iPhone 15 eSIM guide: How many eSIMs you can use, and how to activate them

Does the iPhone 15 support eSIM technology?

Yes, the iPhone 15 supports eSIM technology. Apple has made the eSIM a standard feature across all iPhone 15 models, including:

• iPhone 15

• iPhone 15 Plus

• iPhone 15 Pro

• iPhone 15 Pro Max

The company first introduced this feature in its iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR models in 2018.

Is the iPhone 15 eSIM only?

The iPhone 15 is eSIM only in the US, which means it does not have a physical SIM tray and relies entirely on eSIM technology. However, models sold outside the US still include a nano-SIM card slot, which enables dual SIM support for iPhones with one physical SIM and multiple eSIMs, depending on the carrier and region.

How many eSIMs can you use on the iPhone 15?

The iPhone 15 series can store up to eight eSIM profiles, but only two eSIMs can be active at the same time. This versatility allows you to use two different eSIMs for calls, messages, and data at the same time — ideal if you travel a lot, whether for business or leisure.

If you're wondering about other iPhone models and how many eSIMs you can use on an iPhone, models starting with the iPhone 13 allow two eSIMs to be active at the same time. Older models, including the iPhone XS series, iPhone XR, iPhone 11 series, iPhone SE 2 (2020), and iPhone 12, can store multiple eSIM profiles but only let you use one at a time.

How to activate an eSIM on your iPhone 15: 5 ways

To set up an eSIM on your iPhone 15, first make sure you meet all the requirements for eSIM activation:

• Your iPhone 15 is updated to the latest iOS version.

• Your iPhone 15 is connected to a Wi-Fi network (although in certain regions, some eSIM-only models may activate without Wi-Fi).

• You have eSIM activation details from your carrier (such as a QR code, activation code, or Carrier Activation support).

• Both your iPhone 15 and your previous device are signed in with the same Apple ID, close to each other, and have Bluetooth turned on (if transferring from another eSIM-compatible device running iOS).

Then, follow the activation steps, and you'll be ready to enjoy your new eSIM in no time.

Note: The wording of buttons and menu options may differ slightly depending on your region or device settings. Don’t worry if you see variations — just look for similar options.

1. Use eSIM Carrier Activation

If you've already set up your iPhone and arranged with your carrier to activate an eSIM via Carrier Activation, follow these simple steps:

1. Tap the notification that says, "Carrier cellular plan ready to be installed."

2. In Settings, select "Carrier cellular plan ready to be installed."

3. Tap "Continue."

4. Test your iPhone's cellular connectivity by making a call. If the call doesn't go through, contact your carrier for help.

5. If your new plan replaces the plan on your physical SIM card (this option applies only if you bought your iPhone 15 outside the US), remove the physical SIM and restart your phone.

If you're switching from an Android phone:

If you're transferring an eSIM from an Android phone to an iPhone, just contact your carrier to smoothly move your phone number. It can activate your embedded SIM card either through Carrier Activation or by having you scan a QR code.

Once you receive the code, simply scan it with your iPhone camera to activate your embedded SIM card. If your carrier opts for eSIM Carrier Activation, you'll get a notification saying that your cellular plan is ready to be installed. Just tap the notification to start the setup process, then follow the on-screen instructions.

2. Use eSIM Quick Transfer

With eSIM Quick Transfer, moving your existing eSIM from your previous iPhone to your new iPhone 15 becomes a breeze. Follow the steps below to smoothly transfer your cellular plan:

1. On your new phone, choose the plan you want to transfer from another iPhone. If you don't see this option, tap "Transfer from nearby iPhone."

2. Follow the prompts on your old iPhone. Tap "Transfer" to confirm, or if the on-screen instructions ask you for a verification code, enter the code displayed on your new iPhone.

3. Wait a moment for the plan to activate on your new iPhone. Once the new eSIM is active, the SIM on your old device will deactivate automatically.

4. If a message pops up on your new iPhone saying, "Finish setting up your carrier’s cellular plan," tap it. This will take you to your carrier’s webpage to complete the eSIM transfer.

If you'd like to learn more, you can take a look at our guide on how to transfer an eSIM to a new iPhone.

If you’re switching from an iPhone 14:

If you're upgrading from an iPhone 14 to an iPhone 15, your transition will be smooth and quick. During the setup process of your new iPhone 15, a prompt will guide you to transfer your eSIM from your iPhone 14. This process takes just a few minutes, and then you’ll be ready to enjoy your new device.

3. Use a QR code

If your carrier doesn't support eSIM Quick Transfer, no worries! You can activate the embedded SIM card on your iPhone 15 by scanning a QR code.

How to activate your eSIM during the setup process of your iPhone 15:

1. When you reach the "Set up cellular" screen, select the option to use a QR code.

2. Follow the steps to scan the QR code provided by your carrier.

Alternatively, to activate your eSIM after you set up your iPhone 15:

1. Go to “Settings” > “Cellular” > “Add eSIM.”

2. Choose “Use QR code.”

3. Follow the on-screen instructions to scan the QR code.

4. Follow the prompts to add the eSIM to your device.

5. Tap “Done.”

4. Convert a physical SIM to an eSIM

If you purchased an iPhone 15 outside the US and set it up with a physical SIM, you can convert it to an eSIM directly on your new device:

1. Open the Settings app and navigate to “Cellular.”

2. Tap “Convert to eSIM.” (If you can’t see this option, your carrier may not support it. In that case, move your phone number from your physical SIM to an eSIM through eSIM Carrier Activation.)

3. Tap “Convert cellular plan.”

4. Select “Convert to eSIM” to confirm your choice.

5. Give your iPhone a moment to activate your eSIM. Once activated, your physical SIM will deactivate automatically.

6. Remove the physical SIM card and restart your iPhone.

Alternatively, if you’re switching from an older iPhone model to an iPhone 15, you can convert your physical SIM in your previous phone to an eSIM and then smoothly transfer it to your new device using eSIM Quick Transfer.

5. Enter the eSIM information manually

You might need to enter your eSIM information manually on your iPhone 15, but don't worry — it's a simple process. This could happen if your carrier doesn't provide a QR code, if you encounter a hiccup while scanning it, or if you're setting up a local eSIM during international travels. 

Manual entry ensures that no matter the situation, you can activate and enjoy your eSIM services.

1. Go to “Settings” > “Cellular” > “Add eSIM.”

2. Choose “Use QR code.”

3. Select “Enter details manually” at the bottom of your screen.

4. Enter the required information, such as the SM-DP+ address and the activation code that you received from your carrier.

5. Tap “Next.”

6. When you see the “Cellular plan detected” notification, tap “Continue.”

7. Hit “Done.”

How to check if an eSIM is activated on your iPhone 15

You can check if your eSIM is active on your iPhone 15 in three ways:

1. Check settings. One way to check if your eSIM is active on your iPhone is to go to “Settings” > “Cellular” and look for your cellular plans under “Active plans.” If your cellular plan is listed, your eSIM is active.

2. Check the status bar. Look at the top of your screen for your carrier’s name and signal bars. If you see them, your eSIM is connected and working.

3. Make a call. Open the Phone app and make a test call. If the call goes through, your eSIM is active and ready to use (this option won’t work for data-only eSIM plans).

What to do if an eSIM is not working on your iPhone 15

You have several ways to fix an eSIM that’s not working on your iPhone 15. Some common eSIM issues include:

• “No signal” error message. If your iPhone shows a "No signal" error after activating your eSIM, restart your iPhone or toggle airplane mode on and off to restore the connection.

• eSIM option not showing. If you can’t find the eSIM option during setup, check if your carrier supports eSIMs and ensure your iPhone is updated to the latest iOS version.

• Activation not working. If your eSIM fails to activate, double-check the QR code or activation details you received from your carrier and try setting it up again.

If you’re still having trouble, reach out to your carrier for help. And if you start thinking about upgrading instead, take a look at our article on eSIM support across iPhone models — it explains which generations offer full digital SIM flexibility before you make your next move.

How to remove an eSIM from your iPhone 15

Follow the steps below to delete an eSIM from your iPhone 15:

1. Open “Settings” > “Cellular.”

2. Select the eSIM profile you want to remove.

3. Select “Delete eSIM” and confirm your choice. If you have multiple plans, tap the plan you want to remove, then tap “Delete plan.”

4. Restart your iPhone if needed.

The last step is usually optional because your iPhone deactivates most eSIM plans immediately after you remove them, so a restart isn’t always necessary. 

For a detailed guide on how to delete an eSIM from your iPhone, check out the linked article.

Why did Apple get rid of physical SIM cards? Benefits of using an eSIM

Apple decided to remove the SIM tray in US iPhones with the iPhone 14, and the iPhone 15 — and all the models after it — kept that change. But why did Apple ditch the good old SIM tray?

• To make switching plans faster and easier. Effortless plan switching is one of the top benefits of using an eSIM. With a digital SIM, you can set up or change your mobile plan right on your phone. No more fumbling with tiny SIM cards or needing to visit a carrier store.

• To free up space for bigger batteries. Removing the SIM tray leaves extra room inside the phone, which can be used for bigger batteries while keeping its slim design.

• To make traveling more convenient. A virtual SIM makes it easy to switch to a local carrier without buying or inserting a new SIM card when traveling abroad. Just activate a local plan digitally, and you’re good to go.

• To create a cleaner design for the future. Each year, Apple is pushing toward a simpler, more modern design. Ditching the SIM tray streamlines the phone's look and reduces moving parts that can collect dust or let in water.

• To improve security. At a press event in Cupertino, California, Kaiann Drance, Apple’s VP of iPhone marketing, said that eSIM cards can make devices more secure. Since newer iPhones in the US don’t support physical SIM cards, thieves can’t take them out and use them to access your data.

The FCC agrees that having an eSIM card can improve your data security. It helps prevent scams like SIM swapping (also known as port-out scams), where thieves use stolen SIM cards to hack phones and steal personal information.

If you’re concerned about staying secure online, Saily takes eSIM security features even further. It adds advanced features like virtual location, which lets you mask your real location from apps and websites and browse more privately, as well as web protection to shield you from dangerous websites and malware.

Built with the expertise of NordVPN, Saily is designed to keep you connected while protecting your privacy and data in over 200 destinations. Download the Saily eSIM app and get the flexibility of eSIM technology as well as extra security features to help you feel more at ease wherever you go.