Independent since 2019 · No paid placement, ever Prices re-checked weekly

Device Guides 2 min read

Can You Still Use an iPhone XR in 2026?

Yes, the iPhone XR still works in 2026. It's stuck on iOS 18. What works, what doesn't, and what to check.

Founder & Lead Analyst, ShopCellPlans

Published October 3, 2026

Updated October 3, 2026

The iPhone XR came out in 2018. Yes, it still works as a phone on most US carriers.

Key takeaways

The iPhone XR still works on most US carriers.

It's stuck on iOS 18.

Check the IMEI before switching carriers.

The quick answer

Calls and data: yes on most US carriers
Software: iOS 18, no longer updated
Most apps still install, though fewer each year
Good as a backup or budget phone

Calls after the 3G shutdown

It supports VoLTE and eSIM, and works on every major carrier. Apple stopped major updates at iOS 18, so it has had no new iOS version since 2024.

How to check yours

Find the IMEI: dial *#06#, or look in the phone's settings or under the battery.
Enter it in your carrier's compatibility checker. Every major carrier and most prepaid brands have one.
If it isn't supported, it's usually missing approval for VoLTE (calls over 4G), which every US phone now needs.

Who it still works for

Anyone who wants a capable phone for very little money, or a dependable spare.

If you're replacing it

A refurbished iPhone 13 or newer still gets current iOS and costs far less than it did new. For a new phone on a budget, several carriers give away an iPhone 16e or Galaxy A-series phone when you switch. Pair it with a low-cost plan such as Mint Mobile ($15 a month for 6GB on a 12-month term) or Visible ($25 for unlimited, taxes included).

Free phones when you switch

Current offers from Metro, T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T and Xfinity.

See phone deals →

Frequently asked questions

Does the iPhone XR still work in 2026? +

Yes, it still works as a phone on most US carriers. It supports VoLTE and eSIM, and works on every major carrier. Apple stopped major updates at iOS 18, so it has had no new iOS version since 2024.

What's the last software version for the iPhone XR? +

iOS 18.

Keep reading

All guides

A phone displaying its IMEI number

Guide Will my phone work with a new carrier? 7 min read

An iPhone showing the Carrier Lock setting

Guide Is my phone unlocked? 7 min read

An iPhone 6 Plus shown front and back, running iOS 9

Guide Can you still use an iPhone 6? 10 min read

Price-change alerts

Get told when your plan’s price changes

One email when a carrier raises rates, drops a plan, or launches a deal worth switching for. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

About the author

Jean Gilles has researched personal finance, consumer technology, and wireless pricing for over a decade. He founded ShopCellPlans in 2019 and writes every review on the site.

More about Jean How we rank plans

#Apple #Older phones #iPhone XR

Independent since 2019 · No paid placement, ever Prices re-checked weekly

{{ category }} {{ readLabel }}

{{ title }}

{{ dek }}

{{ avatarEl46 }}

{{ authorInitials }}

{{ authorName }}

{{ authorRole }}

Published {{ published }}

Updated {{ updated }}

{{ heroCaption }}

{{ category }} {{ readLabel }}

{{ title }}

{{ dek }}

{{ avatarEl46 }}

{{ authorInitials }}

{{ authorName }}

{{ authorRole }}

Published {{ published }}

Updated {{ updated }}

{{ category }} {{ readLabel }}

{{ title }}

{{ dek }}

{{ avatarEl46 }}

{{ authorInitials }}

{{ authorName }}

{{ authorRole }}

Published {{ published }}

Updated {{ updated }}

{{ category }} {{ readLabel }}

{{ title }}

{{ dek }}

{{ avatarEl46 }}

{{ authorInitials }}

{{ authorName }}

{{ authorRole }}

Published {{ published }}

Updated {{ updated }}

{{ heroCaption }}

{{ category }} {{ readLabel }}

{{ title }}

{{ dek }}

{{ avatarEl46 }}

{{ authorInitials }}

{{ authorName }}

{{ authorRole }}

Published {{ published }}

Updated {{ updated }}

{{ heroCaption }}

{{ intro }}

Key takeaways

{{ t }}

{{ b.text }}

{{ b.text }}

{{ b.text }}

{{ li }}

{{ li }}

{{ b.text }}
— {{ b.cite }}

{{ b.title }}

{{ b.text }}

{{ c }}
{{ cell }}

{{ b.caption }}

{{ b.imgEl }}

{{ b.caption }}

{{ b.title }}

{{ b.text }}

{{ b.label }} →

Frequently asked questions

{{ f.q }} +

{{ f.a }}

Sources

{{ s.label }}

Keep reading

{{ krAllLabel }}

{{ r.alt }}

{{ r.type }} {{ r.label }}

Price-change alerts

Get told when your plan’s price changes

One email when a carrier raises rates, drops a plan, or launches a deal worth switching for. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

{{ avatarEl64 }}

{{ authorInitials }}

About the author

{{ authorName }}

{{ authorBio }}

{{ authorMoreLabel }} How we rank plans

#{{ tag }}