How to Set Up an eSIM on iPhone or Convert Your Physical SIM (2026)

An eSIM is a digital SIM built into the iPhone. No card to insert: your carrier activates your line remotely. US iPhones since iPhone 14 are eSIM-only, and more and more carriers worldwide support it.

Advantages

• No SIM card to lose or damage.
• Several eSIMs can be stored, with two active at the same time on recent iPhones.
• Ideal for travel: buy a local data eSIM online before landing.
• A thief cannot simply remove the SIM.

Check that your carrier supports eSIM

Ask your carrier or check its website. In many countries, the main carriers offer eSIM, sometimes only in their shops.

Method 1: QR code from the carrier

1. Connect to Wi-Fi.
2. Open Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM (or Add Cellular Plan).
3. Choose Use QR Code and scan the code provided by the carrier.
4. Label the line (Primary, Business, Travel...).

Method 2: Convert a physical SIM to eSIM

If your carrier supports it: Settings > Cellular > tap your line > Convert to eSIM. Otherwise, the carrier converts it in shop or via its app.

Method 3: Transfer to a new iPhone

During setup of a new iPhone, choose Transfer from Nearby iPhone for your eSIM, or later in Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Transfer From Nearby iPhone. Some carriers require a new QR code. See new iPhone setup guide.

Use two lines

In Settings > Cellular, choose the default line for calls, messages and data, and allow Cellular Data Switching if you want the iPhone to use the other line when coverage is weak.

Before erasing or restoring an iPhone

When you erase the iPhone, iOS asks whether to keep or delete the eSIM. Keep it if you will use the same iPhone. If it disappeared after a restore, ask your carrier for a new QR code. Read activation problems after restore.

Problems

• "No Service" with eSIM: No Service fixes.
• Carrier-locked iPhone: the eSIM of another carrier is refused.
• China mainland models: eSIM support is limited: regional differences.

Official reference: Apple Support (iPhone).