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For most US iPhones, the universal starting point is Settings → Cellular → Set Up Cellular or Add eSIM. From there, choose the method your carrier supports: setup-time activation, transfer from a nearby iPhone, a carrier app or website, a QR code, physical-SIM conversion, or carrier-assisted transfer from Android. Keep the phone on Wi‑Fi, and do not erase the old phone until calls, texts, and mobile data work on the new one.
What an eSIM is—and what it is not
An eSIM is a digital SIM profile installed in the iPhone instead of a removable plastic card. It still requires an active carrier plan, carrier provisioning for that specific iPhone, and a compatible account. Moving to eSIM does not unlock a carrier-locked phone or create service by itself. Apple’s current setup options are documented in its iPhone cellular-service guide.
Before you start: checklist
- An eSIM-compatible iPhone and an eSIM-supported US plan.
- Wi‑Fi or another internet connection (Apple says Wi‑Fi or a hotspot is generally required).
- Your carrier account password, PIN, and identity-verification details.
- The old iPhone nearby for Quick Transfer.
- A carrier QR code, activation link, or official carrier app if that is your method.
- Your iPhone’s IMEI and EID if support is needed. Find both at Settings → General → About; Apple’s troubleshooting guidance lists these identifiers as useful to have ready: Apple support.
- The latest iOS version supported by your device.
Check compatibility and carrier lock
Apple identifies US-purchased iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, and later models as eSIM-capable when used with a carrier that supports iPhone eSIM. Model and regional variants differ, and many US iPhone 14-and-later models are eSIM-only. Confirm your exact model and carrier support using Apple’s iPhone buying guidance.
For a new carrier or a second carrier line, check the lock status: Settings → General → About → Carrier Lock. The desired result is No SIM restrictions. Only the current carrier can unlock an iPhone; Apple cannot. An unlocked phone still must meet the carrier’s device, plan, account, and network requirements. See Apple’s unlocking guidance.
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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.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Choose the right activation method
| Your situation | Best first option |
|---|---|
| New iPhone bought through a participating carrier | Follow the setup prompts |
| Moving an existing number from another iPhone | eSIM Quick Transfer |
| New line, prepaid, or bring-your-own-device activation | Carrier app or activation website |
| Carrier supplied a QR code | Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → Use QR Code |
| Working physical SIM in the iPhone | Convert to eSIM, if offered |
| Moving from Android | Carrier activation, app, or QR code |
| Travel data plan | Add eSIM → View Travel Options |
Activate during new-iPhone setup
- Turn on the iPhone and connect to Wi‑Fi.
- When the cellular screen appears, follow the carrier or Apple prompts.
- If the carrier assigned an eSIM when you bought the phone, wait for the activation prompt and complete account verification.
- After installation, make a test call. Keep the old phone available until calls, texts, and data have been verified.
Some carriers show notifications such as Carrier Cellular Plan Ready to Be Installed or Finish Setting Up Cellular; wording varies by carrier and iOS release. Apple describes this flow at support.apple.com.
Transfer your number from another iPhone
Quick Transfer is usually the fastest route when your carrier supports it. Both iPhones should be nearby, connected to Wi‑Fi, and running iOS 16 or later for the standard workflow.
- On the new iPhone, open Settings → Cellular.
- Tap Set Up Cellular or Add eSIM.
- Choose Transfer From Nearby iPhone or select the offered number.
- Confirm on the old iPhone and wait for activation.
- Test a call, SMS or iMessage, and mobile data with Wi‑Fi turned off.
The number stops working on the old iPhone after transfer completes. Do not erase, trade in, or discard that phone until the new line passes all tests. If the option is missing or fails, use the carrier’s app, website, QR code, or support channel; Quick Transfer is carrier-dependent.
Use carrier activation after setup
- Tap a carrier notification if one appears.
- If none appears, open Settings → Cellular → Set Up Cellular or Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM.
- Complete the carrier’s identity or account verification.
- Wait for the line to install, then test calling, messaging, and data.
AT&T provides separate routes for existing devices, number transfers, and prepaid activation (AT&T activation guidance). Verizon describes account and website activation and requires an unlocked device where applicable (Verizon eSIM instructions). Other carriers and MVNOs use different labels.
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Activate with a QR code
- Connect the iPhone to Wi‑Fi.
- Go to Settings → Cellular → Set Up Cellular or Add eSIM.
- Tap Use QR Code; tap Other Options first if necessary.
- Scan the carrier-provided code and enter a confirmation code if requested.
- Label and enable the line, then test service.
Obtain codes only from the carrier’s official app, site, email, or support team. A QR code may be single-use, expired, tied to one account or device, or require a replacement after an attempted installation. If it is displayed on the same iPhone, ask the carrier for an activation link or another scanning method; on some versions you may be able to press and hold the displayed code, but that is not universal. AT&T’s device instructions are at lsreg.att.com and its prepaid guide at att.com.
Use your carrier’s app or activation website
- Install the carrier’s official app or open its official activation page.
- Sign in and choose Activate, Bring your own device, Replace SIM, or the equivalent.
- Enter or confirm the iPhone’s IMEI or EID if requested.
- Complete identity verification and follow the prompt to install the eSIM.
- Return to Settings → Cellular if the app hands off to iOS, then test the line.
This method is common for new lines, prepaid plans, BYOD activation, replacements, and transfers that do not support Quick Transfer.
Convert a physical SIM to eSIM
When both the carrier and iPhone model support conversion, open Settings → Cellular → Set Up Cellular or Add eSIM, select the number associated with the physical SIM, tap Convert to eSIM, and follow the prompts. Test service before removing the physical SIM unless the iPhone instructs you otherwise. Apple documents this qualification in its cellular setup guide.
Move an eSIM from Android
The dependable route is carrier-assisted: contact the carrier for eSIM Carrier Activation or a QR code. iOS 26 adds direct-transfer support for some carriers and smartphone manufacturers, but it is not available for every Android phone, carrier, or US plan. Start with the carrier’s app or activation page and follow its eligibility checks.
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Confirm that activation really worked
An eSIM profile appearing in Settings does not prove that provisioning is complete. Check all of these:
- Settings → Cellular: the new line appears and is switched on.
- The carrier name appears in the status bar or Control Center.
- A voice call connects.
- An SMS or iMessage sends and arrives.
- With Wi‑Fi turned off, mobile data loads a webpage.
- With Dual SIM, the intended line is selected under Cellular Data and Default Voice Line; review individual contact settings as needed.
Troubleshoot common failures
“Add eSIM” or “Set Up Cellular” is missing
- Update iOS, connect to Wi‑Fi, and restart.
- Check the model and regional SIM capability.
- Confirm that the carrier and plan support eSIM.
- Check Carrier Lock and look for No SIM restrictions.
- Ask the carrier to verify IMEI/EID eligibility and whether the iPhone is organization-managed.
Activation is stuck or says “Unable to Activate”
- Turn Airplane Mode on briefly, then off.
- In Settings → Cellular, toggle the line off and on if it appears.
- Restart the iPhone.
- Open Settings → General → About and wait for a carrier-settings update prompt.
- Install the latest supported iOS.
- Contact the carrier with the exact error, account PIN, phone number, IMEI, and EID. Apple’s troubleshooting steps are at Apple support and Apple’s eSIM help page.
QR code will not scan
Confirm it is an eSIM code, is readable and unused, and that the iPhone is online. Request a replacement if it expired or was consumed. If manual entry is offered, copy the carrier’s SM-DP+ address and activation code exactly; do not substitute values from another example.
The eSIM installed but there is no service
Turn the line on, select the correct data line, turn Airplane Mode off, check the lock status and carrier settings, and ask whether porting or device activation is complete. The carrier must associate the correct IMEI/EID with an active plan and coverage.
The old phone stopped working
That is expected after a successful Quick Transfer. If the new iPhone is not working, do not repeatedly delete the eSIM; ask the carrier to re-provision the line or issue a replacement eSIM.
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“Invalid SIM” or “No SIM” appears
Verify that the plan is active, Carrier Lock says No SIM restrictions, carrier settings are current, and the carrier has provisioned the eSIM. See Apple’s Invalid SIM and No SIM guidance.
The carrier says the phone is incompatible
Ask the carrier to check the exact model and region, IMEI, EID, lock status, plan eligibility, account authorization, and whether the device is lost, stolen, financed, or assigned to another account. A factory reset is not a first-line fix for an account or provisioning error.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When to contact Apple versus the carrier
| Problem | Usually responsible | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Missing menu, outdated iOS, or carrier-settings prompt | Apple/device side | Update iOS, restart, install carrier settings, then contact Apple if the device still misbehaves. |
| Account verification, porting, plan eligibility, QR invalidation, IMEI rejection, or no coverage | Carrier | Use the carrier’s support channel with your account details, IMEI, and EID. |
| Carrier lock | Current carrier | Only that carrier can approve and perform an unlock. |
Dual SIM and travel eSIM notes
Depending on model and region, iPhones can use one physical SIM plus one eSIM, or two eSIMs (including iPhone SE third generation, iPhone 13, and later). To use two different carriers, the iPhone must be unlocked. Choose which line handles data and calls, label lines as personal, work, or travel, and check roaming charges. Apple’s current Dual SIM details are in its Dual SIM guide.
For travel, install the plan over Wi‑Fi, select the travel line for cellular data, and disable data roaming on the primary line unless you intend to use it. Confirm destination coverage, validity, hotspot rules, and whether the plan is data-only. Apple offers Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → View Travel Options; third-party providers may use an app or QR code. A travel eSIM is not usually a replacement for a US voice number or carrier SMS short codes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I activate an eSIM without Wi‑Fi?
Apple says Wi‑Fi or a hotspot is generally needed to download the profile, with limited exceptions on some eSIM-only models and in some regions. If activation cannot start, connect to Wi‑Fi before retrying.
Can I use an eSIM on a locked iPhone?
Only with the carrier that locked the phone. A second carrier requires Settings → General → About → Carrier Lock to show No SIM restrictions; only the current carrier can unlock it.
Does activating an eSIM cancel my physical SIM?
Converting or transferring a line can deactivate the previous SIM. Leave it in place until the eSIM passes call, message, and mobile-data tests, unless the iPhone tells you otherwise.
Where do I find my iPhone’s EID?
Open Settings → General → About. The EID appears with other device identifiers such as IMEI.
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Usually yes, through setup prompts, Quick Transfer, a carrier app or website, or a QR code. Carrier verification or support may still be required.
The Bottom Line
Start with Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM, use the option your carrier supports, and keep the old phone until a call, message, and Wi‑Fi-off data test all succeed. Provisioning, eligibility, porting, and lock issues belong to the carrier; iOS and device-setting problems may require Apple.
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