How to Activate eSIM on iPhone: QR Code, Carrier App & Transfer Methods

• Scan using Camera: Open the Camera app and point it at the QR code. Tap the Cellular Plan Detected notification when it pops up.
• Scan via Settings: Go to Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Service) > Add eSIM > Use QR Code.
• Long-press (iOS 17.4 or later): If the QR code is in an email or browser, tap and hold the image, then tap Add eSIM. 

2. Activate via Carrier App

• Download your mobile provider’s app from the App Store.
• Log in to your account and follow the prompts inside the app to purchase or install your digital SIM profile. 

3. Transfer Methods

• Quick Transfer (iPhone to iPhone): Make sure both iPhones are nearby with Bluetooth on. Go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM and choose Transfer from Another iPhone (or follow the prompt during new phone setup).
• Transfer from Android: On your iPhone, go to Settings > Set Up Cellular and select Transfer from Android, then scan the generated QR code with your Android phone.

What Is an eSIM?

An eSIM is a SIM that lives inside the phone as software. It does the same job as a plastic SIM card: it connects your iPhone to a carrier so you can call, send messages and use mobile data. The difference is that you do not need to put anything into a tray. Your carrier sends you a QR code, a code in an app or a direct activation, and the line is added digitally. An iPhone can store several eSIMs and use more than one line.

Does Your iPhone Support eSIM?

Most iPhones from the last several years do. eSIM works on iPhone XS, XR and every later model. Some newer models, including recent models sold in certain countries, are eSIM only and have no SIM tray at all. Newer iPhones can also use two lines at the same time.

To check your own iPhone:

1. Go to Settings > General > About.
2. Scroll down and look for an EID number or an Available SIM entry. If you see an EID, your iPhone supports eSIM.
3. You can also dial *#06# in the Phone app. If a screen shows an EID, it is supported.

Also confirm two more things before you buy an eSIM:

• Your iPhone must be unlocked. A phone locked to another carrier will not accept a different carrier’s eSIM. Check Settings > General > About > Carrier Lock. It should say No SIM restrictions.
• Your carrier must support eSIM for your type of line. Not every prepaid or business line offers it.

Method 1: Activate eSIM With a QR Code

This is the standard method, used by most carriers and by travel eSIM providers.

1. Get your QR code from the carrier’s email, website, app or shop. Keep it on another screen or on paper, because you cannot scan a QR code shown on the same iPhone in the normal way.
2. On the iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM.
3. Tap Use QR Code and point the camera at the code.
4. If the carrier asks for a confirmation code, enter it.
5. Tap Continue, wait for the activation and follow any final prompts.
6. Give the line a label and choose your default line.

If you can only see the QR code on the iPhone itself, take a screenshot, open the picture in Photos, touch and hold the QR code and choose the option to add the eSIM from there. On some versions, the same steps also let you add the eSIM directly from the Camera or from the Photos app.

Method 2: Activate eSIM With Manual Details

If the QR code will not scan, or you only have a text code, add the eSIM by hand.

1. Go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM.
2. Tap Use QR Code, then tap Enter Details Manually at the bottom.
3. Type the server address (SM DP plus address) and the activation code from your carrier, and the confirmation code if you were given one.
4. Tap Next and follow the prompts.

Method 3: Activate eSIM With the Carrier’s App

Many carriers let you buy and activate an eSIM inside their own app without any QR code.

1. Download the carrier’s app and sign in.
2. Choose the option to get or activate an eSIM on this phone.
3. Follow the on screen steps. The app tells iOS to install the eSIM, and you approve the prompt that appears.

This method is the easiest because the carrier does the technical part for you.

Method 4: Transfer an eSIM From Another iPhone

If you are moving to a new iPhone, you can move your number without a new QR code.

1. On the new iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM.
2. Tap Transfer From Another iPhone.
3. On your old iPhone, confirm the transfer when a prompt appears, and enter the code shown on the new phone.
4. Wait until the new iPhone shows signal.

You can also move your eSIM during a Quick Start setup, if your carrier supports it.

Method 5: Convert Your Physical SIM to an eSIM

Some carriers let you turn your plastic SIM into an eSIM on the same phone.

1. Go to Settings > Cellular.
2. Look for Convert to eSIM under your current line.
3. Tap it and follow the steps, then remove the plastic SIM when the iPhone says the eSIM is active.

If the option does not appear, your carrier may not support it, and you must ask them for a new eSIM.

How to Use Two Lines on One iPhone (Dual SIM)

Dual SIM is one of the best reasons to use an eSIM. You can keep your home number for calls and messages and add a local or travel eSIM for cheap data.

1. After adding the second line, go to Settings > Cellular and label each line, for example Home and Travel.
2. Under Default Voice Line, choose the line for calls.
3. Under Cellular Data, choose the line for mobile data.
4. Turn on Allow Cellular Data Switching only if you want the phone to switch lines when coverage is weak.
5. Turn on Data Roaming only for the line that needs it.

How to Turn an eSIM On, Off or Delete It

• Turn on or off: Settings > Cellular, tap the line and switch Turn On This Line on or off. This does not delete the eSIM.
• Delete an eSIM: Settings > Cellular, tap the line and choose Delete eSIM. Deleting removes it from the iPhone. Most eSIM QR codes work only once, so you may need a new code from the carrier to add it again. Delete only when you are sure.

eSIM in the UAE: What Residents and Visitors Need to Know

The UAE has a strict and well organised mobile system, and the eSIM steps are the same as anywhere, but a few local points save time.

Registration

UAE carriers must register every line. Residents usually verify with their Emirates ID, and visitors usually verify with their passport. Some carriers and apps let you do this online, and others need a shop visit, so check before you travel.

Carriers

The two main UAE carriers, e& and du, both offer eSIM options in their apps and shops. Ask which of your line types support eSIM.

Visitors

Tourists can buy visitor lines and travel eSIMs from carriers and from international eSIM providers. Buy and install the eSIM before you fly, if the provider allows it, and activate it when you land. The QR code needs WiFi, so do it at home or at the airport.

Calls and messaging apps

Some internet calling services are limited in the UAE, so do not depend on one app for calls. A local voice line is more reliable.

Keep your home line

If you want to receive bank codes from your home country, keep your home eSIM or SIM active for messages and use the UAE eSIM for data.

For a better picture of how mobile and WiFi connections have grown, you can read the history of WiFi generations.

Fixes When eSIM Activation Does Not Work

The QR Code Is Invalid or Will Not Scan

Most QR codes are single use. If it has already been scanned, or you deleted the eSIM, you need a new one. Also make sure the code is not blurry and that you are scanning from a different screen.

You Are Stuck on “Activating”

Keep the iPhone on WiFi, wait five minutes, turn Airplane Mode on and off and restart the iPhone. If it stays stuck, ask the carrier to check the activation on their side.

The iPhone Says the eSIM Cannot Be Added

Your iPhone may be locked to another carrier, the carrier may not support your model, or your iOS may be old. Check Carrier Lock, update iOS and confirm with the carrier.

No Service After Activation

Turn on the line in Settings > Cellular, turn on Data Roaming if you are abroad, restart the iPhone and check that the correct line is selected for Cellular Data. If you need to clear connection problems, you can also reset network settings, but note down your WiFi passwords first because they will be erased.

Calls or Messages Go From the Wrong Line

Change the default voice line and the line used for iMessage and FaceTime in Settings > Cellular, and check the line label for each contact if you use Dual SIM.

You Erased the iPhone and Lost the eSIM

When you erase all content, iOS asks whether to keep or erase the eSIM. Choose to keep it if you plan to use it again. If it is already gone, ask your carrier for a new eSIM.

More iPhone Guides for New and Travelling Users

If you are setting up a new iPhone, see how to connect iPhone to smart TV for the big screen, how to change region in iPhone when you move country, how to scan documents in iPhone for visas and contracts, and what to know if you want to record calls on iPhone, because the rules depend on where you live.

Renting iPhones for Visitors, Teams and Events

Businesses in the UAE often host visitors and staff who arrive for a week or a few days, such as speakers at a conference, an exhibition crew or a training team from another country. Buying phones and SIM cards for each person costs money and time, and asking guests to bring their own can cause connection problems on the day. Renting iPhones gives every person a working phone for the dates you choose, and because iPhones support eSIM, your team can add a local eSIM or your company’s line to a rented phone in minutes, if the device is unlocked. Ask the rental team about SIM and eSIM support when you book.

If your visiting team also needs laptops, read about remote team laptop rentals and browse the best laptops for rent in Dubai. To confirm which iPhones are available for your dates, contact our rental team with your number of devices and your event schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions About Activating eSIM on iPhone

How do I activate an eSIM on my iPhone?

Connect to WiFi, go to Settings, Cellular, tap Add eSIM and scan the QR code from your carrier. Tap Continue, wait for activation and choose which line to use for calls and data.

Do I need WiFi to activate an eSIM?

Yes, in most cases. The iPhone needs an internet connection to download the eSIM from the carrier, so use WiFi. After the eSIM is active, the mobile data on the new line works without WiFi.

Which iPhones support eSIM?

iPhone XS, XR and all later models support eSIM. Some newer models are eSIM only. Check Settings, General, About for an EID number to confirm your iPhone supports it.

Can I use two eSIMs on one iPhone?

Newer iPhones can store several eSIMs and use two lines at the same time. Older eSIM models can use one eSIM and one physical SIM. Set the default lines for calls, messages and data in Settings, Cellular.

Can I scan the eSIM QR code from the same iPhone?

Not with the camera directly. Take a screenshot of the code, open it in Photos and touch and hold the QR code to add it, or display the code on another screen and scan it from your iPhone.

Why is my eSIM not activating on iPhone?

Common causes are an invalid or already used QR code, no WiFi, an unlocked phone requirement, old iOS or a carrier delay. Check your connection, update iOS, restart the iPhone and contact your carrier if it stays stuck.

Can I get an eSIM in the UAE as a tourist?

Yes. Visitors can use visitor lines or international travel eSIMs. UAE carriers register lines with a passport for visitors, so check the requirements first, and install the eSIM before you fly if possible.

What happens to my eSIM if I delete it?

It is removed from your iPhone and the line stops working. Most QR codes work only once, so you will need a new code or a new eSIM from your carrier to add it back.

Can I rent iPhones with eSIM for my team in the UAE?

You can rent iPhones for your event dates and, if the phones are unlocked, add a local or company eSIM to them. Confirm SIM and eSIM support with the rental team when you book.