Is your eSIM activated on your iPhone? Here's how to check quickly
iPhones were eSIM-compatible since the iPhone XS was released in 2018. But the eSIM technology started gaining momentum only recently. Generally, eSIMs are more versatile and convenient for everyday use, and eSIM apps are perfect for staying connected while traveling. However, not all eSIM users and occasional vacation-goers are familiar with the technology and how it works.
5 min read
For regular eSIM users, it's as simple as visiting your provider's physical store or contacting it online. But if you got an eSIM for your trip abroad, you may not even know if your eSIM is active and working until you reach your destination. Which is, of course, the moment when you're the least inclined to deal with customer support and troubleshooting processes. So learn how to check if your eSIM is installed and working properly, and the best ways to fix any issues.
How to check if your eSIM is activated on iPhone
Note that some models no longer support regular SIM cards — you can only use eSIMs on some models of iPhone 15. If this is the case, your carrier will set it up, and your primary provider's eSIM profile will show up. The instructions in this blog post are for secondary eSIMs.
You can have up to two active SIMs (either two eSIMs or one physical SIM and one eSIM) on your iPhone at the same time. To check if they're active:
Go to settings on your iPhone — tap the gear icon on our home screen.
Scroll down and tap on “Cellular” (or “Mobile data” or “Mobile service,” depending on your region.)
Look at the “SIMs” section. Your main SIM card or eSIM will be shown as “Primary.” If you’ve installed a travel eSIM through an app like Saily, it should be displayed second under the name or label you entered when setting it up.
Tap on the eSIM profile to see if the line is active. Toggle the switch next to “Turn on this line” if it’s turned off.
You can also delete the eSIM from this screen.
Didn't find your eSIM? Here's what to do
If you cannot find the eSIM information in the settings, it could be because you terminated the installation process too early. It could also be a software issue — like your iOS being outdated. Fear not, there are multiple things you can do to get your eSIM up and going:
See if your phone is locked. Some carriers may lock the phones they sell so that only their network is available. If that is the case, learn how to unlock the eSIM on your iPhone to use eSIM apps.
Update iOS. Go to “Settings” > “General” > “Software update” and make sure your iPhone is running the latest version of iOS.
Restart your iPhone. Sometimes, restarting a device can resolve simple software glitches. Turn off your iPhone and turn it back on.
Reinstall your eSIM. If you're using Saily, open the app and go through the setup process once again. Make sure you follow the instructions on the screen to the letter.
Contact support. If none of the above steps work, reach out to Saily support for further assistance. If the problem is with your phone, you may need to talk to Apple’s support as well.
Frequently asked questions
Does my iPhone support eSIM?
iPhones starting from the iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR models support eSIMs. There are a few ways to check if you’re still not sure:
Go to “Settings” > “General” > “About” and scroll all the way down. Look for the “Digital SIM” section. If you see an IMEI for the Digital SIM, your iPhone supports eSIMs.
Check Apple’s official documentation or your iPhone’s user manual.
Read our blog post and see if your iPhone supports eSIMs.
How many eSIMs can the iPhone support?
All iPhones that support eSIMs allow you to store up to eight eSIM profiles, but there are restrictions o how many of them can be active at the same time:
iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR models only allow using one eSIM or physical SIM at a time.
iPhone 11, 12, and 13 models support Dual SIM Dual Standby (DSDS), allowing you to use a physical SIM and an eSIM simultaneously.
iPhone 14 and 15 models allow you to use two eSIMs simultaneously. You can also use an eSIM and a physical SIM at the same time, like in the older models.
How long does it take for an eSIM to get activated on an iPhone?
The activation time for an eSIM can vary based on your carrier and network conditions. It may take a few minutes or even a couple of hours for your eSIM to start working. If you’re using an eSIM app for a trip, it’s best to install the eSIM and activate the plan before leaving. This way, you can step out of a plane already looking at the weather report for the week!
Aurelija’s days are filled with writing, sewing, riding horses, and teaching parkour to her clever dog Šarka. She’s always excited to share tips and tricks that will make your Saily experience perfect. With Aurelija at the helm, your ship is sure to make port safely. All aboard!