Set up eSIM on iPhone
Learn about eSIM, how to set up an eSIM on your iPhone, and how to transfer your phone number to another iPhone.
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 up to 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.
Learn more about using an eSIM while traveling internationally with your iPhone.
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 must be connected to a Wi-Fi network or hotspot. In some countries and regions, iPhone models that are eSIM only can activate without a Wi-Fi network.
In China mainland, only iPhone Air supports eSIM. Learn more about activating eSIM in China mainland. In Hong Kong and Macao, certain iPhone models feature Dual SIM with two nano-SIM cards.
How to activate an eSIM
Setting up an eSIM allows you to activate a cellular plan from your carrier without a physical SIM. In most cases, you can activate your eSIM while you're setting up your iPhone, or you can activate your eSIM after set up.
You can activate your eSIM on iPhone through one of the following methods, depending on your carrier's eSIM support:
Transfer your phone number from your previous iPhone using eSIM Quick Transfer
If your carrier supports eSIM Quick Transfer, you can transfer the SIM from your previous iPhone to your new iPhone without contacting them. With some carriers, you can also convert your current physical SIM card to an eSIM.
Before you begin, make sure:
You're signed in to both devices with your Apple Account
Your previous iPhone is unlocked with the device passcode
Both devices are nearby with Bluetooth turned on
Both iPhones are on iOS 18.4 or later
During setup of your new iPhone, if you're asked to transfer your phone number, follow the onscreen instructions to transfer your physical SIM or eSIM. With iOS 26, you can transfer more than one phone number to your new iPhone. Your previous SIM is deactivated when the cellular plan on your new iPhone activates.
You can also transfer your phone number after setup with the following steps:
On your new iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular > Setup cellular or 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.
Follow the instructions on your previous iPhone. 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.
If your carrier supports it, you can convert your physical SIM to an eSIM on the same iPhone.
Activate an eSIM assigned to your iPhone by your carrier using eSIM Carrier Activation
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 during setup to activate your eSIM.
If you contacted your carrier for an eSIM after you setup your iPhone, and they digitally sent you an eSIM through eSIM Carrier Activation, follow these steps:
When the notification, Carrier Cellular Plan Ready to Be Installed, appears on the screen, 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, and restart your iPhone.
Use a QR code provided by your carrier
If your carrier provided you with a QR code, you can use it to set up an eSIM on your iPhone.
To activate your eSIM during iPhone setup, follow these steps:
Turn on and setup your iPhone.
When the Set Up Cellular screen appears, tap Use QR code.
Follow the onscreen instructions.
To activate your eSIM after set up your iPhone, contact your carrier to get a QR code, and 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 a default email app or browser, tap 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.
Activate an eSIM with other methods
Other methods include using a carrier link, carrier app, entering the eSIM information manually, or transferring an eSIM from non-Apple device.
Use a carrier link
Your carrier might send you a link instead of a QR code. If you get a link, follow these steps:
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.
Use a your carrier's app
If your carrier supports activating eSIM using an app, download your carrier’s app from the App Store and follow the instructions to set up an eSIM. Some carriers allow you to use their app to transfer your phone number from your previous phone to your new iPhone.
Enter the eSIM information manually
If your carrier sends you eSIM information to enter manually, follow these steps:
Go to Settings.
Tap either Cellular or Mobile Data.
Tap Add Cellular Plan.
Tap Enter Details Manually at the bottom of the 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 phone number either by eSIM Carrier Activation or by providing a QR code. With iOS 26, some carriers and select smartphone manufacturers support transferring your eSIM from Android to iPhone, and vice versa. Learn more about Transferring an eSIM from Android or iPhone.
Get help
Learn what to do if you can't set up an eSIM.