- Introduction
- Understanding e-SIMs on iPhone
- Activating Your Plan using e-SIM Carrier Activation
- Using e-SIM Quick Transfer
- Other Methods to Activate e-SIM
- Troubleshooting Issues with e-SIM Activation
- Conclusion
- FAQ’S
- Is eSIM locked?
- How do I know if my iPhone is unlocked eSIM?
- How do I remove eSIM from my iPhone?
- Can an eSIM be unlocked?
- Can we activate eSIM on a locked iPhone?
- Can I activate eSIM myself?
- Is eSIM tied to IMEI?
- Does factory reset remove eSIM?
- Can I use both eSIM and physical SIM?
- Can eSIM be reactivated?
Introduction
In recent years, electronic SIMs (e-SIMs) have become increasingly popular as they provide a convenient and hassle-free way to connect to a cellular plan from your wireless carrier. However, setting up an e-SIM on your iPhone can be a bit confusing for some users, especially if they encounter any issues during the process. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on How To Unlock eSIM On iPhone, including the different methods you can use and the steps involved in each one.
- Check with your carrier: Before attempting to unlock eSIM, you should check with your carrier to make sure that they support eSIM activation.
- Obtain an eSIM QR code: Your carrier should provide you with an eSIM QR code. This code contains the information needed to activate your eSIM.
- Open the Settings app: Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Select “Cellular”: Scroll down until you see the “Cellular” option and select it.
- Choose “Add Cellular Plan”: Under the “Cellular Plans” section, select “Add Cellular Plan.”
- Scan the QR code: Use your iPhone’s camera to scan the eSIM QR code that your carrier provided.
- Follow the prompts: Your iPhone will guide you through the process of activating the eSIM. You may need to enter information such as your phone number and account information.
- Set your eSIM as your primary line: Once your eSIM is activated, you can choose to set it as your primary line by going to “Cellular” in the Settings app and selecting your eSIM under the “Cellular Plans” section.

Each Detail to unlock E-Sims on iPhone:
Understanding e-SIMs on iPhone
Electronic SIMs or e-SIMs are digital SIMs that do not require a physical SIM card. They are embedded into the device and can be activated through the phone’s settings. The e-SIM technology allows users to switch between carriers without having to physically swap SIM cards.
e-SIMs are compatible with iPhone models ranging from iPhone XS and later versions. To use e-SIMs, your iPhone must be unlocked, and your wireless carrier must support e-SIM technology.
Activating Your Plan using e-SIM Carrier Activation

The easiest and most straightforward method to activate your e-SIM on an iPhone is through e-SIM carrier activation. This method is available during the iPhone set-up process and can be completed by following these steps:
- Turn on your iPhone and choose “Mobile Data Plan” during the set-up process.
- Choose “Add Mobile Plan.”
- Use your iPhone to scan the QR code provided by your wireless carrier, or enter the activation code manually.
- Select your Wi-Fi network and enter your Wi-Fi password if prompted.
- Follow the prompts to activate your plan.
- Complete the cellular set-up process by entering any required information, such as your phone number and billing details.
Using e-SIM Quick Transfer

If you are already using an iPhone and want to switch to an e-SIM, you can use the e-SIM Quick Transfer method. This method transfers your phone number and plans from your current iPhone to your new iPhone with an e-SIM. To use e-SIM Quick Transfer, follow these steps:
Make sure both your current iPhone and new iPhone support e-SIM technology.
On your current iPhone, go to Settings > Mobile Data > Add Data Plan.
Scan the QR code provided by your wireless carrier, or enter the activation code manually.
On your new iPhone, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Set Up Another iPhone.
Follow the prompts to transfer your phone number and plan to your new iPhone.
Complete the cellular setup process on your new iPhone.
Other Methods to Activate e-SIM

If you cannot use e-SIM carrier activation or e-SIM Quick Transfer, you can still activate your e-SIM on your iPhone using other methods. These methods include:
QR Code Activation: Scan the QR code provided by your wireless carrier to activate your plan.
Activating Plan in Settings: Go to Settings > Mobile Data > Add Data Plan, and enter the activation code provided by your wireless carrier.
Additional Lines Set-up: If you have multiple phone numbers, you can set up additional lines using e-SIM technology.
Troubleshooting Issues with e-SIM Activation
If you encounter any issues during the e-SIM activation process, such as error messages or connectivity problems, follow these steps to resolve the issue:
Make sure your iPhone is updated to the latest version of iOS.
Check that your wireless carrier supports e-SIM technology.
Restart your iPhone and try again.
Contact your wireless carrier’s customer care or support for further assistance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, activating an e-SIM on your iPhone is a simple and convenient process that can be completed using various methods. e-SIM technology offers numerous benefits, including the ability to connect to multiple cellular plans without having to switch out physical SIM cards. If you encounter any issues during the set-up, refer to the troubleshooting steps provided in this guide, and do not hesitate to contact your wireless carrier’s customer care or support for further assistance.
Table: iPhone Models Compatible with e-SIMs
iPhone Model |
---|
iPhone XS |
iPhone XS Max |
iPhone XR |
iPhone 11 |
iPhone 11 Pro |
iPhone 11 Pro Max |
iPhone SE (2nd generation) |
iPhone 12 |
iPhone 12 mini |
iPhone 12 Pro |
iPhone 12 Pro Max |
iPhone 13 |
iPhone 13 mini |
iPhone 13 Pro |
iPhone 13 Pro Max |
As the table above shows, e-SIMs are compatible with iPhone models ranging from iPhone XS and later versions.
FAQ’S
Is eSIM locked?
Similar to physical SIM cards, eSIMs can be either locked or unlocked. It depends on the carrier or network provider that provides the eSIM. Some carriers may lock the eSIM to their network, meaning you cannot switch to another carrier’s network without their permission or a code to unlock it.
How do I know if my iPhone is unlocked eSIM?
You can check if your iPhone is unlocked by going to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Plans. If you see an option to add a new plan, then your iPhone is likely unlocked and can accept any eSIM from any carrier. If you don’t see this option, your iPhone may be locked to your current carrier.
How do I remove eSIM from my iPhone?
To remove an eSIM from your iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Plans, and tap the eSIM plan you want to remove. Then, tap Remove Cellular Plan.
Can an eSIM be unlocked?
eSIMs can be unlocked, but it depends on the carrier or network provider. Some carriers may lock the eSIM to their network, meaning you cannot switch to another carrier’s network without their permission or a code to unlock it.
Can we activate eSIM on a locked iPhone?
Yes, you can activate eSIM on a locked iPhone, but you may be limited to using eSIMs from the carrier that locked your iPhone. If you want to use eSIMs from other carriers, you will need to get your iPhone unlocked first.
Can I activate eSIM myself?
Yes, you can activate eSIM yourself by scanning the QR code provided by your carrier or by manually entering the details provided by your carrier.
Is eSIM tied to IMEI?
Yes, eSIMs are tied to the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) of your device. This means that you cannot use the same eSIM on multiple devices, and if you switch to a new device, you will need to activate a new eSIM.
Does factory reset remove eSIM?
Performing a factory reset on your iPhone does not remove the eSIM. To remove an eSIM, you need to go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Plans, and tap the eSIM plan you want to remove. Then, tap Remove Cellular Plan.
Can I use both eSIM and physical SIM?
Yes, many modern smartphones, including iPhones, allow you to use both eSIM and physical SIM at the same time. This can be useful if you want to use multiple phone numbers or switch between different carriers while traveling. However, it’s important to note that not all carriers support eSIM yet, so you may need to check with your carrier before switching to eSIM.
Can eSIM be reactivated?
Yes, eSIM can be reactivated. If you have previously activated an eSIM on your device, you can reactivate it again by scanning the QR code or entering the details provided by your carrier. Alternatively, you can activate a new eSIM if you have a different plan or carrier that you want to use. Keep in mind that if you switch eSIMs, your previous eSIM will be deactivated, and you may need to reactivate it if you want to switch back to that plan or carrier in the future.
Read Also: 10 Best Phone Tracker App Free