How to Activate an eSIM on iPhone

eSIM technology is a tiny 6×5 mm chip built into the device at the manufacturing stage. It is neither inserted nor removed. All you have to do is upload new information by reading a new QR code.

Who needs a digital SIM for mobile data:

• Those with multiple phone numbers. In this case, you do not need to think about the format of the SIM card (mini, micro, nano);
• Those who use trackers, laptops, and other smart home components (alarms, sensors, video cameras, household appliances, etc.).

Models of mobile devices that support eSIM technology

It is impossible to connect an embedded SIM to a cellular device that does not support this technology. eSIM cannot be inserted or “added”; eSIM compatibility must be listed in the specifications of your device.

• Apple iPhone XR and higher.
• iPad 2019 and higher.
• Samsung Fold, Samsung S20, and higher.
• Google Pixel 3/3a/3 XL/3a XL, Pixel 4/4a/4 XL, Pixel 5.

How to do the activation of an eSIM?

A QR code or regular code that can be received from a mobile network operator is used to activate the new number. The code must be scanned on a smartphone with Internet access (for instance, via Wi-Fi). Then you must go to settings and add a mobile data plan to activate the received eSIM profile. You can change your card from the phone’s settings and use the programs mobile providers provide.

The settings from the previous device must be removed when switching out the device. Each operator limits the number of times you can use the same QR code.

Operators issue a QR code on a piece of paper, and it is essential not to lose it. To activate the eSIM, you may also need an EID code, which is stored in the details of the phone.

How to activate and set up eSIM?

Important: eSIM must be built into your gadgets, like Bluetooth or NFC – if it is not there, then nothing will be activated.

Let’s say there is an eSIM in the smartphone. Then you can activate it and create profiles for several numbers. Up to 5 profiles can be stored in the eSIM memory at the same time, moreover, with different cellular plans and from other operators. Only one of them can be active.

To add a number, you need:

• Choose a number (both free and paid, “beautiful” numbers are available).
• Choose a rate.
• Log in using the subscriber’s personal account or the State Services website.
• Sign documents online in the State Key application (it will take no more than 10 minutes).
• Pay for SIM online.
• Activate eSIM via a link or a QR code, following the instructions.

Additional actions from the operator are not needed to switch or delete already added numbers – this is done in the smartphone menu.

For example, if you have deleted a downloaded profile from your smartphone and want to restore it. It is also possible to delete a profile on one device to register it on another via the existing QR code – as if you are rearranging a regular SIM card.

Otherwise, everything is similar to using a regular SIM card. If you have lost the code, you can restore it through the operator. Also, you can block the number through the operator if your device with an active eSIM was stolen or replace a plastic SIM card with an eSIM and vice versa.You can store your main number, work number, and, for example, another one with advantageous unlimited internet or roaming in the eSIM memory. They are always at hand and are switched by a couple of taps through the menu. You can always add one more from esimway.com to them, for example, from a local operator on a trip abroad, so as not to pay for roaming. And then just as easy to remove.