If you purchase the latest iPhone model, it will no longer come with a traditional or physical SIM card. To be more exact, the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR later came with the eSIM provided by the carriers.

However, many iPhone users are confused when activating the eSIM. How to activate the eSIM on iPhone, then?

Well, you need to go through some very simple steps to perform the task. Moreover, it will be just a matter of time. Now, the activation can be done with eSIM carrier activation, eSIM Quick Transfer, or other methods.

No worries! Today, we’ll bring light to every possible method of eSIM activation on your iPhone. Keep reading!

Key Takeaways:

• When you purchase a plan from your carrier, it automatically sets up eSIM on your iPhone.
• In the United States, iPhone 14 or later models are required for eSIM facilities. 
• If you’re unsure how to activate eSIM on your iPhone, contact your carrier or update your device to ensure compatibility with eSIM.
• There are multiple methods you can use to activate eSIM on your iPhone.

How To Activate eSIM on iPhone?

In the United States, you can not use the physical SIM if you own an iPhone 14 or later model.

However, it is always important to contact the carriers to find out whether your iPhone supports eSIM in your location. For a moment, we assume you ensure eSIM iPhone compatibility. 

Before getting started, make sure you have an active WiFi connection, as it is needed for eSIM setup on iPhone.

It is also a good idea to update your iPhone to the latest version of IOS. Now, let’s jump into the iPhone eSIM installation steps. 

Method 1: eSIM Carrier Activation

When you purchase a plan from your carrier, it will automatically set up eSIM on your iPhone. That’s the easiest way to activate eSIM. 

• Step 1:  Turn on your iPhone.
• Step 2: Choose a WiFi network. 
• Step 3: Provide additional information (if asked) in the installation process. 
• Step 4: Wait for your plan to activate. 
• Step 5: Continue following the prompts on your iPhone until you reach ‘Cellular Step Up Complete.’
• Step 6: Look for the icon in the upper right corner of your phone showing your signal strength. 

Method 2: eSIM Quick Transfer

Sometimes, your carrier may not assign you an eSIM when you purchase your iPhone. In this case, you need to use the eSIM Quick Transfer method to activate the eSIM iPhone settings. 

This allows you to transfer your phone number from your current iPhone to the new one. But make sure your carrier supports this method. You can also convert your physical SIM to the eSIM on your iPhone.

• Step 1: Put your current and new iPhones together. 
• Step 2: Go to ‘Setting.’
• Step 3: Click on ‘Mobile Data’.
• Step 4: Tap on ‘Set Up Mobile Service’.
• Step 5: Click on the Cellular network name that appears.
• Step 6: Tap ‘Continue’ to activate the eSIM on your new iPhone and wait a bit.

Now, let’s also show you some other methods in the above one that don’t work for you. Here, you can start from step 5 of the method just shown.

• Step 5: Tap on ‘Other Options’
• Step 6: Click ‘Transfer from Nearby iPhone’ or ‘Use QR Code.’ 
• Step 7: If you choose the ‘Transfer from Nearby iPhone’ option, you will have a verification code on your old iPhone.
• Step 8: Enter the verification code on your new iPhone to transfer your eSIM.

If you choose the Use QR Code option, you need to ask your carrier to send you the QR code via email.

Once you get that, you must open your new iPhone’s camera and scan the code. This is the best method for transferring eSIM to a new iPhone. 

Method 3: Convert a Physical SIM to an eSIM on the Same iPhone

iPhone users tend to do so. If you need to shift to the eSIM, follow the steps below to perform the task. 

• Step 1: Go to ‘Setting’.
• Step 2: Click on ‘Cellular’.
• Step 3: Click on ‘Tap Convert to eSIM’
• Step 4: Tap on ‘Convert Cellular Plan’.
• Step 5: Tap on ‘Convert to eSIM’ and for activation. 
• Step 6: Restart your iPhone.

FAQs

1. How Do I Know if eSIM Is Activated on My iPhone?

All you need to do is go to the ‘Settings’ menu on your iPhone. Next, tap on ‘Cellular.’ If your iPhone has an eSIM activated, you will see it under the carrier setting. 

2. Why Can’t I Activate My eSIM on My iPhone? 

You can’t activate eSIM on your iPhone for many reasons. It might happen that your device is not compatible with activating eSIM. Chances are the methods you are trying to activate the eSIM are not supported by your carriers, or your device is not updated. 

3. Can I Activate eSIM on Any iPhone?

No, installing or activating the eSIM on a random iPhone is impossible. First, you must ensure that your iPhone is compatible with eSIM. In the United States, you need to have an iPhone 14 or a later model to have the eSIM facilities. In general, it should be an iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, or models that will come later. 

Final Words

Now you have a proper iPhone eSIM activation guide. We hope you can perform the task independently and easily in the shortest possible time. If one method doesn’t work, you should try another.

Keep your iPhone updated to the latest iOS to avoid issues while activating the eSIM.