You can install multiple eSIM profiles on an iPhone that supports eSIM. If your iPhone is unlocked, you can subscribe to several mobile data plans.
What you need
- An iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR or later
- A wireless network provider that supports eSIM
eSIM on iPhone is not offered in mainland China. In Hong Kong and Macao, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation) and iPhone XS feature eSIM. Find out about using Dual SIM with two nano-SIM cards in mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao.
How to set up an eSIM
If you purchased an iPhone 13 model or an iPhone SE (3rd generation) from an Apple Retail Store or Apple Online Store in the United States, your iPhone won't arrive with a SIM card installed. To activate your iPhone, turn it on, connect to a Wi-Fi network and follow the onscreen instructions.
Otherwise, if you do need to set up an eSIM, you can scan the QR code your network provider gave you, use your network provider's iPhone app, install an assigned plan, enter the information manually or transfer an eSIM from your previous iPhone:
Scan a QR code
- Open the Camera app and scan your QR code.
- When the Mobile Data Plan Detected notification appears, tap it.
- Tap Continue, at the bottom of the screen.
- Tap Add Mobile Data Plan.
If you're asked to enter a confirmation code to activate the eSIM, enter the number that your network provider gave you.
Install an assigned mobile data plan
With iOS 13 and later, some network providers can assign a mobile data plan for you to install. Contact your network provider for more information.
If a plan was assigned to you, follow these steps:
- When a notification appears that says Provider Mobile Data Plan Ready to Be Installed, tap it.
- In the Settings app, tap Provider Mobile Data Plan Ready to Be Installed.
- Tap Continue, at the bottom of the screen.
- Make a call on your iPhone to check its mobile data connectivity. If you can't make a call, contact your network provider.
- If the plan you activated replaces the plan on your physical SIM, remove your physical SIM.
If you're asked to "Transfer Mobile Data Plan" while setting up your iPhone, find out how to transfer your eSIM.
Use a network provider's app
- Go to the App Store and download your network provider's app.
- Use the app to purchase a mobile data plan.
Enter the information manually
If necessary, you can enter your plan information manually. To enter your plan information manually, follow these steps:
- Go to Settings.
- Tap either Cellular or Mobile Data.
- Tap Add Mobile Data Plan.
- Tap Enter Details Manually, at the bottom of your iPhone screen.
Transfer an eSIM from your previous iPhone
To transfer an eSIM to your new iPhone, you can scan the QR code your network provider gave you, use your network provider's iPhone app or install an assigned mobile data plan. When your mobile data plan is activated on your new iPhone, the plan on your previous iPhone will deactivate.
Find out how to transfer your eSIM (during or after setup).
If you can't set up an eSIM
- Make sure network provider or network providers support eSIM.
- Open Control Centre: Swipe down from the top right-hand corner of the screen. Then make sure your network provider appears in the status bar. If not, try turning Airplane Mode on and off.
- Go to Settings > General > About and look for any numbers under EID. If there are no numbers, contact Apple Support.
- If you still can't set up your eSIM, contact your network provider.
Erase your eSIM
If you need to erase your eSIM, follow these steps:
- Go to Settings.
- Tap either Cellular or Mobile Data.
- Tap the plan you want to erase.
- Tap Remove Mobile Data Plan.
If you erase all content and settings from your iPhone, you can choose to erase your eSIM as well or keep it. If you want to cancel your mobile data plan, you still need to contact your provider.