How to set up and activate an eSIM on iPhone

Since the iPhone 14 debuted in September 2022, Apple has exclusively used eSIMs in the phones it sells in the U.S. If you get a new iPhone or a new phone plan, don’t look for a physical SIM card. Instead, you'll have an eSIM, which is a built-in digital version of a physical SIM.  

A SIM card is key to using your phone, because it identifies your phone as having access to the cellular network and mobile data. Without a SIM, you wouldn’t be able to call, text, browse the web, stream entertainment, etc. unless you stayed tied down to a Wi-Fi connection.  

You need to both set up (install the eSIM profile) on your phone and then activate the eSIM profile on a carrier’s network so you can call, text, and use mobile data. 

When you need to set up and activate an eSIM on your iPhone  

You need to set up and activate an eSIM on your iPhone in a few different situations. Click on the one that applies to you to get step-by-step instructions: 

• When you get a new cell phone plan
• When you get a new iPhone (you can transfer your number from an iPhone or an Android)
• When you get an eSIM for international travel  

When you get a new cell phone plan

Have you signed up for a new phone plan? The carrier will provide a way to activate an eSIM with the new phone service — either an automated carrier activation process, or a QR code, web link, or app. You can also manually enter details if you choose to.  

You’ll need to be on Wi-Fi during the process. Here’s how each approach works:  

Carrier activation  

If you bought an iPhone through your carrier, turn on the phone and follow onscreen prompts during the setup process.  

If you have already set up your iPhone, look for a notification saying “Carrier Cellular Plan Ready to Be Installed” on your screen and tap it. In Settings, tap Carrier Cellular Plan Ready to Be Installed, then Continue. Make a call to ensure you have a cell connection, and contact the carrier if not.  

QR code 

Use the camera app on your phone to scan the QR code, then tap on “Cellular Plan Detected” when it pops up. Tap Continue, then Add Cellular Plan. You may need to enter a confirmation code if your carrier provides one.  

Carrier link 

Your carrier may send a link to your phone instead; simply tap it, then tap Allow when you see Activate New eSIM, then tap Continue. 

Carrier app 

Some carriers offer an app to manage your service. If so, download the app from the App Store, then follow the instructions to set up your eSIM. The same app may also support transferring your number to a new phone.  

When you get a new iPhone  

Transfer your number from an iPhone 

Apple offers an eSIM Quick Transfer process to move the SIM and phone number from your previous iPhone to a new one — if your carrier supports it.  

Make sure both phones are on iOS 18.4 or later (it’s best to update to the latest iOS before proceeding). Sign into your Apple Account on both phones and make sure Bluetooth is turned on. Keep the two phones close to each other during the process.  

To transfer during the set-up process on your new phone: Follow the on-screen instructions.  

To transfer after you set up your new phone:  

• Go to Settings -> Cellular -> Set Up Cellular or Add eSIM. 
• Choose the cell plan you’re transferring from the old phone. If you don’t see a list of numbers, tap on Transfer from Nearby Phone.  
• Follow the instructions you see on the old phone.  
• Confirm by tapping Transfer or, if it asks for a verification code, use the code that pops up on the old phone and enter it on the new one. 
• Wait for the cell plan to activate on the new phone, which deactivates the eSIM on the old phone.  

You may see a pop-up on the new phone that says Finish Setting Up Your Carrier’s Cellular Plan. Tap that to be directed to your carrier’s webpage to finish transfer of the eSIM.  

Transfer your number from an Android  

With iOS 26, you may be able to transfer an eSIM from an Android to an iPhone 11 or later. Both phones need to be on Wi-Fi and have Bluetooth turned on.  

• Set up the new iPhone, and place it next to the Android device.  
• On the iPhone, go to Settings -> Cellular -> Setup Cellular and tap Transfer From Android.  
• When the QR code appears on the iPhone, scan it with your Android camera. (See below if the QR codes won’t scan.) 
• On the Android, select the phone number you want to transfer and tap Transfer. If it asks you whether to use the transferred SIM as your primary eSIM, choose Yes. 
• When the transfer finishes, go to the iPhone and tap Done and then tap OK.  
• Make a call on your iPhone to make sure it’s connected to cell service.  

If your Android won’t scan the QR code, try these steps: 

• On the iPhone, tap Other Options under the QR code. 
• On the Android, go to Google Services -> All Services and tap Pair with iPhone.  
• Select Transfer eSIM. 
• On the Android, enter the session ID and pairing code displayed on the iPhone and tap Next.  
• On the Android, select the phone number you want transferred and tap Transfer. If it asks if you want to use it as primary eSIM, tap Yes. 
• When the transfer is done, go to the iPhone and tap Done, then OK. 
• Make a call on the iPhone to make sure it’s connected to service.  

Troubleshooting: If these steps fail or aren’t available, you might need to contact your carrier and ask it to do the activation or to give you a QR code.  

If the number transfers but you can’t place a call, contact your carrier. 

When you travel internationally  

A potentially money-saving way to have cell service while traveling abroad is to buy an international eSIM for your destination. These often cost less than buying international coverage from your carrier or risking roaming charges.  

Because iPhone 13 and later models have dual eSIMs, you can easily buy an international eSIM and set it up at home before traveling, then activate the service when you arrive at your destination. (Note: Your phone must be unlocked, and for best functionality take a minute to update it to iOS 26.)  

Once you have the travel eSIM plan purchased, follow the vendor’s steps for setup. You may be prompted to choose whether the eSIM is for use at home or abroad, and whether it’s a data-only or voice and data plan. Once you’ve followed the setup steps, you’ll see the new SIM listed and ready for use when you travel. 

When you arrive at your destination, follow these steps:  

• Look for a screen notification to Turn on Travel eSIM. If you don’t get a pop-up, just go to Settings -> Cellular.  
• Tap Turn on Travel eSIM. 
• Choose one of the options displayed:  
• Travel eSIM Only, which turns off your home line for calls, texts, and data so you won’t accidentally be hit with roaming charges. You can still use your home line for iMessage, FaceTime, and VoIP apps for calls and texts. 
• Travel eSIM and Current eSIM, which lets you use either plan.  
• Tap Continue to finish. 

If you’re using iOS 26, your phone will automatically turn off the travel eSIM and revert to your home eSIM when you return home. If you don’t see a notification that it’s done so, or want to verify what SIM you’re using, go to Settings -> Cellular and tap Turn On This Line next to your home eSIM. You can also tap on Delete eSIM to clear away the travel eSIM. 

Troubleshooting eSIM setup on iPhone  

Try these steps if eSIM setup or activation fails: 

Make sure conditions are right 

• The phone must be connected to a Wi-Fi network or a hotspot. 
• You have to have an active cell plan from a carrier that supports eSIM.  
• Your phone should be updated to the latest version of iOS it can accept. 

Try troubleshooting steps 

Try these things — any of them might work, so check whether your carrier shows up in the status bar in the upper right after each one: 

• Turn Airplane Mode on and then back off. 
• See if the number you’re trying to transfer shows up under Settings -> Cellular. If it’s there, turn off the line and then turn it back on. 
• Restart your phone. 
• If your phone is on iOS 18 or later, download the latest version of the Apple Support app and use the diagnostic tools there to check your iPhone.  

Check your carrier settings 

• Go to Settings -> General -> About. 
• Scroll to the eSIM section -> Carrier.  
• Tap the version number next to the carrier’s name and update if there’s a new version available.  

Contact your carrier 

If the steps above don’t fix the problem, contact your carrier. Be ready to give them any error messages you saw as well as your phone number, account PIN or password, and your phone’s IMEI or EID number.  

Note: You can find the IMEI number in Settings -> General -> About. It’s also on the box your phone arrived in and it also may be on the sales receipt. 

How do I know if my eSIM is activated?  

Go to Settings > Cellular to see the list of active eSIMs on your phone. You should see the carrier name listed, and the slider next to Turn On This Line should show green for on. Check to see if you have signal bars in the top right corner of your screen.  

If the line is turned on but you’re not getting any signal bars, try basic troubleshooting steps like turning the phone off and on again. If you still lack service, contact your carrier.  

What if I accidentally delete an eSIM on my iPhone?  

Deleting an eSIM disconnects your phone from your carrier’s mobile network, so you won’t be able to call, text, or use mobile data until you restore service. Don’t worry, though — deleting the eSIM does not cancel your phone plan.  

If you accidentally deleted an eSIM, you will need to contact the carrier and have it give you a replacement eSIM profile. It may be a QR code or activation link. Then follow the steps listed above.  

Frequently asked questions about activating an eSIM on iPhone: