How to Install and Activate eSIM on iPhone

Learn how to install, activate, and troubleshoot eSIM on iPhone with step-by-step guides, QR code setup, manual activation, and quick fixes.

What is an eSIM on iPhone?

An eSIM on iPhone is a digital SIM that lets you activate a mobile plan from your carrier without needing a physical SIM card. It works just like a regular SIM but is built into the device, allowing you to quickly switch between carriers, use multiple numbers on the same phone, and manage plans directly in your settings. This makes it more convenient for travelers and people who want flexibility without the hassle of swapping tiny SIM cards.

Preparation for installing eSIM on iPhone

• Confirm your device supports eSIM
• Your iPhone is Carrier Unlocked
• Ensure Stable Network Connection

iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, or later supports eSIM.

Models from iPhone 13 may supports dual eSIM (depends on your version).

Note that models from mainland China DO NOT support eSIM, but some models from Hong Kong and Macau do.

Quickly check your device's compatibility using the Apple eSIM compatible device list or check the Apple support page.

Install eSIM on iPhone From QR Code

Method 1: Scan the QR code with your iPhone camera

Method 2: Scan or Add the QR code in the settings page

1. Open Phone Settings

Tap Settings > Cellular or Mobile Data > Add eSIM or Add Cellular Plan or Add Mobile Data Plan > Use QR Code.

2. Scan QR code

Use your phone’s camera to scan the eSIM QR code

Manually Install eSIM on iPhone

Step1: Get your Activation code and SM-DP+ Address

Go to "my eSIMs", find the eSIM order card you want to activate, click "Details", enter the details page, click the button with "Manual Installation", and find the Activation code and SM-DP+ Address

Step2: Open iPhone Setting

Tap Settings > Cellular or Mobile Data > Add eSIM or Add Cellular Plan or Add Mobile Data Plan > Use QR Code > Enter Details Manually.

Stpe3: Enter Your Activation code and SM-DP+ Address

Enter the corresponding "SM-DP_Address" and "Activation Code". Please be careful not to include unnecessary characters like spaces.

Activate your eSIM on iPhone

1. After scanning the QR code, you will be taken to the Activate eSIM page, just tap "Continue" to until the activation done.

2. Make sure you have 2 network signal bars on top,Tap the new eSIM installed to rename it

3. Set your Primary SIM as Default Line

4. Set your Primary SIM for iMessage & FaceTime

5. Go to Settings > Mobile Service/Cellular and make sure Cellular Data is set to esimNB eSIM

6. Enable data roaming on the new eSIM

Troubleshooting eSIM Activation on iPhone

1. "Activating..." & "Unable to Activate eSIM" issue

After installation, iPhone will automatically search for a supported network to activate. If you are not at your destination, it may be unable to connect.

It may take 10 minutes "Activating..." then "Unable to Activate eSIM".

Turn off the eSIM after the message or restart iPhone.

Upon arrival, turn it on and enable roaming to re-activate.

2. eSIM “no signal” Issues

• Restart your iPhone. This will resolve most minor glitches.
• Update IOS version. Upgrading the iOS version usually improves eSIM stability
• Toggle eSIM settings: Go to Setting ->Cellular, tap your eSIM data plan, and turn off "Turn On This Line." Wait a few seconds, then turn it back on.
• Toggle network selection: In the same settings page, turn off the "Automatic" network search. This forces your iPhone to scan for available networks manually.

3. Add eSIM option missing on iPhone

• If your iPhone was manufactured for the China, Macao, or Hong Kong markets, it does not support eSIM. Instead, these models only allow the use of two physical SIM cards.
• Another possible reason is restrictions set in Screen Time. To check this, go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Allow Changes. Make sure the first three options are set to Allow. After adjusting these settings, restart your iPhone.

FAQs

how long does it take to activate esim

On a stable Wi-Fi network, installing an eSIM on your iPhone usually takes less than a minute, and activating the eSIM takes a few more seconds.

how to check if esim is activated in iphone

Make sure you’ve turned on your eSIM by toggling the switch beside “Turn on this line” and that the switch beside “Data roaming” is on. To confirm that your mobile data is up and running, try opening an app that requires the internet, like Instagram or Safari.

Only available after reaching the destination

Can i install two eSIMs on my iPhone

Yes, you can install up to eight eSIM profiles or more on the iPhone 13, 14, 15, and 16 series.