How to Activate Your eSIM on iPhone

How to Activate Your eSIM on iPhone (The Easy Way)

Wondering how to activate an eSIM on iPhone? Whether you’re setting up a new iPhone, upgrading your mobile service, or planning your next trip, eSIM technology makes it easier than ever to stay connected without swapping out a physical SIM card.

With Sim Local, you can install your new eSIM in minutes. No contracts, no roaming charges, and no need to visit a store. Just follow the steps below to activate your plan and enjoy seamless connectivity from the moment your mobile device hits the ground.

What Is an eSIM?

An eSIM (short for embedded SIM) is a digital version of a SIM card that’s built into your device. It gives you access to a mobile network without needing a sim slot or physical card. You can store multiple eSIM profiles on a single device and switch between them as needed, ideal for travellers, remote workers, or anyone juggling more than one number.

This eSIM functionality is supported on a growing number of devices including iPhones, iPads, and Apple Watch Series models with cellular service.

In fact, eSIMs are becoming pretty standard in most smartphones these days. And things are moving fast. Take the new iPhone 16, for example: in some markets, it’s ditching the SIM card slot entirely. That means everything is done digitally. By getting rid of the SIM tray, Apple’s making room for more useful tech inside the phone and doubling down on their goal to make staying connected as smooth and seamless as possible.

Is Your iPhone eSIM-Compatible?

You’ll need an eSIM compatible device to get started. Most Apple iPhone models from the iPhone XS, iPhone XR, and iPhone SE (2nd generation) onward support eSIM capability.

Here’s a quick list of compatible iPhone models:

• iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max
  
  
• iPhone XR
  
  
• iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 series
  
  
• iPhone SE (2nd gen and later)
  
  
• New iPhone models with iOS 16+
  
  

You can also use eSIMs on iPad Pro, iPad Air, and the Apple Watch with cellular service enabled. We have a full list of compatible devices here. 

To check if your device is eSIM-ready, go to Settings > General > About and look for "Digital SIM" or "Available SIM." If you see it, your device supports eSIM technology.

Alternatively, go to Setting > Mobile Service. If you see the option 'Add eSIM', your iPhone is eSIM ready.

How to Activate Your eSIM on iPhone

As mentioned, an eSIM doesn’t require a physical SIM card—the necessary hardware is already built into your eSIM-ready iPhone or iPad. All you need is the software to activate it, which can be downloaded online in a few taps. No need to mess around with SIM trays or tiny tools—activating your eSIM on iPhone is quick and easy. Just follow these steps:

• Go to Settings
  Open the Settings app from your home screen to get started.
• Tap Mobile Service or Cellular
  This is where you can download and manage your eSIM plans. You'll find all downloaded plans here.
• Choose Add eSIM
  Select this option to add your new eSIM plan.
• Select Use QR Code or Enter Details Manually
  You can scan a QR code from your eSIM provider or type in the activation info yourself.
• Follow the prompts to finish setup
  Your iPhone will guide you through the rest—just confirm a few details to complete the activation.
• You’re all set—your eSIM should now be active!
  Once it’s done, your eSIM will be ready to use just like a regular SIM card.

How to Activate Your Sim Local eSIM on iPhone

eSIM technology has become extremely popular for staying connected while travelling because it's an easy way to connect to different networks outside your home coverage area. Lots of providers offer travel eSIMs but each one has a slightly different step-by-step guide to downloading and activating an eSIM. Here’s how to complete your Sim Local eSIM activation in a few simple steps:

1. Purchase your plan

​To purchase a plan from Sim Local, go to the website or download the Sim Local app. Enter your destination country and choose your preferred plan based on your needs (data amounts, calls, texts, trip length, etc.)

2. Download your plan

After choosing a Sim Local eSIM, you can download your eSIM by clicking Download Plan immediately.

Your screen will display Connecting to Network, which might take a couple of minutes.

Once complete, you’ll see either Mobile Plan Setup Complete or Cellular Plan Setup Complete.

If you want to install it later, you can do that too.

Simply download the Sim Local app and create an account using the same email address used to purchase the plan. You'll find your plan in the My eSIM section of the app.

If you don't want to use an app, you can also scan a QR code or enter manual activation codes. You'll find these details in the confirmation email sent to your inbox.
Remember: Download your plan close to your travel date, as the plan starts immediately.

3. Follow the prompts

• If you have a dual SIM setup (SIM card + eSIM), you need to choose which plan to use for calls, texts, and data. Your iPhone will usually guide you through the activation process. If it doesn't, you can do it manually. You'll find your new plan here:

Settings > Mobile Service or Cellular

• Make sure Allow Mobile Data Switching is turned OFF to avoid unexpected charges.
• You can optionally rename your plan (e.g., “Travel” or "Spain").

4. Turn on Data Roaming

Turn on Data Roaming for your eSIM so your phone can connect to mobile networks while outside your home coverage area.

Remember: Your eSIM will only work once your phone connects to a supported mobile network. This typically happens when you reach your destination.

Setting Up eSIM on Other Apple Devices

You can also activate eSIMs on other compatible devices like the Apple Watch Series 6 or newer, and iPads with cellular capability. Just open Apple Support or visit the Settings app on your watch or iPad to begin the esim carrier activation process.

Some newer iPhones even allow you to set up a nearby iPhone and transfer your cellular plan directly.

What to Expect After Activation

Once your plan is active, your device is ready to go, no need to wait for a SIM card to arrive or struggle with installation. You’ll get all the benefits of your mobile service, including calls, data, hotspot support, and text messaging, depending on your chosen plan.

Sim Local also supports hotspot sharing on most plans, so you can use your mobile data across your laptop or tablet without hassle.

Why More iPhone Users Are Choosing eSIM

Here’s why eSIM is becoming the go-to option for Apple users:

• Faster setup
  
  
• No more physical SIM cards
  
  
• Easy switching between plans
  
  
• Travel-friendly with no roaming charges
  
  
• Great for people who use more than one device or number
  
  

Whether you're upgrading from a previous iPhone, setting up a brand new iPhone, or activating a new eSIM for travel, Sim Local gives you a smooth, stress-free experience. You stay in control of your data and mobile service, and you can activate everything in a few clicks.

Get Started with Sim Local

Ready to activate your eSIM and connect instantly? Whether you're exploring new cities, switching networks, or just want more control over your cellular plan, Sim Local has you covered.

Explore our plans now and enjoy the benefits of a fully connected esim enabled device, no roaming fees, no paperwork, no stress. Check out our eSIM plans and get started today.

Trouble activating your eSIM? Try this:

• Make sure your iPhone is connected to Wi-Fi during setup.
  
  
• Restart your device after installing the eSIM.
  
  
• Check that you’re using a compatible device and iOS version.

• Make sure data roaming is enabled.
  
  
• If the QR code won’t scan, use the “Enter Details Manually” option.

• Check your APN settings.
  
  

Still stuck? Contact Sim Local’s customer support — we’re happy to help.