How to Activate eSIM on iPhone 

To activate a virtual SIM card on your iPhone (eSIM), you’ll need to first check that your device supports this technology, and then purchase it through your carrier. You can then easily activate it on your iPhone in 4 simple steps that we’ll cover in more detail here.  

How to activate eSIM on iPhone?

Once you’ve purchased an eSIM plan through your U.S. carrier and have received a unique QR code, here are the steps to activate it on your iPhone.

• Open the settings app on your iPhone 
• Tap on Cellular 
• Tap on add a cellular plan 
• Tap on use QR code
• Scan the QR code that you received from your carrier
• Follow the instructions on your screen to complete the eSIM activation process

How to Check if eSIM is Activated on iPhone 

If you’re still not completely sure if your eSIM was properly activated, you can do a few things to make sure. Start by checking that you have one active eSIM set up on your device at once. If you’ve got multiple lines on your iPhone, you can check each line under your settings. 

• Go to your settings
• Select Cellular 
• Look for the line in the list 

You can also always contact your carrier for help. You’ll need to also, of course, make sure that your iPhone is compatible with activating a virtual SIM card technology.   

eSIM compatible iPhone devices 

Does iPhone 11 support eSIM? Yes! But rather than searching each device one by one, these are the following iPhone devices that are compatible with eSIM technology:

• iPhone XS
• iPhone XS Max
• iPhone XR
• iPhone 11
• iPhone 11 Pro
• iPhone 11 Pro Max
• iPhone SE (2nd generation)
• iPhone 12 mini
• iPhone 12
• iPhone 12 Pro
• iPhone 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 13 mini
• iPhone 13
• iPhone 13 Pro
• iPhone 13 Pro Max

iPhone devices that are not eSIM compatible 

Although most new iPhone models are not compatible with eSIM technology, some older models are not supported with eSIM technology including: 

• iPhone X
• iPhone 8
• iPhone 8 Plus
• iPhone 7
• iPhone 7 Plus
• iPhone SE (1st generation)
• iPhone 6s
• iPhone 6s Plus
• iPhone 6
• iPhone 6 Plus
• iPhone 5s
• iPhone 5c
• iPhone 5

Additional suggestions for activating eSIM on iPhone 

If you experience any issues activating your eSIM, you can always contact your carrier for assistance. It’s also useful to know that you can use your iPhone with both an eSIM and a physical SIM card at the same time. This is especially useful if you want to have two different phone numbers on the same device while traveling outside the U.S.

Conclusion

Now that you’re an expert on how to activate eSIM on iPhone, and how to check if it is activated in iPhone, you can quickly set your virtual sim card up.

Even when traveling outside of the U.S, you’ll be able to switch between plans and carriers without having to ever physically remove and replace your sim card.    

FAQ

How many eSIMs can iPhone 14 have?

Similar to other iPhone models, the iPhone 14 can only have 2 active eSIMs on your device. You can, however store several eSIMs on your phone that are not active.

Why can’t I activate my eSIM on my iPhone?

If you’re having trouble activating eSIM on your iPhone, try restarting your device by turning it off and on again. Turning on airplane mode for a few seconds can also be helpful.  Contacting your provider can also be a good option if you are stuck.

Is eSIM activation instant?

Yes! Once you’ve completed the activation process and it’s connected to a supported network, it should work right away.

Can I activate eSIM abroad with an iPhone?

Yes! You can activate your eSIM on your iPhone from anywhere in the world. Just make sure that your device is eSIM compatible and to follow the activation steps.