How to Activate eSIM on iPhone 12/12 Pro/12 Pro Max/12 Mini

Learn how to activate eSIM on iPhone 12/12 pro/12 pro max/12 mini for beginners. Then, learn how to use Dual SIM on iPhone 12 after activating the eSIM service.

With our guide, you can:

• Get your eSIM working without messing with your current phone plan.
• Keep all your contacts, photos, and settings safe during setup.
• Fix common problems if you get stuck activating your eSIM.

I. What to Prepare

• An iPhone 12, 12 pro, 12 Pro Max, 12 Mini that are carrier-unlocked
• Stable internet connection (WiFi or cellular data)
• A QR code or manual activation code provided by your eSIM provider

II. How to activate eSIM on iPhone 12?

There are 02 ways to activate eSIM on iPhone 12 models:

• use QR code sent from your eSIM provider, or
• enter activation code manually.

Below you will know how to activate your eSIM on iPhone 12 models running on iOS 17 and iOS 16 (the same applies to older iOS versions).

Note: With iOS 17, you can set up your eSIM by scanning the QR code picture right on your phone. No need to use another device to display the QR code for scanning, like with earlier iOS versions. This makes things easier, so we suggest upgrading to iOS 17 if you have an iPhone 12.

1. QR Code Method

► Step to install and activate eSIM on iPhone 12 running on iOS 17:

• Go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM
• Tap on Use QR Code > Open Photos
• Choose the QR code image from Library > Continue
• Wait few minutes to add eSIM

► Steps to install and activate eSIM on iPhone 12 running on iOS 16 and earlier versions:

• Go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM
• Tap on Use QR Code > Scan QR code > Continue
• Wait a few minutes to add eSIM

2. Manual Activation Method

If you don’t have a QR code or it’s not working, you can also set up your eSIM manually by typing in some information sent from your eSIM provider, like a website address (SM-DP+ Address) and a special code (Activation code).

Here is how to install and activate eSIM manually on iPhone 12 running on iOS 16 and earlier versions:

• Go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM
• Tap on Use QR Code > Enter Details Manually
• Enter SM-SP Address and Activation Code > Continue
• Wait a few minutes to add eSIM

Note: The same steps apply to iPhone 12 devices running on iOS 17.

III. Customization and Settings After eSIM Activation

After your eSIM plan is activated on your iPhone 12, you can also take further steps to customize your eSIM plan for easy management.

1. Label the eSIM for Easy Identification

On iPhone 12, there are two plans to label. You can label one plan as Personal (used for making/receiving calls or text messages), the other (i.e Gigago eSIM) for mobile data. Labels are changeable.

To change the assigned labels, follow these steps:

• Go to Settings > Cellular or Mobile Data
• Select the number whose label you want to change > tap Cellular Plan Label
• Select a new label and or enter a custom label

2. Set the Default Line

You can select your newly activated eSIM as the default line for different purposes, such as voice calls, text messaging, iMessage and FaceTime, and mobile data.

• Tap the eSIM plan you want to use as the default line for voice calls and text messaging, tap Continue.
• Tap the eSIM plan you want to use as the default line for iMessage and FaceTime, tap Continue.
• Tap the eSIM plan you want to use as the default line for mobile data, tap Continue.

There, your eSIM is ready to use.

IV. How to Use eSIM with iPhone 12 to Access Data?

To access data with the eSIM on iPhone 12, you need to follow these instructions:

• Go to Settings > Cellular > Tap on the eSIM
• Enable Turn On This Line and Data Roaming
• Back to Cellular > Tap on Cellular Data
• Choose the eSIM as Cellular Data and turn OFF Allow Cellular Data Switching

V. How to Turn off eSIM on iPhone 12

• Go to Settings > Mobile Data
• Under the data plans list, select the eSIM you want to turn off
• Toggle to turn off the eSIM profile

VI. Why Can’t I Activate eSIM on iPhone 12?

The reasons why you might have trouble activating your eSIM can be:

• No internet: You need to be connected to the internet, either through Wi-Fi or your mobile network.
• Your carrier doesn’t support eSIM: Not all phone companies offer eSIM services.
• Your iPhone isn’t updated: Make sure your iPhone 12 is running the latest version of iOS.

These issues are the most common during the eSIM activation process. You should review and resolve them accordingly.

If you meet all the requirements but still cannot activate eSIM on your iPhone 12, then you can:

• Contact your phone company: They can help you troubleshoot the problem and walk you through the setup process.
• Contact Apple support: If your phone company can’t help, Apple might have a solution.

VII. FAQs