- [Support](https://www.t-mobile.com/support) - [Get started](#) - [New to T-Mobile?](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/new-to-tmobile) [Switching is easy](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/new-to-tmobile/family-freedom) [Set up your device](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/new-to-tmobile/device) [Using the app](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/plans-features/t-mobile-app) [All get started topics](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/new-to-tmobile) - [Account resources](#) - [Ways to pay your bill](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/account/pay-your-bill) [All about your bill](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/account/whats-impacting-your-bill) [Line permissions](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/account/set-online-permissions) [Your T-Mobile ID](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/account/set-up-and-manage-your-t-mobile-id) [Your PIN/Passcode](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/account/update-your-customer-pinpasscode) [All account resources topics](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/account) - [Network & roaming](#) - [T-Mobile network](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/coverage/t-mobile-network) [In-flight texting and Wi-Fi](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/coverage/t-mobile-in-flight-texting-and-wi-fi) [Wi-Fi Calling](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/coverage/wi-fi-calling-from-t-mobile) [International roaming](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/coverage/international-roaming-services) [Mobile Without Borders](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/coverage/mobile-without-borders) [All network & roaming topics](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/coverage) - [Plans support](#) - [Find the right plan](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/plans-features/find-the-right-plan-for-you) [Netflix on Us](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/plans-features/netflix-on-us) [HotSpot plans](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/plans-features/mobile-internet-plans-for-hotspots) [Voicemail](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/plans-features/voicemail) [Use Mobile HotSpot](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/plans-features/smartphone-mobile-hotspot-wi-fi-sharing--tethering) [All plans support topics](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/plans-features) - [Device assistance](#) - [Tutorials](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/tutorials) [Troubleshooting](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/phones-tablets-devices/troubleshooting) [Unlock your device](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/devices/unlock-your-mobile-wireless-device) [Protect your device](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/devices/protectionandlt360andgt-and-device-protection) [SIM card & eSIM](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/devices/sim-esim) [All device assistance topics](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/phones-tablets-devices) - [Business support](#) - [Get T-Mobile for Business](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/business/new-to-business) [Billing and payments](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/business/billing) [Manage your account](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/business/account) [Orders and shopping](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/business/orders-shopping) [Account Hub registration](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/business/account-hub-registration) [All business support topics](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/business) [SUPPORT](https://www.t-mobile.com/support) - [Get started](#) - [New to T-Mobile?](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/new-to-tmobile) - [Switching is easy](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/new-to-tmobile/family-freedom) - [Set up your device](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/new-to-tmobile/device) - [Using the app](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/plans-features/t-mobile-app) - [All get started topics](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/new-to-tmobile) - [Account resources](#) - [Ways to pay your bill](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/account/pay-your-bill) - [All about your bill](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/account/whats-impacting-your-bill) - [Line permissions](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/account/set-online-permissions) - [Your T-Mobile ID](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/account/set-up-and-manage-your-t-mobile-id) - [Your PIN/Passcode](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/account/update-your-customer-pinpasscode) - [All account resources topics](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/account) - [Network & roaming](#) - [T-Mobile network](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/coverage/t-mobile-network) - [In-flight texting and Wi-Fi](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/coverage/t-mobile-in-flight-texting-and-wi-fi) - [Wi-Fi Calling](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/coverage/wi-fi-calling-from-t-mobile) - [International roaming](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/coverage/international-roaming-services) - [Mobile Without Borders](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/coverage/mobile-without-borders) - [All network & roaming topics](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/coverage) - [Plans support](#) - [Find the right plan](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/plans-features/find-the-right-plan-for-you) - [Netflix on Us](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/plans-features/netflix-on-us) - [HotSpot plans](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/plans-features/mobile-internet-plans-for-hotspots) - [Voicemail](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/plans-features/voicemail) - [Use Mobile HotSpot](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/plans-features/smartphone-mobile-hotspot-wi-fi-sharing--tethering) - [All plans support topics](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/plans-features) - [Device assistance](#) - [Tutorials](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/tutorials) - [Troubleshooting](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/phones-tablets-devices/troubleshooting) - [Unlock your device](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/devices/unlock-your-mobile-wireless-device) - [Protect your device](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/devices/protectionandlt360andgt-and-device-protection) - [SIM card & eSIM](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/devices/sim-esim) - [All device assistance topics](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/phones-tablets-devices) - [Business support](#) - [Get T-Mobile for Business](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/business/new-to-business) - [Billing and payments](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/business/billing) - [Manage your account](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/business/account) - [Orders and shopping](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/business/orders-shopping) - [Account Hub registration](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/business/account-hub-registration) - [All business support topics](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/business) [Support](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/) [Devices](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/community/phones-tablets-devices) # SIM card & eSIM 0 Added! [](https://www.t-mobile.com) ### Manage Links Click any [available links](https://www.t-mobile.com) to add. Click any [added links](https://www.t-mobile.com) to remove. Links with [no highlight](https://www.t-mobile.com) can't be sent. Done (0 Links) The SIM card or eSIM is your device's ticket to the T-Mobile network! ## On this page: - [What's a SIM card / eSIM?](https://www.t-mobile.com#whatis) - [Set up your SIM card](https://www.t-mobile.com#setupSIM) - [Buy a SIM card](https://www.t-mobile.com#buySIM) - [Set up your eSIM](https://www.t-mobile.com#activate) - [Get help with your eSIM](https://www.t-mobile.com#help) - [Watch our video on installing SIM cards](https://www.t-mobile.com#video) ## [](https://www.t-mobile.com)What's a SIM card / eSIM? ### SIM card - A SIM card is a small chip that contains information your device needs to connect to the T-Mobile network. - T-Mobile SIM cards come with adapters to allow for use with Nano, Micro, or Standard SIM sized devices. ### eSIM - Embedded SIM (eSIM) is just a SIM card gone digital, so you don't have to wait for a physical SIM. - Just download your eSIM over Wi-Fi and connect to the T-Mobile network in minutes! ## [](https://www.t-mobile.com)Set up your SIM card   ### I’m a T-Mobile customer   If you're an existing T-Mobile customer upgrading to a new device you'll need to activate your new SIM first. New customers will have their SIMs shipped activated. 1. Make sure [SIM Protection](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/plans-features/help-with-t-mobile-account-fraud#SIM) is disabled. 2. Open the T-Life app while you’re connected [to the T-Mobile network.](https://www.t-mobile.com) 3. Select the __Manage__ tab and choose the line you want to change the SIM on. 4. Choose __SIM transfer or activation__ > [](https://www.t-mobile.com)[](https://www.t-mobile.com)[__Get Started__](https://www.t-mobile.com). 5. Enter the IMEI number for the device you’re transferring your SIM to, then select __Continue__. 6. Choose to activate a SIM card, then select __Continue__. 7. Enter the ICCID, then select __Continue__. 8. Review the requested change and select __Activate.__ 9. If prompted, respond to the interactive SMS (iSMS) to confirm the change. Once you have your active SIM, follow these steps: 1. With the device off, open the SIM card tray and insert the SIM card.  - For orders with multiple devices, use the order confirmation email to verify which SIM card goes in which device. - Here's a [short video](https://www.t-mobile.com#video) to guide you through the process. 2. Turn the device on. Your service should be working. - If you're bringing your own device from a different carrier or company and data isn't working, [add T-Mobile's APN settings](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/devices/not-sold-by-t-mobile/byod-t-mobile-data-and-apn-settings). - If you don't have bars of signal, check out [No Service Troubleshooting](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/devices/device-troubleshooting/signal-issues--no-service-troubleshooting). 3. To transfer data from your old device, review [Set up a new T-Mobile phone](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/devices/set-up-a-new-t-mobile-phone).   ### I'm a T-Mobile Home Internet customer   If you just signed up for T-Mobile Home Internet, the SIM card is already in your device and active! Check out [T-Mobile Home Internet Support](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/home-internet) for information on device placement and setup. If you've just replaced your Home Internet Gateway, you'll need to remove the SIM card from your old gateway and insert it into the replacement. Check out [Set up your T-Mobile Gateway & Network](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/home-internet/t-mobile-gateway) for information on replacement gateway set up. ## [](https://www.t-mobile.com)Buy a SIM card - Postpaid: Review our [SIM card](https://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phone/t-mobile-sim-card) page to order online. You can also find one in a [T-Mobile store](https://www.t-mobile.com/store-locator). - Prepaid: Review the [Prepaid SIM Card](https://prepaid.t-mobile.com/bring-your-own-device) page to order online. You can also [stop by a store](https://www.t-mobile.com/store-locator). ## [](https://www.t-mobile.com)Set up your eSIM - If you're upgrading or transferring service to a new device, make sure to turn off [SIM Protection](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/plans-features/help-with-t-mobile-account-fraud#SIM) before following these steps. If you don’t, you’ll receive an error. - If you're switching between Apple & Android or don't have your old device, follow the steps for Other devices. - To activate a new Prepaid account, check out the [T-Mobile Prepaid eSIM app](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/plans-features/t-mobile-esim-app).   ### Apple iPhone   There are a few ways to setup your eSIM: - During the initial setup, you'll be prompted to [activate an eSIM](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/tutorials/device/apple/universal-iphone-ios26/topic/esim/activating-esim) or [transfer one from an existing iPhone](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/tutorials/device/apple/universal-iphone-ios26/topic/esim/how-to-swap-sims-from-an-old-device-to-a-new-device). - If you've already set up your iPhone and are connected to Wi-Fi, your iPhone will prompt you when the [T-Mobile Cellular Plan is ready to be installed](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/tutorials/device/apple/iphone-15-pro/topic/esim/activate-esim-using-auto-discovery-notification). - Didn't get a prompt or chose to activate later? You can [activate your eSIM](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/tutorials/device/apple/universal-iphone-ios26/topic/esim/how-to-swap-sims-from-an-old-device-to-a-new-device) from the device __Settings__ > __Cellular__. - Our [Universal Tutorials](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/tutorials/device/apple/universal-iphone-ios18/os-selection) have steps to activate your eSIM on supported devices. __Transfer existing SIM from Google phone to Apple iPhone after initial setup__ 1. Confirm devices meet these requirements.  - Current device: Google Pixel 10 series - New device: Apple iPhone 11 or newer running iOS 26 or higher - PIN / Password enabled - Bluetooth enabled - Not available for Government accounts 2. Place your new iPhone close to your current Google device. 3. On your new iPhone, select __Settings__ > __Cellular__ > __Set Up Cellular__. If you already have another SIM set up on your iPhone, select __Add eSIM__. 4. On ‘Transfer Your Phone Numbers screen’ select __Other Options__ > __Transfer from Android__. 5. Scan the QR code with your current Google device. 6. On your Google device, select the line to transfer and confirm transfer. 7. After the transfer is complete, select __Done__ on both devices.   ### Samsung   - During initial setup, you'll be prompted to [activate an eSIM](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/tutorials/device/samsung/galaxy-s25-plus/topic/esim/activating-esim) or [transfer one from an existing device](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/tutorials/device/samsung/galaxy-s25-plus/topic/esim/how-to-swap-sims-from-an-old-device-to-a-new-device). - If you've already set up your device and are connected to Wi-Fi, you'll be prompted to activate your eSIM when it's ready to add. - If you didn't get the prompt or chose to activate later, select __Settings__ > __Connections__ > __SIM manager__ > __Add eSIM__ to set up a new eSIM or transfer a SIM fron another device. - Our [Universal Tutorials](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/tutorials/device/samsung/universal-phone-android-15/os-selection) have steps to activate your eSIM on supported devices. __Redownload eSIM if you delete it__ Newer Samsung devices, like the Samsung Galaxy S25, can redownload an eSIM if it's accidentally deleted.  1. From the Home screen, choose __Settings__ > __Connections__. 2. Select __SIM manager__ > __Add eSIM__ > __Recover deleted eSIM__. 3. Log in with your T-Mobile ID & password. 4. Follow the on-screen steps to complete 2-factor authentication. 5. If multiple lines are on the account, enter the phone number that you’re transferring. 6. Choose __Reconnect__.   ### Google   - During initial setup, you'll be prompted to [activate an eSIM](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/tutorials/device/google/pixel-9-pro/topic/esim/activating-esim) or [transfer one from an existing device](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/tutorials/device/google/pixel-9-pro/topic/esim/how-to-swap-sims-from-an-old-device-to-a-new-device). - If you've already set up your device and are connected to Wi-Fi, you'll be prompted to activate your eSIM when it's ready to add. - If you didn't get the prompt or chose to activate later, select __Settings__ > __Network & Internet__ > __SIMs__ > __Add SIM__. Select __Set up an eSIM__ or __Transfer a SIM from another device__ and follow the steps to activate your T-Mobile eSIM. - Our [Universal Tutorials](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/tutorials/device/google/universal-phone-android-15/os-selection) have steps to activate your eSIM on supported devices. - If your device asks for a QR code, [contact us](https://www.t-mobile.com/contact-us) so we can email it to you. __Transfer existing SIM from Apple iPhone to Google phone after initial setup__ 1. Confirm devices meet these requirements. - Current device: Apple iPhone 11 or newer running iOS 26 or higher - New device: Google Pixel 10 series - Connected to Wi-Fi - PIN / Password enabled 2. Place your new Google device close to your current iPhone. 3. On your new Google device swipe up on the Home screen to view your apps. 4. Select __Settings__ > __Network & internet__ > __SIMs__ > __+ Add SIM__. 5. On ‘Connect to mobile network’ screen select __Transfer a SIM from another device__. 6. On ‘Transfer a SIM from another device’ screen select __iPhone__. 7. Scan the QR code with your current iPhone. 8. On your iPhone, select the number you want to transfer and confirm transfer. 9. Once the transfer is complete, you will see ‘T-Mobile SIM transferred’ on your new Google device, and ‘Continue on Android’ on your iPhone.   ### Motorola   - During initial setup, you'll be prompted to [activate an eSIM](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/tutorials/device/motorola/universal-phone-android-15/topic/esim/activating-esim) or [transfer one from an existing device](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/tutorials/device/motorola/universal-phone-android-15/topic/esim/how-to-swap-sims-from-an-old-device-to-a-new-device). - If you've already set up your device and are connected to Wi-Fi, you'll be prompted to activate your eSIM when it's ready to add. - If you didn't get the prompt or chose to activate later, select __Settings__ > __Network & Internet__ > __SIMs & mobile network__ > + __Download new SIM__ > __Set up an eSIM__. - Our [Universal Tutorials](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/tutorials/device/motorola/universal-phone-android-15/os-selection) have steps to activate your eSIM on supported devices. - If your device asks for a QR code, [contact us](https://www.t-mobile.com/contact-us) so we can email it to you.   ### TCL   - During initial setup, you'll be prompted to [activate an eSIM](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/tutorials/device/tcl/nxtpaper-70-pro/topic/esim/activating-esim). - If you've already set up your device and are connected to Wi-Fi, you'll be prompted to activate your eSIM when it's ready to add. - If you didn't get the prompt or chose to activate later, select __Settings__ > __Network & internet__ > __Add SIM__. - You also have the option to [transfer an existing eSIM](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/tutorials/device/tcl/nxtpaper-70-pro/topic/esim/how-to-swap-sims-from-an-old-device-to-a-new-device) from another device. - Our [Tutorials](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/tutorials/) have steps for supported devices, like the [TCL NXTPAPER 70 Pro](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/tutorials/device/tcl/nxtpaper-70-pro/topic/esim). - If your device asks for a QR code, [contact us](https://www.t-mobile.com/contact-us) so we can email it to you.   ### T-Mobile Revvl   - During initial setup, you'll be prompted to [activate an eSIM](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/tutorials/device/t-mobile/revvl-8/topic/esim/activating-esim) or [transfer one from an existing device](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/tutorials/device/t-mobile/revvl-8/topic/esim/how-to-swap-sims-from-an-old-device-to-a-new-device). - If you've already set up your device and are connected to Wi-Fi, you'll be prompted to activate your eSIM when it's ready to add. - If you didn't get the prompt or chose to activate later, select __Settings__ > __Network & internet__ > __SIMs__ > __Add SIM__. - Our [Tutorials](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/tutorials/) have steps for supported devices, like the [T-Mobile Revvl 8](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/tutorials/device/t-mobile/revvl-8/topic/esim/). - If your device asks for a QR code, [contact us](https://www.t-mobile.com/contact-us) so we can email it to you.   ### Other devices   01. Make sure [SIM Protection](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/plans-features/help-with-t-mobile-account-fraud#SIM) is disabled. 02. Open the T-Life app while you’re connected [to the T-Mobile network.](https://www.t-mobile.com) 03. Select the __Manage__ tab and choose the line you want to change the SIM on. 04. Choose __SIM transfer or activation__ > [](https://www.t-mobile.com)[](https://www.t-mobile.com)[__Get Started__](https://www.t-mobile.com). 05. Enter the IMEI number for the device you’re transferring your eSIM to, then select __Continue__. 06. Choose to activate an eSIM, then select __Continue__. 07. If prompted, turn on Wi-Fi or insert the SIM card. 08. Enter the EID, then select __Continue__. 09. Review the requested change and select __Activate.__ 10. If prompted, respond to the interactive SMS (iSMS) to confirm the change 11. Connect to Wi-Fi and scan the QR code.  - Check in __Settings__ > __Network & Internet__ > __Mobile Network__ for most Androids. - Our [Tutorials](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/tutorials/) have steps for supported devices. ## [](https://www.t-mobile.com)Get help with your eSIM - For Apple devices, check out [Apple eSIM troubleshooting](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/devices/device-troubleshooting/apple-on-device-activation-troubleshooting). - For Samsung devices, check out [Samsung eSIM troubleshooting](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/devices/device-troubleshooting/samsung-on-device-activation-troubleshooting). - Bringing your own device? [Make sure it's compatible](https://www.t-mobile.com/resources/bring-your-own-phone#imeiextender). ## [](https://www.t-mobile.com)Watch our video on installing SIM cards! * * * Was this helpful? * * * ## Can't find what you're looking for? - [Contact Us](https://www.t-mobile.com/contact-us) - [Ask our community](https://www.t-mobile.com/community/)