how to check if esim is activated in iphone

My eSIM Activation Journey: From Confusion to Mastery on iPhone

Chapter 1: First Encounter with eSIM – The Pre-Activation Jitters

Last month, I upgraded to a new iPhone 13 and decided to use an eSIM as my secondary line. I’d heard that eSIMs eliminate the need for a physical card—just scan a QR code, and you’re good to go. Sounded simple, but as a first-timer, I was nervous. When my carrier sent me the QR code, my finger hovered over the "Add Cellular Plan" button for ages—What if it fails? Will it mess up my primary SIM?

Episode 1: The QR Code Mishap

I tapped "Cellular" in Settings, selected "Add Cellular Plan," and chose to scan the QR code. But no matter how I angled my phone, the camera wouldn’t recognize it. Turns out, dark mode was interfering with the scan. Switching to light mode did the trick—a small but crucial detail. As the "Activating…" progress bar inched forward, I held my breath.

Did You Know?
iPhones from the XR/XS generation onward support eSIM, and my iPhone 13 even allows dual eSIMs. Ensure your iOS is updated to at least version 12, and some carriers may require you to bind the plan online first.

Chapter 2: Did It Work? My OCD Double-Checking

After activation, I spiraled into doubt. Without a physical card, how could I be sure? I scoured every corner of my settings like a detective.

Episode 2: The Settings Treasure Hunt

  • Step 1: Settings > General > About → Scrolled to "Carrier Lock." Relief washed over me when it read "No SIM Restrictions"—my phone was unlocked.
  • Step 2: Back in Cellular, my new number appeared with a green dot—the universal symbol for "active."
  • Step 3: Under Plan Details, the ICCID (the eSIM’s unique ID) confirmed everything was set.

Pro Tip:
Android users can typically find eSIM settings under Settings > Connections > SIM Manager, though names vary (e.g., Network & Internet on Google Pixel).

Chapter 3: Real-World Testing – Calls, Data, and Panic Mode

Settings alone weren’t enough. I needed proof this eSIM could handle real life.

Episode 3: Putting It Through Its Paces

  1. Call Test: Sent a text and called a friend. The dial tone echoed clearly, and the new number logged in my recents.
  2. Data Test: Turned off Wi-Fi—TikTok videos loaded instantly. The status bar showed both my primary SIM and eSIM signals, and I learned iPhone auto-switches data priority (adjustable in settings).
  3. Emergency Test: Flipped Airplane Mode on/off. The eSIM reconnected in seconds—crisis averted.

Did You Know?
Disable Low Data Mode during activation to ensure carrier configurations download smoothly. For international eSIMs, manually select networks under Carrier.

Chapter 4: Disaster Strikes – When My eSIM "Died" Mid-Trip

During a weekend camping trip, my eSIM lost signal. With my primary data exhausted, I scrambled to troubleshoot.

Episode 4: The Resurrection Protocol

  • Step 1: Settings > Cellular → No green dot. Just "Not Activated."
  • Step 2: Re-scanned my saved QR code—error: "Already Used." My shaky hands had botched the initial scan.
  • Step 3: Called my carrier. Their fix: Delete the eSIM profile, then manually enter the 19-digit activation code. Success!

Behind the Scenes:
eSIMs fail for reasons like expired codes (usually valid 7 days), locked devices, or carrier delays. Deleting and re-adding the profile often works.

Chapter 5: Deep Dive – eSIM Compatibility Secrets

Helping a coworker with his iPhone SE (2020) revealed hidden eSIM nuances.

Episode 5: Decoding Device Support

We checked his Settings > General > About:

  • Model # starting with "MN" = Retail unit (eSIM-ready).
  • "N" prefix = Refurbished (varies by carrier).
  • iPhone SE (2nd gen) supports 1 physical + 1 eSIM; the 3rd gen handles dual eSIMs.

Key Insight:
An "No SIM Restrictions" status means your iPhone is carrier-unlocked. Contract phones may need carrier approval for eSIMs.

Chapter 6: The Ultimate eSIM Survival Guide

After all this trial and error, here’s my foolproof checklist.

Episode 6: My Personal eSIM Manual

▶ Pre-Activation Prep

  1. Confirm your iPhone model (XR/XS or newer).
  2. Update iOS to 12.1+.
  3. Back up your QR code/activation code (screenshot + notes).

▶ Activation Steps (QR Code Method)

  1. Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan.
  2. Scan or manually enter the code.
  3. Assign usage (e.g., "Primary Data").
  4. Wait 1–5 minutes for "Active" status.

▶ Maintenance Tips

  • Monthly: Check Settings > General > About for carrier updates.
  • Travel: Activate international eSIM plans early to avoid roaming fees.
  • Storage: "Disable" unused eSIMs instead of deleting for quicker re-use.

Final Thoughts: Patience Unlocks the Future

From clueless newbie to eSIM troubleshooter, this journey taught me technology’s complexities unravel with patience. Now, my iPhone juggles two lines seamlessly—one for family, one for work—each with its own digital space.

If you’re stuck, revisit these steps. Remember: every tech master was once a beginner. Happy scanning!

(Note: British English adaptations include "mobile data" for "cellular" and "colour" for "color," but key UI terms like "Settings" remain consistent with iOS.)