I managed to download an eSIM from an app a few weeks back but then it stopped working and in settings just showed as No Sim available. I have reset all my network settings hoping it would fix the issue but my phone is still not compatible for an ESIM. There is no option in settings to “Add ESIM”, how can I get this?
iPhone 12, iOS 18
It sounds like your iPhone 12 should support eSIM, but since the "Add eSIM" option is missing, here are some steps you can try to resolve the issue:
1. Check if Your Carrier Supports eSIM
Even though you previously downloaded an eSIM, it's possible that your carrier has disabled it or your plan no longer supports it. Contact your carrier to confirm eSIM compatibility and request a new eSIM activation.
2. Ensure Your iPhone is Unlocked
If your iPhone is locked to a specific carrier, you may not see the "Add eSIM" option unless it’s unlocked.
Go to Settings > General > About and scroll down to "Network Provider Lock." If it says "No SIM restrictions," your phone is unlocked. If not, contact your carrier.
3. Update Your iPhone to the Latest iOS Version
Go to Settings > General > Software Update and ensure your device is running the latest iOS version.
4. Reset Network Settings (If Not Already Done)
Since you’ve already tried this, you can also try a full Reset All Settings:
Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset All Settings.
(This won’t delete your data but will reset settings like Wi-Fi passwords and VPN configurations.)
5. Manually Enter eSIM Details
If your carrier provides eSIM activation details (SM-DP+ Address and Activation Code), you can try adding it manually:
6. Try a Fresh eSIM Activation
If the previous eSIM stopped working, it may have been deactivated. Contact your carrier and ask them to issue a new eSIM QR code or activation link. Then follow these steps:
If none of these steps work, your carrier may need to reset eSIM provisioning for your number.
It sounds like your iPhone 12 should support eSIM, but since the "Add eSIM" option is missing, here are some steps you can try to resolve the issue:
1. Check if Your Carrier Supports eSIM
Even though you previously downloaded an eSIM, it's possible that your carrier has disabled it or your plan no longer supports it. Contact your carrier to confirm eSIM compatibility and request a new eSIM activation.
2. Ensure Your iPhone is Unlocked
If your iPhone is locked to a specific carrier, you may not see the "Add eSIM" option unless it’s unlocked.
Go to Settings > General > About and scroll down to "Network Provider Lock." If it says "No SIM restrictions," your phone is unlocked. If not, contact your carrier.
3. Update Your iPhone to the Latest iOS Version
Go to Settings > General > Software Update and ensure your device is running the latest iOS version.
4. Reset Network Settings (If Not Already Done)
Since you’ve already tried this, you can also try a full Reset All Settings:
Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset All Settings.
(This won’t delete your data but will reset settings like Wi-Fi passwords and VPN configurations.)
5. Manually Enter eSIM Details
If your carrier provides eSIM activation details (SM-DP+ Address and Activation Code), you can try adding it manually:
6. Try a Fresh eSIM Activation
If the previous eSIM stopped working, it may have been deactivated. Contact your carrier and ask them to issue a new eSIM QR code or activation link. Then follow these steps:
If none of these steps work, your carrier may need to reset eSIM provisioning for your number.
Hi,
Thanks for all your help. Unfortunately I have gone through all of these steps and I still can’t add an ESIM. My carrier supports Esims and has sent one for me to use however I am unable to use the QR code as I don’t have the option to “Add ESIM”. I am on the latest update and have reset my network settings multiple times but it is still not working. I have tried to download one from Airlo but it says my device in not compatible. Are there any other options? Thanks again.
Have you contacted Apple technical team regarding this ? If so, what did they advise if anything.
No “Add ESIM” option on iPhone 12
