The advent of eSIM technology has made it easier for iPhone users to switch between carriers without the need for a physical SIM card. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of activating an eSIM on your iPhone.
Prerequisites
Before you begin, ensure you meet the following requirements:
- You need an iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, or a later model.
- You must be subscribed to a network provider that supports eSIM.
- Your new iPhone should be connected to a Wi-Fi network. However, iPhone 14 models and later that are eSIM only can be activated without a Wi-Fi network.
- Please note that eSIM on iPhone is not offered in mainland China. Some iPhone models feature eSIM in Hong Kong and Macao. If you are visiting mainland China and wish to use eSIM for prepaid data plans, many worldwide network providers offer these services.
Setting Up eSIM on iPhone
Setting up your eSIM is usually just a matter of turning on your new iPhone and following the onscreen instructions.
You can activate your eSIM while setting up your iPhone if your network provider supports eSIM Carrier Activation or eSIM Quick Transfer. These methods allow you to either have an eSIM assigned to your iPhone when you purchase it or transfer the SIM from your previous iPhone to your new one without contacting your network provider.
If your network provider supports transferring a phone number from your previous iPhone to your new iPhone without needing to contact them, ensure you’re signed in with your Apple ID on both devices, or make sure your previous iPhone is unlocked, nearby with Bluetooth turned on, and running iOS 16 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.
Activating eSIM with a QR Code or Network Provider App
If your network provider doesn’t support eSIM Carrier Activation or eSIM Quick Transfer, you can scan a QR code from your network provider instead.
To activate your eSIM while setting up your iPhone:
- When you get to the Set Up Mobile Data 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.
- Tap ‘Continue’, at the bottom of the screen.
- Tap ‘Add Mobile Data Plan’.
- If you’re asked to enter a confirmation code to activate the eSIM, enter the number that your network provider gave you.
If your network provider supports activating eSIM using an app, download your network provider’s app from the App Store and follow the instructions.
Manually Entering eSIM Information
In some cases, you might need to enter the eSIM details manually. Here are the steps:
- 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.
Remember, the eSIM activation process may vary slightly based on your specific device and carrier. When in doubt, reach out to your network provider for assistance. Enjoy the convenience and flexibility that eSIM technology brings to your iPhone experience!
