How to use eSIM on iPhone: 3 easy ways to activate

Switching to an eSIM on your iPhone offers a modern, hassle-free way to manage your cellular plans without needing a physical SIM card. With 3 flexible activation methods, you can get connected in minutes. In this guide, BitJoy will walk you through three easy ways to activate your eSIM, ensuring you stay connected seamlessly while optimizing your iPhone experience.

What is eSIM on iPhone?

An eSIM on iPhone is a digital SIM integrated directly into your iPhone’s hardware, replacing the traditional physical SIM card. Unlike removable plastic SIMs, an eSIM is a small chip embedded in the device, with rewritable information that allows you to switch networks or activate plans without needing to insert a new card. 

This industry-standard technology enables seamless management of multiple carrier plans, offering greater flexibility and convenience. eSIMs provide several advantages over physical SIMs:

• Flexibility: You can store and manage eight or more eSIM profiles on a single iPhone, for multiple purposes or geographical regions.
• Convenience: Activating a new plan is entirely digital, often through your iPhone’s settings or a carrier’s app, eliminating the need to visit a store.
• Security: Since eSIMs are embedded, they cannot be lost, stolen, or damaged, offering enhanced protection compared to removable SIMs.
• Travel-Friendly: eSIMs make it easy to connect to local networks when traveling internationally, allowing you to activate temporary plans without swapping SIMs.
• Space Efficiency: By removing the need for a SIM tray, eSIMs free up internal space, contributing to sleeker device designs.

Apple has embraced eSIM technology across many of its iPhone models: iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, and later.

Newer models, especially in the U.S., rely exclusively on eSIM, while global variants often support dual eSIMs or a combination of eSIM and physical SIM. Always check your iPhone model and region for specific compatibility.

What You Need Before Using eSIM

To set up and use an eSIM on your iPhone, ensure you meet the following requirements:

• Compatible iPhone Model: You need an iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, or a later model. Note that iPhone 14 models and later that are eSIM-only can activate without a Wi-Fi network, but other models require a Wi-Fi connection during setup.
• Regional Considerations: In mainland China, iPhone models do not support eSIM. In Hong Kong and Macao, certain iPhone models support Dual SIM with two nano-SIM cards instead of eSIM. Travelers visiting the Chinese mainland can use eSIM for prepaid data plans offered by various worldwide service providers.
• Carrier Compatibility: Confirm that your wireless carrier or worldwide service provider supports eSIM. Not all carriers offer eSIM functionality, so check with your provider before attempting to set up an eSIM.
• Software Update: Make sure your iPhone is running the latest version of iOS. Go to Settings > General > Software Update to check for and install any available updates. The latest iOS ensures optimal compatibility and performance for eSIM activation and usage.

3 ways to activate eSIM on iPhone easily

Activating an eSIM on your iPhone is straightforward with multiple methods depending on your carrier’s support. Below are three easy ways to get your eSIM up and running. Each method ensures a smooth setup process, and we’ll cover how to obtain necessary resources, step-by-step instructions, and tips for verifying your connection.

Activation via Quick Link

Some carriers provide a quick link via email or their website to activate your eSIM. Contact your carrier to request this link, ensuring you have your account details ready. The link is typically sent to your registered email or displayed on the carrier’s portal after logging in.

1. On your iPhone (iOS 17.4 or later), tap the activation link provided by your carrier.
2. When the Activate New eSIM notification appears, tap Allow.
3. Tap Continue at the bottom of the screen to complete the activation.
4. Make a test call to verify cellular connectivity. If the call fails, contact your carrier for assistance.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Link not working: Ensure you have a stable internet connection and the link hasn’t expired. Request a new link from your carrier if needed.
• Notification not appearing: Restart your iPhone and tap the link again.
• Activation failure: Verify your account details with your carrier and ensure your iPhone is compatible with eSIM.

Activation by Scanning a QR Code

Contact your carrier to request a QR code for eSIM activation. They may send it via email, display it on their website, or provide it in their app. Some carriers also offer QR codes at retail stores.

1. Open the Camera app on your iPhone and point it at the QR code.
2. When the Cellular Plan Detected notification appears, tap it.
3. Alternatively, for iOS 17.4 or later, touch and hold the QR code in an email or webpage, then tap Add eSIM.
4. Tap Continue at the bottom of the screen.
5. If prompted, enter the confirmation code provided by your carrier.

Confirming and Completing Setup

• After scanning, wait for the eSIM to activate. This may take a few minutes.
• Make a test call to confirm connectivity. If unsuccessful, contact your carrier.
• If a banner appears saying Finish Setting Up Your Carrier's Cellular Plan, tap it to visit your carrier’s website for additional steps.

Manual Installation

Manual setup is required if your carrier doesn’t support eSIM Carrier Activation, Quick Transfer, QR codes, or quick links. This method involves entering eSIM details provided by your carrier directly into your iPhone.

1. Go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM.
2. Tap Enter Details Manually (available if supported by your carrier).
3. Enter the activation code or SM-DP+ address provided by your carrier.
4. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the setup.
5. Tap Continue to activate the eSIM.

Verifying Connection After Setup

• After activation, restart your iPhone.
• Make a test call or access mobile data to confirm the eSIM is working.
• If connectivity issues persist, double-check the entered details or contact your carrier for support.

Converting from Physical SIM to eSIM

Switching from a physical SIM to an eSIM on your iPhone is a convenient way to modernize your cellular connectivity. Whether you're converting a physical SIM to an eSIM on the same iPhone or transferring a SIM from a previous iPhone to an eSIM on a new one, the process is streamlined with carrier support. 

Converting Physical SIM to eSIM on the Same iPhone

To convert a physical SIM to an eSIM, your carrier must support this feature, and your iPhone should be running iOS 16 or later. Check with your carrier to confirm compatibility, as not all providers offer this option. Ensure your iPhone is connected to a stable Wi-Fi or cellular network, and your device is unlocked if required by the carrier.

1. On your iPhone, navigate to Settings > Cellular.
2. Tap Convert to eSIM. If this option is missing, your carrier does not support this feature. In this case, contact your carrier to transfer your phone number using eSIM Carrier Activation or a QR code.
3. Tap Convert Cellular Plan, then select Convert to eSIM.
4. Wait for the eSIM to activate. Your physical SIM will be deactivated once the eSIM is fully activated.
5. Remove the physical SIM from your iPhone and restart the device to ensure the eSIM is functioning correctly.

Important Considerations

• Make a test call or access mobile data after restarting to verify connectivity. If issues arise, contact your carrier.
• Backup your iPhone before starting the process to avoid data loss in case of interruptions.
• If your carrier requires additional steps, such as visiting their website, follow any onscreen banners like Finish Setting Up Your Carrier's Cellular Plan.

Transferring SIM from Previous iPhone to eSIM on New iPhone

eSIM Quick Transfer allows you to move a physical SIM or eSIM from your previous iPhone to an eSIM on your new iPhone without contacting your carrier, provided they support this feature. Both iPhones must be running iOS 16 or later, and you need to be signed in with the same Apple ID on both devices. Alternatively, the previous iPhone must be nearby, unlocked with its passcode, and have Bluetooth enabled.

1. On your new iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM.
2. Select a cellular plan to transfer from the list of numbers. If no list appears, tap Transfer From Nearby iPhone.
3. Follow the instructions on your previous iPhone to confirm the transfer. Tap Transfer, or enter the verification code displayed on your new iPhone if prompted.
4. Wait for the cellular plan to activate on your new iPhone. The SIM on your previous iPhone will deactivate once the new eSIM is active.
5. If a banner appears saying Finish Setting Up Your Carrier's Cellular Plan, tap it to visit your carrier’s website for any final steps.

Confirming Successful Transfer

• After activation, make a test call or use mobile data on your new iPhone to verify the eSIM is working.
• If the transfer fails, ensure both devices meet the requirements (iOS 16 or later, Bluetooth enabled, etc.) and retry. If issues persist, contact your carrier for assistance.
• Check that your previous iPhone no longer has cellular connectivity, confirming the SIM has been deactivated.

Transferring eSIM from Android Devices to iPhone

Transferring an eSIM from an Android or other non-Apple device to an iPhone requires coordination with your carrier, as direct device-to-device transfer isn’t supported. This process ensures your cellular plan is seamlessly moved to your new iPhone’s eSIM, maintaining your phone number and service.

Your carrier must support eSIM activation for iPhones, typically through eSIM Carrier Activation or by providing a QR code. Confirm with your carrier that they can transfer your existing plan from the Android device to an iPhone eSIM. If you purchased your iPhone from Apple or a US carrier, an eSIM may already be assigned, simplifying the process. Ensure your iPhone is running iOS 17.4 or later for optimal compatibility.

1. Contact your carrier to initiate the eSIM transfer. They may provide a QR code or use eSIM Carrier Activation.
2. If a QR code is provided, open the Camera app on your iPhone, scan the code, and tap the Cellular Plan Detected notification. Alternatively, touch and hold the QR code in an email or webpage, then tap Add eSIM.
3. If your iPhone has a pre-assigned eSIM, follow the onscreen instructions during setup to activate it.
4. Tap Continue to finalize activation. If prompted, enter any confirmation code provided by your carrier.
5. Make a test call to verify connectivity. If a banner appears saying Finish Setting Up Your Carrier's Cellular Plan, tap it to complete any additional steps on the carrier’s website.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• No onscreen instructions: If no prompts appear during setup, contact your carrier to confirm the eSIM assignment or request a QR code.
• Activation failure: Ensure your iPhone is connected to Wi-Fi or cellular data and restart the device. If the issue persists, verify your account details with the carrier.
• QR code not working: Request a new QR code from your carrier, as it may have expired. Ensure the code is clear and well-lit when scanning.

Managing and Using eSIM Effectively

eSIMs offer flexibility, allowing you to manage multiple cellular plans on your iPhone. Whether switching between plans, setting preferences, or removing an eSIM, these steps help you optimize your experience.

How to Switch Between eSIMs

1. Go to Settings > Cellular.
2. Tap the plan you want to use, then toggle Turn On This Line to enable it.
3. To switch data plans, tap Cellular Data and select the desired plan. Ensure only one plan is active for data to avoid conflicts.

Setting Up Primary and Secondary eSIMs

1. In Settings > Cellular, tap the plan you want as primary, then select Primary under Label.
2. Assign another plan as Secondary or customize labels (e.g., Personal, Work).
3. Under Cellular Data, choose the primary plan for data usage. For calls and messages, select which plan to use when prompted or set a default line under Default Line.

How to Remove or Disable eSIMs When Needed

1. Go to Settings > Cellular, tap the plan to remove, and select Delete eSIM. Confirm the action.
2. To disable temporarily, toggle Turn On This Line off instead of deleting.
3. If you accidentally delete an eSIM, contact your carrier for a new QR code or activation link to reinstall it.

Troubleshooting eSIM on iPhone

eSIM setup and usage can occasionally encounter issues. Below are common problems, their solutions, and guidance on when to seek further help.

• “Unable to Activate eSIM”: Restart your iPhone and ensure a stable internet connection. Re-scan the QR code or re-tap the activation link.
• No signal after activation: Make a test call or toggle Airplane Mode on and off. If unresolved, check if the eSIM is enabled in Settings > Cellular.
• eSIM not listed: Go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM and retry the activation process. Ensure your carrier supports eSIM for your device.

When to Contact Your Carrier or Apple Support

• Contact your carrier if activation fails repeatedly, the QR code/link expires, or you need a new eSIM after deletion.
• Reach out to Apple Support if the iPhone fails to recognize eSIM options or displays software-related errors, ensuring your iOS is updated to the latest version.
• Have your iPhone model, iOS version, and carrier details ready when contacting support.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• How much does an international eSIM cost? Costs vary by provider and destination. For example, a 1GB eSIM for the USA might cost £3, while a 20GB eSIM for Japan could be £22 (based on eSIM Choice via Post Office). Compare deals through your carrier or eSIM providers.
• How do I check if my iPhone is eSIM compatible? Go to Settings > Cellular or Mobile Data. If Add eSIM or Add Cellular Plan is available, your iPhone supports eSIM. Most modern iPhones are compatible.
• What happens if I delete my eSIM? You’ll lose access to that cellular plan. Contact your carrier for a new QR code or activation link to reinstall it.

Summary and Helpful Tips

Using an eSIM on your iPhone simplifies cellular plan management, especially when transferring from Android devices or managing multiple plans. Always confirm carrier support before starting the transfer or activation process, and keep your iPhone updated to iOS 17.4 or later for the smoothest experience. 

Backup your device before making changes to avoid data loss. For international travel, compare eSIM costs to find the best deal, and store QR codes securely to reinstall if needed. If issues arise, test connectivity with a call, restart your device, and contact your carrier promptly for unresolved problems.

Read more:

International SIM Card For iPhone – All You Need to Know Before Travel

eSIM vs. Physical SIM: Which One Offers Better Convenience?

Mastering how to use eSIM on iPhone opens up a world of convenience, from quick activations to managing multiple plans effortlessly. By following these three straightforward methods of BitJoy, you can activate your eSIM with confidence. Try these steps today and enjoy the future of mobile networking on your iPhone!