iPhone eSIM Setup Guide

Complete step-by-step instructions for setting up your eSIM on any iPhone model

Quick Setup (iOS 17 / iOS 18)
  1. Open Camera app and scan your eSIM QR code
  2. Tap "Add Cellular Plan" when prompted
  3. Follow the prompts to complete setup
  4. Enable the new plan in Settings > Cellular

Most users complete setup in under 2 minutes

What's New for 2025 iPhones
  • The iPhone 17 Pro / 17 / Air lineup is Apple's newest release and ships eSIM-only in the U.S., with dual eSIM standby globally.
  • iPhone 17, Air, and 16 devices can store up to eight eSIM profiles and keep two active simultaneously.
  • iOS 18 adds faster eSIM Quick Transfer—Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM lets you move a plan from another iPhone without scanning a QR code.

Setup Methods

Method 1: QR Code Scan (Recommended)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1
Connect to WiFi
  • Go to Settings > Wi-Fi
  • Connect to a stable internet connection
2
Open Camera App
  • Point camera at the QR code from your email
  • Ensure the entire QR code is visible
3
Tap the Notification
  • A banner will appear: "Cellular Plan Detected"
  • Tap "Add Cellular Plan"
4
Confirm Installation
  • Review the plan details
  • Tap "Add Cellular Plan" to confirm
5
Label Your Plan
  • Choose a label (e.g., "Travel", "Europe")
  • This helps identify the plan later
6
Set as Default
  • Choose which line to use for data
  • You can change this later in Settings
Pro Tips:
  • • Scan in good lighting
  • • Hold phone steady
  • • Keep QR code flat
  • • Don't zoom in/out
Method 2: Manual Entry

Use this method if QR scanning doesn't work:

1
Go to Settings > Cellular
2
Tap "Add Cellular Plan"
3
Tap "Enter Details Manually"
4
Enter the activation details:
  • SM-DP+ Address (from your email)
  • Activation Code (from your email)
  • Confirmation Code (if provided)
5
Tap "Add" to complete setup
Method 3: Transfer from Another iPhone
Note: This method works for transferring existing eSIMs, not for new eSIMNest purchases.
1
On your new iPhone: Go to Settings > Cellular
2
Tap "Add Cellular Plan"
3
Tap "Transfer From Another iPhone"
4
Follow the prompts to complete transfer

iOS Version Differences

  • Enhanced QR scanning: Automatic detection and setup
  • Quick Actions: Scan QR directly from Control Center
  • Improved UI: Clearer setup flow and better error messages
  • Multiple eSIM support: Store up to 8 eSIM profiles

  • Standard QR scanning through Camera app
  • Manual entry available in Settings > Cellular
  • Dual eSIM support on iPhone 13 and later

  • Basic QR scanning functionality
  • Manual entry required for some carriers
  • Single eSIM only (except iPhone 13+)

Common Issues & Solutions

QR Code Won't Scan
  • • Check internet connection
  • • Improve lighting conditions
  • • Clean camera lens
  • • Try manual entry method
  • • Restart your iPhone
Activation Failed
  • • Verify activation details
  • • Check carrier network status
  • • Wait and try again (5-10 min)
  • • Contact customer support
  • • Check for iOS updates
No Service After Activation
  • • Check if you're in the coverage area
  • • Enable 'Data Roaming' under Cellular settings
  • • Restart your iPhone
  • • Toggle Airplane Mode off/on
  • • Verify APN settings if we provided them
Optional but effective: Reset the network settings if the above doesn’t work. Go to Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Reset → Reset Network Settings. After the reset, re-enable your eSIM line and confirm Cellular Data is turned on to check if mobile data starts working.

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