FaceTime can use email. ...
  6. Consider using a free travel phone number.

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