eSIM activation on an iPhone is done from Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM. Your carrier may label this menu Mobile Service instead of Cellular. Depending on the carrier, you can choose Transfer From Nearby iPhone, Use QR Code, a carrier activation notification, or the carrier's app. Supported models generally include the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR and later.

What You Need Before Activating an eSIM

Before you start, you need:

  • An eSIM-compatible iPhone, generally an iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR or later
  • A carrier or travel eSIM provider that supports eSIM
  • An active cellular plan
  • Wi-Fi or a personal hotspot during setup
  • The current iOS version available for your iPhone

If the eSIM is from a different carrier, check whether your iPhone is unlocked. Open Settings > General > About and find Carrier Lock. The phone should say No SIM restrictions.

How to Activate an eSIM From an Old iPhone

Transfer From Nearby iPhone is usually the easiest option when you are moving your number to a new iPhone.

  1. Place both iPhones near each other.
  2. Turn on Bluetooth and unlock the old iPhone.
  3. On the new iPhone, open Settings.
  4. Tap Cellular or Mobile Service.
  5. Tap Add eSIM or Set Up Cellular.
  6. Choose Transfer From Nearby iPhone.
  7. Select the phone number you want to transfer.
  8. Follow the instructions on the old iPhone.
  9. Enter the verification code if the new iPhone shows one.
  10. Wait for the plan to activate.

When the eSIM activates on the new iPhone, the SIM or eSIM on the old iPhone is deactivated. Apple says eSIM Quick Transfer requires both iPhones to be nearby, signed in to the same Apple Account and running iOS 18.4 or later.

How to Activate an eSIM With a QR Code

Use a QR code when your carrier sends one for eSIM activation.

  1. Open the Camera app.
  2. Scan the QR code from your carrier.
  3. Tap the Mobile Plan Detected notification.
  4. Tap Continue.
  5. Tap Add Mobile Plan.
  6. Enter the confirmation code if your carrier provided one.

If the QR code is in an email or open in a browser on an iPhone running iOS 17.4 or later, touch and hold the code, then tap Add eSIM.

How to Activate an eSIM Through Your Carrier

Some carriers send an activation notification directly to your iPhone.

  1. Wait for a notification such as Mobile Plan Ready to Be Installed or Finish Setting Up Cellular.
  2. Tap the notification.
  3. Tap Continue.
  4. Follow the onscreen instructions.
  5. Make a test call after activation.

If your carrier sends an activation link, open it on your iPhone. Tap Allow when the activation notification appears, then tap Continue.

How to Activate an eSIM Through a Carrier App

You can use a carrier app if your provider supports app-based activation.

  1. Download the carrier's official app from the App Store.
  2. Sign in to your carrier account.
  3. Choose the option to activate or transfer an eSIM.
  4. Follow the instructions in the app.
  5. Open Settings > Cellular and confirm that the new line is switched on.

Support varies by carrier and country. Apple lists carriers that support eSIM Carrier Activation, eSIM Quick Transfer, QR codes and other activation methods.

How to Convert a Physical SIM to an eSIM

Some carriers let you convert your existing physical SIM without changing your phone number.

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap Cellular or Mobile Service.
  3. Tap Add eSIM or Set Up Cellular.
  4. Select the number connected to the physical SIM.
  5. Tap Convert to eSIM.
  6. Follow the onscreen instructions.

After the conversion, the physical SIM no longer works.

How to Activate an eSIM Transferred From Android

Contact your carrier before moving from Android to an iPhone. The carrier may transfer the number through eSIM Carrier Activation or provide a QR code.

With iOS 26 or later, some carriers and selected smartphone manufacturers support direct eSIM transfers between Android phones and iPhones.

How to Check That Your eSIM Is Active

Open Settings > Cellular or Settings > Mobile Service. Your new line should appear in the eSIM section and be switched on.

Make a call and test mobile data with Wi-Fi turned off.

What to Do If Your iPhone eSIM Will Not Activate

Try these steps:

  1. Confirm that the iPhone is connected to Wi-Fi or a hotspot.
  2. Turn Airplane Mode on, wait a few seconds, then turn it off.
  3. Open Settings > Cellular and turn the affected line off and on.
  4. Restart the iPhone.
  5. Check for a carrier settings update under Settings > General > About.
  6. Confirm that your carrier supports eSIM and that your plan is active.
  7. Contact your carrier with your phone number, account PIN, IMEI and EID.

You can find the IMEI and EID under Settings > General > About. On iOS 18 or later, the Apple Support app can also run more diagnostics.