Activating an eSIM on iPhone takes just a few minutes—once you know the steps. Whether you’re setting up a travel data plan, adding a second line for work, or switching carriers entirely, this guide walks you through every method available on iPhone.
By the end of this tutorial, you’ll have your eSIM activated and ready to use. Let’s get started.
Before You Begin: Pre-Activation Checklist
Before diving into the activation process, make sure you have everything ready. Missing one of these requirements is the most common cause of activation failures.
Requirements
- Compatible iPhone — iPhone XS, XR, or newer (all models from 2018 onward support eSIM)
- iOS 12.1 or later — though we recommend iOS 17 or 18 for the best experience
- Stable WiFi connection — required to download the eSIM profile
- Carrier unlocked device — locked phones may not accept third-party eSIMs
- eSIM QR code or activation details — provided by your carrier or eSIM provider
Pro tip: Check if your iPhone is carrier unlocked by going to Settings → General → About and looking for “No SIM restrictions” under Carrier Lock.
New to eSIM technology? Read our complete beginner’s guide to eSIM to understand the basics before proceeding.
Method 1: Activate eSIM Using a QR Code
This is the most common activation method, used by most travel eSIM providers and many carriers. You’ll receive a QR code via email after purchasing your eSIM plan.
Step-by-Step Instructions (iOS 17/18)
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone
- Tap Cellular (or Mobile Data in some regions)
- Tap Add eSIM or Set Up Cellular
- Select Use QR Code
- Position your iPhone camera to scan the QR code
- The code can be on your computer screen, printed paper, or another device
- Keep steady until the camera recognizes the code
- Tap Continue when prompted to add the cellular plan
- Wait for the activation to complete (usually 1-5 minutes)
- Label your new plan (e.g., “Travel Data” or “Work Line”)
- Choose your default line settings for calls, messages, and data
Important: Don’t close the Settings app during activation. The profile download happens in the background, and interrupting it may require starting over.
Method 2: Activate via Carrier App
Many carriers now offer eSIM activation directly through their apps. This method is particularly common for major carriers like AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and international providers.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Download your carrier’s official app from the App Store
- Sign in to your account (or create one if needed)
- Navigate to the eSIM or “Add a Line” section
- Follow the in-app prompts to activate your eSIM
- The app will automatically configure your iPhone
- Restart your iPhone if prompted
This method often provides the smoothest experience since the carrier app handles all the technical details automatically.
Method 3: Manual Activation (No QR Code)
If you received activation details without a QR code—typically an SM-DP+ address and activation code—you can enter them manually.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Go to Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM
- Tap Use QR Code
- At the bottom of the screen, tap Enter Details Manually
- Enter the SM-DP+ Address (server address provided by carrier)
- Enter the Activation Code (unique code for your plan)
- Enter the Confirmation Code if required
- Tap Next and wait for activation
Manual entry is useful when you can’t scan a QR code or when the code was sent as text rather than an image.
Method 4: eSIM Carrier Activation (New iPhone Setup)
If you’re setting up a brand new iPhone or restoring from backup, iOS offers eSIM Carrier Activation during the initial setup process.
How It Works
- During iPhone setup, you’ll see “Set Up Cellular” option
- If your carrier supports it, tap Transfer from Nearby iPhone or Choose a Different Number
- Follow the prompts to activate your carrier’s eSIM
- Complete the rest of your iPhone setup
This method is especially convenient when upgrading to a new iPhone—your eSIM transfers automatically without needing a new QR code.
After Activation: Configure Your Lines
Once your eSIM is activated, you’ll need to configure how your iPhone uses multiple lines (if you have both a physical SIM and eSIM, or multiple eSIM profiles).
Set Default Lines
Go to Settings → Cellular and configure:
- Default Voice Line — which line makes outgoing calls
- Default Data Line — which line provides cellular data (important for travel eSIMs!)
- iMessage & FaceTime — which number to use for these services
Label Your Lines
Give each line a clear name so you can easily identify them:
- “Personal” and “Work”
- “Home” and “Travel Data”
- “Primary” and “Europe Trip”
Troubleshooting Common Activation Issues
Running into problems? Here are solutions for the most common eSIM activation issues on iPhone.
“Unable to Complete eSIM Setup”
Causes and fixes:
- Weak WiFi connection — Switch to a stronger network or move closer to your router
- QR code already used — Most eSIM QR codes are single-use. Contact your provider for a new code
- Carrier-locked iPhone — Contact your carrier to unlock your device
- Server issues — Wait 15-30 minutes and try again
“eSIM Cannot Be Added”
Causes and fixes:
- Device not compatible — Verify you have iPhone XS/XR or newer
- Too many eSIM profiles — Delete unused eSIM profiles (iPhone stores up to 8-10)
- Regional restrictions — Some eSIMs only work in specific countries
“No Service” After Activation
Causes and fixes:
- Data line not selected — Go to Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data and select your eSIM
- Data roaming disabled — Enable it in Settings → Cellular → [Your eSIM] → Data Roaming
- Not in coverage area — Check your eSIM provider’s coverage map
- Plan not yet active — Some plans activate at a specific time or upon first use in-country
Still Having Issues?
Try these general fixes:
- Restart your iPhone — Often resolves connection issues
- Toggle Airplane Mode — Turn on, wait 30 seconds, turn off
- Reset Network Settings — Settings → General → Transfer or Reset → Reset → Reset Network Settings (note: this erases saved WiFi passwords)
- Update iOS — Ensure you’re running the latest version
- Contact your eSIM provider — They can verify your plan status and resend activation details
Managing Multiple eSIM Profiles
One of eSIM’s biggest advantages is storing multiple profiles on a single device. Here’s how to manage them effectively.
Switch Between eSIM Profiles
- Go to Settings → Cellular
- Under “SIMs,” you’ll see all your installed profiles
- Tap the profile you want to activate
- Toggle Turn On This Line
Remember: While you can store many profiles, most iPhones can only have one eSIM active for data at a time (Dual eSIM support on iPhone 13 and later allows two active eSIMs).
Delete an eSIM Profile
- Go to Settings → Cellular
- Tap the eSIM profile you want to remove
- Scroll down and tap Delete eSIM
- Confirm deletion
Warning: Deleting an eSIM removes it permanently. You’ll need a new QR code or activation details to reinstall it.
eSIM Activation Tips for Travelers
Planning to use eSIM for international travel? Here are some tips to ensure smooth activation:
- Activate before your trip — Download your travel eSIM while still on home WiFi. Don’t wait until you land.
- Keep your physical SIM active — Use the eSIM for data only, keeping your home number available for calls and texts.
- Enable Data Roaming — Travel eSIMs require data roaming to be turned on (don’t worry—you’re using local data, not expensive roaming).
- Screenshot your QR code — Keep a backup in case you need to reinstall.
- Note your plan details — Data amount, validity period, and coverage countries.
Still deciding between eSIM and physical SIM for travel? Check out our detailed eSIM vs Physical SIM comparison to help you decide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use eSIM and physical SIM at the same time?
Yes! All eSIM-capable iPhones support Dual SIM functionality. You can have both a physical SIM and eSIM active simultaneously—perfect for keeping your home number while using a travel data eSIM.
How many eSIMs can I store on my iPhone?
Most iPhones can store 8-10 eSIM profiles, though the exact number varies by model. However, you can typically only have one or two active at a time.
Can I transfer my eSIM to a new iPhone?
Yes, iOS supports eSIM transfer during device setup. When setting up your new iPhone, choose “Transfer from Nearby iPhone” and follow the prompts. Alternatively, contact your carrier for a new QR code.
Does eSIM activation cost extra?
The activation process itself is free. You only pay for the data plan or service you’re activating. Some carriers may charge for converting a physical SIM to eSIM, though many do this for free.
What happens if I lose my iPhone?
Your eSIM is tied to your device, so it can’t be used in another phone without reactivation. Contact your carrier to deactivate the eSIM and transfer your service to a new device.
Conclusion
Activating an eSIM on iPhone is straightforward once you know the process. Whether you’re using a QR code, carrier app, or manual entry, the entire setup typically takes less than five minutes.
The key steps to remember:
- Ensure you have a stable WiFi connection
- Have your QR code or activation details ready
- Go to Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM
- Scan the code or enter details manually
- Configure your default lines for calls and data
With your eSIM activated, you’re ready to enjoy the flexibility of digital connectivity—whether that’s instant travel data, a separate work line, or simply a backup connection when you need it most.
Ready to get your first travel eSIM? Browse our destination guides to find the perfect data plan for your next trip.