How to Activate eSIM on iPhone

Woman in green sweater points to green iPhone with eSIM setup screen; text reads “eSIM on iPhone. Quick setup, no fuss.” and button says “Read Now”.

The Apple iPhone leads the smartphone market thanks to its innovation, sleek design, and seamless connectivity. 

As of 2025, there are over 1 billion active iPhones in use worldwide, making it one of the most widely adopted smartphones globally.

With every new model, Apple introduces features that push the limits of what a phone can do.

One major shift has been in how iPhones connect to mobile networks. 

Instead of just relying on traditional SIM cards, newer iPhones now also support eSIM, a built-in, digital alternative to physical SIMs.

If you’re using an iPhone XR, XS, or anything up to the latest iPhone 15, chances are you already have eSIM functionality.

Starting with the iPhone 14, models sold in the United States no longer include a physical SIM slot, making eSIM the only way to connect.

So, it’s no surprise that many iPhone users ask: How do I activate eSIM on iPhone? 

A silver eSIM iPhone, a white stylus, and part of a white tablet are arranged neatly on a dark surface.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know.

You’ll learn how eSIMs work, which iPhones support them, how long activation takes, step-by-step setup instructions, and how to fix common issues.

We’ll also explore why ConnectedYou’s eSIMs are the best choice for iPhone users who want a reliable and flexible eSIM to stay connected on the go.

Let’s get started.

What is eSIM?

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital version of a traditional SIM card that’s built directly into your device. 

Unlike a physical SIM card, you don’t need to insert anything. Instead, the eSIM is installed by downloading an eSIM mobile plan directly to your iPhone.

Once activated, an eSIM connects your iPhone to mobile networks, giving you instant access to mobile data, depending on your plan.

It’s especially useful if you’re an international traveler, a dual-SIM user, don’t have a physical SIM slot, or simply want to avoid the hassle of swapping physical SIM cards when switching carriers or plans.

Related: Beginner’s Guide to eSIM

Does Your iPhone Support eSIM?

Yes, if you’re using an iPhone XR or newer, your device supports eSIM. 

That includes every iPhone from 2018 onwards up to the latest iPhone 16 series. 

Note: iPhone XS and XS Max, which launched just before the XR in 2018, also support eSIM.

Close-up of the back of a black iPhone, showing a triple-lens camera setup in the top corner against a blurred, dark background—perfect iPhone for eSIM setup.

Full list of eSIM-compatible iPhones:

  • iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max

  • iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max

  • iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max

  • iPhone 13, 13 Mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max

  • iPhone 12, 12 Mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max

  • iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max

  • iPhone XS, XS Max, XR

  • iPhone SE (2nd generation and newer)

If your iPhone is on this list, you’re ready to skip the SIM card hassle and activate your eSIM in just a few steps.

You can:

  • Go to Settings > Tap General > Tap About > Scroll to ‘Carrier Lock’ 

If it says ‘No SIM restrictions,’ you’re good to go. 

But if it shows a ‘carrier name’, then your iPhone is carrier locked. This means it will only work with that specific carrier’s SIM unless it’s unlocked.

Related: All eSIM-compatible phones

How Long Does eSIM Take to Activate?

In most cases, eSIM activation on iPhone takes just a few minutes.

Once you scan the QR code, or long-press the QR code, or manually enter the activation details, your iPhone will connect to the mobile network within 1-10 minutes.

However, activation time can also vary depending on your carrier and internet connection.

Note: If activation takes longer than 10–15 minutes, contact your carrier.

Delays usually happen because of a weak internet connection or an issue with your eSIM mobile plan (e.g., not activated yet or there’s a mistake in the setup).

How to Add eSIM to iPhone? 

Young man in denim jacket with a backpack smiling at his iPhone as he completes his eSIM setup.

Adding an eSIM to your iPhone is quick and convenient, whether you’re setting it up before the trip or activating it after arrival.

If your iPhone is compatible, the first step is choosing an eSIM plan.

ConnectedYou’s eSIMs offer a wide range of regional, local, and global data plans tailored specifically for travelers.

Once you purchase a plan, you’ll receive an email with detailed installation steps. We’ve listed them down here as well.

Here’s the process on how to activate your travel eSIM.

Before Departure

When you’re still at home, setting up your eSIM is simple and stress-free. You can easily download and install an eSIM by choosing one of these three methods.

Method 1: Scan a QR code

  • Open the Camera app on your iPhone

  • Point it at the QR code in the email (opened on another device)

  • Tap ‘Mobile Plan’ when prompted

  • Allow activation 

  • Select ‘Activate the eSIM’

Method 2: Long-press QR code 

  • Open the email with your QR code

  • Long-press the QR code until a menu appears

  • Tap ‘Add eSIM’

  • Allow activation 

  • Select ‘Activate the eSIM’

Note: This feature requires iOS 17.4 or later on iPhone. It will not work on earlier iOS versions. 

Method 3: Enter eSIM Details Manually

  • Open Settings > Tap Cellular (or Mobile Service)

  • Tap ‘Add eSIM’ under the SIMs section

  • Choose ‘Use QR Code’

  • Tap ‘Enter Details Manually’ 

  • Copy and paste the SMDP+ address and activation code from your ConnectedYou email.

  • Select ‘Activate the eSIM’

Note: The SMDP+ address (Subscription Manager Data Preparation+) is the server your iPhone contacts to securely download and begin activation of your eSIM profile.

Your eSIM is now ready to use.

Once ConnectedYou eSIM appears in your iPhone’s list of SIMs under the Cellular (or Mobile Service) menu. This means the eSIM is successfully installed and ready to go.

After Arrival

Once you land at your destination, follow these steps to start using your ConnectedYou eSIM:

Enable Your Travel eSIM

  • Open Settings > Tap Cellular (or Mobile Service)

  • Select your ConnectedYou eSIM (listed as business or travel eSIM)

  • Tap ‘Turn on this line’

  • Go back to ConnectedYou eSIM > Enable Data Roaming

  • Scroll down and disable ‘IP Address Tracking’ 

  • Go back to Cellular (or Mobile Service) > Tap ‘Mobile Data’

  • Select ‘ConnectedYou eSIM’

  • Turn off ‘Mobile Data Switching’

Now, you should be able to connect to a local network in your destination.

Why Your eSIM Isn’t Working on iPhone (And How to Fix It)

If your eSIM isn’t showing up or fails to activate, there could be a number of reasons behind it. 

Silver iPhone with dual camera not compatible with eSIM.

Here’s a breakdown of the most common issues and how to fix them:

Issue

Cause

Solution

No Internet Connection

Your iPhone needs internet to set up the eSIM.

Make sure you're connected to Wi-Fi or using mobile data before trying to scan the QR code or enter any details.

Outdated iOS

If your iPhone's software is too old, eSIM might not work properly.

Go to Settings > General > Software Update and install the latest update.

Unsupported iPhone Model or Region

Not all iPhones or regions support eSIM. For example, most models sold in China don’t have eSIM at all.

To check, go to Settings > General > About and look for ‘Digital SIM’ or ‘eSIM.’ If it’s not there, your iPhone might not support eSIM.

QR Code Already Used or Expired

eSIM QR codes are one-time use and expire after activation.

If you get an error like “This code is no longer valid,” contact your eSIM provider (like ConnectedYou) to get a fresh QR code or new activation details.

Carrier Restrictions or Locked Device

If your iPhone is locked to one carrier, it won’t work with other eSIMs.

Go to Settings > General > About > Carrier Lock. It should say ‘No SIM restrictions.’

If it doesn’t, contact your carrier to unlock your phone.

Physical SIM Interference

Having a physical SIM installed can sometimes conflict with eSIM activation.

Remove the physical SIM temporarily and restart your iPhone before retrying eSIM activation.

VPN or Network Apps Causing Issues

VPN apps (like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, or 1.1.1.1) may block eSIM provisioning.

Temporarily disable or delete VPN apps, then reboot and retry activation.

Incorrect Manual Details (SMDP+ or Activation Code)

Typing errors in the server address or activation code when setting up manually.

Copy and paste exact details from your activation email.

APN Settings Need Configuration

Some networks require manual APN updates to access mobile data.

Go to Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Service) > ConnectedYou eSIM  > Mobile Data Network and enter APN settings provided by your carrier.

Data Roaming Is Off

eSIM may not connect if roaming isn’t enabled while abroad.

In Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Service), select your eSIM and turn on Data Roaming.

Toggle eSIM Off and On

Sometimes the eSIM gets stuck because of a small software glitch.

Go to Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Service) > Toggle the eSIM off, wait 10 seconds, then turn it back on.

Restart Your iPhone

Temporary background errors can block eSIM setup.

Power off your iPhone, wait a minute, then restart.

Reset Network Settings

Sometimes your iPhone's saved network settings get messed up and block eSIM activation.

Go to Settings >  General >  Reset >  Reset Network Settings (note: this removes Wi‑Fi passwords).

Activation Stuck (Error Codes)

If you see error codes like 511, 517, or 919, your iPhone might be having trouble setting up the eSIM.

Turn off SIM lock in your carrier account, restart your iPhone, and try again.

If it still fails, delete and reinstall the eSIM or contact support.

eSIM Limit Reached

iPhones can store only up to 8 eSIM profiles.

Remove old or unused eSIMs via Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Service), then retry activation.

Still Not Working? Contact Support

  • Provide your iPhone model, iOS version, IMEI/EID, and error message to Apple or your carrier’s support team.

Why ConnectedYou has the Best eSIM for iPhone Users

ConnectedYou makes travel easy with reliable eSIMs that work seamlessly on all supported iPhones. Here's why it's the best choice:

  • Get your eSIM via email and activate it in minutes; no physical SIM needed.

  • Works with all eSIM-compatible iPhones.

  • Choose from local, regional, or global plans across countries worldwide.

  • Supports mobile hotspot; you can share your connection with other devices.

  • Transparent pricing and cut up to 90% of roaming fees.

  • Use ConnectedYou for data while keeping your home SIM active for calls and messages (supports dual SIM).

  • Friendly customer support is ready to help anytime you need it.

Whether you're a frequent flyer or a first-time traveler, ConnectedYou makes staying connected simple.

Try ConnectedYou’s eSIM today.

 

FAQ

Yes, you can activate an eSIM yourself. Just scan the QR code, or long-press the QR code (iOS 17+) and activate the eSIM. You can also enter details manually through your iPhone’s settings.

Go to Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Service). If your eSIM is listed and shows as “On,” “Connected,” or “Active”, it means it’s installed and ready to use.

You’ll receive the eSIM QR code via email after purchasing a plan from an eSIM provider like ConnectedYou.

Go to Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Service) > Add eSIM, then either scan the QR code, long-press the QR code (iOS 17+), or enter the activation details manually.

Yes, you can. Go to Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Service) > tap your eSIM line, and toggle it on or off anytime.

Yes, activating an eSIM is easy. You just scan a QR code, or long-press a QR code (iOS 17+), or enter details manually, and your iPhone sets it up in minutes.

Yes, you can activate an eSIM immediately, as long as you have internet access and a compatible iPhone.

Yes, eSIM is more convenient than a physical SIM. It’s digital, so there’s no need to insert or remove cards, and you can switch plans or carriers easily; especially useful for travel. It also helps reduce mobile data roaming costs up to 90%.

Need a visual walkthrough?

Check out our complete iPhone eSIM setup guide with images.

It’s the easiest way to activate your eSIM on iPhone.

Get started with your eSIM iPhone setup in minutes.

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