Want to activate an eSIM on your iPhone but not sure where to start?

You’re in the right place. Whether you’re switching to your first eSIM or moving from a physical SIM, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the entire process in simple terms.

And rest assured as we’ll not use any tech jargon and all you get is just clear instructions that you can follow.

Let’s dive in.

Which iPhones support eSIM (and how to check)

Before we get excited, let’s make sure your iPhone is eSIM-ready.

Good news is if your phone came out in 2018 or later, you’re almost definitely covered.

Hard to get?

Here’s the simple rule:

If you have iPhone XR or newer, you’re good to go.

Still, here’s the quick breakdown for clarity:

iPhones that support eSIM

These models support using one or more eSIMs. Most of these models (except US versions of the 14-17 series) also support a physical nano-SIM card, allowing for Dual SIM use (eSIM + physical SIM or two eSIMs).

• iPhone XS, XS Max, XR (first models with eSIM — 2018)
• iPhone SE (2nd Gen, 2020), SE (3rd Gen, 2022)
• iPhone 11 series (11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max)
• iPhone 12 series (12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max)
• iPhone 13 series (13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max)
• iPhone 14 series (14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max)
• iPhone 15 series (15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max)
• iPhone 16 series (16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max, 16e)
• iPhone 17 series (17, 17 Plus, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max)
• iPhone Air (eSIM-only worldwide)

US Models (14 and newer):These are eSIM-only; no physical SIM tray.

iPhones that don’t support eSIM

If you’re using one of these, you’ll need to stick with a physical SIM:

• iPhone 6, 6S, 6 Plus, 6S Plus
• iPhone 7, 7 Plus
• iPhone 8, 8 Plus
• iPhone X (the original 2017 model, not the XS or XR)

So, if you bought your iPhone before late 2018 (and it’s not a restricted region variant), it probably isn’t eSIM compatible/supports eSIM

How to check if your iPhone supports eSIM

Universal method for all iPhones and Android phones

Dialer code method (works on every device)

• Step 1:Open your phone’s Dialer/Phone app.
• Step 2: Dial this code: *#06#
• Step 3 A screen will pop up with your device details

How to read the result:

• If you see an EID number along with your IMEI ? Your phone supports eSIM
• 
  • • If you only see IMEI and no EID ? Your phone does not support eSIM

  

  Source:wikiHow

  Check through your phone settings

  1. Open Settings
  2. Tap Cellular (or Mobile Data / Mobile Service)
  3. Scroll down and look for the option to “Add eSIM” or “Add Cellular Plan”.

  If you see that button, congratulations, your iPhone supports eSIM.

  If you don’t see it? It’s time for an upgrade.

  Embed video:
  How to check if your iPhone supports eSIM – YouTube

  How to activate eSIM in iPhone (11, 12, 13, 14 & newer): Step-by-step guide

  

  Alright, let’s get to the main part. This works whether you’re activating your first eSIM or switching from a physical SIM.

  Works for: All iPhones with eSIM including iPhone XR, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and newer models.

  Tip before you start:

  1. Make sure your iPhone is unlocked (check in Settings > About > Network Provider Lock for “No SIM restrictions”).
  2. You’re connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data, eSIM activation requires internet.

  Now, you’re all set on how to activate an eSIM on your iPhone.

  Activate using QR code (carrier activation)

  Embed video:
  How to check if your iPhone supports eSIM – YouTube

  Step 1: Go to

  • Settings ? Cellular (or Mobile Service / Mobile Data)
  • Tap Add eSIM or Add Cellular Plan
  • Tap Use QR Code

  Step 2: Scan your carrier’s QR code

  • Position the QR code you received from your carrier (Jio, Airtel, Vi, or other) in the frame.

  Step 3: Tap “Add Cellular Plan”

  • Your iPhone will download the eSIM profile.

  Step 4: Tap “Continue”

  • Wait for activation and restart your iPhone if prompted.

  Tip: After activation, your eSIM may appear with a generic label, see “Labelling” steps below for clarity.

  Activate via carrier app

  

  Step 1: Open your carrier’s app (MyJio / Airtel Thanks / MyVi)

  Step 2: Find “Activate eSIM” and follow the on-screen instructions

  • You may need to enter your EID (find this in Settings > General > About) and IMEI (also in About).

  Step 3: Complete OTP or call verification

  Step 4: Your eSIM profile will be downloaded and activated in 15 minutes to 2 hours

  Embed video:
  How to check if your iPhone supports eSIM – YouTube

  Embed video:
  How to check if your iPhone supports eSIM – YouTube

  Embed video:
  How to check if your iPhone supports eSIM – YouTube

  Note: Vi’s eSIM service isn’t available in Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Odisha, the Northeast, or Assam.Note: Vi’s eSIM service isn’t available in Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Odisha, the Northeast, or Assam. Vi’s eSIM service isn’t available in Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Odisha, the Northeast, or Assam.

  C. Manual setup (if QR code doesn’t work)

  Embed video:
  How to check if your iPhone supports eSIM – YouTube

  Step 1: Go to:

  • Settings & Cellular (or Mobile Data/Mobile Service)
  • Tap Add eSIM (or Add Cellular Plan)
  • Tap Enter Details Manually

  Step 2:Enter the following details:

  • SM-DP+ Address: This is the server address provided by your carrier (e.g., “smdp.example.com”). It connects your iPhone securely to the eSIM activation server.
  • Activation Code: Supplied by your carrier, usually found in the activation email.
  • Confirmation Code (if requested): Some carriers provide this.

  Where to get SM-DP+ Address?
  You receive it from your carrier in the activation email or SMS when you request eSIM. Usually, it looks like a domain name (e.g., “smdp.xxxxx.com”) often with a unique code attached.

  Step 3: Tap Next, then “Add Cellular Plan”.

  • Your iPhone will fetch and install the profile, taking a few seconds to 10 minutes.