How to Set Up eSIM on iPhone

To use eSIM on an iPhone, you can typically follow these steps:

1. Confirm Support from Your Phone and Carrier

• Check Phone Model: The iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, or newer models support eSIM. However, iPhones sold in mainland China do not support activating local eSIM services through carriers. In Hong Kong and Macau, some iPhone models come with eSIM. For travelers visiting mainland China who want to use prepaid data plans via eSIM, many global service providers offer such plans.
• Confirm Carrier Support: Contact your carrier to check if they offer eSIM services, including available plans and activation methods.

2. Activating and Setting Up eSIM

• Carrier Activation: If your carrier supports eSIM, they will assign an eSIM to your iPhone when you purchase it. Turn on your iPhone and follow the on-screen instructions to activate the eSIM. If you need to get the eSIM later, follow these steps:
1. When you see the notification "Carrier Cellular Plan Available for Installation," tap it.
2. In the "Settings" app, tap "Carrier Cellular Plan Available for Installation" and then tap "Continue" at the bottom of the screen.
3. Make a call from your iPhone to check the cellular network connection. If you cannot make a call, contact your carrier.
4. If the activated number replaces the number on your physical SIM card, remove the physical SIM card and restart your iPhone.
• eSIM Quick Transfer: Some carriers allow customers to transfer their SIM card from an old iPhone to a new one without contacting them. During the iPhone setup, if you're prompted to transfer your SIM card, follow the on-screen instructions to transfer either your physical SIM or eSIM. After setup, you can also transfer the physical SIM or eSIM from the old iPhone to the new iPhone’s eSIM.
1. On the new iPhone, go to "Settings" > "Cellular" > "Add Cellular Plan."
2. Select the cellular number to transfer from another iPhone. If you don't see a list of numbers, tap "Transfer from Another iPhone."
3. Follow the instructions on the old iPhone to confirm the transfer. Tap "Transfer" to confirm, or if prompted, enter the verification code displayed on the new iPhone.
4. Wait for the cellular number to be activated on the new iPhone. Once activated, the old SIM card will be deactivated.
5. If you see a banner on the new iPhone saying "Carrier Cellular Plan Setup Complete," tap it to be redirected to the carrier’s website to transfer the eSIM. If assistance is needed, contact your carrier.
• Using QR Code: To activate eSIM during iPhone setup, go to the "Add Cellular Plan" screen and tap "Use QR Code," then follow the on-screen instructions. After setting up your iPhone, contact your carrier to get the QR code.
1. Open the "Camera" app and scan the QR code. When you see the "Cellular Plan Detected" notification, tap it.
2. If you're using an iPhone with iOS 17.4 or later, and you received the carrier’s QR code via email or the carrier's website, press and hold the QR code, then tap "Add eSIM."
3. Tap "Continue" at the bottom of the screen, then tap "Add Cellular Plan." If prompted for a confirmation code to activate the eSIM, enter the code provided by your carrier.
• Other eSIM Activation Methods: Some carriers might send you a link to download the eSIM. On iPhones with iOS 17.4 or later, tap the link to set up eSIM. When the "Activate New eSIM" notification appears, tap "Allow" and then tap "Continue" at the bottom of the screen.

Learn More about eSIM Issues >