How to activate an eSIM on your iPhone | Apple Support

Learn how to activate an eSIM on your iPhone using eSIM Carrier Activation, eSIM Quick Transfer, and other methods. You can also learn how to activate a plan from Settings after your iPhone is set up.
Topics covered:
0:00 - Intro
00:23 - Before you start
00:42 - eSIM Carrier Activation
1:20 - eSIM Quick Transfer
2:17 - Other activation methods
2:42 - Activate an eSIM after setting up your iPhone
To learn more about this topic, visit the following article:
About eSIM on iPhone: apple.co/3S2hwSM
Additional Resources:
Contact Apple Support for iPhone: apple.co/iPhone
To subscribe to this channel: / applesupport
To download the Apple Support app: apple.co/2hFtzIv
Apple Support on Twitter: / applesupport
Apple Support Community: apple.co/38qiXsp

[@Reikotsu]

eSIM should be an option, not be forced down our throats. This ruins it for people that wanna do a quick switch between different phones or for people that travel abroad. Completely unnecessary and ruins customer experience by forcing people to use something that is not fully supported yet.

[@DanPark68]

Done 😭 yet

[@kazallroberts]

Yeah, that way people can simply transfer data easily without having the need to download from some hardware

[@Barbarhrose5830]

I agree

[@giannimancuso1]

In Europe new iPhones are sold with the sim slot as usual: esim are not so used as in the us

[@heyking8583]

Bruh esim is more simple than have to open your SIM slot to another phone

[@sonicboymusic]

He explained 10% of 100 %

[@ashermai2962]

What’s the benefit of eSIM over physical SIM and why is Apple so aggressively pushing eSIM’s adoption by removing physical SIM card tray?

[@amatijaca]

It makes it much easier to quickly switch cellular providers. It's even better when travelling outside your country - I used esims extensively this summer in Europe, and it worked out great.

[@ceesi7807]

Benefits: sim swap scam, better water proofing, save space.

[@patricianicole3308]

The benefits of this is to avoid sim swap. In case that your phone got stolen they can use your simcard to insert it to a different phone and by doing that they can receive your text message to access your banks and other stuff.

[@nelsone.hernandez6654]

On one side, they can make thinner iPhones and improve water resistance, but most importantly, you may enable multiple SIMs to have multiple numbers more easily, possibly more than two numbers

[@davidrice2111]

Physical SIMs can fail over time and cause you to have diminished service. Physical SIMs can also be stole and used to steal your data. Nano SIMs are really small and can be lost if you removed to to swap it out say if you were traveling internationally or something.

[@BeautifulMistake]

After using the iPhone 15 I’m began loving the E Sim option and don’t have to go through the hassle of popping a SIM card in each device

[@FlyingColors1]

In settings App “ Delete eSim” is a direct option, it should ask the password or Face ID before deleting it. What if kids accidentally clicks the delete eSim

[@iLoveEmilia]

important note. if you’re trading in your primary device, activate eSIM before you trade it in OR take out your physical sim. Especially in store as they will want to prompt you to erase your device and trade it in then and there. I was prompted with a verification code request to my phone number which I had no access to and had to go to my carrier the next business day to activate my eSIM. I had a party to attend the same day and finding someone to lend me there phone so I can make a call to be let inside at 10pm is quite nerve racking.

[@margotrobbie8582]

Wym by takeout the sim card? Like before?

[@AlvisWuNewYorkCity]

I just loving using Esim on my old iPhone 11 on iOS 16.0 update 100% ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@suviilm]

Quick question: If I were to quickly setup which is when I use another phone and transfer all that data and if that phone were to not have service, would it still make me setup the eSim or will it just complete and I’ll have to do it in settings? I know doing it in settings isn’t hard or anything but just wanted to know!

[@SpartanVissepo]

Such a hassle good God, that was more than 10 steps, and if you travel international frequently and the carrier doesn’t support eSIM then you sure are out of luck. Thanks Apple.

[@brucewaynenotbatman]

Guess what? You dont have to buy the new phone😂😂😂

[@SKI79]

This was helpful!

[@omies_here]

Love you can convert the physical SIM card to eSIM!

[@leonardogutierrez6306]

I have my iPhone for +2yr (iPhone SE, 2nd GEN, iOS 16.3).Transfer a physical SIM to eSIM was done in a breeze, Settings-- Cellular-- Convert to eSIM-- & follow the prompts (if "Convert to eSIM" is not active, you need to go to your carrier). The physical SIM was deactivated & I was able to replace the physical SIM with other of a different country & carrier, iPhone should be unlocked for this to be possible. Now just to manage the best custom options to handle 2 active lines. This video, as well as related Apple support articles were very useful.

[@nicoletiana]

I currently have the 13 pro max and an unboxing video of it on my channel, I have it in white. I think ima sit this one out and upgrade next year and I want the black one!

[@alexis0a]

It's great that you can convert the physical SIM to a new iPhone to make it eSIM, I need tried this when I have the 14 Pro, because with my carrier if I want an eSIM I need to pay $5.49 extra to give me a QR code,

[@bijin.1]

This is going to be very useful, come transfer time

[@johnuytendaal4787]

I have a European version of the iPhone 14 Pro. It allows me to have 2 phone numbers on one phone with 1 physical sim card and 1 e-sim. I’m currently in the Philippines and I’m using e-sim from Airalo with a 10gb data plan for $21 (valid 30 days) They have e-sim data plans for all countries and it is super easy to set up.

[@flaneurfilms1940]

They didn’t have carrier I wanted in Portugal.

[@johnuytendaal4787]

Yes they have. It is called “Eurolink” and covers all of Europe (39 countries including Portugal) $37 for 30 day 10gb

[@jkl6868]

I’m in Singapore now, can I get an local esim for my 13 pro max? Right now i am carry a local phone as a hot spot.

[@applesupport]

We’re happy to assist you. Please follow the steps here to set up eSIM when you’re traveling: s.apple.com/DH2W7J8zw2 If more help is needed, please reach out here: apple.co/GetSupport

[@jkl6868]

@@applesupport I really hope that you could help, my iphone 13pro max is sim locked to T mobile, I will follow the instructions.

[@nungmartinez8383]

I got the 13 mini to have access to physical SIM card, to travel and change SIM cards anytime I need it.

[@tbell9411]

If you don't see these options call your carrier and get them to text you a temp one time pin which you have to repeat back to the representative you are on the phone with. After you repeat it back to them they will set up your phone remotely so you can use the eSim feature. After they do that restart your phone and then theses options will appear.

[@roselangston7774]

where do I get my qr scan from for a new iphone user? I have a pixel. I set everything up and now I can't make calls or get txt because I need my esim

[@shazeerazly]

Very fast and very convenience ! Used it in Malaysia three times already !

[@LearnEnglishWithMatta]

Helpful 💪🏽

[@pocopython5658]

Can we do VoLTE wifi calling (like physical sim on other phones) through eSim if signal quality is poor or almost 0 ????

[@TheExxl]

Sounds all great but does it transfer all my contacts too since they are all on my physical simcard?

[@Maru21769]

What if old iPhone like iPhone 6,6 plus,6s,6s plus, and iPhone 7 to eSIM new model 14, and 14 pro.

[@uniquerod52]

Something even I thought of and Apple didn’t think of and I’m certain that, thats a common question. Before we setup the new eSIM iPhone, do we remove the SIM card from the other device which we already have installed in other word moving from a old device to a new device. And I assume you can either toss away of keep it.

[@sap268]

Remove and toss AFTER setup on the new phone is complete.

[@9868uurckoitrsdhkj]

What carriers provide QR codes? Straight talk customer service is being a pain and not giving me one.

[@masodior8076]

I love this so simple

[@TinJusThe]

Thanks for this

[@aaronjaye5166]

can a non-us citizen activate esim in the usa on an iphone 14?

[@DsnyLuv]

Thanks 🙏🏼

[@josephunlimited]

So for me I used AT&T eSIM would it work

[@CarlosSchultzMusic]

I'm wondering where the QR code is for me to scan?

[@sithichook5187]

Can iPhone store more than two eSIMs?

[@cheddar1988]

How would I do it if I were to go from a physical sim card in my current Pixel 6 Pro to the iPhone 14 with Verizon? I'm guessing I'd go to their store and wait around for a while.

[@DancingBeauty98]

Did you ever figure out? I'm having this exact problem.

[@myworstbehaviour]

i'm having the same problem

[@gajananpundeofficial]

Should physical sim remove after

[@TheRealNoobPlayz]

Thank You

[@a_nicegaming]

worked 🎉

[@DudeGamer8]

I travel between US and South-East Asia frequently, Apple's decision to remove sim card tray has literally forced me out of the eco-system. I will be switching to Android because of this "courage". Well done Apple.

[@HeyNickJ]

Well, there are many different ways. You can still use the device in the country. Either find a carrier that supports eSIM for that country. Or supports international service even though it may be more expensive. Or you can still purchase this iPhone, but not use it when you travel to that country and use your current device that has a physical Sim card tray until that country has carriers that support eSIM.

[@mas96]

Sad

[@janjelinek4283]

Just buy an iPhone outside of US and you’ll still have the slot

[@strangev0id]

There is sim card tray... Wtf you talking about son?

[@AtmosPres]

@@strangev0idUS phones don’t have the SIM card tray

[@tamilan3600]

We can use e-sim & Manual sim in same time

[@sirishot]

What if I remove the esim? Does the physical sim work again?

[@madaniattari786]

But i can see cellular setting option in my setting window

[@bruhomgbunnies2539]

what do i do if I don’t have my carrier though?

[@dcny69]

Thank you

[@amurione5553]

I have xs max but it doesn’t show up after scanning the QR code?

[@EdwardAndrewOliver2023]

In uk we have sim tray But in USA is don’t have sim tray

[@JC-wn7ih]

Can I switch from my eSIM to my physical SIM, say after vacation?

[@babvbr5664]

But messages are not coming what to do?

[@shalevhaham]

It does have support where I live, but only if I purchase the phone locally, which is really bad news because it's like 500$ more than the US price

[@vernearase3044]

Can't you buy unlocked in the US and get a prepaid eSim from a US carrier?

[@tattooedredheadx]

That is sad.

[@pauciloquent1417]

My phone number from my original phone doesn’t even appear on the new one for quick transfer and im not understanding why. My carrier supports ESIM, connected to the same wifi and Bluetooth is on 😐

[@mp5447]

Thanks! This is very helpful especially that I’m getting my 14 Pro and I was quite concerned about the sim transfer

[@omgistic]

ty

[@Rxyan7158]

Good to know

[@live50is100difficult]

if you reset network setting you need to go back to telco centre,too bad design,telco need to giving user web login to get new qr code

[@BRGGAMINGG]

Can i add both sim card to esim

[@Geraldine-1111]

Is it true conversion of physical sim card to esim is just a click away from your iphone?

[@mattbarratt5328]

Really not interested in being locked to certain carriers and not being able to use any local SIM abroad.

[@SamDS2109]

Thank you! I’ve been waiting to see how.

[@gamerprohawk10]

Thank you apple

[@obiwankenobi4495]

I love you apple

[@Nuide.Jabrig89]

When it sends the QR on the iPhone to have an eSim, this must happen automatically and read the strip codes?!?) With best regards

[@brate0304]

This helps me a lot 👏🏼

[@CountryLizzard]

This is why Im nervous about getting a new phone. My mother got a 12 pro and her other iphone was 8 like mine. Im scrolling through her phone and somehow att labeled her number as personal not primary. Dont know if theres a difference but I noticed that. Than I noticed she doesnt have the option on her phone to turn on 5g in the settings. Its all weird. Thank god I have verizon.

[@randomperson-uf5lk]

What does esim do and when you get the new iphone can you not activate and still use the iphone or is it mandatory in order for the iphone to work properly?

[@applesupport]

Hi. We’re here to help. eSIM, which is an industry-standard digital SIM, lets you activate a cellular plan with a carrier without having to use a physical SIIM. iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, and up to iPhone 13 has a physical SIM slot and eSIM. You can read more information here: s.apple.com/dH5b3d5H0c If you have further questions or concerns about this, contact Apple Support here: apple.co/GetSupport

[@kelvinrosil8177]

what if I lost my other phone to activate the new one

[@creeper2393]

Nice

[@Moneerah33]

How to get a carrier?

[@moglegacy]

nice

[@Kevin6t8]

Do you have a video on transferring from non eSIM Android to eSIM iPhone?

[@applesupport]

Hey there! We want to help you get this question answered so you can transfer your cellular plan to your new iPhone. We do not have a video showing the steps but we do have an article that can walk you through it. Check that out below: support.apple.com/HT212780 If you still have questions during this transfer, reach out to Apple Support for additional help: apple.co/GetSupport

[@tafpictur6206]

He can work on iPhone turbo sim

[@BTSIPURPLEYOU-zi4mk]

Where is this qrcode showing?

[@m7mdzuhair9gamer61]

Apple im a fan of u!

[@user-vl5vw5wv7m]

Let’s go it worked!

[@deathiezzlulz]

too bad i’m in a country THAT DOESNT SUPPORT eSIMS

[@coolpeoplethings]

Since when is the esim utilized?

[@memory3030]

Hello, I have an AT&T version iPhone 14 Pro. Regarding esim activation for initial setup, is it possible to activate with only Wi-Fi in areas where there is no AT&T network?

[@applesupport]

We’d like to help and make sure you’re able to activate service on your eSIM. At your convenience, connect with an Apple Advisor, here: apple.co/GetSupport

[@arudanel5542]

Know how I set up a sim? I plug it into the phone. Done. Works with ANY carrier, not just overpriced ones with abusive contracts that lock you into being owned by the company. Way to overcomplicate something simple, Apple.

[@nodoubt2706]

What about Apple watch

[@FreshTooDef247]

This doesn’t work.. I have a iPhone 7 Plus and I don’t have a option for esim qr code.. my phone is updated to the latest os

[@applesupport]

Thanks for reaching out about the eSIM option for iPhone. If you’ll review article, About eSIM on iPhone ( s.apple.com/dH5b3d5H0c ) you’ll see under the “What you need” section that is states this feature is available for iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, or later. This means it’s not a feature offered on the iPhone 7. If you have additional questions or concerns, please contact us directly at apple.co/GetSupport We’ll be happy to help.

[@eddiebruv]

Great, when it works.

[@StephJVaughn]

And this is why apple is number 1

[@blvckisblvck]

I have an android device with physical sim. AT&T provider. How to I go about switching to eSim with my new iPhone?

[@applesupport]

Thanks for reaching out over KZbin. You can contact your carrier directly to get this taken care of as they’ll need to set up the new iPhone to use eSIM with your cellular plan.

[@Nikos10]

The same sender sends messages to both of my Sim numbers, how can I distinguish to which Sim number is each message addressed?

[@applesupport]

Hi there. We’ll be glad to discuss this with you further. If you open the message, tap on the senders name, then select info, you can see which SIM was used. You can find more information on using Messages here: s.apple.com/dE4l0T8R8B If you need further help, reach out here: apple.co/GetSupport

[@Deadbeat187s]

If they lower the steps to 3 swipes I’m all in for it , too many hoops at the moment . I run android and iPhone all the time if you gonna push this add the swap to androids also … but they won’t because it’s their rivals lol 😂…

[@n057828]

Here in Australia 🇦🇺 I have to pay like $50 f that!

[@damian9303]

0:38 Pretty funny how they used iOS 13’s gradient when saying to upgrade to the latest available..

[@mrsmilebeast6904]

Why e sim? I like the physical SIM card. You want to help in a way which makes people don’t like your products? You know, some people bought the iPhone 13 because of the e sim. Can you add it back on?😢

[@maninahat2703]

Hey I have Straight Talk which one of these would work for the iPhone 14 pro Max

[@applesupport]

Hi there. Straight Talk is a supported carrier in the U.S. s.apple.com/dE3a4o4v9b, so simply follow the section “How to set up an eSIM on iPhone” in the previously linked article. If you have additional questions, contact Apple Support here: apple.co/GetSupport

[@pradeepj1239]

Can I add second e-sim along with one already in use and activated e-sim and physical sim ?? ( in total I want to have 3 numbers to use in one iPhone)

[@applesupport]

Hello! We understand you want to know if you can have 3 numbers on one phone using eSIM. eSIM allows you to activate a cellular plan from your carrier without a physical SIM. While you can install eight or more eSIMs, two is the most you can use at one time. More information can be found here: s.apple.com/dE4b0u4A8v If you have any further questions please reach out to Apple Support directly here: apple.co/GetSupport

[@pradeepj1239]

2Sims at a time , you mean 2 esims+physical sim OR 1 esim and 1 physical sim..???

[@MohamedAhmed-oo5xy]

I recently bought an iPhone 14 but I don't have IOS16 on my iPhone 7 so I'm confused on how I should transfer my sim card and is it possible?

[@DrumerBoyOmar1]

I’m on the same boat, were you able to figure it out? I have a iphone 7 and upgraded to 14, but I’m having this issue.

[@gersonmolano]

Can we purchase an iPhone 14 with sim slot in the US? Or do we have to get it at Apple Canada? Because of travel I have to have a SIM card slot.

[@Lord_LindaThePhilosopher]

Does quick transfer work when switching from an Android to a iPhone?

[@applesupport]

Hey there! We’d be happy to help out. Quick Start isn’t available if coming over from Android. Instead you’d use Move to iOS as outlined here: s.apple.com/dE4b7T5A5i For all other questions and concerns, contact Apple Support using this link: apple.co/GetSupport

[@reefhound]

"Follow the prompts" ... what prompts?

[@mokaLARE]

Is it true we can store up to 8 eSim ?

[@HeyNickJ]

Yes you can store up to eight on iPhone 14 Pro and six on iPhone 14

[@eliannyrodriguez8354]

nice video

[@pengtutorhamdal780]

Wow

[@zarinly4549]

Can I use my physical sim card and an esim altogether? I mean 2 sims at the same time but different provider or number?

[@applesupport]

Hello. That’s a great question and we can certainly help. Dual SIM is available to use on devices with physical SIM and an eSIM. You’ll just need an eligible device. Check this out: s.apple.com/dE4b0u4A8v If you have any additional questions, please connect with us here: apple.co/GetSupport

[@veronicaRodriguez-yi8de]

I made a mistake by deleting the esim in the settings

[@rameshalla]

Hi Apple, How many numbers can I use simultaneously using this eSIM feature?

[@applesupport]

We’ve got the information you need! When using eSIM, you can have two different numbers, with one assigned to each SIM: s.apple.com/dE4b0u4A8v We hope that helps! If you have additional questions, reach out to us here: apple.co/GetSupport

[@MinamiSen]

i am planning to go to japan. if i switch to the esim for japan, can i switch back to ATT after coming back to the state.

[@applesupport]

Hey there! We’d be happy to get you pointed in the right direction. To get started, it may be possible to switch between carriers while traveling; however, you will want to ensure that your iPhone is unlocked for use with other carriers first. For more details check out the following resource: s.apple.com/dE4b5U6E9O If you have any other questions, reach out to Apple Support directly from this link here: apple.co/GetSupport

[@ritakova]

Hello Apple! My iPhone 13 pro doesn't have this option "Set up Cellular " and instead of "Cellular" I have a "Mobile data" option. And when I click on it there's nowhere to set up cellular. How can I activate the eSIM then?

[@applesupport]

Hello there. We can help you to set up your iPhone. Mobile Data is another word for Cellular Data depending on your location. If you’re unable to set up an eSIM, you can follow the steps outlined here to assist you further: s.apple.com/dw4x2n3xu9 Feel free to connect with us directly if you need us here: apple.co/GetSupport