What an eSIM is and why you might use one

An eSIM is a digital SIM card that lives inside your phone or tablet instead of being a physical chip you insert. Your device stores the eSIM as data, and you can switch carriers or add a second line without touching any hardware. Most newer phones — including recent iPhones, Samsung Galaxy models, Google Pixels, and many others — support eSIM, though some carriers or regions still require a physical SIM card.

You might add an eSIM to get a second phone number without carrying two devices, to switch carriers without waiting for a physical card in the mail, to use a local carrier while traveling, or to keep your existing number while testing a new provider. The process itself takes 10 to 30 minutes and involves scanning a QR code or entering set up details that your carrier provides.

Key Takeaways

  • Your phone must support eSIM — check your device model and your carrier's website before you start, because some older phones and some carriers do not offer it yet.
  • You will need an set up code from your carrier, usually delivered as a QR code by email or text, or as a manual entry code if the QR code does not work.
  • The actual setup happens in your phone's Settings under Cellular or Mobile Network, where you scan the QR code or enter the code by hand.
  • If you are switching from a physical SIM, you can keep both cards active at the same time on most phones, or remove the physical SIM afterward.
  • If the QR code does not scan, your carrier can send you a manual set up code instead, which takes longer but works on any phone with a camera.

Check that your phone and carrier support eSIM

Before you request an eSIM, confirm that both your device and your carrier offer it. Most phones made in the last three years support eSIM, but some older models and some budget phones do not. Visit your phone manufacturer's support page — Apple, Samsung, Google, and others list which models work — or search "[your phone model] eSIM support" to be sure.

Then check your carrier's website. Major carriers like Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and most regional carriers support eSIM, but some smaller carriers or MVNOs (carriers that rent network space from larger ones) do not. Your carrier's support page will tell you whether eSIM is available for your account and whether you need to switch plans or pay a fee. Some carriers charge $10 to $20 to add an eSIM; others include it at no cost.

Request your eSIM set up code from your carrier

Contact your carrier through their website, app, or customer service phone line and ask for an eSIM set up code. Tell them whether you want to transfer an existing number from another carrier, keep your current number, or get a new number. If you are transferring a number, have your current account information ready — your account number, PIN, and the phone number you want to move.

Your carrier will send you an set up code, usually as a QR code in an email or text message. Some carriers also offer the code in their mobile app. If you receive a QR code, take a screenshot or keep the email open on another device, because you will need to scan it during setup. If you do not receive anything within a few minutes, check your spam folder or ask your carrier to resend it.

Add the eSIM through your phone's settings

On an iPhone, go to Settings, tap Cellular, then tap Add Cellular Plan. Point your camera at the QR code your carrier sent you. Your phone will recognize it and ask you to confirm the carrier name and plan details. Tap Add eSIM or Confirm, depending on your iOS version. Your phone will read the eSIM data and set up it within a few seconds to a few minutes.

On an Android phone, the steps vary slightly by manufacturer. Go to Settings, find Cellular, Mobile Network, or SIM and Network (the exact name depends on your phone), then look for an option to Add SIM, Add Cellular Plan, or Add eSIM. Tap it, then scan the QR code with your camera. Your phone will confirm the carrier details and set up the eSIM. If you do not see these options, search your phone's Settings for "eSIM" to find the right menu.

If the QR code will not scan — because the image is too small, the lighting is poor, or your camera is not focusing — ask your carrier for a manual set up code instead. This is a long string of numbers and letters. Go back to the eSIM setup menu, look for an option like "Enter set up code manually" or "Can't scan QR code," and type the code in. This takes longer but works just as well.

Decide whether to keep your physical SIM

Once your eSIM is active, you can use it alone or keep your physical SIM card in the phone at the same time. Most modern phones support two active lines — one eSIM and one physical SIM, or two eSIMs on some newer models. If you want to keep both, do nothing; your phone will use both numbers and you can choose which one to use for calls, texts, and data.

If you want to remove the physical SIM, power off your phone, eject the SIM tray using the ejector tool that came with your phone, and take out the card. Power the phone back on. Your eSIM will be your only active line. If you ever need the physical SIM again — for example, if you switch to a different phone that does not support eSIM — you can reinsert it.

Troubleshoot if your eSIM does not set up

If your eSIM does not set up after you scan the QR code or enter the manual code, first check that you have a strong internet connection. eSIM set up requires either WiFi or cellular data. If you are on WiFi, make sure you are connected to a network that allows the set up servers to communicate with your phone — some public WiFi networks block this traffic.

If the set up still fails, restart your phone and try again. If it fails a second time, contact your carrier's customer service. They can check whether the set up code has expired (some codes are only valid for a few hours), resend a new code, or set up the eSIM on their end if your phone is having trouble. Have your phone model, the error message you saw, and your account number ready when you call.

What to do if you are traveling and want a local eSIM

Many travelers add a second eSIM from a local carrier in the country they are visiting, so they can use local phone numbers and data rates instead of international roaming charges. Companies like Airalo, Holafly, and local carriers in most countries offer eSIMs that you can purchase and set up before you leave home or as soon as you land.

To add a travel eSIM, follow the same steps: request the set up code from the carrier or app, go to your phone's Cellular settings, scan the QR code, and confirm. Your phone will then have two active lines — your home carrier and the local one. You can switch which line handles calls, texts, and data in your Cellular settings, or use both at the same time. When you return home, you can delete the travel eSIM and go back to using your home carrier alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have two eSIMs on the same phone?

Most newer phones support two eSIMs at the same time. iPhones from the iPhone XS onward, recent Samsung Galaxy phones, and most Google Pixels can hold two eSIMs. Check your phone's specs to confirm. If your phone supports it, you can add a second eSIM the same way you added the first — go to Cellular settings and scan another QR code.

What happens to my old number if I switch to eSIM?

Your number stays the same. When you request an eSIM from your current carrier, you can ask them to transfer your existing number to the eSIM. The number itself does not change; it just moves from your physical SIM to your eSIM. If you are switching carriers, you can request a number transfer (called porting) from your new carrier, and they will handle moving your number over.

Can I use eSIM on a phone that also has a physical SIM slot?

Yes. Most phones with an eSIM also have a physical SIM slot, and you can use both at the same time. Your phone will have two active phone numbers and you can choose which one to use for calls, texts, and data. You can also delete the eSIM and use only the physical SIM if you change your mind.

How long does eSIM set up take?

set up usually takes a few seconds to a few minutes after you scan the QR code or enter the manual code. Sometimes it takes up to 30 minutes if your carrier's servers are busy. If nothing happens after 30 minutes, restart your phone and contact your carrier to check the status.

What if my carrier does not support eSIM?

If your carrier does not offer eSIM yet, you will need to use a physical SIM card. You can request one from your carrier by phone, through their website, or by visiting a store. Physical SIM cards arrive in the mail in 5 to 10 business days. Some smaller carriers are adding eSIM support, so check back periodically if you want to switch later.