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To activate an eSIM on an iPhone, you need an eSIM-compatible model, a carrier plan that supports eSIM, and an internet connection—usually Wi-Fi. Then use the activation method your carrier provides: transfer from a nearby iPhone, scan a QR code, use the carrier’s app or link, or follow an automatic activation prompt. For a phone that is already set up, start at Settings > Cellular and tap Set Up Cellular or Add eSIM.
Before you start
An eSIM is a digital SIM profile built into your iPhone. It lets the phone authenticate with a cellular network without a removable SIM card. You still need an active carrier plan; eSIM itself is not a phone plan and does not make service free.
- Check your iPhone: Most iPhones from the XS/XR generation onward support eSIM, but exact support depends on the model and the region where it was sold. Apple’s current model guide lists supported families and regional exceptions. If the phone was purchased in China mainland, Hong Kong, or Macao, check its specific model.
- Check your carrier and plan: eSIM support—and support for particular activation methods—varies by carrier, plan, and device. Apple’s carrier-support directory can help you check available methods.
- Check the lock status if switching: An eSIM-capable iPhone may still be locked to another carrier. If you are bringing it to a different carrier, confirm that it is unlocked and accepted by the new carrier.
- Connect to the internet: Apple requires an internet connection for eSIM setup. Use Wi-Fi or another working connection.
- Have the right details ready: You may need your carrier login, account PIN, activation QR code or link, or number-transfer details. Keep your old iPhone nearby and unlocked if you plan to transfer a line.
- Update iOS if possible: Use the latest version available for your device. Quick Transfer specifically requires iOS 16 or later on both iPhones.
Back up your data before changing phones. More importantly, do not erase or trade in your old phone until the new one has working service.
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Choose the activation method that matches your situation
| Your situation | Start here |
|---|---|
| Setting up a new iPhone | Follow the setup prompts for cellular service, carrier activation, or transfer. |
| Moving a number from another iPhone | Try eSIM Quick Transfer if your carrier supports it. |
| Your carrier gave you a QR code | Use Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM, then scan the code. |
| Your carrier uses an app, text, or email link | Open the official carrier app or link and follow its instructions. |
| You have a physical SIM in this iPhone | Check whether your carrier offers direct conversion to eSIM. |
| You are moving a number from Android | Contact the carrier for its transfer process; iPhone-to-iPhone Quick Transfer does not apply. |
Activate eSIM during iPhone setup
- Turn on the new iPhone and follow the setup assistant.
- When prompted to set up cellular service, choose the available carrier activation or transfer option.
- If transferring from another iPhone, keep the old phone nearby, unlocked, and connected. Confirm the transfer on that phone if asked.
- Wait for the cellular setup to finish, then complete the rest of iPhone setup.
- Test calls, texts, and mobile data before erasing or trading in the old phone.
The options you see depend on carrier support and the setup state. Apple notes that participating carriers can activate a plan automatically or support Quick Transfer during setup. If no cellular option appears, finish setup, connect to Wi-Fi, and use the Settings path below—or contact your carrier.
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- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Activate eSIM after iPhone setup
- Open Settings.
- Tap Cellular.
- Tap Set Up Cellular or Add eSIM. The label can vary with iOS version and whether a line is already installed.
- Choose the method your carrier provided: transfer from a nearby iPhone, scan a QR code, use an app or link, or enter details manually.
- Follow the prompts. When setup finishes, confirm the new line is switched on under Settings > Cellular.
Apple’s iPhone cellular setup guide covers the supported paths. Your carrier decides which are available for your particular plan.
Transfer your number from another iPhone
If your carrier supports eSIM Quick Transfer, you can move an eligible line directly from a nearby iPhone without scanning a code.
- On the new iPhone, open Settings > Cellular.
- Tap Set Up Cellular or Add eSIM.
- Tap Transfer From Nearby iPhone, or select the phone number if it is listed.
- Keep both iPhones nearby and follow the on-screen instructions. Confirm the transfer on the old iPhone if prompted.
- Wait for activation, then test calls, texts, and cellular data on the new phone.
Quick Transfer requires iOS 16 or later on both iPhones and is available only with participating carriers and eligible plans. When the transfer succeeds, the number stops working on the old iPhone. Keep that phone available until you have verified service on the new one; do not erase it beforehand. If Quick Transfer is unavailable, ask your carrier whether to use its app, a QR code, or another process. For a number on Android, contact the carrier to arrange the move.
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Activate with a carrier QR code
- Get the activation QR code from your carrier. Use an official carrier email, account page, or activation card.
- On your iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular, then tap Set Up Cellular or Add eSIM.
- Tap Use QR Code. If you do not see it, look under Other Options.
- Point the iPhone camera at the code and follow the prompts. Enter a confirmation or activation code if requested.
- If you use multiple lines, label the new one and choose which line should handle calls, messages, and cellular data.
- Confirm the line is on, then test service.
If the QR code is on another screen, increase that screen’s brightness and hold the iPhone steady. Some carriers let you enter activation details manually instead; use that option only if your carrier supplied the required information, such as an SM-DP+ address and activation code. Codes may be single-use, expire, or be tied to a particular account or device. Do not share your personal code. If it has already been used or will not scan, ask the carrier for a replacement rather than assuming it can be reused.
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- This device is locked to AT&T only and not compatible with any other carrier.
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
For example, AT&T’s iPhone instructions use the Cellular settings path to scan a QR code and continue through the prompts. Other carriers may provide an activation card or a different flow.
Activate through a carrier app, link, or notification
Some carriers activate eSIM through their iPhone app, an account webpage, a link sent by email or text, or a notification asking you to finish setting up cellular service. Use the carrier’s official app or website and follow its instructions; do not rely on a generic app-store search result or an unexpected message.
- Verizon Prepaid directs customers to the My Verizon app to check compatibility and activate eligible service.
- T-Mobile Prepaid offers app-based eSIM activation for eligible plans and devices.
- Google Fi supports digital signup and eSIM on compatible iPhones; number transfers can require details from your current carrier.
These are examples, not a guarantee that every plan from those carriers—or any underlying network partner—uses the same activation method. Confirm availability and requirements for your exact plan before beginning.
Convert a physical SIM to eSIM
Direct conversion is available only when the carrier, iPhone, network, and location support it. If the option is offered:
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- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length. There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
- This product will have a battery which exceeds 80% capacity relative to new.
- Accessories will not be original, but will be compatible and fully functional. Product may come in generic Box.
- This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 90 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
- Open Settings > Cellular.
- Tap Set Up Cellular or Add eSIM.
- Select the number associated with the physical SIM and tap Convert to eSIM.
- Follow the on-screen instructions, then test the line.
Remove the physical SIM only after the eSIM works. If you do not see a conversion option, your carrier may require a replacement eSIM profile, app activation, or QR code instead. Ask the carrier which process applies to your account.
Check that the eSIM is working
After activation, open Settings > Cellular. The new line should appear and be switched on. Then turn off Wi-Fi briefly and check:
- Can you make a call and receive one?
- Can you send and receive a text message? SMS and iMessage are different services, so check the intended number in Messages settings if needed.
- Does cellular data work, and is the new line selected under Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data?
- If you moved an existing number, does it now work on the new iPhone, and has the old phone stopped using that line?
With two lines, check the default voice line, messaging line, and data line. Keep data roaming off unless you need it and understand the plan’s roaming terms; enabling it on the wrong line can lead to charges.
Fix common eSIM activation problems
| Problem | Possible cause | What to try |
|---|---|---|
| “Add eSIM” or “Set Up Cellular” is missing | The model or regional variant may not support eSIM; the carrier or plan may not support it; the phone may need an update or internet access. | Connect to Wi-Fi, restart, check for an iOS update, confirm the exact model and carrier-plan support, and ask the carrier whether the device is eligible. |
| QR code will not scan | The code may be dim, expired, already used, for another account, or not intended for this device. | Display it on a bright second screen, hold the phone steady, check the carrier details, use manual entry only if supplied, or request a replacement code. |
| Activation is pending or says it cannot activate | Carrier provisioning, account verification, a number port, or network registration may not be complete. | Check Wi-Fi, restart, and toggle Airplane Mode off and on. Look in Cellular settings for a partially added plan. If service does not come up, contact the carrier for eSIM reprovisioning or a replacement profile. Do not delete a working line unless support tells you to. |
| Transfer option is unavailable | Your carrier or plan may not support Quick Transfer, or the old phone may not meet its requirements. | Check that both iPhones run iOS 16 or later and are nearby. If the option remains absent, use the carrier’s QR code, app, or support process. |
| The new phone has no service | The phone may be locked, outside coverage, or not fully provisioned. | Check the line is on, verify unlock and account eligibility with the carrier, and test in a covered location. |
| Calls or texts fail after a number move | The port may still be in progress, the wrong line may be selected, or carrier registration may be incomplete. | Check the default voice line and the line’s status; ask the carrier whether the number port has completed. |
| Calls work but mobile data does not | Cellular data may be off, assigned to the other line, excluded from the plan, or not provisioned. | Check Settings > Cellular, select the intended data line, confirm the plan includes data, and contact the carrier if provisioning is incomplete. |
When contacting support, share your iPhone’s IMEI or EID only through the carrier’s official channel. Account verification or a number port can take longer than downloading a profile, so an installed eSIM does not necessarily mean the number transfer is complete.
Rank #4
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
US carrier and prepaid choices
An eSIM is the delivery method; the plan determines price, coverage, data, voice, hotspot, and roaming. Check coverage where you will use the phone, whether your number can be ported, the activation method, and any taxes, fees, or Auto Pay conditions. Prices and promotions change, so verify current terms on the carrier’s official page.
- Verizon Prepaid: See the official eSIM page for app-guided activation and plan details. Verizon says activation for this process must take place in the United States; confirm current eligibility and pricing there.
- T-Mobile Prepaid: Review the eSIM app page for eligible plans. Its US Pass travel plans are a separate offering, not interchangeable with every regular prepaid plan; check when service begins and what it includes.
- AT&T Prepaid: Consult AT&T’s eSIM getting-started page and prepaid activation instructions. Depending on plan and account, activation may use a QR-code card rather than Quick Transfer.
- Google Fi: Check its BYOD page for compatible iPhones and signup details. Number transfer may require information or a transfer PIN from your existing carrier.
Prepaid and mobile virtual network operator plans can have their own verification, app, QR-code, and transfer rules—even when they use a major carrier’s network. A plan that supports eSIM does not necessarily support every activation route.
eSIM, dual SIM, and travel
A compatible iPhone can store more than one cellular plan, but the number of lines it can use at the same time depends on the model. In Settings > Cellular, choose which line handles calls, messages, and data. A travel eSIM can let you add temporary service while keeping a US line available, but many travel plans are data-only and do not replace a US voice-and-text plan. Check covered countries, start date, expiry, hotspot support, roaming rules, and unlock requirements. Apple’s setup guide lists Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > View Travel Options for available travel options.
Compared with a physical SIM, eSIM avoids handling a card and can be activated remotely, which is useful for an extra or travel line. The trade-off is greater reliance on carrier provisioning: moving a line to a backup phone may require a new QR code or support intervention. If you frequently swap service into a physical-SIM-only phone, confirm that your carrier supports a convenient replacement process before relying on eSIM alone.
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- Universal Carrier Compatibility: This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.)
- Carrier Verification Required: Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility
- Simple Activation Process: When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service
- Package Contents: The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable
- Battery Health Guarantee: Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I activate an eSIM without Wi-Fi?
Apple requires an internet connection for eSIM setup. If Wi-Fi is unavailable, use another working internet connection, such as an existing cellular connection or hotspot, if your carrier’s process allows it.
Can I transfer an eSIM from Android to iPhone?
Apple’s iPhone-to-iPhone Quick Transfer does not cover Android. Contact your carrier for its number-transfer and eSIM activation process; it may provide an app, QR code, or replacement profile.
Do I need to remove my physical SIM to activate an eSIM?
Not necessarily. A compatible iPhone can support multiple lines, and some users keep a physical SIM alongside an eSIM. Remove or disable a physical SIM only when the carrier’s instructions or your chosen line setup calls for it.
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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesDoes eSIM work with prepaid plans?
Some prepaid plans support eSIM, but availability and activation methods vary by carrier, plan, and device. Check the exact plan rather than assuming that support for a carrier’s network means every prepaid option supports eSIM.
Is an eSIM the same as a mobile plan?
No. The eSIM is a digital SIM profile used to connect your phone to a carrier. You still need an active plan, which determines service, coverage, and charges.
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