HOW TO ACTIVATE ESIM: Full Activation Guide

How to Activate eSIM on iPhone, Samsung, and T Mobile.
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Knowing how to install and activate an eSIM for devices like iPhone, Samsung, and carriers like T mobile, is an important skill in 2023. This is simple process that should not take more than five minutes. Go to Settings > Cellular and select Add eSIM to configure and activate an eSIM on your iPhone. Choose Set up eSIM on your iPhone from the menu that appears. After connecting your Samsung device to Wi-Fi and completing the setup process, proceed as follows: Access the SIM manager by going to Settings > Connections > SIM Manager. To activate your device, tap Add eSIM.

How to Activate Esim

With an eSIM or digital SIM, you do not need a physical SIM to sign up for a cell phone plan with your carrier. An iPhone can hold up to eight eSIMs, allowing you to use two separate phone numbers. eSIM activates mobile network plans without nano-SIMs and requires a wireless service plan. Software version, country, and carrier affect eSIM availability. Ask your mobile carrier about eSIM support. 

How to Activate eSIM on iPhone 

Activating an eSIM on an iPhone can be as easy as turning on the phone and following the on-screen instructions, though this will vary by model and retailer. Your experience should go smoothly if you bought your phone from your carrier. But we will also go over what it takes to get your new iPhone set up if you bought it unlocked.

#1. Accessing the eSIM Configurations during the Initial Setup

There may not be much for you to do if you bought your iPhone through your wireless service provider, as was previously mentioned. Apple’s “Carrier Activation” program allows major US carriers like Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T to preload an eSIM onto a customer’s device. If so, then simply follow these steps:

  • To begin configuring your iPhone, swipe up from the home screen.
  • Select the Wi-Fi network of your choice and enter your password.
  • The iPhone will activate your eSIM once the Setting Up Cellular display shows up.
  • As soon as you see “Cellular Setup Complete,” click “Continue.”

#2. Using the Settings to Access the eSIM Options

The initial setup procedure is not necessary if you already own an iPhone. The settings allow you to easily add an eSIM. Make sure you are using an iPhone XR, XS, or a more recent model.

  • Open the Settings app.
  • Navigate to Cellular.
  • Choose Add eSIM.
  • You will now be given the option to use a QR code or transfer data from a nearby iPhone. Choose what works best for you.
  • Create a label specifically for your eSIM that indicates the carrier or usage (such as travel). 

#3. Use of Quick Transfer to Activate an eSIM

Quick Transfers is one of the newest features for iPhone devices. This feature allows users to move their mobile data plan from one iPhone to another. Let us see how this functions since eSIMs will also be able to use this feature.

  • Navigate to “Settings” and then click “Cellular.”
  • Click “Add Cellular Plan” to carry on.
  • Select “Transfer From Another iPhone” if a list of numbers does not appear.
  • Users must be simultaneously using both devices. You will need to verify the transfer from your old device by entering a code or selecting the “Transfer” option.
  • When you do this, your old phone will no longer be able to use its SIM or eSIM card.

Customers will likely need to use their mobile provider’s website to finish the process, but this is not always the case. Users should also be aware that this capability is exclusive to iOS 16 and later.

How to Activate an eSIM with iPhone on Verizon

Depending on your needs, you can activate an eSIM on your iPhone through Verizon Wireless. The procedure differs depending on whether the line is new or if devices are being added to an existing one. I will explain both options to you below.

Instructions for activating a Verizon eSIM on an iPhone when switching carriers.

  • Visit My Verizon and sign in. 
  • Go into Activate a Device on an Existing Line.
  • Select the eSIM you wish to use. It is IMEI2 for iPhone 10 through 13 models. Simply select the IMEI if the device is an iPhone 14.
  • Do not forget to do as Verizon instructs.

Using an eSIM, you can activate a new Verizon line on your iPhone.

  • My Verizon allows you to activate an eSIM for a brand-new account. The BYOD setup page is another option for creating a new account and activating an eSIM.
  • If you want to add a line, go to the “Add a Line” section of your My Verizon account. The app offers the same convenience.
  • No matter what method you use to activate your eSIM, all you have to do is follow the on-screen prompts.

How to Activate an eSIM with iPhone on AT&T

Adding an eSIM is a bit more annoying with AT&T, simply because it usually requires more involvement from the carrier. Sometimes, you’ll have to call and have them set it up manually if you are simply changing devices. You can also use the Bring Your Own Device AT&T page, but that doesn’t always work, depending on your account or device. Regardless of the option, AT&T will have to push this eSIM to your device, and you’ll get a notification to activate it.

How to Activate eSIM T Mobile

T-Mobile will require the IMEI of your device before activating an eSIM card and checking network availability. To activate T-Mobile eSIM on an iPhone is very similar to the setup on any other carrier’s iPhone. You will need some help from the carrier. Here are steps to activate an eSIM on T-Mobile iPhone

  • Send your device’s EID to T-Mobile’s support staff.
  • Be sure your gadget can connect to the internet via Wi-Fi.
  • After receiving the request from T-Mobile’s support team, you can activate the eSIM by tapping the notification.
  • Please proceed by selecting Continue.
  • Go to Cellular.

Once the eSIM is activated, it can be seen. The gadget will be ready in short order.

Now, the process is easy if you go with a T-Mobile prepaid plan. eSIM allows you to use a T-Mobile number with an AT&T or Verizon phone. These are the measures to take:

  • Download your eSIM while the Wi-Fi is on. When an eSIM becomes available, customers with iPhones will get a download invitation right away. 
  • Sign in to T-Mobile and choose the phone number to activate the eSIM.
  • Take the steps for security verification.
  • To finalize the adjustment, enter your EID number.
  • Complete the adjustment with your EID number.
  • When your eSIM is active, you can access it through your phone’s Settings menu. 
  • On an iPhone, select Settings > General > About. Select SIM Status (or Status Information) under About Phone on your Android device to view its current SIM status.

Checking an iPhone for eSIM Activation 

Select “Settings” from your device’s menu. To view the available plans, click the “Cellular” tab. If your eSIM was successfully activated, you should see it listed under the label you gave it. People can access more details about the eSIM by pressing on it.

#1. Checking through Device Settings

Here are some step-by-step guides, broken down by OS, that will tell you whether or not your eSIM is active on your phone.

For iOS

  • Open the iPhone or iPad’s “Settings” menu.
  • Select “Cellular” or “Mobile Data” by swiping down and tapping it.
  • Verify that the eSIM is listed in the SIMs section.
  • It is not yet activated if you cannot see it.

For Android

  • On your Android device, launch the “Settings” app.
  • Select “Network & Internet” or “Connections” from the drop-down menu, respectively.
  • Find the option that reads “SIM cards” or “Dual SIM & eSIM,” and then select it.
  • The eSIM is functional if its status changes to “Connected” or “Active” in the settings menu.
  • If you can only select “Add eSIM,” then your eSIM has not yet been enabled.

#2. Contacting Customer Support

You can also contact the customer support team of your carrier to find out if your eSIM is activated. Here’s how you can effectively communicate the issue and get quick and accurate feedback from your carrier’s customer support team;

Talk to the service staff in real-time through chat or the phone: Always try to get in touch with support via phone or, better yet, a real-time messaging service like Live chat if possible. If they offer round-the-clock, live chat support, you can also get answers quickly via email or social media. 

Gather the specifics before contacting customer service: You need to have your eSIM’s associated information on hand, such as your name and the order number. With this information, the support staff will be better equipped to address your concerns.

How to Activate eSIM on Samsung

You must ensure you have the most recent software version installed on your device before attempting to activate eSim on Samsung device. In the following sequence, you will find information on how to update the software on your mobile device. 

Start by selecting “Settings” > “Software Update” from the menu. Click “Download and install” in the second step. Third, stick to the on-screen prompts.

Steps to Activate up an eSIM on a Samsung device.

  • Access Connections
  • To access SIM Card Manager, select Settings > Connections.

You can now see the SIM cards that are currently on your device.

  • Choose Add Mobile Plan.

During this phase, your Samsung will search for an operator-active plan.

  • Then click Add Plan using the QR code.

You will need the QR code provided by your eSIM provider.

  • Just scan the QR code

Focus it on your camera

  • Download it to your mobile device.
  • Find it, and add it to your downloads on your phone.
  • Turn it on with your Samsung device.
  • Accept the power-up to start.

The SIM Card Manager will now include your brand-new eSIM.

Which iPhone has eSIM? 

With iOS 12.1 or later, all newer iPhones are compatible with eSIM, which Apple first introduced on the iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR. 

How Long does eSIM take to Activate? 

An eSIM can typically be activated in a matter of minutes to several hours. The activation procedure is typically over in 5 to 10 minutes, provided the carrier’s network is functioning normally and the QR code is valid.

How do I Know if my iPhone eSIM is Activated?

On your device, select “Settings.” Look for the available plans listed under the “Cellular” menu. If your eSIM was correctly activated, it should be visible there under the name or label you gave it. People can obtain more information about the eSIM if necessary by pressing on it.

Does the iPhone 7 Support eSIM?

I am sorry, but the iPhone 7 does not support eSIM. Only the newest models are capable of using eSIM because the technology is so new. 

The iPhone 7 regrettably does not support eSIM. Newer eSIM technology allows you to use your phone with both traditional SIM cards and embedded SIMs, giving you the flexibility to switch between the two as needed. Since the iPhone 7 only has a traditional SIM card slot, electronic SIMs are not compatible with it. You will need to upgrade to a newer iPhone, like the XS or the 11, to use an eSIM.

When Does my eSIM Data Package Expire?

Whether or not your eSIM is still active, or how much data you have used, will determine when your data package expires.

If you do not use up the entire amount of data before then, your eSIM data package will remain valid for the duration of the stated validity period.

The eSIM activates to begin the validity period. Connecting the installed eSIM to a compatible network at the destination is typically required for the eSIM to become active.

Location is irrelevant, as some eSIMs can be activated immediately upon installation. Additional Info> Activation Policy is where you can find these details before you buy.  

Does eSIM Activate Automatically?

Most eSIMs require a connection to a supported network or networks to become active at their final destination. However, some eSIMs can be activated immediately upon installation, regardless of the user’s physical location.

Do I need Wi-Fi to Activate eSIM?

The use of a Wi-Fi or cellular connection is required before an eSIM can be activated on a device. If you are trying to activate your eSIM on an iPhone 14 or iPhone 14 Pro with no access to a WiFi network, Apple now provides an alternative method.

Conclusion 

Different mobile service providers, such as AT&T, T-Mobile, Vodafone, etc. offer various ways to get in touch with customer support if you are having trouble with your eSIM. You can call them up, use the live chat feature, or fill out a contact form if they provide such options.

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References 

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