Top 10 Common Questions About eSIM in iPhone

eSIM is now a standard feature across Apple’s latest iPhones. It removes the need for a physical SIM card and gives users an easier way to activate, transfer or manage mobile plans. If you searched for topics like how to activate eSIM on iPhone, how many eSIMs can be used in iPhone, or how to delete eSIM from iPhone, this guide answers the top questions that iPhone users in Singapore ask most often.

Below are the 10 most common eSIM questions for iPhone users.

How to Activate eSIM on iPhone?

You can activate an eSIM on iPhone in three ways:

1. Scan the QR code from your telco

2. Install the eSIM through your telco’s app

3. Use the “Convert to eSIM” option if your iPhone supports it

To activate through QR code:
Go to Settings → Mobile Service → Add eSIM → Scan QR code → Follow the prompts to complete installation.

Activation usually completes within a few minutes.

How Many eSIMs Can Be Used in iPhone?

Most recent iPhones can store eight or more eSIMs, but only one or two can be active at the same time depending on your model.

Examples:

• iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 models can store multiple eSIM profiles

• You can keep many eSIMs saved on the device and switch between them when needed

How to Delete eSIM from iPhone?

To delete an eSIM:

1. Open Settings

2. Select Mobile Service

3. Tap the eSIM profile you want to remove

4. Select Delete eSIM

Deleting the eSIM removes it from your device. You will need a new QR code if you want to reinstall the same plan.

How to Use (Install) eSIM in iPhone?

To install an eSIM on your iPhone:

1. Go to Settings

2. Tap Mobile Service

3. Choose Add eSIM

4. Scan the QR code or follow your telco’s app instructions

Once installed, your iPhone connects to your mobile plan automatically.

How Does eSIM Work on iPhone?

An eSIM on iPhone is a digital SIM that is built into the phone. Instead of inserting a physical SIM card, the iPhone downloads your mobile plan onto the device through a QR code, app or eSIM activation server. It functions the same way as a normal SIM and supports calls, SMS and mobile data.

How to Transfer eSIM from iPhone to Android?

Transferring from iPhone to Android requires issuing a new eSIM profile. The steps are:

1. Delete the eSIM on your iPhone

2. Request a fresh eSIM QR code from your telco

3. Scan the QR code using your Android device

4. Complete the installation on Android

Direct phone to phone eSIM transfer works only between some iPhones and does not apply to Android.

How to Transfer eSIM to a New iPhone?

Apple supports eSIM Quick Transfer on newer models:

1. Start setting up your new iPhone

2. When prompted, choose Transfer eSIM

3. Approve the transfer on your old iPhone

4. Wait for the new iPhone to activate your eSIM

If Quick Transfer is not available, you can request a new activation QR code from your telco.

Which iPhone Supports eSIM?

Most recent iPhones support eSIM, including:

• iPhone XR, XS and XS Max

• iPhone 11 series

• iPhone 12 series

• iPhone 13 series

• iPhone 14 series

• iPhone 15 series

• iPhone 16 series

• iPhone 17 series

Some regions even require eSIM only activation with no physical SIM slot.

How to Turn On and Off eSIM on iPhone?

To turn eSIM on or off:

1. Open Settings

2. Select Mobile Service

3. Tap the eSIM profile

4. Switch the line on or off

This lets you disable mobile service temporarily without deleting the eSIM.

Does iPhone Support eSIM?

Yes. All recent iPhones support eSIM activation. Many new models use eSIM as the primary method for mobile setup and support multiple eSIM profiles for travel or work.