How to Activate an eSIM on an iPhone?

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Are you an iPhone owner who’s still using physical SIM cards in 2026? 

Then you’re missing out on the convenience of eSIMs. 

They are more than just a digital version of physical SIM cards. eSIMs transform the way you switch between operators. 

What was once a recommended option for tourists is now being preferred by everyone. 

If you’re an iPhone user who’d like to migrate to an eSIM, we are here to help. This blog discusses the different ways to activate an eSIM on an iPhone. We’ve also covered some basics about eSIMs and some essential troubleshooting tips. Head right in! 

What is an eSIM? 

eSIM is short for Embedded Subscriber Identity Module. As the name suggests, it is a SIM card that comes embedded into your device. 

Since the SIM is already in the device, you only have to activate it. This is done by purchasing an eSIM plan from an operator of your choice. 

Once your iPhone eSIM has been activated, you can start using the call, text, and data benefits associated with your plan, just like a physical SIM card. 

But why should you choose an eSIM for your iPhone when a physical SIM card does the trick? 

You will find the answer in the next section. 

Why Should You Choose an eSIM for Your iPhone? 

You might find yourself asking this question, especially if you’ve been using a physical SIM card on your iPhone for all your life. 

Well, here are some reasons why you should switch to an eSIM for your iPhone: 

• Easy Activation: eSIMs can be activated by simply scanning a QR code anytime, anywhere. You don’t have to fiddle with the SIM ejector tool or wait for a SIM card to arrive. 
• Multiple Lines on One Device: An iPhone can store over 8 eSIM profiles. You can have up to two lines active at the same time, depending on the model. This makes it easy to switch between lines as per your convenience. 
• eSIMs Cannot be Lost/Misplaced: eSIMs are embedded in an iPhone during manufacture. This makes it invulnerable to dust, physical damage, and impact from moisture. You also cannot lose or misplace an eSIM. 
• More Secure: The risk of SIM swapping is practically non-existent with eSIMs. As everything is digital, suspending/blocking an eSIM in a stolen iPhone is also easy. 
• Environmentally Friendly: There is no plastic construction, paper packaging, or logistical resources related to eSIMs. This makes an eSIM an eco-friendly alternative to physical SIM cards. 

What Do You Need to Activate an eSIM on an iPhone? 

Before we look at how you can activate an eSIM on your iPhone, let’s first take a look at the essentials you’ll need. 

Make sure you have everything in the list below. 

• An eSIM-compatible iPhone that is not locked to a carrier. 
• A stable internet connection. 
• The eSIM activation QR code. 

How to Check Whether Your iPhone is Compatible with eSIMs 

Compatibility is hardly an issue with iPhones. All iPhones released after the iPhone XS and XR (including these models) are compatible with eSIMs. You usually get one physical SIM card slot and one eSIM. 

If you’re still having doubts, then here’s how you can check whether your iPhone supports eSIMs. 

Head to Settings>Cellular. If you see the Add eSIM option, then your iPhone is compatible with eSIMs. 

If your iPhone was purchased outside the US, then the Cellular option might be replaced with “Mobile Service” or “Mobile Data.” 

How to Check Whether Your iPhone is Carrier-Locked 

This can be a problem if your iPhone was purchased along with a mobile plan from a network provider. In such cases, you will be unable to use any other operator than the one the iPhone was purchased with. 

Follow the steps below to check whether your iPhone is carrier locked: 

1. Open the Settings app. 
2. Tap General. 
3. Tap About. 
4. Find the Carrier Lock/Network Provider Lock option. 

If you see a No SIM Restrictions message, then you can use an eSIM on your iPhone from other operators. 

However, if you see a SIM Locked or Carrier Locked message, or the name of a certain carrier, then you cannot activate a new eSIM on your iPhone. Contact the customer support of your current operator for assistance. 

How to Activate an eSIM on an iPhone? 

Now that you know about all the essentials required, let’s look at how you can activate an eSIM on an iPhone. 

Two of the three methods involve your phone camera. So make sure you’ve cleaned the lens for the activation process to proceed smoothly. 

Also, connect your iPhone to a stable internet connection, either Wi-Fi or cellular data, before you start the process.  

Activate via Camera 

Here’s how you can activate an eSIM on an iPhone using the Camera app. 

Step 1: Open the Camera app. The iPhone’s Code Scanner app works as well. 

Step 2: Focus the camera on the activation QR code sent by your mobile operator. Click on the link to initiate eSIM activation. 

Step 3: Follow the prompts to complete the process. 

If you don’t have a second device, then you can simply save the QR code as an image. Head to your Gallery and long-press the image for the option to access the link in the QR code. 

Activate via Settings 

This method uses the camera as well. But you will be heading to the Settings app to use it. Here’s how it’s done. 

Step 1: Open the Settings app. 

Step 2: Tap Cellular. 

Step 3: Tap Add eSIM. 

Step 4: Tap Use QR Code. 

Step 5: Tap Scan QR Code. 

Step 6: Scan the QR code sent by your mobile operator. Click on the link and follow the prompts to activate the eSIM on your iPhone.  

Manual Activation 

Use this method if you’re running into issues with the first two methods. 

Here’s how you can manually activate an eSIM on an iPhone without using the camera. 

Step 1: Open the Settings app. 

Step 2: Tap Cellular. 

Step 3: Tap Add eSIM. 

Step 4: Tap Use QR Code. 

Step 5: Tap Scan QR Code. 

Step 6: Tap Enter Details Manually. 

Step 7: Enter the SM-DP+ Address, the Activation Code, and the Confirmation Code. You can find this information in the email from your mobile provider. 

Step 8: Tap Next and follow the prompts that appear on the screen to complete the eSIM activation process. 

In addition to these three methods, some operators may request that you install their app to activate an eSIM on your iPhone. 

How to Check Whether Your iPhone eSIM is Activated 

Normally, you’d receive a text message from your mobile operator informing you that your line is active along with other details like your phone number and the name of the plan. 

If that’s not the case, here are a few ways to check whether the eSIM is active on your iPhone. 

• Look at the status bar (top of the screen). If the signal bars refresh and you see the operator’s name, then your eSIM has been activated. 
• Turn off Wi-Fi and enable mobile data. Then try visiting any website. If you can access the website, then your iPhone eSIM is activated with your chosen mobile plan. 
• Navigate to Settings>General>About. If the network and carrier name fields are filled in, then your eSIM is functioning as it should. 
• Head to Settings>Cellular. Scroll down and you’ll find all lines active on the iPhone. If the Turn On This Line slider is enabled for the operator you activated, then your eSIM is functioning. 

Common Issues During iPhone eSIM Installation and their Solutions 

Although you won’t face an issue 9 out of 10 times, things might occasionally go haywire. 

Given below are some of the common issues that you might face when activating an eSIM on an iPhone and what you can do about them. 

• Add eSIM option unavailable/grayed out: This usually happens if your iPhone doesn’t support eSIMs, has an outdated operating system, or is carrier-locked. You could try updating your iOS or reaching out to your current mobile operator. 
• Unable to scan QR code: This might be because the QR code has expired or there is an issue with your camera. Reach out to your operator for a new QR code. As for the camera, consider increasing screen brightness or wiping the lens and trying again. 
• Activation process stops midway: The common culprit for this is a dodgy internet connection. Ensure you’re connected to a stable internet connection before initiating the process. A delay in carrier provisioning might also be a reason for this. 
• No space for additional eSIMs: This happens because you have reached the limit for the number of eSIMs that can be stored in an iPhone. Consider deleting an inactive eSIM to make room for the new one. 

The Best Prepaid eSIMs for Your iPhone 

If you’re upgrading your iPhone with an eSIM, why not choose a new operator as well? 

One of the world’s largest MVNOs, Lyca Mobile has some amazing eSIM plans for iPhones. Here are Lyca Mobile’s pocket-friendly prepaid plans. 

You don’t have to go through the hassle of getting a new number. You can also buy one of these plans without changing your number. Purchase a plan and visit the Switch to Lyca page to get started. 

Final Thoughts 

In most cases, activating an eSIM on an iPhone should go without much trouble. Just make sure your iPhone has the latest updates and that you are connected to a stable internet connection before attempting to install an eSIM. 

If your iPhone supports an eSIM, then you should consider an upgrade. The benefits it offers are too hard to ignore. 

So get a plan from Lyca Mobile and enjoy your new eSIM. Since everything is online, you only need an internet connection and a compatible iPhone to get one. Switch to Lyca Mobile today!