The Ultimate Guide to Using eSIMs with Your iPhone

If you’re looking for how to activate an eSIM to use with your iPhone, our complete guide will tell you everything you need to know. 

Contents

• eSIMs and iPhones
• Benefits of eSIMs on iPhones
• eSIM User Guides for iPhone
• How to setup and activate eSIMs on an iPhone
• How to choose and setup carriers on an iPhone
• How to remove, delete or transfer eSIMs from an iPhone
• How to find your eSIM number on an iPhone
• eSIM compatible iPhones
• Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

eSIMs and iPhones

It’s estimated that 1.36 billion people use iPhones worldwide – that’s 19% of the entire population of the planet. Whichever brand of smartphone your loyalties lie with, it’s hard to deny Apple products’ influence and appeal. Always ahead of the curve, Apple has been encouraging eSIMs for iPhone usage for years, and the fact that the iPhone 14 and 14 Pro have gone SIM card free has taken this to the next level.

 

Phones in these models sold in the US no longer have a SIM card slot, and now rely entirely on eSIMs. If this change is well-received, it’s likely to be the case for all future iPhones and means that every iPhone made from now on will have the components necessary to download and install an eSIM. 

Benefits and advantages of using eSIMs on iPhone

There are lots of benefits to using an eSIM with your iPhone, especially for work and travel. 

 

• Flexibility – there’s no need to swap out any fiddly physical components when using eSIMs – especially considering that iPhone SIM card slots need a tool to open. Instead, you can activate and manage multiple plans and carriers through your phone’s settings.

• Cost-effectiveness – using eSIMs instead of roaming can be as much as 85% cheaper than using SIM cards.

• Travel benefits – eSIMs will connect you to the best service provider in each country you visit, helping you to stay reliably connected when abroad.

• Dual SIM capabilities – keep your home number while using a second number for business or travel.

• Reduce waste – because everything needed to activate an eSIM is most likely already in your phone, eSIMs reduce waste. SIM cards are made from metal and plastic and are difficult to break down and recycle.

• Added storage space – new components can be added to your phone in the place where a SIM card would usually be – a bigger battery, for example.

• More security – eSIMs can’t be removed or duplicated, and are easier for phone companies to track if your device is stolen.

eSIM user guides for iPhone

How to set up and activate eSIMs on an iPhone

Depending on where you purchase your eSIM data plan from, one of the most common ways of activating an eSIM is through a QR code. This works both when activating an eSIM on a new iPhone, and when adding an eSIM to an iPhone with an existing SIM profile.

 

Simply scan the QR code and follow the instructions on the screen. Alternatively, you can enter Settings, go to Cellular (Mobile) Data, and choose to add a Mobile Data Plan. You will then be able to scan your QR code.

How to choose and set up carriers on an iPhone

After following the steps above to set up and activate your eSIM, you will be able to select TravelSim as your service provider through your settings. Our eSIMs enable you to use multiple carriers, which is perfect for when you’re traveling through multiple countries.

 

You can use Dual SIM – e.g. one number for personal use and one for business, with an added data plan for traveling. However if at any time you want to use only your own carrier or only your eSIM, it’s important to make sure you turn off Mobile Data Switching

How to remove, delete or transfer eSIMs from an iPhone

An eSIM can easily be deleted from a phone. If an eSIM isn’t topped up within the space of 12 months it will deactivate. Alternatively, you can manually delete it by going into Settings, then to Cellular (Mobile) Data. Select the eSIM that you want to get rid of and delete it.

 

Once an eSIM is deleted from one phone, it can be activated on another phone. However, if your phone is lost or stolen with an active eSIM in action, it won’t be able to be transferred.

How to find your eSIM number on an iPhone

Go into Settings, then to Cellular Data, and then select your eSIM. You will then be shown details about your eSIM, including the relevant phone number.

eSIM Compatible iPhones

• iPhone 14/mini/ Pro/Pro Max
• iPhone 13/mini/Pro/Pro Max
• iPhone 12 /mini/ Pro / Pro Max
• iPhone 11/ Pro/Pro Max
• iPhone XS / XS Max
• iPhone XR
• iPhone SE (2020, 2021)

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

How many eSIMs can you have on an iPhone?

You can install up to 10 different eSIM cards on one iPhone.

What happens if you lose your iPhone with an eSIM?

Unfortunately, you will not be able to recover your active eSIM if your phone is lost or stolen.

Can you switch between eSIMs on an iPhone?

Yes, you can easily switch between eSIMs on an iPhone through your Mobile Data settings.

Can you use an eSIM on an iPhone with a physical SIM?

Yes, you can add an eSIM to an iPhone with a physical SIM. This is a useful way to travel, as your eSIM will save you money on roaming rates without you having to go silent on anyone who attempts to contact you via your original number.

How do you know if your iPhone is eSIM compatible?

Any iPhone made after the XS, XS Max, and XR models are all eSIM compatible. Your phone must also be unlocked to use an eSIM.

Save money on data roaming with an eSIM.

Stay in touch from anywhere in the world, without it costing the world. Get your eSIM now.