How to Activate an eSIM on iPhone

You can activate an eSIM on a compatible iPhone during initial setup or later in Settings. The exact option shown depends on your iPhone, iOS version and mobile provider. Do not delete or discard the existing SIM until the new line can make calls, receive messages and use mobile data.

Before you start

• Check that the exact iPhone model supports eSIM in the region where it was sold.
• Confirm that the mobile provider and your specific plan support eSIM.
• Update iOS and connect the iPhone to reliable Wi-Fi.
• Keep the old phone and old SIM available if you are transferring an existing number.
• Save recovery codes for accounts that rely on SMS or an authenticator app.
• Have the provider's QR code, app login or transfer instructions ready.

Apple's menus and transfer requirements change over time. Follow the wording shown on your current iPhone rather than forcing a path written for an older version of iOS.

Method 1: follow the setup prompt

If the provider has assigned an eSIM to a new iPhone, the phone may offer to download it during setup. Connect to Wi-Fi, follow the mobile-service prompts and wait for activation to finish before continuing.

If you are replacing another iPhone, keep both devices nearby with Bluetooth on. A supported provider may offer to transfer the line from the old iPhone. Confirm the request on the old device and leave both phones connected until the new line activates.

Method 2: add the eSIM in Settings

1. Open Settings.
2. Open the section for mobile or cellular service shown on your version of iOS.
3. Tap Add eSIM or the equivalent setup option.
4. Choose the method supplied by the provider: transfer from a nearby iPhone, scan a QR code, use a provider app or enter details manually.
5. Follow the onscreen instructions and wait for the mobile plan to activate.

If the provider supplied a QR code, display it on another screen or on paper so the iPhone can scan it. Do not share the code. Many provider-issued QR codes can be used only once.

Method 3: convert a physical SIM

Some providers allow an active physical SIM to be converted to eSIM from the iPhone's settings or their app. The option appears only when the provider, plan and device support it.

During a successful conversion, the physical SIM stops providing service when the eSIM activates. Leave the card in place until the iPhone confirms the new plan is active, then test the line before removing the card.

Choose the correct defaults

When two lines are installed, iPhone asks how they should be used. Give each line a clear label, such as Personal, Work, UK or Travel, then check:

• the default line for outgoing calls;
• the number used for new message conversations;
• the line selected for mobile data; and
• whether mobile-data switching should be allowed.

For travel, do not enable automatic data switching without understanding the roaming consequences on the UK line.

Verify the activation

1. Check that the correct provider name and line appear in Settings.
2. Turn off Wi-Fi and open a web page using mobile data.
3. Make an ordinary test call to a non-emergency number.
4. Send and receive a normal text message if the plan includes SMS.
5. Ask someone to call the number, or use another phone, to confirm incoming calls.
6. Check that banking and other important services can still receive the expected verification method.

Never use 999 or 112 to test an eSIM. Those numbers are for genuine emergencies. If you accidentally place an emergency call, do not simply hang up; tell the call handler that the call was accidental.

If activation does not work

The QR code is rejected

Check that the code belongs to the correct account and has not already been used. Try displaying it on another device at full brightness. If it has expired or was consumed by an earlier attempt, ask the provider for a replacement rather than repeatedly scanning it.

The line appears but there is no service

Restart the iPhone, confirm that the line is turned on and check whether a carrier-settings or iOS update is available. If the provider shows no activation on its side, contact the provider before deleting the profile.

The phone is locked

UK mobile companies have been prohibited from selling locked handsets since 17 December 2021. Older, used, imported or previously supplied devices may still need checking. On iPhone, review the current carrier-lock information in Settings and confirm with the original provider if necessary.

You cannot transfer from the old iPhone

Direct transfer is not available for every provider or software combination. Use the provider's replacement-eSIM process if the transfer option is missing. Do not erase the old iPhone until the number is working on the new one.

Before removing the old SIM or phone

• Confirm calls, messages and mobile data on the new eSIM.
• Confirm that the correct telephone number is shown.
• Check access to email, banking and two-factor authentication.
• Keep the provider's recovery route available in case service drops later.
• Only then remove the physical SIM, erase the old iPhone or delete the old profile.