How to turn an eSIM back on in iPhone settings
If you have an eSIM that you’ve temporarily disabled, you can turn it back on at any time without having to reinstall the profile by accessing the eSIM settings on the iPhone. This is useful when you want to switch between your personal and work lines or between your home and travel plans.
Turning the eSIM line back on
Re-enabling a stored eSIM is straightforward and only takes a few taps.
Open “Settings” on your iPhone.
Tap “Cellular” or “Mobile data.”
Select the eSIM profile you want to use from the list.
Toggle the switch for “Turn on this line” to the on position.
Once you enable the line, your iPhone will reconnect to the carrier’s network. You should see signal bars and the carrier’s name appear at the top of your screen shortly after.
Make the enabled eSIM your active mobile data line
Just turning an eSIM on doesn’t always mean your iPhone will automatically use it for internet access. You’ll often need to manually select it for mobile data. To do this, go to “Settings” > “Cellular” > “Cellular data,” and tap the line you want to use.
What to do if the eSIM still says “No service”
If you are experiencing “No service” using the iPhone eSIM even after you’ve enabled it, try restarting your iPhone. Sometimes a quick reboot is all it takes to reconnect. If that doesn’t work, you may need to check for carrier setting updates or contact your provider.
How to enable hotspot on an iPhone eSIM
Using hotspot on an iPhone with your eSIM is managed separately from just turning the line on. Not all plans support tethering, so there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, check if your eSIM provider allows hotspot usage on your specific eSIM plan. The eSIM must also be selected as your active mobile data line for the hotspot to work. Also, be aware that the hotspot settings might not appear immediately after you activate the eSIM.
Turn on your personal hotspot for the eSIM
Once you’ve confirmed that your plan supports hotspot, you can enable it by going to “Settings” > “Personal hotspot” and toggling “Allow others to join” on.
Make sure the eSIM is selected for mobile data
The hotspot feature will fail if another SIM is handling your mobile data. Double-check that the eSIM you want to use for the hotspot is the one selected under your “Cellular data” settings. Your phone can only use one line for data at a time.
Why hotspot may still not work on an enabled eSIM
If your hotspot still isn’t working, it could be due to a few reasons. Your carrier might have restrictions that block tethering on certain plans or when you’re roaming. Also, make sure the eSIM’s data line is active and has a stable connection.
Enabling an eSIM on iPhone 11 and older supported models
Enabling an eSIM for iPhone 11 and older supported models works similarly across all compatible devices, but the menu layouts and dual SIM behavior can vary slightly. This can depend on your iOS version, your specific device generation, and your carrier’s support.
Where to find eSIM settings on iPhone 11
On an iPhone 11, you’ll find the eSIM settings in the same place as on newer models. Just head to “Settings” and then tap “Cellular” to see your list of SIMs and manage them.
Why do some older iPhones handle eSIMs differently
Older iPhones might behave a little differently due to older iOS layouts that have since been updated. Most former models also use a physical SIM alongside an eSIM, which can affect how dual SIM settings are managed. Finally, carrier features and compatibility can differ on older hardware.
Why your enabled iPhone eSIM might still not connect
This section covers a few light troubleshooting steps for when your eSIM is not working on an iPhone, even after it’s been enabled. Common issues include the eSIM line being enabled but inactive, the wrong mobile data line being selected, roaming being disabled, or carrier activation delays. Sometimes your phone may also need updated carrier settings.
The eSIM is enabled, but mobile data is not working
The most common reason for this is that the wrong SIM is selected for mobile data. Go to “Settings” > “Cellular” > “Cellular data” and make sure the correct eSIM is checked.
The eSIM is enabled, but says “No service”
If you see a “No service” message, your eSIM might need a little help to register with the network. A simple restart often works. If not, check for a carrier settings update in your “General” > “About” settings.
The eSIM is enabled, but data roaming is turned off
This is a frequent issue when using a travel eSIM abroad. If your data isn’t working, go to your eSIM’s settings under the “Cellular” menu and make sure the “Data roaming” toggle is switched on.
