Set up eSIM on iPhone
Find out 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 travelling internationally.
Find out more about using an eSIM while travelling internationally with your iPhone.
What you need
An iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR or later
A wireless network provider 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. Find out 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 mobile data plan from your network provider 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 setup.
You can activate your eSIM on iPhone through one of the following methods, depending on your network provider’s eSIM support:
Transfer your phone number from your previous iPhone using eSIM Quick Transfer
If your network provider supports eSIM Quick Transfer, you can transfer the SIM from your previous iPhone to your new iPhone without contacting them. With some network providers, you can also convert your current physical SIM card to an eSIM.
Before you begin, make sure:
You’ve 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 will be deactivated when the mobile plan on your new iPhone is activated.
You can also transfer your phone number after setup with the following steps:
On your new iPhone, go to Settings > Mobile Data > Set up mobile data or Add eSIM.
Choose a mobile plan to transfer from another iPhone. If you can’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 mobile plan to be activated on your new iPhone. Your previous SIM will be deactivated when the mobile plan on your new iPhone is activated.
If a banner appears on your new iPhone that says Finish Setting Up Your Network Provider’s Mobile Plan, tap it. You will be redirected to your network provider’s web page to transfer your eSIM. If you need help, contact your network provider.
If your network provider supports it, you can convert your physical SIM to an eSIM on the same iPhone.
Activate an eSIM assigned to your iPhone by your network provider using eSIM Carrier Activation
eSIM Carrier Activation usually happens when you purchase from a network provider and you provide your mobile 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 network provider for an eSIM after you set up your iPhone, and they digitally sent you an eSIM through eSIM Carrier Activation, follow these steps:
When the notification, Network Provider Mobile Plan Ready to Be Installed, appears on the screen, tap it.
In the Settings app, tap Network Provider Mobile Plan Ready to Be Installed.
Tap Continue at the bottom of the screen.
Make a call on your iPhone to check its mobile connectivity. If you can’t make a call, contact your network provider.
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 network provider
If your network provider 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 set up your iPhone.
When the Set Up Mobile screen appears, tap Use QR code.
Follow the onscreen instructions.
To activate your eSIM after setting up your iPhone, contact your network provider to get a QR code, and follow these steps:
Open the Camera app and scan your QR code. When the Mobile 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 network provider 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 Mobile Plan.
If you’re asked to enter a confirmation code to activate your eSIM, enter the number that your network provider supplied.
Activate an eSIM with other methods
Other methods include using a network provider link, network provider app, entering the eSIM information manually or transferring an eSIM from non-Apple device.
Use a network provider link
Your network provider may 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 network provider’s app
If your network provider supports activating eSIM using an app, download your network provider’s app from the App Store and follow the instructions to set up an eSIM. Some network providers 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 network provider sends you eSIM information to enter manually, follow these steps:
Go to Settings.
Tap either Cellular or Mobile Data.
Tap Add Mobile 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 network provider to have them transfer your phone number either by eSIM Carrier Activation or by providing a QR code. With iOS 26, some network providers and selected smartphone manufacturers support transferring your eSIM from Android to iPhone, and vice versa. Find out more about Transferring an eSIM from Android or iPhone.
Get help
Find out what to do if you can’t set up an eSIM.