Which device do you want help with?

eSIM

Set up and manage your eSIM.


INSTRUCTIONS & INFO

Prenote info

Your device can't connect to the AT&T cellular network until it's activated and the eSIM is installed. Learn more about eSIMs

If you are:
  • Upgrading your phone from an older device, view the "Set up an upgrade device” section of this article.
  • Setting up an eSIM for a new line of service, view the "Set up a new line during Device Setup" section of this article.
  • Installing your eSIM after device setup, view the "Set up a line after Device Setup” section of this article. (Use this section if you're transferring your number from a different provider, bringing your own device, adding a second line to your device, or reinstalling a deleted eSIM.)
  • To use dual SIMs, you need two active lines. Learn more about using Dual SIM with an eSIM.

In this tutorial, you'll learn how to:

 

• Set up an upgrade device
• Set up a new line during device setup
• Set up a line after device setup
• Manage cellular plans (for devices with multiple lines of service)
• Switch cellular plan for a phone call (for devices with multiple lines of service)
• Switch cellular plan for a message (for devices with multiple lines of service)
• Delete an eSIM


If you're trying to find the EID for your associated eSIM, go to the Find IMEI, Serial number, & EID tutorial.

 

Set up an upgrade device

1. Turn your iPhone on by pressing and holding the Side button until the Apple logo displays.

Image 1

2. Swipe up from the "Hello" screen.

Note: If you're blind or have low vision, you can turn on VoiceOver or Zoom from the Hello screen. To find your IMEI and EID, select the info icon Info icon in the lower right corner of the screen.
 
Image 2

3. Select your language.
 
Image 3

4. Select your country or region.

Note: Keep in mind, this affects how information will look on your device, including date, time, contacts, and more.
 
Image 4
 
5. Edit the Appearance as desired, then select Continue.
 
Image 5

6. Use Quick Start to transfer data and content from an old device to your new one during set up. To set up your device with Quick Start, bring your current iPhone close to your new iPhone. When the Set Up New iPhone prompt appears on your current iPhone, select Continue.

Note: If you don't want to transfer content from an old device, select Set Up Manually.
 
Image 6

7. Place the picture of your new iPhone's screen within the frame that opens on your current iPhone. On your current iPhone, select Set Up for Me.
 
Image 7

8. Confirm your phone number after completing the Quick Start process. If the correct phone number displays, select Next. You'll then be asked to confirm your Zip Code.
  • If you bought your new device from AT&T, you may enter the ZIP Code that your device was shipped to or the billing ZIP Code associated with your account.
  • If you bought your device from Apple, you must enter the billing ZIP Code associated with your account.
The device will download the eSIM in the background and activate your service on this new device while you continue to setup your device. This process may take a few minutes.

Note: This phone number should match the one provided when you purchased your iPhone. If not, please contact AT&T immediately.
 
Image 8

9. Follow the prompts to continue setting up your device.

 


 

Set up a new line during device setup

IMPORTANT: If you are transferring your phone number from a different provider, before turning on your phone, go to att.com/activatenow and enter your phone number and ZIP Code.

1. Turn your iPhone on by pressing and holding the Side button until the Apple logo displays.

Image 9

2. Swipe up from the "Hello" screen.

Note: If you're blind or have low vision, you can turn on VoiceOver or Zoom from the Hello screen. To find your IMEI/MEID and ICCID, select info icon Info icon in the lower right corner of the screen.

Image 10

3. Select your language.

Image 11

4. Select your country or region.

Note: Keep in mind, this affects how information will look on your device, including date, time, contacts, and more.

Image 12

5. Edit the Appearance as desired, then select Continue.
 
Image 13
 
6. Review the Quick Start prompt. Select Set Up Without Another Device to set up your iPhone manually.

Note: Quick Start is a feature that allows you to transfer data and content from an old device to your new one during set up. On your old device select Continue > hold up your new iPhone to the camera of the old phone > enter the old device's passcode on your new device.

Image 14

7. Select the desired Wi-Fi network then follow the prompts to connect.

Note: Get help activating AT&T cell service or if you can't connect to Wi-Fi.

Image 15

8. Your device will automatically attempt to download the eSIM and connect to the AT&T cellular network. Select Continue. When you receive a prompt saying your device is activated, select Done.

Image 16

9. Follow the prompts to continue setting up your device.
 

 


 

Download eSIM after device setup

1. Select the Settings app Settings app from your home screen. Select Cellular, then Add eSIM.

Image 17

2. Select the desired option, then follow the prompts to complete setup. 
 
Image 18
 

 

Manage multiple lines on one device

1. To switch between lines of service, from the Cellular screen, select the desired plan.

Image 19

2. Edit the Line's settings as desired.

Image 20

 


 

Switch line for phone call

1. From the Keypad in the phone app Phone app, select the current line.

Note: Keep in mind, while on the current line, incoming calls to the other line will route straight to voicemail.

Image 21

2. Select the new line you want to switch to.

Image 22

 


 

Switch line for message

1. When composing a message in the messages app Messages app, select the current line.

Image 23

2. Select the new line.

Image 24

 


 

Delete an eSIM

Once an eSIM is deleted, you'll lose your connection to the AT&T cellular network for this line of service on the device. From the Cellular menu in Settings, choose the line of service you want to delete. Select Delete eSIM.

Note: You'll be prompted to select Delete eSIM to confirm. 

Image 25


Did you get the help you needed?