The embedded SIM or eSIM is a type of technology that’s been in use on smartphones for many years. Instead of messing with a small, tangible SIM card, you can connect a cell phone plan online by using SIM hardware embedded into your phone. With eSIM, using the iPhone allows you to connect up to eight goals and choose between them or use multiple plans concurrently.
The iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR were the first iPhone models with an eSIM and the actual SIM card. From the iPhone 14 lineup, Apple took away the SIM card — at least on models specifically designed to be used in the United States. In the iPhone 15, Apple continues to enforce this policy. iPhone 15 carries on this policy by making US customers register their primary provider (and any other carrier) via an electronic SIM.
If implementing an eSIM is a must, what exactly is the procedure? Find out how to connect the primary line and any other lines to your iPhone.
What is eSIM for iPhone 15? iPhone 15?
In contrast to an actual SIM card, eSIM can be described as an electronic SIM card installed on your mobile. Instead of installing a virtual SIM card into your device, your service provider will send you an eSIM card. You only need to scan it to enable eSIM on your iPhone.
Your iPhone will instantly connect to the latest network once you do this. It is also helpful for travelers who travel internationally because the iPhone 15 is dual eSIM fully compatible. You can, therefore, use several carriers from various countries, ensuring you receive the top experience.
How do you activate eSIM on your iPhone 15?
If you’re preparing to set up an iPhone 15 and have yet to use eSIM, it’s easy to accomplish. Most major US carriers support eSIM, and several smaller networks do.
To activate eSIM for your iPhone 15, head to Settings > Cellular > Add an eSIM. If you have an eSIM for your current iPhone, you can use the Apple eSIM Quick Transfer function to transfer your service from the previous iPhone to the new iPhone.
But, if you’re using eSIM for an Android device, or your provider isn’t compatible with eSIM Quick Transfer, you may need to create a brand new eSIM by hand or call the carrier with alternative options.
If you don’t own an active device that supports eSIM, you’ll need to scan the QR code your provider provides (contact the carrier you use to obtain one). After you have reviewed this code, the setup procedure will start on your iPhone.
What are the drawbacks of E-SIM?
In the case of an eSIM, it is essential to remember that it can have certain negatives. These are typical issues, but let’s look at why they are.
- They can only be used on devices compatible with eSIM.
- Virtual SIM cards will only work once the iPhone is locked.
- Transferring challenging you to a different device can be challenging.
- In general, there aren’t any issues with this method of communication. But, users need to be aware of this to avoid problems related to using eSIM.
Which iPhones have eSIM
Based on the information above, you may wonder what happens if most iPhones come with eSIM, but the truth is not. Most iPhone phones are currently compatible with eSIM; however, certain older phones need to be compatible with this feature.
Beginning with the iPhone XR and continuing with the newest models, the devices come with eSIM support! It is important to remember that some models have eSIM only, such as the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 models from the USA.
If you’d like to learn more about eSIM-compatible iPhone phones, please read our article on compatible phones with eSIM.
What number of eSIMs are iPhones equipped with?
On the vast majority of iPhone smartphones that are compatible with virtual SIM cards, users can use up to 20 eSIMs. However, you can only use one SIM or two SIMs concurrently. It is contingent on your iPhone model. But for most iPhones, utilizing your standard SIM card and the virtual SIM in tandem is possible. This is known as dual SIM.
What exactly is a Dual SIM card?
Dual SIM allows you to use the nano-SIM (the traditional) and an electronic SIM (virtual card) in the same way, which lets you utilize data and make calls using each SIMs. It is precisely how dual SIM operates in the majority of iPhones. But after introducing the iPhone 14, which lacks an actual SIM slot, it is possible to utilize two SIMs at once.
There is more info regarding Using a Dual SIM with an electronic SIM on the Apple support page.
Where can I purchase the iPhone 15 eSIM?
For Home:
If you own the iPhone 15 and need a main SIM to use at home (a regular phone number or data plan), You can ask your local operator about their plans.
TO TRAVEL:
If you’re traveling worldwide with the iPhone 15, you can purchase an electronic SIM data plan and use a no-cost software called aloSIM for eSIM. Select a country or region, and choose what amount of data prepaid you’d prefer to get to complete your purchase.
Convert the physical SIM to an eSIM using the identical iPhone.
You can change the physical SIM into an eSIM using the identical iPhone and vice versa, provided your provider allows the conversion. The steps to follow are:
- You can go to Settings > Cellular if you’re using an iPhone.
- Tap Convert to an eSIM.
- If you can’t see Convert to eSIM, then your service can’t support this choice. Call your carrier for assistance moving the phone number on your SIM card to an eSIM with eSIM Carrier Activation or by scanning the QR code.
- Tap Convert Cellular Plan.
- Tap Convert to an eSIM.
Then, wait for your eSIM card to be activated. The previous SIM card will be deactivated once the cell plan on your iPhone becomes active.
Disconnect the original SIM from your iPhone. Restart your iPhone.
You can scan a QR code or download a mobile app for a carrier.
If your provider doesn’t offer eSIM Carrier Activation or eSIM Quick Transfer, you can scan the carrier’s QR code instead.
To activate your eSIM while configuring your iPhone:
- Once you are on the Set Up Cellular screen, click Enter a QR Code.
- Follow the instructions on the net.
- For activation of your eSIM, once the initial setup of your iPhone occurs, contact your service provider to obtain the QR code.
Follow these steps:
- Launch the Camera app and scan your QR code.
- If you see the Cellular Plan Detected notification appear, Tap the message.
- Tap Continue on the lower left of the screen.
- Tap Add Cellular Plan.
- If you’re asked for an authorization code to enable the eSIM, input the carrier’s principle.
If your provider allows activating an eSIM with the help of an app, you can download your carrier’s app through the App Store and adhere to the steps.
A FAQ on the eSIM feature of the iPhone
Where can I locate the eSIM for your iPhone?
You can check your eSIMs when you go to Settings and tap Cellular.
Can eSIM be used on locked iPhones?
If your iPhone cannot be used on different carriers, it will allow you to connect an eSIM but only on the current provider. Find out more information about iPhones that are locked on this page.
Do I have to utilize eSIM for my iPhone?
If you’re using an iPhone that can support eSIM and eSIM, you can use an online SIM as the main line. Therefore, you don’t need the physical SIM.
How can you move an eSIM on a brand-new iPhone?
In iOS 16, you can transfer your eSIM data from an older iPhone to a new iPhone using Quick Transfer. Click “Settings” and then “Mobile/Cellular data” >> “Add an eSIM” Then click “Transfer to Nearby iPhone.” Be aware that both phones must be upgraded to iOS 16. If you’d like to find out more information about how you can move an eSIM to an iPhone, check out our guide on How to transfer an eSIM on an iPhone to a different