Set up cellular service on iPhone (2024)

Table of Contents
iPhone User Guide Set up an eSIM Install a physical SIM Convert a physical SIM to an eSIM iOS Versions: iPhone Models Compatibility: Setting Up iPhone: Gestures and Controls: Customization and Settings: Keyboard and Text Input: Camera Basics: FaceTime and Communication: Files and Sharing: Health and Fitness: Other Topics: Additional Functions: SIM and eSIM Information: Conclusion:

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iPhone User Guide

Your iPhone needs a physical SIM or an eSIM to connect to a cellular network. (Not all options are available on all models or in all countries and regions. On iPhone14 and later models purchased in the U.S., you can only use eSIM.) Contact your carrier to get a SIM and set up cellular service.

Set up an eSIM

Supported iPhone models can digitally store an eSIM provided by your carrier. If your carrier supports either eSIM Carrier Activation or eSIM Quick Transfer, you can turn on your iPhone and follow the instructions to activate your eSIM during setup.

If you already completed setup, you can do any of the following:

  • eSIM Carrier Activation: Some carriers can assign a new eSIM directly to your iPhone; contact your carrier to initiate this process. When you receive the “Finish Setting Up Cellular” notification, tap it. Or go to Settings Set up cellular service on iPhone (1)> Cellular, then tap Set Up Cellular or Add eSIM.

  • eSIM Quick Transfer: Some carriers support transferring a phone number from your previous iPhone to your new iPhone without needing to contact them (requires iOS16 or later on both devices).

    On your new iPhone, go to Settings> Cellular, tap Set Up Cellular or Add eSIM, then tap Transfer From Nearby iPhone or choose a phone number. On your previous iPhone, follow the instructions to confirm the transfer.

    Note: After your phone number is transferred to your new iPhone, it stops working on your previous iPhone.

  • Scan a QR Code provided by your carrier: Go to Settings> Cellular, tap Set Up Cellular or Add eSIM, then tap Use QR Code. (You may need to tap Other Options first.) Position iPhone so the QR code appears in the frame, or enter the details manually. You may be asked to enter a confirmation code provided by your carrier.

  • Transfer from a different smartphone: If your previous phone isn’t an Apple iPhone, contact your carrier to transfer the phone number.

    See Also
    Why my phone has two IMEI numbers? – Commsbrief

  • Activate service through a participating carrier’s app: Go to the AppStore, download the carrier’s app, then use the app to activate cellular service.

Note: If prompted, connect your iPhone to an available Wi-Fi or cellular network. eSIM setup requires an internet connection.

Install a physical SIM

You can get a nano-SIM card from a carrier or move it from your previous iPhone.

Note: Physical SIM isn’t compatible with iPhone14 and later models purchased in the U.S.

  1. Insert a paper clip or SIM eject tool into the small hole of the SIM tray, then push in toward iPhone to eject the tray.

    Set up cellular service on iPhone (2)

    Note: The shape and orientation of the SIM tray depend on the iPhone model and your country or region.

  2. Remove the tray from iPhone.

  3. Place the SIM in the tray. The angled corner determines the correct orientation.

    Set up cellular service on iPhone (3)

  4. Insert the tray back into iPhone.

  5. If you previously set up a PIN on the SIM, carefully enter the PIN when prompted.

    WARNING: Never try to guess a SIM PIN. An incorrect guess can permanently lock your SIM, and you won’t be able to make phone calls or use cellular data through your carrier until you get a new SIM. See the Apple Support article Use a SIM PIN for your iPhone or iPad.

Convert a physical SIM to an eSIM

If your carrier supports it, you can convert a physical SIM to an eSIM on a supported iPhone model.

  1. Go to Settings Set up cellular service on iPhone (4)> Cellular, tap Set Up Cellular or Add eSIM, then choose the phone number with a physical SIM.

  2. Tap Convert to eSIM, then follow the onscreen instructions.

Important: The availability of cellular capabilities depends on the wireless network, your iPhone model, and your location.

Consider applicable data, voice, and roaming charges when managing your cellular plans, especially when you travel with iPhone. See View or change cellular data settings on iPhone.

Some carriers let you unlock iPhone for use with another carrier (additional fees may apply). Contact your carrier for authorization and setup information. See the Apple Support article How to unlock your iPhone for use with a different carrier.

Helpful?

Thanks for your feedback.

As a seasoned expert in iOS and Apple devices, I'll delve into the concepts mentioned in the provided information related to iOS versions and the iPhone User Guide. This information covers a broad range of topics, and I'll provide a concise overview.

iOS Versions:

  1. iOS 17:

    • The article mentions compatibility with various iPhone models for iOS 17.
    • Unfortunately, specific features or enhancements introduced in iOS 17 are not detailed here.

  2. iOS 16 to iOS 12:

    • The list of iOS versions includes iOS 16 down to iOS 12, showcasing the evolution of the operating system over time.

iPhone Models Compatibility:

  • A comprehensive list of iPhone models compatible with various iOS versions, ranging from iPhone XR to iPhone 15 Pro Max, highlighting the continuous advancement in iPhone technology.

Setting Up iPhone:

  • Detailed instructions on turning on and setting up the iPhone, including cellular service setup and the use of eSIM.

Gestures and Controls:

  • Information on basic gestures, gestures for Face ID models, adjusting volume, opening apps, multitasking, and accessing features from the Lock Screen.

Customization and Settings:

  • Covering a wide array of customization options such as changing sounds, vibrations, wallpapers, screen brightness, and text size. Also, instructions on organizing apps, using Control Center, and managing notifications.

Keyboard and Text Input:

  • Instructions on typing with the onscreen keyboard, using predictive text, dictating text, and adding emojis. It also covers advanced features like text replacements, screenshot capture, and screen recording.

Camera Basics:

  • Detailed guidance on using the iPhone camera for various purposes, including taking photos, videos, Live Photos, and utilizing advanced camera settings.

FaceTime and Communication:

  • In-depth information on making and receiving FaceTime calls, creating FaceTime links, utilizing Live Photo and SharePlay during calls, and managing call settings.

Files and Sharing:

  • Explaining how to connect external devices, modify files, organize folders, and share files. It covers sharing locations, adding and managing devices in Find My, and adjusting map settings.

Health and Fitness:

  • Information on using Health features, tracking activity, subscribing to Apple Fitness+, monitoring sleep, and utilizing health-related functionalities.

Other Topics:

  • Coverage of various topics including using Home features, getting music, movies, and TV shows, journaling, managing emails, browsing the web, using Siri, accessibility features, and ensuring privacy and security.

Additional Functions:

  • Instructions on using AirPods, connecting to other devices, using CarPlay, and understanding safety measures.

SIM and eSIM Information:

  • Details on using physical SIM cards or eSIMs, converting physical SIMs to eSIMs, and considerations for unlocking iPhones.

Conclusion:

  • The provided information encompasses a vast range of topics, making it a comprehensive guide for both novice and experienced iPhone users, covering everything from basic operations to advanced features and security measures.
Set up cellular service on iPhone (2024)
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