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How to activate an eSIM on every

major US carrier
Here's how to enter the world of digital SIM cards

BY JON GILBERT UPDATED MAY 1, 2023

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eSIMs are becoming more popular, but activating them isn't
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straightforward. Since Apple made the iPhone 14 eSIM exclusive,
everyone is wondering when their phone manufacturer will follow
suit. However, these steps are still in the early stages, and there
isn't a standard way to activate eSIMs on each carrier or device
yet.

While they aren't eSIM exclusive, the top Android phones have
eSIM support so that you can get a head start with eSIMs. We
walk you through the process of activating an eSIM on every major
U.S. carrier and highlight any device restrictions. If you're unsure of
what an eSIM is, read our explanation of SIM card types.
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How to activate an eSIM on Verizon,

AT&T, and T-Mobile
New eSIMs need to be activated and then downloaded.
Downloading an eSIM is a mostly automatic process, but
activating it requires a different method depending on your carrier
or phone.

Even within carriers, some devices have different methods of eSIM

activation. Read the instructions carefully to ensure you're
following the instructions for your device.
Purchasing an eSIM is done while purchasing your phone plan.
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Even if you plan solely to use eSIM, your carrier may send you a
physical SIM card anyway. Some phones support dual SIM/eSIM
cards, so don't throw away your physical SIM card.

Note

Due to the lack of widespread adoption, activating an eSIM

isn't always a seamless process. If you have trouble
following these instructions, contact your carrier's customer
support or go to a physical store to activate your eSIM.

How to activate an eSIM on Verizon

There are two ways to activate an eSIM on Verizon:

The first method to activate your eSIM is through the My Verizon

app. This is the easiest method. You can use it whether activating
a new device or migrating to an eSIM on an existing device.

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Open the app and follow the prompts. You'll also need to scan a
QR code which we copied below. It's the same code for Android
and iOS devices.

You can also contact Verizon's customer support at (800) 922-

0204 to activate your eSIM.

How to activate an eSIM on AT&T

When you purchase an eSIM from AT&T, you should receive an

eSIM activation card with a QR code. To activate your eSIM, follow
these instructions:
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1. Scan the provided QR code.

2. Tap the Cellular Plan Detected notification.

3. Tap Continue.

4. Tap Add Cellular Plan.

5. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete activation.

How to activate an eSIM on T-Mobile

If you bought your device from T-Mobile, you should be

automatically prompted to activate your eSIM during setup.

If this prompt doesn't appear, contact T-Mobile customer support

at (800) 937-8997, then scan the QR code below.

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Note

In December 2022, a T-Mobile representative informed

Android Police that its eSIM activation process varies
between devices. If you own a Google Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, or
any iPhone 14 model, contact T-Mobile. A T-Mobile
representative may be able to push your activation
automatically, and you may not need to scan a QR code.

How to download your eSIM to your

Android phone
After activating your eSIM, it's time to download it to your Android
phone. Make sure you meet the following criteria before beginning:
 Your device is connected to a Wi-Fi network
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You received an email from your carrier with a QR activation code.

Note

These instructions are from a Pixel 6 running Android 13.

Regardless of your Android device, these steps should be
similar. However, some options may have different names.
For example, the option for eSIM for Samsung Galaxy
phones is under Connections, not Network & Internet.

You must enter your Android phone's settings to activate your

device. This is in a slightly different location for each device.
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1. Open Settings.

2. Tap Network & Internet.

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3. Tap the plus button next to SIMs. Don't tap the SIMs button to
activate your eSIM.

4. Tap Download a SIM instead at the bottom of your screen.

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5. Tap Next.

6. Scan your QR code.

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7. Once your code has been confirmed, tap Done to complete your
eSIM activation.

How to activate an eSim for iOS

Activating an eSIM for iOS is similar to activating one on Android.
Make sure you meet the same criteria before beginning:
 Your device is connected to a Wi-Fi network
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You received an email from your carrier with a QR activation code.

Note

If you bought an iPhone with an eSIM (such as the iPhone 14),

tap the notification that says Provider Mobile Data Plan
Ready to Be Installed. This notification appears shortly after
turning on your phone, and you only need to make a call to
test the connectivity.

1. Open the Settings app.

2. Tap Mobile Data.

3. Tap Add eSim.

 iphone settings menu iphone mobile data settings
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4. Tap Use QR code.

5. Scan the QR code provided by your carrier.

 iphone set up mobile service iphone scan QR code
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screenshot screenshot

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Is an eSIM the best option for you?

eSIM cards have many benefits but might not be best for you. If
you're constantly swapping out SIM cards, you'll want to stick with
physical SIM cards. Also, if you're considering one of the best
prepaid phone plans, note that most MVNOs don't have eSIM
support.

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RELATED TOPICS
 CARRIERS GUIDES & HOW-TOS CARRIERS ESIM SIM
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jon Gilbert • Commerce And Features Writer

(457 Articles Published)

Jon has been a freelance writer at Android Police since 2021. He primarily writes how-to
guides and round-ups, but occasionally covers news. His favorite Android device was...
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