Set up eSIM on iPhone

Learn about eSIM, how to set up an eSIM on the iPhone, and how to transfer the phone number to another iPhone.

What is eSIM?

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

• Connect your new iPhone 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.

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 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

• Unlock your previous iPhone with the device passcode

• Both devices are nearby with Bluetooth turned on

• Both devices are on iOS 18.4 or later

If you're asked to transfer your phone number during setup of your new iPhone, transfer your physical SIM or eSIM using the onscreen prompts. With iOS 26, you can transfer more than one phone number to your new iPhone. When the cellular plan on your new iPhone activates, it deactivates your previous SIM.

You can also transfer your phone number after setup with the following steps:

1. Open the Settings app on your new iPhone.

2. Tap Cellular.

3. Tap Setup cellular or Add eSIM.

4. Choose a cellular plan to transfer from another iPhone. If you don't see a list of numbers, tap Transfer From Nearby iPhone.

5. Follow the instructions on your previous iPhone. To confirm, tap Transfer, or, if prompted for a verification code, enter the code that your new iPhone displays.

6. Wait for the cellular plan to activate on your new iPhone. The cellular plan on your new iPhone deactivates your previous SIM when it activates.

7. 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 using eSIM Carrier Activation

eSIM Carrier Activation usually happens when you purchase from a carrier and you provide your cellular plan details. If a carrier assigned an eSIM 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:

1. When the notification, Carrier Cellular Plan Ready to Be Installed, appears on the screen, tap it.

2. In the Settings app, tap Carrier Cellular Plan Ready to Be Installed.

3. Tap Continue at the bottom of the screen.

4. Make a call on your iPhone to check its cellular connectivity. If you can't make a call, contact your carrier.

5. If the plan you activated replaces the plan on your physical SIM, remove your physical SIM, and restart your iPhone.

Set up eSIM with a QR code

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:

1. Turn on and setup your iPhone.

2. When the Set Up Cellular screen appears, tap Use QR code.

3. Follow the onscreen instructions.

To activate your eSIM after setting up your iPhone, contact your carrier to get a QR code:

1. Open the Camera app and scan your QR code. When the Cellular Plan Detected notification appears, tap it.

2. If you are using an iPhone with iOS 17.4 or later and receive a QR code from your carrier in a default email app or browser, tap and hold the QR code. Then, tap Add eSIM.

3. Tap Continue at the bottom of the screen.

4. Tap Add Cellular Plan.

5. 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.

Activate eSIM with a carrier link

Your carrier might send you a link instead of a QR code. If you get a link:

1. On your iPhone with iOS 17.4 or later, tap the link to set up your eSIM.

2. When the Activate New eSIM notification appears, tap Allow.

3. Tap Continue at the bottom of the screen.

Activate eSIM with your carrier's app

If your carrier supports activating eSIM using an app, download your carrier’s app from the App Store 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.

Manually enter the eSIM information

If your carrier sends you eSIM information to enter manually:

1. Open the Settings app.

2. Tap either Cellular or Mobile Data.

3. Tap Add Cellular Plan.

4. Tap Enter Details Manually at the bottom of the screen.

Transfer an eSIM from an Android or other non-Apple device

If you are transferring an eSIM from a non-Apple device to an iPhone, contact your carrier. They will 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.