Learn about eSIMs and how you can use them with T-Mobile.

 

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What's an eSIM?

  • Embedded SIM (eSIM) is just a physical SIM gone digital. Like a physical SIM card, an eSIM provides your connection to the T-Mobile network.
  • An eSIM is built into your device just activate it with your account information rather than inserting a physical SIM.
  • Some eSIM compatible phones like the iPhone XS, XR, and XS Max are also DSDS (Dual SIM Dual Standby). DSDS compatible devices can accommodate both an eSIM and a physical SIM so you can have two wireless accounts with talk, text, and data on one device.

 

Why an eSIM?

eSIM is great for anyone who wants to use both their work and personal numbers on a single smartphone if you want to easily set up your phone with an international carrier for extended stays outside the U.S. or you just want to get rid of that physical SIM card. Plus, AT&T, Sprint and Verizon customers can get T-Mobile on their existing smartphone.

 

How can I activate an eSIM?

  • You'll need to visit a T-Mobile retail store to activate a postpaid line on an eSIM. One of our Mobile Experts will check your device for eligibility and walk you through the setup process. Need help finding a store? Go to our T-Mobile store locator to find the store nearest you.
  • If you already have T-Mobile postpaid service on your eSIM capable device using a physical SIM card and are looking to swap the service to an eSIM, you can either visit your local T-Mobile store or contact our Customer Care Experts for assistance.
  • If you want to activate a new Prepaid account on your iPhone with eSIM, download and install the T-Mobile eSIM app.

 

Download your eSIM settings

  1. Activate your eSIM at a T-Mobile store or have one of our Experts swap your physical SIM for an eSIM.
  2. Make sure you have access to the internet on your device, we recommend Wi-Fi.
  3. If you're changing from a physical SIM to an eSIM, remove the physical SIM from your device.
  4. After that, download the eSIM settings using the QR code or SM-DP+ Address below.
    • Find steps by choosing your Device and selecting eSIM settings in the Connection & Network drawer.
  5. For iPhones with eSIM, go to Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan.

  • SM-DP+ Address: T-MOBILE.GDSB.NET
  • Activation code: [Blank]
  • Confirmation code: [Blank]

 

Got questions?

 
What smartphones are compatible with eSIM?
 
To date, iPhone XS, XR, XS Max, 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max are compatible with the T-Mobile eSIM solution. Our Retail Mobile Experts or Customer Care representatives can help you determine if your phone is compatible.
 
I want to switch to T-Mobile and use eSIM on my compatible smartphone. How do I do that?
 
First, you’ll want to check with your current wireless service provider that your phone is unlocked so you can use it on the T-Mobile network. Then, visit a T-Mobile retail store to get set up with the right rate plan for you, and to port your current mobile number to T-Mobile on eSIM.
 
I’m a T-Mobile for Business customer. Can I activate an eSIM on my compatible phone? What if I have multiple phones I want to activate with eSIM?
 
At this time, small business customers with 10 lines or less can activate eSIM on a compatible phone if they can be serviced in a T-Mobile retail store. eSIM is not available in the T-Mobile for Business Direct channel at this time.
 
I’m a T-Mobile Prepaid customer. Can I activate an eSIM on my compatible phone?
 
At this time, our Prepaid customers can activate a line of service on eSIM in the T-Mobile eSIM app for iOS. Learn More
 
Can I use the same rate plan on eSIM as I do for a physical SIM? Can I keep my current rate plan when I move to eSIM?
 
Yes! When you activate a new line of service for your smartphone’s eSIM, you will have the same rate plan choices you would for a physical SIM. If want to swap your existing T-Mobile line of service to eSIM, then you will keep the same rate plan.
 
What happens if I accidentally delete my eSIM from my phone? How do I get it back?
 
Since an eSIM contains data, it is possible to delete it, either via your phone’s Cellular Settings or by factory resetting your device.

 

If this happens by accident, no worries! We can get you set up with your eSIM again. Just stop by your T-Mobile retail store or contact our Customer Care Experts to get yourself reset.
 
Does this mean that you have my data backed up somewhere when I want to delete it?
 
No, T-Mobile does not maintain your personal data. When you need a replacement for an eSIM, we reissue a new eSIM profile to you.
 
What’s the difference between DIGITS and eSIM?
 
DIGITS Talk & Text is an optional talk & text feature that can be added to your T-Mobile plan. It gives you the ability to use two T-Mobile phone numbers on the same device – for example one personal and one business. DIGITS does not include data – you must use your primary line’s data connection. DIGITS is accessed via the DIGITS app or a web browser. Data with paired DIGITS allows up to five devices to share the same T-Mobile phone number.

 

With an eSIM compatible device, you can have two phone numbers – one in the physical SIM and one in the eSIM. If your phone is unlocked, then the physical SIM and eSIM can even be used on different carriers. Each line can use its own voice, text, and data, as determined by your carrier’s rate plan. The physical SIM can be from any wireless provider, so you could swap SIMs while on international travel, for instance. Each line has its own data plan, or you could use one line for talk & text and the other for data. Voice and text for eSIM can be eSIM is accessed through the existing phone and messaging apps that are built into your device.
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