iPhone eSIM Setup Guide
Complete step-by-step instructions for setting up your eSIM on any iPhone model
Quick Setup (iOS 17+)
- Open Camera app and scan your eSIM QR code
- Tap "Add Cellular Plan" when prompted
- Follow the prompts to complete setup
- Enable the new plan in Settings > Cellular
Most users complete setup in under 2 minutes
Device Compatibility Check
eSIM is available on these iPhone models:
- iPhone 15 series (all models)
- iPhone 14 series (all models)
- iPhone 13 series (all models)
- iPhone 12 series (all models)
- iPhone 11 series (all models)
- iPhone XS, XS Max, XR
- iPhone SE (2nd & 3rd generation)
- All models require iOS 12.1+
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
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Still Need Help?
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