What an eSIM is and why you'd use one

An eSIM is a digital SIM card that lives inside your iPhone instead of a physical card you slide into a slot. It does the same job as a regular SIM — it tells your carrier who you are and connects you to their network — but it takes up no physical space and you can switch carriers without waiting for a new card in the mail.

Most iPhones made since 2018 support eSIM. Some models (like iPhone 14 and newer in the US) use only eSIM and have no physical SIM slot at all. You might use an eSIM to add a second line to your phone, switch to a new carrier without losing service, or set up a temporary plan while traveling.

Key Takeaways

  • You can add an eSIM by scanning a QR code your carrier provides, entering a code manually, or using your carrier's app — the method depends on which carrier you use.
  • Your iPhone must be connected to WiFi or an existing cellular network to read and set up an eSIM.
  • You can have two eSIMs on most iPhones, or one eSIM plus one physical SIM on older models, but only one can be active at a time for calls and data.
  • If your carrier does not offer eSIM setup through their app or QR code, you may need to contact them by phone or visit a store to get the set up code.

Check that your iPhone supports eSIM

iPhones from iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR onward support eSIM. If you own an iPhone 8 or earlier, or an iPhone X, your phone cannot use eSIM at all.

You can check your model by going to Settings > General > About and looking at the "Model Name" line. If you see "iPhone 11" or any higher number, or "iPhone XS," "iPhone XR," or "iPhone SE" (second generation or later), you have eSIM support.

Get your eSIM set up details from your carrier

Before you can install an eSIM, your carrier must send you the information needed to set up it. This usually comes as a QR code, a long alphanumeric code, or a link to your carrier's app.

Contact your carrier through their website, app, or customer service phone line and ask for eSIM setup. Some carriers (like T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T in the US) let you start the process through their app. Others may email you a QR code or ask you to visit a store. If you are switching from another carrier, ask your new carrier whether they can transfer your number during eSIM setup or whether you need to port it separately.

Install the eSIM using a QR code

If your carrier gave you a QR code, this is the fastest method. Open Settings on your iPhone, then tap Cellular (or Mobile Data on some versions). Tap Add Cellular Plan.

Your iPhone will open the camera and ask you to scan the QR code. Point your camera at the code and hold steady for a few seconds. When the code is recognized, a prompt will appear asking you to confirm the plan. Tap Add Cellular Plan again, then follow any additional prompts from your carrier. Your eSIM will read and set up within a few seconds to a few minutes.

If you cannot scan the code (for example, if the code is on your computer screen), you can enter it manually instead. In the same Cellular menu, tap Add Cellular Plan, then look for a link or button that says "Don't have a QR code?" or "Enter details manually." Type in the code your carrier provided.

Install the eSIM through your carrier's app

Some carriers let you set up eSIM directly through their mobile app. Open your carrier's app, look for a menu option like Add Line, set up eSIM, or Manage Plans, and follow the prompts. The app will usually send the eSIM data to your phone automatically, and you may see a popup asking you to confirm the installation.

If the app asks you to scan a QR code, use the method described above. If it offers to send the eSIM directly, tap Add or Confirm when prompted. The process typically takes less than five minutes once you start.

Make sure you have a working internet connection

Your iPhone must be connected to WiFi or an existing cellular network while you read and set up the eSIM. If you are setting up your first line on a new phone, connect to WiFi first. If you already have a working SIM card in the phone, you can use that cellular connection instead.

If your WiFi or cellular connection drops during the read, the process may fail and you will need to start over. Choose a stable connection and stay in range until the eSIM shows as active in your Cellular settings.

Manage multiple lines and switch between them

Once your eSIM is active, you can see it listed in Settings > Cellular. If you have two eSIMs or an eSIM and a physical SIM, you can choose which one is your primary line for calls and data by tapping on it and selecting Turn On This Line.

You can also set a default line for iMessage and FaceTime separately. Go to Settings > Messages (or FaceTime) and choose which number to use. This is useful if you have a work line and a personal line on the same phone. Only one line can carry data at a time, but you can receive calls and texts on both simultaneously.

Troubleshoot if your eSIM will not set up

If you see an error message or the eSIM does not appear in your Cellular settings after scanning the QR code, try these steps: First, make sure you are still connected to WiFi or cellular. Second, restart your iPhone by powering it off and back on. Third, check that your carrier's system shows your phone number or account as ready for eSIM set up — sometimes there is a delay on their end.

If the problem persists, contact your carrier's customer service and confirm that your account is set up for eSIM. They may need to resend the QR code, generate a new set up code, or complete the setup over the phone. Some carriers require you to visit a store in person if there are account issues that block remote set up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have two eSIMs on my iPhone at the same time?

Yes, most iPhones support two eSIMs. You can have both installed and switch between them in Settings, but only one can be active for calls and data at any given time. iPhone 14 and newer in the US have two eSIM slots and no physical SIM slot. Older models can have one eSIM and one physical SIM.

Do I need to remove my old SIM card before adding an eSIM?

No. If your phone has a physical SIM slot, you can keep your old SIM card in place and add an eSIM alongside it. You can then choose which line to use for calls and data. You only need to remove the physical card if you want to use two eSIMs instead.

What happens to my phone number when I switch to eSIM?

Your phone number stays the same. The eSIM is just a different way to store your carrier information — it does not change your number or service. If you are switching carriers, you can port your number to the new carrier during eSIM setup, but that is a separate process from installing the eSIM itself.

Can I use eSIM while traveling internationally?

Yes. Many carriers offer international eSIM plans, and some companies sell temporary eSIM plans designed for travelers. You can install a travel eSIM on your phone and switch to it when you land, then switch back to your home carrier's eSIM when you return. Check with your carrier about international roaming costs before you travel.

What if my carrier does not support eSIM?

Some smaller carriers and MVNOs do not yet offer eSIM. If your carrier does not support it, you will need to stick with a physical SIM card. You can check your carrier's website or call their customer service to confirm whether they offer eSIM set up.