How to activate and set up an eSIM on an iPhone in 2024
Many owners of Apple smartphones are aware that the latest models of iPhones use eSIM technology, which will be the next stage in the development of mobile communications.
Conventional SIM cards and their “micro” and “nano” reincarnations have long been obsolete. It is inconvenient, by modern standards, to register them, and they are not practical and can often fail.
But how can you activate and configure eSIM on an iPhone in 2024 and enjoy all the benefits of virtual eSIM cards? Let’s consider the question in this article.
An eSIM is a special electronic or embedded SIM card that contains all the necessary information for the correct identification of the client by the mobile operator.
It is worth noting that without a SIM card, services cannot verify users, and therefore operators will not provide access to their services.
The main feature of eSIM technology is that it does not have to be inserted into the phone — it is already built into the mobile device.
All modern iPhones have a special integrated circuit board that performs the functions of a regular SIM card. Therefore, owners of Apple smartphones do not have to install a separate card. Instead, you can simply activate the eSIM.
How to set up and use an eSIM on an iPhone
To configure an eSIM, you need to scan the QR code or download the operator’s application, for example eSIM Plus, which provides the ability to connect an eSIM or enter the data manually.
You can connect the eSIM card as follows:
Step 1: Go to the operator’s website.
Step 2: Enter your data in the application form.
Step 3: Pay for the eSIM connection.
Step 4: Go to “Settings” → “Cellular” → “Add eSIM”
Step 5: Choose “Use QR Code”
Step 6: Before, you’ve received a special QR code, which must be considered a phone.
The number is activated and you can use it!
After a few moments, your eSIM is ready to work: it accepts calls and SMS and allows you to access the internet.
Learn more about how to set up an eSIM on your iPhone here:
Why is an eSIM better than a regular SIM?
Firstly, with the introduction of this technology, manufacturers get a bonus of space inside the devices. It can be used to install other components.
In the iPhone 14 and 15 there are currently just plastic spacers in place of the SIM slot. But it’s early days, and later this area will be put to use (hopefully to further increase the battery or allow memory expansion).
Secondly, to change the eSIM, you do not need to take out the card, since it is digital. Users have the opportunity to quickly change the eSIM and the operator. To do this, you do not need to go to the shop — everything can be done on the go and online.
Owners of gadgets with eSIMs, starting with the iPhone 13, can use two “SIM cards” at the same time, or SIM and eSIM. For example, talking on one and at the same time sitting on the internet. They always work in parallel with each other.
Up to 8 different eSIMs can be installed in the iPhone 15 Pro, and up to 5 in other iPhones.
Thirdly, this SIM cannot be removed from the smartphone. That is, in case of theft there will always be access to it, as long as the towers are in the right zone.
Important advantages of eSIMs for iPhones
In addition to the main advantage — the size of the eSIM module — several other advantages are key:
- Improved reliability
- Increased security
- Ability to connect several numbers to one module at once (up to 5 numbers so far)
- Ease of connecting numbers
- Ability to get online without the need to visit the offices of the telecom operator
- One less hole required in the phone case
eSIM also has disadvantages, so let’s say a few words about those. The main one is a QR code has its limitations — the reading can be performed up to 100 times.
How to find out if a smartphone supports eSIM
Not all mobile phones can support an eSIM. Therefore, before you buy a new iPhone, you need to make sure that it can really work without an external SIM card.
The only proven way to know for sure that a smartphone works with an eSIM is to familiarize yourself with its technical specifications. They should contain all the information about the functions supported by the phone.
Which iPhones support eSIM?
Now eSIM is supported by almost all current models of Apple iWatch, iPhone, and iPad. There is no eSIM in the versions for China and Hong Kong.
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone XR
- iPhone SE (2nd generation and newer)
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 mini
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 mini
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 15
- iPhone 15 Plus
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 16
- iPhone 16 Plus
- iPhone 16 Pro
- iPhone 16 Pro Max
Which iPads support eSIM?
- iPad Pro 11 inches (2018 and newer)
- iPad Pro 12.9 inches (2018 and newer)
- iPad Air 3rd generation (2019 and newer)
- iPad mini (2019 and newer)
- iPad (2019 and newer)
Which Apple Watches support eSIM?
- Series 3
- Series 4
- Series 5
- Apple Watch SE (1st gen)
- Series 6
- Series 7
- Series 8
- Apple Watch SE (2nd gen)
- Ultra
In addition to eSIM, Apple also has its own SIM card. Apple SIM was introduced in 2014.
How to use an eSIM and SIM card at the same time
To switch between an eSIM and an ordinary SIM card, you need to go to the “Settings” menu → “Cellular communication” In the Cellular Data section, you can change the active card, to which your Internet data usage will be applied first.
Also, in the section with tariffs, you can turn on and off the connected digital cards, as well as configure them for further use. The controls are exactly the same as with a regular SIM.
How to transfer an eSIM to a new iPhone
In the new Apple mobile operating system, it is now possible to quickly transfer the configured eSIM from one gadget to another. To do this, you do not have to go to the operator’s office or look for a piece of paper with a QR code issued when connecting the number.
1. Place both smartphones side by side, they must be unlocked with the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules enabled.
2. On the new gadget, go to “Settings” → “Cellular” → “Add eSIM”
3. Select “Transfer From Nearby iPhone”
4. Confirm the transfer request on the second smartphone and enter the confirmation code.
If there is more than one configured eSIM on the old smartphone, the system will prompt you to select the one you need. All that remains is to confirm the transfer and wait a few minutes.
The transferred number will be deleted on the old iPhone and will appear on the new one.
Conclusion
eSIMs have important advantages over regular SIM cards — the user is more mobile and does not have the headache of choosing from all kinds of plans from different operators.
Apple has entered the future and now provides its users the opportunity to use an eSIM. It would be foolish not to take advantage of all the advantages, especially since setting up eSIM on an iPhone is easier than ever.
