How to Use an eSIM on Your iPhone?
Michael Harbour
January 7, 2024 22:53
eSIM Guide
How to Use an eSIM Card on Your iPhone? #
Setting up an eSIM iPhone contract is fairly straightforward, provided your carrier offers it. Most importantly, it allows you to run multiple plans on your phone simultaneously, which can benefit business owners.
In this article, we’ll cover how to check eSIM iPhone compatibility and how to use an eSIM card on your iPhone.
Check if Your iPhone is eSIM Compatible and Carrier Unlocked #
Unsurprisingly, the best place to start is to check whether your iPhone can take an eSIM card. This is pretty easy because compatibility is built into the following models:
- iPhone XR, XS, XS Max
- iPhone 11, Pro, Pro Max
- iPhone 12, Mini, Pro, Pro Max
- iPhone 13, Mini, Pro, Pro Max
In short, you can set up dual SIM on your iPhone if your model is an iPhone XR or later. If you’re unsure what model you have, look for its A number on the back and then check it on Apple’s list.
The next step is to check if your iPhone is carrier unlocked. You can do this by:
- Opening your phone’s Settings.
- Tap General and About.
- Find Carrier Unlock.
- If it says No SIM Restrictions, your phone is unlocked.
It’s possible to do this on an iPhone with no SIM inserted, as it doesn’t require any connectivity to check. Of course, you can still set up an eSIM iPhone contract if your phone has SIM restrictions. It’ll just have to be with your current carrier.
How to Use eSIM on Your iPhone #
You can use an eSIM as a dual SIM on your iPhone or your only SIM. Either way, the steps for activating an eSIM plan are the same. The only difference is that if it’s your dual SIM, you’ll need to switch between them manually.
Here’s how to set up a cell plan with an eSIM on an iPhone.
- Contact the carrier of your choice and buy a plan for an eSIM only.
- The carrier will provide you with a QR code, either physically or digitally.
- Scan it using your iPhone’s camera, and a notification will appear.
- Tap Continue to open a web page.
- Tap Add Mobile Data Plan and follow the steps provided.
You’ll need to be connected to a WiFi network to do this if you don’t have a physical SIM in your iPhone.
The steps are the same if you’re setting up a dual SIM on an iPhone. To switch to your eSIM on iPhone 13 or earlier, do the following:
- Tap Settings and select Cellular Data.
- Tap your chosen SIM and select Turn On This Line.
- You can label the plans as Primary, Secondary, Business, etc.
Why Should I Use an eSIM Card? #
Using an eSIM on your iPhone has numerous benefits. Whereas in the past, you’d have one or two SIM card iPhone 7 plans, you can have up to 5 eSIMs on your phone.
The benefits from this include:
- They’re easier to activate than normal SIMs.
- Due to them being digital, they’re generally more secure.
- You can change providers more easily.
- You can quickly switch between accounts and networks (better for business owners using their phones).
In short, using an eSIM iPhone account gives you much greater flexibility than a physical SIM card. This is great for businesses because it means you don’t need to carry around several phones all the time!
Where Can I Get an eSIM? #
Roamify will soon launch its eSIM services for travel in the US, Canada, and the EU. Switching between regional providers will make it easy, meaning you don’t need to buy new phones every time you travel!
Until then, here are a few companies that offer eSIM for iPhones.
AT&T #
AT&T allows you to set up dual SIM on your iPhone, one of which is an eSIM. Unsurprisingly, the company expects you to have a physical SIM plan, which isn’t strictly necessary. You can choose whatever eSIM carrier you want if your phone is unlocked.
Verizon #
Verizon offers services for dual SIM on iPhones and for eSIM-only plans. These are mainly aimed at customers whose phones don’t have a physical SIM, which doesn’t cover iPhones. Of course, nothing stops you from setting up an eSIM plan with them.
These companies are for the US only. Luckily, Apple has a handy list of eSIM providers worldwide, so check it out to see what’s available in your country.
T-Mobile #
It probably comes as no surprise that T-Mobile offers eSIM plans. You can get prepaid or monthly contracts to suit your needs, giving you greater flexibility over usage.
FAQs #
Is Traveling with eSIM a Good Idea? #
An eSIM iPhone is useful for traveling if you regularly move across borders. You can either set up a new eSIM plan in each country (if you’re there for a while) or use an international eSIM carrier. The latter typically offers prepaid data plans that’ll carry across borders.
How Much Does it Cost for an eSIM? #
There’s no real set cost for an eSIM plan, as it depends on the amount of data and plan length. For example, you could pay as little as $4 for a few days or $40 or more for a regular monthly plan. There are options to suit all needs, so research online.
Related eSIM destination plans
Frequently asked questions
- What will I learn in How to Use an eSIM on Your iPhone??
- You will learn how eSIM activation works, how to compare data plans, and which setup steps matter most before and during your trip.
- How do I choose the right eSIM plan for Japan?
- Match your plan to trip length, expected daily data use, hotspot needs, and network quality in your destination. Short stays usually need less data, while remote work and video calls need more.
- Where can I buy travel eSIM plans for Japan and Thailand?
- Use the destination links in this guide to go directly to Roamify country pages, compare plan options, and complete checkout before departure.