Adding an eSIM to your iPhone takes under five minutes regardless of your model. Apple introduced eSIM support with the iPhone XS in 2018, and every iPhone since then includes the feature. Starting with the U.S. iPhone 14, Apple removed the physical SIM tray entirely, making eSIM the only option.
This guide walks through every method: QR code scanning, carrier app installation, and Quick Transfer between iPhones.
Step-by-step instructions
- 1
Open the eSIM settings on your iPhone
Go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM. On iPhones running iOS 16 or earlier, the option reads 'Add Cellular Plan' instead. If you do not see this option, your iPhone may be carrier-locked or running outdated software.
Update to the latest iOS version first via Settings > General > Software Update. The Add eSIM screen presents multiple options: 'Use QR Code,' 'Transfer from Nearby iPhone,' and carrier-specific options if your device was purchased from a carrier.
Tip: On iPhone 17 and 16 Pro models, the Add eSIM option sits directly under Settings > Cellular without needing an extra tap.
- 2
Scan the QR code from your provider
Tap 'Use QR Code' and point your iPhone camera at the QR code displayed on another screen (laptop, printed email, or another phone). The phone detects it automatically. The carrier profile download is small at 50KB to 200KB, completing in 15 to 30 seconds on any stable connection.
After the download finishes, your iPhone asks you to label the new line. Choose from preset labels like 'Travel,' 'Business,' or 'Personal,' or type a custom name. Labels help you identify each line in Settings later.
Tip: If the camera cannot read the QR code, tap 'Enter Details Manually' at the bottom. Type the SM-DP+ address and activation code from your provider's email.
- 3
Configure your line preferences
After scanning, iOS asks you to choose defaults for calls, messages, and cellular data. For a travel eSIM, set the new plan as your 'Cellular Data' line while keeping your home SIM for calls and iMessage. Turn off 'Allow Cellular Data Switching' to prevent fallback to your primary line's roaming rates.
This setting is in Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data. For home carrier eSIMs replacing a physical SIM, set the eSIM as default for everything.
Tip: You can change line assignments anytime in Settings > Cellular without removing the eSIM.
- 4
Verify the eSIM is active
Return to Settings > Cellular. Your new line should appear with a carrier name or 'Roaming' label and signal bars. Turn off Wi-Fi and load a webpage in Safari to confirm data flows through the eSIM.
If the line shows 'No Service,' toggle Airplane Mode on for 10 seconds, then off. For travel eSIMs installed before your trip, 'No Service' is normal until you arrive at your destination country.
Frequently asked questions
How many eSIMs can an iPhone hold?
iPhones store up to eight eSIM profiles on the embedded chip. You can have two lines active at the same time. The remaining profiles stay dormant and can be activated by toggling them on in Settings > Cellular. U.S. iPhone 14 and later models support two active eSIMs simultaneously since they have no physical SIM tray.
Does adding an eSIM cost anything extra?
Apple does not charge for adding an eSIM to your iPhone. The cost comes from your eSIM provider or carrier for the data plan itself. Travel eSIM plans start as low as $4.50 for 1GB. If you are converting an existing carrier plan from physical SIM to eSIM, most carriers do not charge a fee for the conversion.
Can I add an eSIM without Wi-Fi?
You need an internet connection to download the eSIM profile, but it does not have to be Wi-Fi. If you have an active cellular connection through a physical SIM or another eSIM, you can use that data connection. The download is small enough that even a slow connection works. Airport Wi-Fi also works, though it can be unreliable.
What iPhone models support eSIM?
Every iPhone from the XS (2018) onward supports eSIM. This includes iPhone XS, XS Max, XR, 11 series, 12 series, 13 series, 14 series, 15 series, 16 series, 17 series, and all SE models from 3rd generation (2022) onward. iPhone X, 8, 7, and earlier do not have eSIM hardware.
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