Activate eSIM in Minutes with This Simple Step by Step Guide
You’ve just bought a new phone and need cellular service instantly—no waiting for a physical SIM card. Activating an eSIM works by scanning a QR code from your carrier or downloading their app, which programs the digital SIM directly onto your device. This process eliminates the hassle of handling a tiny card, letting you switch between multiple plans with a few taps. It’s the fastest way to get connected and stay flexible on the go.
Understanding eSIM Compatibility
Before you activate an eSIM, you must first confirm your device is unlocked and supports eSIM technology, not just a physical SIM. Check your phone’s settings for an “Add Cellular Plan” option; its absence indicates incompatibility. Verify that your carrier explicitly offers eSIM activation for your specific device model, as support varies even between identical phone variants. A carrier that supports eSIM on an iPhone 15 Pro may not yet support it on a Samsung Galaxy S24, so always confirm before purchasing a plan. If your device is carrier-locked, you cannot activate any eSIM from a different provider, rendering the process impossible regardless of software settings.
Check if your smartphone supports eSIM technology
Before you can activate an eSIM, you must first verify your smartphone’s eSIM compatibility. Check your phone’s Settings app under “About Phone” or “Connections” for an “eSIM” or “Add Cellular Plan” option. Alternatively, dial *#06#—if you see an EID number (a 32-digit code), your device supports eSIM. Models from Apple (iPhone XS and later), Google Pixel (3 and later), and Samsung Galaxy (S20 and later) are typically compatible. Confirming this step prevents wasted time and ensures a smooth activation process.
To activate an eSIM, you must first confirm your smartphone supports the technology by checking for an EID number or the “Add Cellular Plan” option in Settings.
Verify carrier and network provider eSIM support
Before initiating an eSIM activation, you must verify carrier and network provider eSIM support for your specific device model. Check the carrier’s official compatibility page or contact customer support directly, as not all providers offer eSIM on prepaid, postpaid, or business plans. Use the device’s IMEI on the carrier’s eSIM eligibility tool to confirm. Some networks restrict eSIM to recent flagship phones or require a physical SIM slot to remain empty. Skipping this step risks failed activation, as the provider must issue a valid eSIM profile linked to your account.
Always confirm eSIM support with your carrier and device IMEI before starting activation, as carrier policies vary by plan and handset.
Unlock your device if required by the carrier
Before activating an eSIM, you must verify that your device is carrier-unlocked, as a locked phone restricts eSIM profiles to that carrier only. This step involves confirming no active financial or contractual obligation ties your device to a specific network, such as an installment plan or service agreement. Contact your carrier to request an unlock if required; they will typically provide a code or update settings remotely. Activating an eSIM on a locked device will fail, generating an error, so complete the unlock process before scanning the QR code or downloading the profile.
| Carrier Lock Status | eSIM Activation Outcome | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| Unlocked | eSIM can be activated with any compatible carrier | No further steps with original carrier |
| Locked | eSIM activation blocked for third-party networks | Request unlock from current carrier first |
Acquiring Your eSIM Profile
You hold your new phone, ready to activate eSIM, but the first step is acquiring your profile. Your carrier will send a QR code via email or through their app; this contains your unique eSIM credentials. Scan that code in your device’s cellular settings—this triggers the download. A common question: “Does acquiring the profile require a Wi-Fi connection?” Yes, a stable internet connection is necessary to securely fetch and install the eSIM data onto your phone. Once the profile lands, you can activate it by selecting it as your primary line, all without handling a physical card.
Request an eSIM from your mobile operator
To begin eSIM activation, you must first request an eSIM from your mobile operator. This is typically done through their website, app, or customer service. The operator will verify your device compatibility and account eligibility, then issue a new eSIM profile. They usually provide a QR code or activation code to download it.
- Check if your phone is eSIM-compatible and unlocked before contacting your operator.
- Provide your device’s IMEI number when prompted for profile configuration.
- Choose between a new number or converting your existing physical SIM to eSIM.
- Save the QR code or activation code securely, as it is often a one-time use.
Receive the QR code or activation code via email
After purchasing your eSIM plan, check your email inbox, and possibly your spam folder, for the message containing your eSIM credentials. This email delivers the critical QR code or activation code needed to install the profile. If you receive a QR code, you will scan it from your phone’s eSIM setup menu. Alternatively, an activation code might be a string of numbers and letters you must enter manually. The email may include a link to re-download the QR code if your first scan fails, but most codes expire after a single use or a set deadline. Keep the email accessible until the profile is fully active.
Obtain eSIM details through the carrier’s app
For many providers, the most direct path to activation involves using the carrier’s official app. After logging into your account, navigate to the eSIM management section within the app’s settings. You should locate an option labeled “Get New eSIM” or “Activate eSIM,” which triggers the app to automatically fetch your profile details. The system will then prompt you to install the eSIM directly, bypassing the need to scan a QR code or manually enter an activation code. This method ensures the correct profile is delivered, as the app links your device to your account. Once initiated, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the direct eSIM installation within seconds.
Setting Up eSIM on iPhone
To set up an eSIM on an iPhone, start by ensuring you have a stable Wi-Fi connection. Go to Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan. You can scan a QR code provided by your carrier, or enter the details manually if given. Once scanned, tap Add Cellular Plan and label it (e.g., “Travel” or “Work”). If you want it as your primary line, set it as your default for calls and data.
Your iPhone will instantly try to activate the eSIM; a simple restart often cements the connection if it doesn’t take effect immediately.
That’s it—no physical card to swap, and the activation usually finishes within seconds.
Open Settings and tap Cellular or Mobile Data
To begin eSIM activation, open Settings and tap Cellular or Mobile Data. This is the mandatory first step to access your device’s network configuration. Once inside, you will see an option to add a cellular plan, which triggers the eSIM setup process. If you have a physical SIM already installed, both lines will appear here, allowing you to manage dual-SIM functionality. Cellular or Mobile Data is the gateway for scanning a QR code or entering your carrier’s activation details.
- Locate the “Add Cellular Plan” button after tapping Cellular or Mobile Data.
- Verify your current SIM status before proceeding with eSIM activation.
- Ensure Wi-Fi is connected, as the menu may require internet to fetch carrier profiles.
- Tap “Convert to eSIM” if your carrier supports transferring from a physical SIM.
Select Add Cellular Plan and scan the QR code
To begin eSIM activation, navigate to **Settings > Cellular** and tap Add Cellular Plan. Your iPhone’s camera will launch automatically; position the QR code provided by your carrier squarely within the viewfinder. The device scans and decodes the plan details instantly. *A steady hand and good lighting ensure a quick, error-free scan.* After successful detection, tap “Continue” at the bottom to proceed with installation. If scanning fails, confirm you’re using the correct QR code from your carrier’s confirmation email or account portal.
Q: What if “Add Cellular Plan” doesn’t start scanning after tapping it?
A: Ensure your iPhone model supports eSIM, then restart the phone and try again. If the camera still won’t activate, manually enter the SM-DP+ address and activation code from your carrier instead.
Label your plans for easy switching
When activating multiple eSIMs, label your plans for easy switching to avoid confusion. During setup, iOS prompts you to assign a custom label—such as “Work Data” or “Travel”—to each line. This allows the device to distinguish between them when toggling which plan is active for cellular data or calls. Without distinct labels, you risk selecting the wrong profile when swapping between carriers. A logical naming system, based on use-case rather than carrier name, makes plan switching instantaneous in Settings > Cellular. This step transforms multiple eSIMs into a flexible toolkit rather than a tangled set of options.
Activating eSIM on Android Devices
To activate an eSIM on your Android device, start by navigating to **Settings > Connections > SIM card manager**. Tap “Add mobile plan” and scan the QR code provided by your carrier. Alternatively, you may enter the activation code manually. Once scanned, confirm the installation and label your new eSIM, for instance, “Travel” or “Work.” You can then designate it as your primary data line or keep your physical SIM active for calls.
The core insight is that Android manages dual SIMs seamlessly, letting you switch between networks without ever touching a physical card.
After a quick reboot, your eSIM will be ready, unlocking instant network access directly from your device’s software.
Navigate to Settings then Network & Internet
Begin activation by unlocking your phone and locating the Settings app on your home screen or app drawer. Tap Network & Internet, which is typically the second major menu option. This section houses all connectivity controls. In this menu, you will find the dedicated area for mobile network management. From here, select “SIMs” or “Mobile Network,” depending on your Android version. The exact path is:
- Open Settings
- Tap Network & Internet
- Choose SIMs or Mobile Network
This direct navigation is the mandatory first step before adding a new eSIM profile.
Tap Add Mobile Plan or Plus icon
In the eSIM activation flow, locate and tap the Add Mobile Plan or Plus icon within your device’s network settings. This action initiates the scanning interface for a QR code or the manual entry field for an activation code provided by your carrier. Do not proceed unless you have the QR code or activation details ready, as the menu times out after a short period.
- Ensure your device is connected to Wi-Fi before tapping the icon to avoid scanning interruptions.
- Tap only the dedicated Add Mobile Plan or Plus icon; ignoring secondary prompts like “Download a SIM instead” prevents misrouting.
- After tapping, hold the device steady to allow the camera to focus sharply on the QR code for instant detection.
- If the icon is greyed out, check that no physical SIM conflicts exist before retrying the tap.
Use the QR code or enter details manually
To activate your eSIM, scan the QR code from your carrier in Wi-Fi settings under “Add Mobile Plan.” If scanning fails, tap Enter details manually and type the China eSIM SM-DP+ address and activation code—usually found in your carrier’s email or account page. Double-check for typos, as letters are case-sensitive. Once entered, confirm the plan label and reboot. That’s it.
Use the QR code for quick setup, or enter details manually if scanning doesn’t work—both unlock your eSIM in seconds.
Activating eSIM via Carrier App
To activate an eSIM via a carrier app, you first need to install your mobile operator’s official application from the app store. After logging into your account, navigate to the device management or eSIM section and select the option to activate a new eSIM. The app will typically verify your device compatibility and then push a cellular plan configuration directly to your phone. Upon confirmation, the eSIM profile downloads and installs automatically, requiring you to restart your device to complete the activation.
This method is often the fastest way to activate an eSIM, as it eliminates manual entry of QR codes or confirmation codes, handling the entire provisioning process through the app’s secure connection.
Ensure your device remains connected to Wi-Fi throughout the process to avoid data interruptions during the profile download.
Download your provider’s official app
Locate and install your carrier’s official app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store by searching for your provider’s name plus “eSIM.” After opening the app, sign into your account and navigate to the cellular or mobile data section to find the eSIM activation option. This dedicated app streamlines setup by securely pre-loading your eSIM profile, eliminating the need to manually scan a QR code. Always verify the app has an official developer label to avoid fake listings. The app typically guides you through confirming your device’s compatibility before initiating a secure eSIM activation download directly to your phone.
Download your provider’s official app for a streamlined, code-free eSIM activation that securely installs your cellular profile with guided, on-screen steps.
Log in and locate the eSIM activation option
Once your carrier app is installed, tap it to open and locate the eSIM activation option immediately. You will need to log in using your account credentials—typically your phone number and password or a one-time passcode sent via SMS. Ignore general account settings; look specifically for labels like “Get eSIM,” “Mobile Plans,” or “Activate eSIM.” This option is usually prominent on the home screen or under a “Devices” tab. If you cannot find it, use the app’s search function.
Q: What if I cannot locate the eSIM activation option after logging in?
A: Check the app’s menu for “Manage Plan” or “SIM Settings.” If still missing, log out and re-login to refresh your account profile; the option often appears only after a successful login.
Follow in-app prompts to install the profile
After launching the carrier’s app, the interface will present a series of steps to initiate eSIM provisioning. You must follow in-app prompts to install the profile, which typically begins with a confirmation dialog and ends with a system notification. Each prompt corresponds to a specific backend action, such as fetching the SM-DP+ address or authorizing the download. Ignoring any step, like dismissing a permission request, will halt activation. The app may ask you to confirm your line or scan a QR code before the profile is pushed to your device. Complete every prompt in order; the profile installs only after the final confirmation.
Q: What happens if I skip a prompt while following in-app instructions to install the profile?
A: Skipping any step will prevent the eSIM profile from downloading or installing, requiring you to restart the activation process from the beginning.
Manual eSIM Activation Without QR Code
You’re holding your phone, ready to switch carriers, but the QR code your provider sent you won’t scan. That’s when manual eSIM activation without QR code saves your setup. Instead of scanning, you navigate to your phone’s cellular settings, tap “Add eSIM,” then “Enter Details Manually.” Your carrier supplies a long activation code—a string of numbers and letters—which you type in precisely, along with a confirmation code.
This method is identical to QR activation, but replaces the image scan with direct text input, often used when you’re on a call with support or your camera is broken.
After entering both codes, your phone provisions the eSIM profile instantly, letting you activate mobile data without ever touching a barcode.
Enter activation code provided by carrier
When activating an eSIM manually without a QR code, you must enter the activation code provided by your carrier. This code is typically a string of alphanumeric characters, often including a SM-DP+ address and an activation code. Navigate to your device’s mobile network settings, choose “Add eSIM,” then select “Enter details manually.” Precisely type the code from your carrier’s email or account portal. A single typo will prevent activation. After submission, your device retrieves the eSIM profile. SM-DP+ address and confirmation code fields must match exactly what the carrier issued.
Use SM-DP+ address for direct configuration
For a QR-code-free setup, you can use the SM-DP+ address for direct configuration to manually trigger an eSIM download. This server address, provided by your carrier, tells your device exactly where to fetch your digital profile. On supported phones, simply navigate to the mobile network settings, choose the option to add a cellular plan manually, and paste the SM-DP+ address alongside your unique activation code. The device then securely contacts that server to install the eSIM over Wi-Fi or cellular data, bypassing any need for a scan.
- Enter the full SM-DP+ URL as supplied by your carrier, which usually starts with “sm-dp+” or “rsp.”
- Pair the address with an activation code (often called a confirmation code) provided in your plan details.
- Verify the address is case-sensitive and includes no extra spaces to prevent a connection failure.
Confirm installation through confirmation codes
After entering the activation code, you must confirm installation through confirmation codes to finalize the eSIM profile. The carrier sends a one-time passcode (OTP) via SMS or email, which you input directly in your device’s cellular settings. This step verifies your identity and authorizes the profile download. Ensure the device remains connected to Wi-Fi or cellular data during this process, as the code expires quickly if the session times out.
- Enter the OTP exactly as received; case-sensitive characters may apply.
- Do not leave the settings menu while waiting for the confirmation code.
- Request a new code only after the initial one fails to avoid lockouts.
- Use the same device that received the code to prevent activation errors.
Activating eSIM for Travel
I land in a new country, phone locked and useless, until I remember my eSIM. I open my provider’s app, scan the QR code they emailed, and within seconds the network fires up—no tiny plastic card needed. The prepaid plan I bought online kicks in automatically. Can I activate an eSIM after arriving? Yes, as long as you have Wi-Fi or a local SIM’s data to download the profile; just don’t delete the installation instructions beforehand. That first ping of arrival instantly feels like home.
Purchase an international eSIM plan online
When you purchase an international eSIM plan online, the activation process begins immediately after checkout. Most providers email a QR code or activation link within minutes. To activate, first ensure your device is connected to Wi-Fi. Then, open your phone’s settings, navigate to “Cellular” or “Mobile Data,” and select “Add eSIM.” Scan the QR code or manually enter the provided SM‑DP+ address. After installation, assign the eSIM as your primary data line while keeping your physical SIM active for calls. The plan typically activates upon first connecting to a foreign network, requiring no further steps once installed.
Scan QR code before departure or upon arrival
When you get your eSIM, you’ll have the option to scan the QR code while you’re still at home or wait until you land. Scanning before departure lets you test the activation in a stable Wi-Fi environment, so everything is ready the moment you exit the plane. If you prefer to scan upon arrival, just make sure you have a stable airport or hotel internet connection to complete the setup. This small choice can save you from scrambling for connectivity right after a long flight.
- Keep a screenshot of the QR code as a backup in case you lose the original email or file.
- Scan the QR code on a single device only—each code is typically locked to one phone.
- Turn on data roaming in settings after scanning to fully activate the plan.
Switch between home and travel plans as needed
To avoid roaming fees, switch between home and travel plans as needed directly from your phone’s settings. Before departure, label each eSIM profile clearly (e.g., “Home” and “Europe Trip”). Once abroad, disable your primary line and enable the travel plan; for a layover, toggle it back. On return, reverse the action—no need to remove or delete the travel eSIM. You can keep both profiles active simultaneously, assigning data exclusively to the travel plan while calls route through your home number.
Switch between home and travel plans instantly in settings—keep both profiles, activate one at a time, and avoid daily reconfiguration.
Troubleshooting Common eSIM Issues
Activating your eSIM can hit snags, but most are easy to fix. If the scan fails, eSIM activation errors often stem from a poor internet connection—switch to a stable Wi-Fi network before retrying. If your phone shows “No Service” after adding a plan, ensure the eSIM profile is set as your primary cellular line in settings. For a stuck eSIM installation, restarting your device clears temporary glitches and forces the profile to load. Always delete any old or duplicate eSIM profiles that might conflict. If you receive a QR code that won’t scan, manually enter the SM-DP+ address and activation code provided by your carrier instead.
Restart device if the eSIM fails to appear
If your new eSIM doesn’t show up after scanning the QR code or entering details, a quick device restart often fixes it. This clears temporary network glitches that hide the eSIM. To do this, simply power off your phone, wait 10 seconds, then turn it back on. After the restart, re-check your mobile network settings for the eSIM. If it still doesn’t appear, try these steps:
- Go to Settings > Cellular or Mobile Data.
- Look for an option like “Add Cellular Plan.”
- If the plan is missing, tap “Add eSIM” and re-enter your activation code.
Most often, a restart is all that’s needed to make the eSIM visible and ready to use.
Check for carrier settings updates
If your eSIM isn’t activating or keeps showing “No Service,” check for carrier settings updates first. These are small tweaks your provider pushes to improve network connectivity. Go to **Settings > General > About** on iPhone; an update prompt should appear automatically if one’s available. For Android, open **Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Carrier Settings**. *A quick restart after updating ensures the changes apply cleanly.* This step often fixes activation failures without contacting support.
Q: Does checking for carrier settings updates download anything new?
Not always—it mostly syncs your device with the network’s current configuration data, like APN details for eSIM profiles.
Reset network settings to resolve configuration errors
If your eSIM profile refuses to activate or keeps dropping signal, a targeted network settings reset often clears the underlying misconfigurations. This is a surgical fix that wipes only saved Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and carrier-specific data without altering your eSIM plan. Unlike a full factory reset, it efficiently erases corrupted APN entries or stuck network registrations that block the eSIM from downloading. After the reset, your device will restart and re-establish clean network connections, allowing the eSIM to synchronize properly.
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
- On Android, navigate to Settings > General Management > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
- Re-enter Wi-Fi passwords post-reset, as this action deletes all stored network credentials.
- Test eSIM activation immediately after the device restarts to confirm the fix.
Managing Multiple eSIM Profiles
When activating an eSIM, managing multiple profiles means you can store several carrier plans on one device, swapping them without swapping physical cards. To activate a new profile, you typically scan a QR code from your carrier or download their app, which adds the profile to your phone’s storage. Your device will then let you label each profile (e.g., “Work,” “Travel”) for instant recognition. Switching between active profiles is often a toggle in your cellular settings, allowing you to designate one for data while keeping another for calls. This flexibility demands careful oversight, as having too many active profiles can drain battery with constant network scanning. Always deactivate unused profiles after activation to maintain clarity and performance.
Add up to eight eSIMs on compatible devices
Modern compatible devices let you store up to eight eSIMs simultaneously, transforming your phone into a multi-network hub. After activating your primary eSIM, each additional profile downloads through a QR code or carrier app. This capacity means you can keep separate work, travel, and personal lines active without swapping physical cards.
- Manage multiple numbers while only one eSIM remains active for cellular data at a time.
- Switch between stored profiles directly in your device’s settings without re-inserting cards.
- Label each eSIM (e.g., “Travel Spain” or “Work”) for instant identification when toggling.
- Keep expired or inactive eSIMs saved, ready for re-activation when you return to that region.
Select default line for calls and messages
After activating multiple eSIM profiles, you must designate a default line for calls and messages to route all outgoing communications unless overridden manually. This setting determines which phone number is used when initiating a call or sending an SMS. Navigate to your device’s cellular settings, select the specific eSIM profile, and assign it as the default. Incoming calls still reach any active line, but your default governs outbound traffic, simplifying dual-line management. For clarity, compare the available options:
| Setting | Behavior For Outgoing Calls & SMS |
|---|---|
| Default Line (Selected) | Always uses this eSIM profile unless you manually choose another per contact or call. |
| Ask Every Time | Prompts you to select a line for each outbound call or message. |
Toggle between data plans for optimal coverage
After activation, toggle between data plans for optimal coverage by prioritizing a specific eSIM line for cellular data within your device’s settings. When signal degrades, switch to a secondary plan from a different local carrier to maintain connectivity. This manual toggling ensures you always leverage the strongest available network without changing physical SIMs. For example, if your primary plan drops to 3G, immediately activate a roaming or prepaid eSIM on a stronger tower.
Q: How do I toggle between data plans for optimal coverage without losing access to my primary number?
A: Set your primary line for voice and iMessage, then manually change the “Cellular Data” line to the secondary eSIM for internet; calls and texts remain on the original plan.
Switching eSIM to a New Phone
Switching an eSIM to a new phone typically begins by removing the profile from your old device via its settings menu, but do not factory reset that phone first, as this can delete the eSIM permanently. On your new phone, navigate to the cellular settings and select “Add Cellular Plan”; you will then scan the QR code provided by your carrier or download their app to retrieve the activation code. Ensure both devices are on a stable Wi-Fi connection during this transfer to prevent errors. If the QR code fails, your carrier’s app may offer a manual entry method using the activation details from your account. Once the eSIM activates, your new phone will handle calls and data, while the old line automatically deactivates.
Deactivate eSIM on your old device first
Before activating your eSIM on a new phone, you must deactivate the eSIM on your old device first. Failing to do so can lock your profile to the previous hardware, preventing transfer. Navigate to your old phone’s cellular settings and select the eSIM line; choose “Remove Cellular Plan” or “Erase eSIM.” Your carrier then releases the activation code for reuse. Skipping this step often forces a call to support for manual reset.
Deactivate the eSIM on your old device first to free the profile for immediate activation on your new phone, avoiding carrier service blocks.
Transfer eSIM profile via carrier portal
To transfer your eSIM via the carrier portal, log in to your account on the provider’s website or app. Locate the device management or eSIM section, then select the option to transfer or reassign your existing eSIM profile to your new phone. The system will typically generate a new QR code or activation code for the replacement device. Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm the IMEI of the new handset. Once submitted, the old profile deactivates instantly; scan or enter the new code on the target phone to complete activation. This method avoids needing physical contact with customer support.
The carrier portal transfer method lets you self-manage eSIM migration by logging into your account, generating a new activation code, and deactivating the old profile simultaneously.
Scan a new QR code or re-enter activation details
When switching an eSIM to a new phone, you must either scan a new QR code or re-enter the activation details provided by your carrier. If your carrier issued a dynamic QR code, scanning it again on the new device is the most straightforward method. Alternatively, if no QR is available, manually input the SM-DP+ address and activation code from your original setup email. Do not transfer the eSIM profile directly between devices—it is locked to the hardware. A comparison of these two methods is shown below:
| Method | Requirement | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Scan QR Code | Carrier-provided QR (usable once or re-issued) | Quick setup on supported devices |
| Re-enter Details | Manual entry of SM-DP+ address and code | When QR is unavailable or expired |
Both options erase the profile from the old phone, so ensure the new device has an active internet connection before proceeding.
Removing or Erasing an eSIM
Before you can activate a new eSIM, you often need to remove or erase an existing eSIM from your device. This clears space and prevents conflicts during the activation process. To erase an eSIM, go to your phone’s cellular settings, tap the active eSIM line, and select “Remove Cellular Plan.” This action is permanent on most devices and cannot be undone by simply re-scanning the same QR code. After removal, you can proceed to activate a new eSIM by scanning a fresh QR code or downloading a carrier app. Always double-check that the erased eSIM was the correct one to avoid losing access before your new plan is ready.
Go to Settings and choose the eSIM plan
To remove an eSIM, start by opening your phone’s Settings app. Tap on “Cellular” or “Mobile Data”, then select the specific eSIM plan you want to erase. Look for “Remove Cellular Plan” or a similar option at the bottom of the screen—tapping it erases the eSIM entirely. This step is useful before switching to a new carrier or if the plan is no longer needed.
Tap Remove Cellular Plan or Delete
When you need to wipe an existing profile during eSIM setup, Tap Remove Cellular Plan or Delete is the critical step located in your device’s cellular settings. This action instantly erases the eSIM configuration, freeing the device to download a new one for activation. Without this removal, your phone will reject fresh eSIM installs. You must confirm the deletion in a pop-up, which disconnects the old service permanently until you reactivate it.
Q: Will Tap Remove Cellular Plan or Delete immediately allow me to scan a new eSIM QR code?
A: Yes, directly after you confirm the deletion, the phone no longer holds any plan, so you can instantly proceed to scan or enter a new activation code.
Contact carrier if you need to reuse the eSIM later
Before removing an eSIM, contact your carrier to confirm reusability. Some carriers allow reactivation via a new QR code, while others permanently disable the profile upon deletion. Always request a backup QR code or confirmation number before erasing, as carriers may charge a reissue fee. Without this step, you risk losing the line entirely.
Q: Can I reuse an eSIM after deleting it?
A: Only if your carrier permits reactivation. Contact them first to check their policy—some allow it with a new activation code, others do not. Never delete without explicit confirmation that the profile remains reusable.