Activate an eSIM on your iPhone or iPad in Türkiye

An eSIM is a digital SIM that allows you to activate a mobile plan from your service provider in Türkiye without having to use a physical nano-SIM.

Before you begin

If you’re setting up your device for the first time after 23 June 2020, your eSIM will be activated after the setup process and you don’t need to follow these steps. Contact your service provider if you don’t have eSIM enabled. For devices set up before this date, follow the steps below to activate your eSIM. These steps require you to erase your device, so make sure you back up your device before proceeding.

Activate your eSIM

  1. Back up your device. Then make sure it’s updated to the latest version of iOS or iPadOS.

  2. Tap Settings > General > Transfer or Reset [Device] > Reset.

  3. Tap Erase All Content and Settings.

  4. If asked, enter your passcode or Apple ID password*. Then confirm that you want to erase your device.

  5. After the erase has been completed, set up your device. Now you can set up an eSIM on your iPhone or iPad.

* Find out what to do if you’ve forgotten your passcode or Apple ID password.

Register your IMEI

The Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK) in Türkiye requires that IMEIs be registered after 120 days in Türkiye. To register your IMEI, go to the e-government website of the Republic of Türkiye and complete the form. If you don’t register, you’ll get an alert from BTK saying that your IMEI isn’t registered. The status bar on your iPhone or iPad (Wi-Fi + Cellular) will show No Service and you’ll have no access to mobile networks in Türkiye.

Find out more at BTK frequently asked questions.

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