How to set up and activate eSIM on iPhone in 2025

In this article, we will tell you how a virtual card works, how to set up and activate an eSIM on an iPhone. You will learn how to check if your smartphone supports eSIM and where to find it.

Which iPhones support eSIM

A virtual eSIM card is an analog of a physical SIM card that operates like an NFC chip. Before you activate eSIM on an iPhone, you need to make sure that your smartphone supports the use of a virtual SIM card.

iPhone models compatible with eSIM:

• XR, XS, XS Max, SE (2020 and 2022);
• 11: Pro, Pro Max;
• 12: Pro, Pro Max, mini;
• 13: Pro, Pro Max, mini;
• 14: Plus, Pro, Pro Max;
• 15: Plus, Pro, Pro Max;
• 16: Plus, Pro, Pro Max.

The operating system on smartphones must be updated to 14.1 version or later. Depending on the model, device type and service provider, you can connect about 20 different tariff plans at the same time.

Also, be aware that some iPhone models imported from China, especially from mainland China, may not support eSIM. This mainly concerns models manufactured in China with two SIM card slots. And if a smartphone was purchased in Turkey, it must be reset to factory settings.

How to set up eSIM to iPhone: instructions

Before setting up eSIM on an iPhone, check if your device has no restrictions on the use of a digital SIM card. To do this, go to the main settings, then to the section «About this device» and «Block by the operator». If information is displayed that there are no restrictions, you can proceed with the set up.

If the set up is blocked, you should contact the service provider where you purchased the smartphone and request the removal of the restriction. There are three ways to turn on eSIM on an iPhone: through a QR code, operator software, or manually.

Via QR code

• Activate the camera, point it at the QR code so that the device scans it.
• When a notification pops up with information that a new cellular plan is found, tap on it.
• Click on «Continue» at the bottom of the display and then on «Add Cellular Plan».
• the mobile provider requires confirmation, an activation code will be sent to the smartphone, which must be written in a special line.

Through operator software

• Go to the App Store and search for your carrier's software.
• Download and install it on your smartphone.
• Run the program and follow the instructions that will be displayed on the screen.

When using the Yesim application, you can proceed with the installation from the official website. There you can also get information about the prices for 130 countries, select and connect the needed tariff plan.

Manually

• Contact your mobile operator and let them know that you would like to connect an eSIM.
• After you get the required information, go to the settings menu .
• Find the cellular (mobile) data configuration section.
• Scroll through the list until you find the option to add another plan.
• Select «Add cellular tariff» and tap on manual input at the very bottom of the display to start the installation.
• Enter the information provided by the mobile operator.

If a user already had a prepaid virtual SIM card on the iPhone, but bought a new model, it’s possible to transfer theeSIM plan to another device.

After a virtual SIM card is installed, you need to activate it in the smartphone settings. If eSIM is used for roaming, it is recommended to turn it on after crossing the border. When activated in the country of residence, a virtual eSIM will be used instead of a physical SIM card from a mobile operator.

Read also: How to transfer eSIM to another phone or new iPhone

How to activate eSIM on iPhone

• Open the settings menu and go to the cellular data section.
• Find your eSIM plan.
• Activate the "Enable" option for this line.
• Check your network connection and internet access.

As you can see, activating eSIM on the iPhone is done in several stages. If eSIM won't connect, check the instructions provided by your carrier. In some cases, additional settings may be required in the Cellular Data Network section.

Users who are dealing with a virtual SIM card for the first time may be interested in how to make a call using an iPhone with eSIM. You will not be able to contact a subscriber using eSIM in a standard dialing number way, as eSIM is developed for Internet traffic. This is one of the main differences between eSIM and SIM.

You can call and send messages via the Internet in any program that supports such functions. Skype, Instagram, WhatsApp, Telegram, Discord and many others are suitable for video and voice calls.

Read also: SIM vs eSIM: what are the differences and which is better

In case when there is a need for outgoing and incoming calls using a standard SIM card, you can connect it in the settings. It is also possible to program the preferred connection option for a specific number. To do this, you need to select a subscriber and a phone number that will be used to contact him using a convenient tariff.

Earn €5 for you and €5 for friend!

Invite friends and receive bonuses on purchasesLearn more

Using eSIM has financial benefits when traveling abroad. In addition, digital SIM cards also have several other advantages:

• an eSIM, unlike a standard SIM card, cannot be broken or lost;
• to connect another operator, you do not need to re-install the chip, just move the slider in the settings;
• eSIM allows you to use several tariffs for different purposes, for example, the main number, for business contacts, with unlimited Internet and for trips abroad.

Seamless mobile internet in 200+ countries –– at a cup of coffee price! Take away!

Take away!