Guide to eSIM, how it works on iPhone
What is eSIM, how to use it on iPhone: everything you need to know about eSIMs. You may have heard a lot about eSIM but you have no idea how this futuristic technology works. Know that you are not alone. Through this Techy2tech article, we want to explain to you what eSIM is and how it works on your iPhone.
What is eSIM on iPhone?
The embedded eSIM or SIM is the digital alternative to physical SIM cards that we use through mobile carriers. Physical SIM cards contain the configuration to activate the service and other information to connect to the network. On the other hand, eSIM allows you to store the same information inside your iPhone without even using a physical SIM card. This means that there is no need to eject the SIM tray to “insert” the eSIM on your iPhone.
Adding eSIM to your iPhone is as easy as adding a new contact to your iPhone. But there is still some confusion when it comes to setting up a new eSIM on iPhone. Read on to clarify all your doubts.
Which iPhones support eSIM
Well, the eSIM is new on the iPhone and there are few “for the moment” models that support this new technology. Check if you have a suitable iPhone model below before installing eSIM on your iPhone.
iPhone XR
iPhone XS
iPhone XS Max
iPhone 11
iPhone 11 Pro
iPhone 11 Pro Max
iPhone 12
iPhone 12 Mini
iPhone 12 Pro
iPhone 12 Pro Max
In case you are using older iPhone models like iPhone X, 8, 7 or older, there is nothing you can do. You can't add or use eSIM with those older iPhone models.
How to switch from a physical SIM card to an eSIM
As you might think, eSIM is not a type of SIM card sold separately. You can easily convert your existing physical SIM cards to eSIM, depending on your carrier. Some managers allow easy conversion via a proprietary app, while some ask you to go to their store.
First of all, visit your https://www.techy2tech.com to learn more about converting physical SIM cards to eSIM on iPhone. These are some possible methods you will need to approach to start the eSIM conversion.
SMS or text message to the service of the carrier (with some specific codes of the carrier) to activate the eSIM. This will likely get you the eSIM configuration in your mail.
Send an email to the service provider requesting to change the physical SIM cards in eSIM.
Use the carrier app to select the option to convert a SIM card.
Visit your carrier's nearest store for clarification and an immediate solution for converting to eSIM.
How to add eSIM on iPhone
Once you have finished converting your physical SIM card to an eSIM, things are easier. You will receive a barcode or QR code that contains the setup information to add a new eSIM to your iPhone. You just need to scan the same to add the eSIM to iPhone.
Open Settings on the iPhone.
Go to the Cellular option.
Tap Add Cellular Plan.
Scan the QR code you received.
If you have the information instead of a QR code, tap the “ Enter details manually ” option at the bottom. Enter your eSIM details and confirm to your carrier the activation of the eSIM on the iPhone.
Add more eSIM to iPhone
The number of physical SIM cards you can put on an iPhone depends on the number of slots it has. Generally, the iPhone has a single physical SIM slot. The second line is dedicated to the eSIM. As stated above, eSIM is the SIM card information stored on your iPhone without using a physical card. That said, it is possible to add multiple eSIMs to iPhone even when a physical SIM and an eSIM already exist. That's how.
Obtain the additional eSIM QR code following the operator procedures.
Now open Settings on your iPhone and go to Cellular.
Tap the Add Cellular Plan option.
Scan the QR code provided to add the extra eSIM to your iPhone.
That's it, you have an extra eSIM added to your iPhone.