About eSIM on iPhone
Learn what an eSIM is, how to set up an eSIM on your iPhone, and how to transfer a physical SIM to an eSIM.
What is eSIM on iPhone?
An eSIM is an industry-standard digital SIM built into your iPhone, eliminating the need for a physical SIM card. This innovative feature enables you to switch between SIMs effortlessly, manage eight or more eSIMs, and activate new plans digitally. With eSIM, you enjoy greater flexibility, enhanced convenience, better security, and seamless connectivity, especially when traveling internationally.
What you need
An iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, or later
A wireless carrier or worldwide service provider that supports eSIM
Your new iPhone needs to be connected to a Wi-Fi network. iPhone 14 models and later that are eSIM only can activate without a Wi-Fi network.
In China mainland, iPhone models do not support eSIM. In Hong Kong and Macao, certain iPhone models feature Dual SIM with two nano-SIM cards. For travelers visiting China mainland who wish to use an eSIM for prepaid data plans, these are offered by many worldwide service providers.
How to set up an eSIM on iPhone
If you purchased an iPhone 14 model or later in the United States, your iPhone activates with an eSIM. Setting up your eSIM is usually just a matter of turning on your new iPhone and following the onscreen instructions.
You can activate your eSIM while you're setting up your iPhone if your carrier supports eSIM Carrier Activation or eSIM Quick Transfer. With eSIM Carrier Activation, your carrier assigns an eSIM to your iPhone when you purchase it. With eSIM Quick Transfer, you transfer the SIM from your previous iPhone to your new iPhone without contacting your carrier. You can also use these steps later to add or transfer an eSIM. If you are unable to use either of the below options to set up your eSIM, contact your carrier to activate your eSIM using a QR code or your carrier's iPhone app.

Use eSIM Carrier Activation on iPhone
eSIM Carrier Activation usually happens when you purchase from a carrier and you provide your cellular plan details. If an eSIM was assigned to your iPhone when you bought it, turn on your iPhone and follow the onscreen instructions to activate your eSIM.
If you contacted your carrier for an eSIM after you set up your iPhone, and they set up eSIM Carrier Activation, follow these steps:
When a notification appears that says Carrier Cellular Plan Ready to Be Installed, tap it.
In the Settings app, tap Carrier Cellular Plan Ready to Be Installed.
Tap Continue at the bottom of the screen.
Make a call on your iPhone to check its cellular connectivity. If you can't make a call, contact your carrier.
If the plan you activated replaces the plan on your physical SIM, remove your physical SIM. Then restart your iPhone.
Use eSIM Quick Transfer on iPhone
Some carriers support eSIM Quick Transfer, allowing you to transfer the SIM from your previous iPhone to your new iPhone without needing to contact them. You can also convert your current physical SIM card to an eSIM.
Make sure that you’re signed in with your Apple Account on both devices, or that your previous iPhone is unlocked, nearby with Bluetooth turned on, and using iOS 16 or later. If you don't have access to your current iPhone, contact your carrier to transfer your eSIM.
While you're setting up your iPhone, if you're asked to transfer your SIM, follow the onscreen instructions to transfer your physical SIM or eSIM. If you need to transfer more than one SIM to your new iPhone, transfer your additional SIMs by following the steps below.
Transfer a physical SIM or eSIM on your previous iPhone to an eSIM on your new iPhone after setup
On your new iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM.
Choose a cellular plan to transfer from another iPhone. If you don't see a list of numbers, tap Transfer From Nearby iPhone. This requires both devices to have iOS 16 or later.
Check for instructions on your previous iPhone to confirm the transfer. To confirm, tap Transfer or, if asked for a verification code, enter the code that's displayed on your new iPhone.
Wait for the cellular plan to activate on your new iPhone. Your previous SIM is deactivated when the cellular plan on your new iPhone activates.
If a banner appears on your new iPhone that says Finish Setting Up Your Carrier's Cellular Plan, tap it. You will be redirected to your carrier's webpage to transfer your eSIM. If you need help, contact your carrier.
Convert a physical SIM to an eSIM on the same iPhone
You can convert a physical SIM to an eSIM on the same iPhone if your carrier supports it. Follow these steps:
On your iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular.
Tap Convert to eSIM. If you don't see Convert to eSIM, your carrier doesn't support this option. Contact your carrier to move your phone number from your physical SIM to an eSIM using eSIM Carrier Activation or by scanning a QR code.
Tap Convert Cellular Plan.
Tap Convert to eSIM.
Wait for your eSIM to activate. Your previous SIM card is deactivated when the cellular plan on your iPhone activates.
Remove the physical SIM from your iPhone. Then restart your iPhone.
Use a QR code
You can use a QR code from your carrier to set up eSIM on your iPhone.
To activate your eSIM while setting up your iPhone:
When you get to the Set Up Cellular screen, tap Use QR code.
Follow the onscreen instructions.
To activate your eSIM after you set up your iPhone, contact your carrier to get a QR code. Then follow these steps:
Open the Camera app and scan your QR code. When the Cellular Plan Detected notification appears, tap it.
If you’re using an iPhone with iOS 17.4 or later and you receive a QR code from your carrier in an email, or from the carrier webpage, touch and hold the QR code, then tap Add eSIM.
Tap Continue at the bottom of the screen.
Tap Add Cellular Plan.
If you’re asked to enter a confirmation code to activate your eSIM, enter the number that your carrier provided.
Other eSIM activation methods
Some carriers may send you a link instead of a QR code to download your eSIM.
On your iPhone with iOS 17.4 or later, tap the link to set up your eSIM.
When the Activate New eSIM notification appears, tap Allow.
Tap Continue at the bottom of the screen.
If your carrier supports activating eSIM using an app, download your carrier’s app from the App Store and follow the instructions.
Enter the eSIM information manually if necessary
Contact your carrier to get the eSIM details you need to enter.
Go to Settings.
Tap either Cellular or Mobile Data.
Tap Add Cellular Plan.
Tap Enter Details Manually at the bottom of your iPhone screen.
Transferring an eSIM from an Android or other non-Apple device
If you are transferring an eSIM from a non-Apple device to an iPhone, you must contact your carrier to have them transfer your eSIM either by eSIM carrier activation or by providing a QR code. If you purchased your iPhone directly from Apple or from a carrier in the US, they may have already assigned an eSIM to your device. Follow the onscreen instructions to transfer your eSIM. If you do not see onscreen instructions, contact your carrier.