Apple has had eSIM support since the iPhone Xs/XR, but this year it’s going all out by ditching the physical SIM card slot for all versions of the iPhone 14 sold in the US. While models sold in other countries will have both physical and virtual SIM support, Apple could eventually remove the SIM slot in more countries depending on availability. Exact guidelines vary from region to region. In this guide, we focused primarily on the US market.
An ESIM is a replacement for a physical SIM card that is built into the phone’s circuitry so users can easily switch between SIM cards. It also allows people to host more than two SIM cards. The iPhone 14 will be able to host up to eight SIM cards at once. So how easy is it to load a new eSIM into an iPhone? It should only take a few steps.
How to Setup eSIM in iPhone 14
- Go to Settings > Mobile > Add mobile plan. Alternatively, this setting can be under Settings > Mobile data > Add eSIM.
- You will see a lot of numbers on the display to transfer the plan. Otherwise, you can manually select “Transfer from nearby iPhone”. Both iPhones must be on iOS 16 for this to work.
- The instructions for the old model will help you with this process. Enter the verification code—which appears on the new iPhone—on the older iPhone.
- Once you transfer your plan to a newer iPhone, your carrier will send you a notification that the setup is complete.
QR code support
If your carrier gave you a QR code, you can simply select “Use QR Code” when setting up your new iPhone or use the camera.
In some regions, you can find the “Use QR code” option under Settings > Mobile data > Add eSIM.
Converting a physical SIM card to eSIM
Some operators may support the quick conversion of a physical SIM card to an eSIM without the need to visit a store. To do this, go to Settings > Cellular and select Convert to eSIM, then tap Convert Cellular Plan. After confirming the mobile plan you want to hide, tap Convert to eSIM and wait for it to activate.
Some US-based carriers may have their own apps and sites for easy eSIM setup. Most iPhone models will need to be connected to the internet via Wi-Fi when switching to eSIM, but the eSIM-only iPhone 14 sold in the US can be activated without a Wi-Fi-enabled internet connection.
What is an eSIM card?
An eSIM is a SIM card that is built into a mobile device and can connect you to any operator that offers eSIM services.
In addition, eSIM works just like a traditional SIM card, but you don’t need a physical SIM card to use it. It is actually pre-installed in the device and you can activate it by installing the “eSIM profile” of the new operator.
In fact, it is an evolution of the physical SIM card. More and more smartphones, tablets and laptops are equipped with an eSIM card. Google Photos just got a bunch of upgraded features — here’s what’s new
For example: iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14, iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13, iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, iPhone SE 2 (2020) , iPad Pro 11″ (1st Gen or later), iPad Pro 12.9″ (3rd Gen or later), iPad Air (3rd Gen or later), iPad (7th Gen or later), iPad mini (5th Gen or later), Google Pixel 6 Pro, 6, 6a, 5, 4, 4a, 4 XL, 3, 3 XL, 3a, 3a XL, HONOR Magic 3, Magic 3 Pro, Magic 3 Pro+, 50, Huawei P40, P40 Pro, Mate 40 Pro, Nuu X5, Rakuten Mini, Big‑S, Big, Samsung Galaxy Fold, Note20, Note20 Ultra, S22, S22+, S22 Ultra, S21 5G, S21+ 5G, S21 Ultra 5G, S20, S20+, S20 Ultra, Z Flip, Z Fold 2, Z Fold 3 5G, Z Fold 4, Z Flip 3 5G Fold, Z Flip 3 5G, Z Flip 4, Sharp AQUOS sense4 lite, Sony Xperia 10 III Lite, 1 IV, 10 IV, Surface Duo, Gemini PDA, the Microsoft Surface Pro X…
How does eSIM work?
With an eSIM compatible device, you can easily install an eSIM profile (provided by operators/carriers) to buy an eSIM data plan when you need it, on the go. In addition, you can use multiple operators and subscribe to several data plans at the same time to suit your needs: when traveling, working from home or remotely…
For example: with Ubigi you can save up to 90% of roaming costs in 190 destinations compared to your usual operator. We also offer one-off and recurring data plans as alternatives to poor quality or unsecured Wi-Fi. How to turn sound off on Instagram stories – fix the annoying glitch
eSIM is sometimes called by its technical name eUICC (Embedded Universal Circuit Card) or virtual SIM.
Good to know: eSIM plays a major role in the Internet of Things (IoT) as the technology is already embedded in cars, wearables, home appliances, industrial machinery