How to Activate eSIM on iPhone (iPhone 15 or 15 Pro Max Supported)

Unlike traditional SIM cards inserted into a slot, eSIMs enable you to set up cellular service digitally and everything seamlessly from a physical SIM to your new iPhone's eSIM. This shift away from the familiar physical SIM card slot might puzzle users who are used to traditional setups. Apple makes it easy to activate the eSIM on your iPhone 15, 14,13,12 when transferring eSIM from one iPhone to another.

What is eSIM on iPhone

eSIM on iPhone refers to an embedded SIM card that allows you to activate a cellular plan from your carrier without the need for a physical SIM card. You can install eight or more eSIMs on an iPhone and use two phone numbers at the same time. This setup offers enhanced flexibility as you can manage your plan and switch between wireless carriers seamlessly using software controls.

An eSIM functions as a digital counterpart to the physical SIM card, serving the same purpose of identifying your device for network connectivity but in a virtual format. It reduces the risks associated with physical damage, loss, or theft of your SIM card.

Is It Necessary to Activate eSIM on iPhone

Yes. This technology enables you to have multiple phone numbers on a single device and easily switch between them without having to physically insert a new SIM card. It provides greater flexibility and convenience for managing your cellular connections on your iPhone.

In other countries, iPhone models continue to support both physical and virtual SIM cards. If you can still use a physical SIM card, there's no immediate need to enable eSIM on your iPhone. However, considering Apple's potential to eventually remove the SIM slot globally, it is not a bad idea to familiarize yourself with the process beforehand.

How to Activate eSIM on New iPhone

Before you begin the process of activating eSIM on your iPhone, make sure to make the necessary preparations for a smooth experience, otherwise you can't transfer eSIM to new iPhone.

• Make sure you have an iPhone model introduced in 2018 or later.
• Find out if your wireless carrier supports eSIM Carrier Verification or eSIM Quick Transfer. Most US-based carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon support eSIM.
• Ensure the device is connected to a Wi-Fi network unless it is an eSIM-only iPhone 14 or iPhone 15 sold in the U.S.
• If you are transferring a phone number from your previous iPhone to your new iPhone, make sure that both iPhones are signed in with the same Apple ID. Additionally, Ensure the previous iPhone is unlocked, nearby with Bluetooth turned on, and running iOS 16 or later.
• If you are switching from an Android phone to an iPhone, contact your carrier to transfer your phone number to your iPhone.

Here's how to activate eSIM on iPhone 15 Pro Max or other models:

Activating eSIM on iPhone 14 from Android or an old iPhone or transferring SIM to eSIM might seem daunting, but it's actually quite straightforward. Just turn on your new iPhone and follow the onscreen instructions—it does most of the work for you. Then you can also check if eSim is activated on iPhone.

How to Activate eSIM on iPhone After Setup

If you've already completed the setup of your iPhone and now need to activate the eSIM, this section will guide you through how to manually activate eSIM card on iPhone. There are several methods to enable eSIM on your iPhone, depending on how you acquire the eSIM and whether you plan to activate it on the same iPhone or a different one.

Method 1. Set up an eSIM on the Same iPhone via eSIM Carrier Verification

If you purchased an eSIM online and want to activate it on your iPhone, follow the tutorial below:

Step 1. When a notification appears that says Carrier Cellular Plan Ready to Be Installed, tap it.

Step 2. It will open the Settings app, and tap Carrier Cellular Plan Ready to Be Installed > Continue.

Step 3. Make a test call to see if the cellular connection is successfully established. If the eSIM plan activated replaces the plan on your physical SIM card, remove the physical SIM card and restart your iPhone.

Method 2. Activate eSIM on the same iPhone by converting the physical SIM

If your current carrier supports converting a physical SIM to an eSIM, you can activate eSIM on the same iPhone easily.

Step 1. On your iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular > Convert to eSIM. (If you don't see this option, your carrier doesn't support directly converting a physical SIM to an eSIM.)

Step 2. Tap Convert Cellular Plan > Convert to eSIM. 

Step 3. Remove the physical SIM card from your iPhone once the eSIM is activated.

Method 3. Enable eSIM on iPhone by transferring from a previous iPhone

If you're looking to transfer your existing phone number to a new iPhone, whether you have a physical SIM or eSIM on your previous phone, setting up eSIM on your new iPhone 13/14/15 is a simple process.

Step 1. On your new iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular > Set Up Cellular or Add eSIM.

Step 2. Tap "Transfer From Nearby iPhone" if the previous iPhone is nearby, or choose "Transfer From Another iPhone" to transfer a phone number from a distant iPhone.

Step 3. On your previous iPhone, follow the instructions to confirm the transfer. When your previous SIM is deactivated and the eSIM cellular plan on your new iPhone activates, remove the physical SIM from the previous iPhone.

Method 4. Activate eSIM on iPhone via a QR code

Your network carrier offers several options to assist users in transitioning from traditional SIM cards to eSIMs. If you're unable to use eSIM on your iPhone, reach out to your carrier to receive a QR code, a link, or an official app download to get through this process.

iPhone has built-in support for eSIM activation using a QR code.

Step 1. Open Settings > Cellular > Set Up Cellular or Add eSIM. Tap Use QR Code.

Step 2. Scan the QR code provided by your carrier, or open the Photos app to open the saved QR code. 

Step 3. Follow the rest of the instructions to finish activating the eSIM card on your iPhone.

Method 5. Use eSIM on iPhone by manually entering eSIM information

This eSIM activation method requires you to contact your wireless carrier for eSIM information. After you get the information, follow these steps:

Step 1. Open Settings > Cellular > Set Up Cellular or Add eSIM. Tap Use QR Code.

Step 2. Tap Enter Details Manually at the bottom of your screen.

Step 3. Type in the required information and complete setting up eSIM on your iPhone.

How to Transfer Files to New iPhone Effortlessly After eSIM Activation

When you are switching from an Android phone to an iPhone or upgrading to a new iPhone, data transfer is crucial for maintaining your workflow and staying connected with your contacts. EaseUS MobiMover serves as a robust data transfer solution, facilitating seamless migration from Android to iOS or between iOS devices. Its user-friendly interface ensures a straightforward and swift process.

What makes it the best choice to transfer data for iPhone:

• Copy various types of data including contacts, messages, photos, and more
• Transfer data from Android to iOS or vice versa
• Transfer data between iOS devices quickly
• Create iPhone backups and restore them in a single click

Conclusion

When setting up a new iPhone, you can easily add eSIM during the initial setup process. However, if you've already set up your iPhone and now require eSIM activation, this article offers five practical methods to do so. Should you encounter any difficulties in enabling eSIM on your iPhone, don't hesitate to reach out to your carrier for help.

FAQs on How to Activate eSIM on iPhone

As you set up eSIM on your iPhone, you might come across additional questions. Here are some common inquiries about eSIM activation along with their answers.

1. How to check if eSIM is activated on iPhone?

If you can make a phone call on your iPhone without the physical SIM card, eSIM is successfully activated.

2. What to do with the physical SIM card after enabling eSIM on iPhone?

You no longer need the physical SIM card for cellular connection after activating eSIM on your iPhone. Take it out from your iPhone and store it safely, as you may need it in the future.