How to set up an eSIM on iPhone
If you purchased an iPhone 13 model from an Apple Retail Store or Apple Online Store in the United States, your iPhone won’t arrive with a SIM card installed.
How to set up an eSIM on iPhone
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.
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.
