eSIM, as a technology, has grown rapidly since its launch. More and more devices such as mobile phones, tablets, and computer devices are coming up with the inclusion of the eSIM feature. In this article, we especially look into how to activate eSIM on iPhone.
eSIM evolved around the year 2012 and since then the electronics industry has been experimenting more and more with it. As it is a bit different from the conventional SIM cards that are well-known and used for mobile phones, people have not switched to the new mode completely.
However, Apple introduced the technology on their device in 2018 for iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR. Now, many other models are also using the technology and thereby there’s a greater need to understand the same in detail. But before we plunge into understanding how to activate eSIM on iPhone, let’s get to know a bit more about eSIM and its associated features.
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What is eSIM?
eSIM or the embedded SIM is a programmed SIM card that has replaced the physical SIM cards. You may also come across the name Virtual SIM, which is the same as eSIM. As known to most of us, a SIM card is an identification of the cellular plan from a carrier that we opt for our phones. While SIM cards were physically availed of a small chip that was inserted in the SIM slot of mobile phones, the concept of eSIM is quite different.
Besides, SIM card also contained the personal details of the user, their location tracking capacity, etc., which remains the same with eSIM too. However, eSIM is embedded using software on the operating system. You don’t need to buy a physical SIM card. All you have to do is to install the eSIM profile of the operator that you opt for.
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How is eSIM better than the normal SIM?
By far, the advantages of having eSIM outweigh the need or continuing physical SIM alone. There are multiple advantages to using it, and some of them have been enumerated below:
- You always have the fear of losing a physical SIM card as and when you remove it, and hence, you need to store it safely. However, this is not the case with the eSIM.
- One can never clone eSIM that was a problem that occurred with physical SIM.
- Since it can be operated remotely by the carrier, it’s quite easy to locate in case it is lost or stolen.
- eSIM allows for a robust design. For example, there can be extra space for batteries or other components used in a mobile device.
How To Activate eSIM on iPhone?
Activating eSIM is not a complicated process and one can set it up as soon as one buys a new phone. You can either get that done right away as per the instruction shown to you on the phone or you can simply call your carrier for the quick transfer in case you do it at a later stage. In this section, we shall take you through all possible means to activate eSIM on iPhone in a detailed manner.
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1. eSIM Carrier Activation
This process is applicable to iPhones that come with a cellular plan. It gets activated as soon as your turn your iPhone on.
- You need to go with the instruction presented to you while starting the phone during setting up your iPhone.
- Choose from the set of WiFi options that you can connect your phone to.
- It starts setting up your iPhone and you must be patient during the process as it may take some time.
- To check if the cellular service has been activated on your phone, you can check if the signal strength has appeared on the top right corner of the screen.
- Select Continue when prompted.
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2. Quick Transfer
Quick transfer lets you transfer the SIM card from one phone to other without actually contacting them. With the quick transfer, you transfer more than one SIM to the newly bought iPhone too.
This can be done in two ways. Firstly, you can do this by transferring your physical SIM or eSIM of your previous phone into the new phone. Secondly, you can also convert into eSIM from the physical SIM on the same iPhone too.
Here are the guided steps for transferring physical SIM/eSIM ,
- Go to Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan
- You need to select from the list of cellular plan presented to you. Tap transfer from another phone if you are using iPhone for the transfer.
- There will be a few instructions displayed to you on the other phone. Follow it and tap Transfer for confirmation. Alternatively, you may be asked to provide a code sent to your previous phone to move ahead.
- The previously installed SIM gets deactivated and the SIM gets activated on this new phone right away.
- Tap Finish Setting Up Your Carrier’s Cellular Plan, after which you will be transferred to the webpage of the carrier. Once done, the eSIM gets successfully installed.
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To activate eSIM from physical SIM on the same iPhone, here are the steps to follow:
- Go to Settings > Cellular > Convert to eSIM. However, this option is available only if your cellular plan supports eSIM.
- Select Convert Cellular Plan > Convert to eSIM. Once your eSIM is activated, the SIM card gets activated.
- Post this, you can remove the physical SIM and restart the phone.
3. After setting up your iPhone
Once the iPhone setup begins navigate to Settings > Cellular >Set Up Cellular> Scan QR Code. Once setup is done, you know that eSIM is ready for use.
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4. Other Methods to activate eSIM on iPhone
You can even activate your eSIM by scanning the QR code. Once you get to setting up the cellular screen, tap to use the QR code and follow the instructions. However, you can do this during the setup of the iPhone.
To activate eSIM on iPhone after setting up the phone, you need to contact the carrier to get the QR code. Once you get it, open the Camera app and scan the QR code. The Cellular Plan Detected pops up and then you need to press Continue > Add Cellular Plan. Add a confirmation code sent to you by a carrier to proceed with the final setup.
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Prerequisites for an eSIM
Here are some of the requirements that must be met before setting up an eSIM on the iPhone.
- You need an iPhone XR, XS, XS Max, or higher version to opt for an eSIM
- There is a requirement for a WiFI connection at the time of setup.
- You need a cellular carrier that supports eSIM technology.
- Keep updating your phone to have the latest version installed on your phone.
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Summary: How To Activate eSIM On iPhone
In India, Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea provide the facility for eSIM on the phone. If you want to avail the option for your iPhone, you can follow the mentioned guide to getting started right away. These detailed methods will definitely help you to activate eSIM on your iPhone right away.
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