How to Activate eSIM on iPhone

How to Activate eSIM on iPhone ?

Kohl , 10 Jun 2024

2 Answers

Activating an eSIM on your iPhone is an easy process that takes just a few minutes. Here is a step-by-step guide about How to Activate eSIM on iPhone:

1. Check eSIM Compatibility

First, you’ll want to check that your iPhone model and iOS version are compatible with using eSIM. All iPhones from iPhone XS and newer running at least iOS 12 support eSIM activation.

To check your iPhone model and iOS version go to Settings > General > About. Under Model Name it will say what iPhone you have, and under Software Version you can see what iOS is installed.

2. Contact Your Carrier About eSIM Plans

Next, contact your cell phone service carrier to ask about activating a cellular plan on the eSIM. Let them know you want to setup an additional cellular line using the eSIM in your iPhone without a physical nano-SIM card.

Many major carriers now support eSIM including AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and Google Fi. International carriers also offer eSIM plans when traveling abroad. Your carrier will provide instructions on how to activate a data plan on your iPhone’s eSIM.

3. Download Carrier eSIM App or Scan QR Code

Once you have signed up for an eSIM cellular plan with your carrier, they will either have you scan a QR code using your iPhone’s camera, or download their eSIM app.

Scanning the QR code or entering the details from it into the carrier’s app configures your iPhone’s eSIM with your new cellular plan remotely.

4. Follow eSIM Activation Process

After scanning the QR code or configuring the eSIM using your carrier’s app, follow the on-screen prompts to finish activating your iPhone’s eSIM.

You will be asked to confirm activation, after which your iPhone will connect to the cellular network using the newly activated eSIM. The process only takes a few minutes.

5. Configure Cellular Settings

Finally, open Settings > Cellular > Cellular Plans on your iPhone. You should now see two cell plans, one for your physical nano-SIM card and one for the eSIM.

Make sure to enable cellular data, SMS, and phone calls for your new eSIM plan. You can also set one plan as the default for placing calls and SMS messages.

That’s it! Your iPhone eSIM is now active and ready to use cellular data, place calls, and send texts. You can switch between SIMs at any time without removing cards.

How Long Does eSIM Activation Take on iPhone?

In most cases, eSIM activation only takes 2-5 minutes from scanning the QR code or entering eSIM details into your carrier’s setup app.

You’ll need to wait for your carrier to configure their network before scanning the code, which may take up to 24 hours in rare cases. The actual eSIM activation process after getting the QR code is very fast.

Activating eSIM on iPhone 14 Models

Apple's latest iPhone 14 models work a little differently when activating eSIM plans. Rather than scanning a QR code, you will download your carrier's eSIM app and activate the eSIM by following the in-app prompts.

The process is very similar:

  1. Contact carrier about eSIM plan
  2. Download carrier's eSIM app
  3. Enter details or sign-in to eSIM app
  4. Follow activation instructions
  5. Configure cellular settings

So although iPhone 14 models don't use QR codes for eSIM, the overall process remains quick and convenient without needing a physical SIM card.

Key Takeaways on eSIM for iPhone

Activating an eSIM on your iPhone is simple and fast, allowing you to connect to cellular networks without using a nano-SIM card. Here are some key points:

  • All iPhone models from iPhone XS and newer support eSIM activation when running iOS 12 or higher.
  • Contact carriers about eSIM plans, then scan a QR code or use their eSIM app to activate.
  • Takes only 2-5 minutes in most cases to activate an eSIM plan.
  • Lets you use two SIMs at once, like personal and business lines.
  • More convenient for traveling and switching carrier networks.

Using an eSIM on your iPhone takes only minutes to setup and provides flexibility when managing multiple phone numbers. As more carriers add eSIM support, expect to see fewer physical SIM cards required with new iPhones.

Activating an eSIM on your iPhone is an easy process that takes just a few minutes. Here is a step-by-step guide about [How to Activate eSIM on iPhone](https://asianesim.com/guides/how-to-activate-esim-on-iphone/)[](https://asianesim.com/guides/how-to-activate-esim-on-iphone/): ### 1\. Check eSIM Compatibility First, you’ll want to check that your iPhone model and iOS version are compatible with using eSIM. All iPhones from iPhone XS and newer running at least iOS 12 support eSIM activation. To check your iPhone model and iOS version go to Settings > General > About. Under Model Name it will say what iPhone you have, and under Software Version you can see what iOS is installed. ### 2\. Contact Your Carrier About eSIM Plans Next, contact your cell phone service carrier to ask about activating a cellular plan on the eSIM. Let them know you want to setup an additional cellular line using the eSIM in your iPhone without a physical nano-SIM card. Many major carriers now support eSIM including AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and Google Fi. International carriers also offer eSIM plans when traveling abroad. Your carrier will provide instructions on how to activate a data plan on your iPhone’s eSIM. ### 3\. Download Carrier eSIM App or Scan QR Code Once you have signed up for an eSIM cellular plan with your carrier, they will either have you scan a QR code using your iPhone’s camera, or download their eSIM app. Scanning the QR code or entering the details from it into the carrier’s app configures your iPhone’s eSIM with your new cellular plan remotely. ### 4\. Follow eSIM Activation Process After scanning the QR code or configuring the eSIM using your carrier’s app, follow the on-screen prompts to finish activating your iPhone’s eSIM. You will be asked to confirm activation, after which your iPhone will connect to the cellular network using the newly activated eSIM. The process only takes a few minutes. ### 5\. Configure Cellular Settings Finally, open Settings > Cellular > Cellular Plans on your iPhone. You should now see two cell plans, one for your physical nano-SIM card and one for the eSIM. Make sure to enable cellular data, SMS, and phone calls for your new eSIM plan. You can also set one plan as the default for placing calls and SMS messages. That’s it! Your iPhone eSIM is now active and ready to use cellular data, place calls, and send texts. You can switch between SIMs at any time without removing cards. How Long Does eSIM Activation Take on iPhone? --------------------------------------------- In most cases, eSIM activation only takes 2-5 minutes from scanning the QR code or entering eSIM details into your carrier’s setup app. You’ll need to wait for your carrier to configure their network before scanning the code, which may take up to 24 hours in rare cases. The actual eSIM activation process after getting the QR code is very fast. Activating eSIM on iPhone 14 Models ----------------------------------- Apple's latest iPhone 14 models work a little differently when activating eSIM plans. Rather than scanning a QR code, you will download your carrier's eSIM app and activate the eSIM by following the in-app prompts. The process is very similar: 1. Contact carrier about eSIM plan 2. Download carrier's eSIM app 3. Enter details or sign-in to eSIM app 4. Follow activation instructions 5. Configure cellular settings So although iPhone 14 models don't use QR codes for eSIM, the overall process remains quick and convenient without needing a physical SIM card. Key Takeaways on eSIM for iPhone -------------------------------- Activating an eSIM on your iPhone is simple and fast, allowing you to connect to cellular networks without using a nano-SIM card. Here are some key points: * All iPhone models from iPhone XS and newer support eSIM activation when running iOS 12 or higher. * Contact carriers about eSIM plans, then scan a QR code or use their eSIM app to activate. * Takes only 2-5 minutes in most cases to activate an eSIM plan. * Lets you use two SIMs at once, like personal and business lines. * More convenient for traveling and switching carrier networks. Using an eSIM on your iPhone takes only minutes to setup and provides flexibility when managing multiple phone numbers. As more carriers add eSIM support, expect to see fewer physical SIM cards required with new iPhones.