How to activate eSIM on iPhone: QR code, manual and carrier app steps

An eSIM lets you add a phone plan to your iPhone without a physical SIM card. The plan is installed with a code, and the usual way takes less than five minutes. This guide shows the three common ways to activate one: scanning a QR code, entering the details by hand, and using your carrier’s app. It also covers what to check first and what to do when the eSIM refuses to activate. Menu names may differ slightly by iOS version and carrier, so follow the instructions from your carrier if they differ.

What do you need before you activate an eSIM?

• An iPhone that supports eSIM: iPhone XS, XR and newer. See which iPhones support eSIM.
• An unlocked iPhone for plans from a different carrier: if the phone is locked, it can only use eSIMs from its own carrier. Check with checking whether your phone is unlocked.
• The activation details: a QR code, or an SM-DP+ address and activation code, or a link in the carrier’s app.
• An internet connection: Wi-Fi is best. Some carriers also need a strong mobile connection.
• Your iPhone updated: install the latest iOS if the eSIM option is missing or fails.

How do you activate an eSIM with a QR code?

How do you enter eSIM details manually?

If you do not have a QR code, or the camera cannot scan it, tap Enter Details Manually at the bottom of the scan screen. Type the SM-DP+ address and the activation code exactly as your carrier gave them, and the confirmation code if one is provided. Copy and paste from the email if you can, because one wrong character will fail. Then tap Next and wait for the plan to download.

How do you activate an eSIM from your carrier’s app?

Many carriers, including Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile, let you set up an eSIM from their own app or website, so you do not scan anything. Download the carrier’s app, sign in, choose to add or switch to an eSIM and follow the prompts. When it asks, allow the app to add the plan to your iPhone. The steps are carrier-specific, so use the screens in the app. Some carriers also support a quick transfer from another iPhone, as described in transferring an eSIM to a new iPhone.

How long does activation take?

Most eSIMs activate in seconds. Some carriers need a few minutes to switch your number or enable the plan on their side. If it stays on Activating for more than about ten minutes, keep the iPhone on Wi-Fi, restart it and check Settings › Cellular for the plan. If it still does not work, ask the carrier to confirm that the eSIM profile is ready and not used on another device.

Why does the eSIM fail to activate?

• The phone is locked: a locked iPhone cannot use another carrier’s eSIM. See using an eSIM on a locked iPhone.
• The code was used already: a QR code usually works once. Ask for a new one.
• No internet: move to a stronger Wi-Fi network.
• Wrong details: retype the SM-DP+ address and the code carefully.
• An old iOS version: update the phone and try again.

How do you use an eSIM when you travel?

Install the travel eSIM before you leave, or when you land on Wi-Fi. Open Settings › Cellular, tap the travel plan and turn on Data Roaming for that line only. Choose it for Cellular Data, and keep your home line for calls and texts if you want to receive them. Turn the home line’s data roaming off to avoid charges. Our guide to using your phone in Europe has trip details.

What if the number shows Unknown after activation?

This is usually a display issue, not a failed activation. Test a call, a text and mobile data. If they work, you can type the number in manually. See iPhone eSIM showing Unknown number for steps.

Is an eSIM safe to use?

Yes. An eSIM cannot be removed from a stolen phone the way a SIM card can, which helps with theft. Keep your carrier PIN private and be careful with texts asking for activation codes. If someone calls and asks you to share an eSIM code, hang up. Our guide to SIM swap scams explains how criminals try to take over numbers.

Quick checklist

How do you set the default line for calls and data?

Open Settings › Cellular. Under Cellular Plans you can tap Default Voice Line to choose which line makes calls and Cellular Data to choose which line uses mobile data. You can also label each plan, for example Home, Work or Travel. With two lines, the iPhone can show a call from either one, and you can pick a line each time you call by tapping the line name in Phone.

Can you have more than one eSIM on an iPhone?

Yes. An iPhone can store several eSIMs, though how many can be active at the same time depends on the model. Newer iPhones can use two lines at once. If you add a travel eSIM and want to keep your home number active for texts, leave your main line on and turn data roaming off for it, as described above.

How do you turn off or delete an eSIM?

Open Settings › Cellular, tap the plan and switch off Turn On This Line to pause it, or tap Delete eSIM to remove it. Deleting removes the plan from the iPhone, and you may need a new QR code from the carrier to add it again, so only delete it when you are sure. This matters if you sell or trade in the phone, as covered in how to trade in a phone.

Can you convert a physical SIM to an eSIM?

Many carriers let you convert a physical SIM to an eSIM on the same iPhone. Open Settings › Cellular and look for Convert to eSIM, or ask the carrier to do it from their app. Not every carrier or plan supports conversion, so check with yours first. After the conversion, the physical SIM stops working, and you can remove it.

What do the big US carriers do differently?

Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile all support eSIM on recent iPhones and let you start from their app, their website or a store. Prepaid brands often email a QR code. The steps in this guide stay the same, and the carrier tells you whether to scan, enter details or tap a link. If you are switching carriers and want to keep your number, see how to get a number transfer PIN.

• Your iPhone supports eSIM and is unlocked for the carrier.
• You have a QR code or the SM-DP+ details, and Wi-Fi.
• You added the plan under Settings › Cellular › Add eSIM.
• You labeled the line and chose which one is used for data.
• You turned Data Roaming on only for the travel line.