About eSIM on iPhone (2024)

Find out what an eSIM is, how to set up an eSIM on your iPhone and how to transfer a physical SIM to an eSIM.

What is eSIM on iPhone?

An eSIM is an industry-standard digital SIM that allows you to activate a mobile plan from your network provider without having to use a physicalSIM. You can install eight or more eSIMs on an iPhone and use two phone numbers at the same time.

What you need

An iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR or later
A network provider or worldwide service provider that supports eSIM
Your new iPhone needs to be connected to aWi-Fi network.*

eSIM on iPhone is not offered in China mainland. In Hong Kong and Macao,some iPhone models feature eSIM. Find out more about using Dual SIM with two nano-SIM cards in China mainland, Hong Kong and Macao.For people visiting China mainland who want to use an eSIM for prepaid data plans, these are offered by manyworldwide network providers.

*iPhone 14 models and later that areeSIM only can be activated without aWi-Fi network.

How to set up an eSIM on iPhone

Setting up youreSIM is usually just a matter of turning onyour new iPhone and following the onscreen instructions.

You can activate youreSIM while you're setting up your iPhone ifyour network provider supports eSIM Carrier Activation or eSIM Quick Transfer. With eSIM Carrier Activation, your network provider assigns aneSIM toyour iPhone when you purchase it. With eSIM Quick Transfer, you transfer theSIM from your previous iPhone to your new iPhone without contacting your network provider.With either method, toactivate your eSIM during setup,turn on your iPhone and follow the instructions.

Some network providers support transferring a phone number from your previous iPhone to your new iPhone without needing to contact them. Make sure you’re signed in with your AppleID on both devices, or make sure your previous iPhone is unlocked, is nearby with Bluetooth turned on and is running iOS16 or later.

You can also use these options later to add or transfer an eSIM. If these options aren't available, contact your network provider to activate your eSIM using a QR code or your network provider's iPhone app.

If you purchased an iPhone 14 model or later in the United States, your iPhone will activate with an eSIM. To activate your eSIM using eSIM Carrier Activation, eSIM Quick Transfer or another activation method, turn on your iPhone and follow the instructions.

Use eSIM Carrier Activation on iPhone

Some network providers and worldwide service providers can assign a new eSIM to your iPhone, making the setup process easy. This usually happens when you purchase from a network provider and you provide your mobile-plan details.If an eSIM was assigned to your iPhone when you bought it, turn on your iPhone and follow the instructions to activate your eSIM.

If you're switching to iPhone(from an Android phone, for example), contact your network provider to transfer your phone number to your iPhone through eSIM Carrier Activation or by scanning a QR code from your network provider.

If you contacted your network provider for an eSIM after you set up your iPhone, and they set up eSIM Carrier Activation,follow these steps:

When a notification appears that says Provider Mobile Data Plan Ready to Be Installed, tap it.
In the Settings app, tap Provider Mobile Data Plan Ready to Be Installed.
Tap Continue at the bottom of the screen.
Make a call on your iPhone to check its mobile data connectivity. If you can't make a call, contact your network provider.
If the plan you activated replaces the plan on your physical SIM, remove your physical SIM. Then, restartyour iPhone.

Use eSIM Quick Transfer on iPhone

Some network providers support SIM transfers from your previous iPhone to your new iPhone without needing to contact them. You can also convert your current physical SIM card to an eSIM.

If you don't have access to your current iPhone, contact your network provider to transfer your eSIM.

While you're setting up your iPhone, if you're asked to transfer your SIM, follow the onscreen instructions to transfer your physical SIM or eSIM. If you need to transfer more than one SIM to your new iPhone, transfer your additional SIMs following the steps below.

Transfer a physical SIM or eSIM on your previous iPhone to an eSIM on your new iPhone after setup

On your new iPhone, go to Settings > Mobile Data > Add Data Plan.
Choose a mobile data plan to transfer from another iPhone. If you don't see a list of numbers, tap Transfer From Another iPhone. This requires both devices to have iOS 16 or later.
Check for instructions on your previous iPhone to confirm the transfer. To confirm, tap Transfer or, if asked for a verification code, enter the code that's displayed on your new iPhone.
Wait for the mobile plan to be activated on your new iPhone. Your previous SIM is deactivated when themobile plan on your new iPhone is activated.
If a banner appears on your new iPhone that says Finish Setting Up Your Network Provider's Data Plan, tap it. You will be redirected to your network provider's web page to transfer your eSIM. If you need help, contact your network provider.

Convert a physical SIM to an eSIM on the same iPhone

You can convert a physical SIM to an eSIM on the same iPhone, if your network provider supports it. Follow these steps:

On your iPhone, go to Settings > Mobile Data.
Tap Convert to eSIM. If you can't see Convert toeSIM, your network provider doesn't support this option. Contact your network provider to move your phone number from your physical SIM to an eSIM using eSIM Carrier Activation or by scanning a QR code.
Tap Convert Mobile Data Plan.
Tap Convert to eSIM.
Wait for your eSIM to activate. Your previous SIM card will be deactivated when the mobile plan on your iPhone has been activated.
Remove the physical SIM fromyour iPhone.Then, restartyour iPhone.

Use a QR code

You can use a QR code from your network provider to set up eSIM on your iPhone.

To activate your eSIM while setting up your iPhone:

When you get to the Set Up Mobile screen, tap Use QR code.
Follow the onscreen instructions.

To activate your eSIM after you've set up your iPhone, contact your network provider to get a QR code. Then follow these steps:

Open the Camera app and scan your QR code. When the Mobile Data Plan Detected notification appears, tap it.
If you're using an iPhone with iOS 17.4 or later and you receive a QR code from your network provider in an email, or from the network provider webpage, touch and hold the QR code, then tap Add eSIM.
Tap Continue at the bottom of the screen.
Tap Add Mobile Data Plan.

If you're asked to enter a confirmation code to activate your eSIM, enter the number that your network provider supplied.

Other eSIM activation methods

Some network providers may send you a link instead of a QR code to download your eSIM.

On your iPhone with iOS 17.4 or later, tap the link to set up your eSIM.
When the Activate New eSIM notification appears, tap Allow.
Tap Continue at the bottom of the screen.

If your network provider supports activating eSIM using an app, download your network provider's app from the App Store and follow the instructions.

Enter the eSIM information manually if necessary

Contact your network provider to get the eSIM details you need to enter.
Go to Settings.
Tap either Cellular or Mobile Data.
Tap Add Mobile Data Plan.
Tap Enter Details Manually at the bottom of your iPhone screen.

Find out more

If you can't set up aneSIM.
If necessary, erase youreSIM.
Find out how to use Dual SIM with eSIM.
Find wireless network providers and worldwide services providers that offer eSIM service.
Use eSIM while travelling abroad with your iPhone.

Published Date:March 19, 2024

FAQs

What is iPhone eSIM about? ›

What is eSIM on iPhone? An eSIM is an industry-standard digital SIM that allows you to activate a cellular plan from your carrier without having to use a physical SIM. You can install eight or more eSIMs on an iPhone and use two phone numbers at the same time.

Is it good to use eSIM on iPhone? ›

eSIM is more secure than a physical SIM because it can't be removed if your iPhone is lost or stolen. With eSIM, you don't need to obtain, carry, and swap physical SIM cards (which can also be lost), or wait for them to arrive by mail. You can have two eSIMs active on supported iPhone models at the same time.

Find Out More ›

Why is my iPhone asking for eSIM? ›

This usually happens when you purchase from a carrier and you provide your cellular-plan details. If an eSIM was assigned to your iPhone when you bought it, turn on your iPhone and follow the instructions to activate your eSIM.

View Details ›

What is the downside of eSIM? ›

If you are using an eSIM and you need to change phones, you will have to contact your local phone provider to enquire how to transfer your eSIM, if that's even possible. While Android and iOS have eSIM transfer tools, not all carriers allow an eSIM transfer.

Find Out More ›

Why would I want eSIM? ›

What can eSIMs do? Since they're embedded in devices and are programmable remotely, it can open a whole new world of flexibility when it comes to managing your phone and service plans. You can add plans, add a new number, and even connect to a different carrier.

Read On ›

Does an eSIM use your phone number? ›

Your eSIM phone number is either a phone number included with your eSIM data package, or an internet phone number you're using with your eSIM. Some people use their regular phone number for calls and texts, while using an eSIM for data.

See Details ›

Does eSIM drain battery? ›

The short answer is no, not really. An eSIM itself doesn't use more battery than a physical SIM. However, if you're using your phone with two lines (one eSIM and one physical SIM), your phone must maintain a connection to two networks. This can use more battery because your phone is doing extra work.

Learn More Now ›

Does eSIM work without internet? ›

The eSIM chip securely stores the profile, allowing the device to connect to the chosen network without relying on an internet connection. In fact, just like how a physical SIM helps you to establish mobile data connectivity with your network operator, an eSIM does the same!

Show Me More ›

Is it worth switching to eSIM? ›

The benefits of eSim over physical sim are pretty solid. In terms of reliability, both traditional and eSIMs work the same if they're from the same network provider, but the network can be interrupted in the case of a physical SIM. So, the network an eSIM provides is a little more reliable.

Tell Me More ›

Can I remove eSIM from my iPhone? ›

To erase your eSIM on your iPhone

Go to Settings. Tap Cellular. Then: If you have a single plan, tap Delete eSIM.

Explore More ›

Should I opt for eSIM? ›

eSIMs are especially beneficial for international travelers and devices with limited physical space. Challenges with eSIMs include compatibility with older devices and the initial setup process for Android & iOS.

Keep Reading ›

What happens if I convert my iPhone to eSIM? ›

If you convert your physical SIM card to an eSIM, your SIM card will stop working. Other than that, nothing else will change, except now you won't need to open the SIM tray to switch network carriers.

What is the risk with eSIM? ›

However, you should remember that no connected device is 100% immune to hacking. And since eSIMs are used on connected devices, like any other technology, they are vulnerable to malware, social engineering, and phishing attacks.

Why is eSIM not popular? ›

The telecoms industry has been slow to embrace eSIM. And it could stem from multiple perceived threats against their core businesses. The main reason why traditional players are resistant to adopting consumer eSIM technology is because they see it as a threat to their current business models.

Is eSIM good or bad for iPhone? ›

eSIM is more secure than a physical SIM because it can't be removed if your iPhone is lost or stolen. With eSIM, you don't need to obtain, carry and swap physical SIM cards, which can also be lost, or wait for them to arrive in the post before you leave.

What is the benefit of eSIM? ›

The eSIM eliminates the logistical hassle of getting a physical SIM card. You won't have to look for a store or wait for your SIM to be delivered by mail. No more looking for an ejector tool, or a paperclip to change SIMs! eSIM is also ideal if you are a frequent traveler.

Is eSIM better than physical SIM? ›

Unlike traditional SIM cards, eSIMs are integrated directly into your device. They remove the need for physical swapping, allow for the storage of multiple accounts, and greatly improve convenience and durability. eSIMs are especially beneficial for international travelers and devices with limited physical space.

Keep Reading ›

Do I need to set up eSIM on iPhone? ›

Your iPhone needs a physical SIM or an eSIM to connect to a cellular network. (Not all options are available on all models or in all countries and regions. On iPhone 14 and later models purchased in the U.S., you can only use eSIM.) Contact your carrier to get a SIM and set up cellular service.