5 min read

How to Switch from Physical SIM to eSIM

Switching to eSIM lets you go SIM-tray-free, keep your number, and manage plans entirely in software. The process is different for switching your home number vs getting a travel eSIM.

Two types of eSIM switch — know which you need

Option A: Converting your home number to eSIM — you want your main number to live on an eSIM (for eSIM-only phones, or to free up the SIM tray). Requires contacting your home carrier.

Option B: Adding a travel eSIM alongside your existing SIM — you keep your home physical SIM and add an eSIM for data abroad. No carrier contact needed. This is what most travelers do.

Option A: Convert your home number to eSIM (iPhone)

1
Contact your carrier (AT&T, Verizon, EE, Vodafone, etc.) and request eSIM conversion. Most carriers now offer this online or via their app.
2
Your carrier sends a QR code or confirmation code.
3
Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → scan the QR.
4
Once the eSIM is confirmed working, remove your physical SIM. Your number now lives on the eSIM.

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iPhone 13 and later: Settings → Cellular → Convert to eSIM. This initiates the conversion directly without calling your carrier, if your carrier supports it.

Option B: Add a travel eSIM for international data (iPhone)

1
Buy a travel plan at lte.app. You receive a QR code by email.
2
Settings → Cellular → Add Cellular Plan → scan the QR.
3
Your physical home SIM stays in place for calls. The travel eSIM handles data abroad.
4
When abroad: enable data roaming on the eSIM, set it as your Cellular Data line.

Option B: Add a travel eSIM for international data (Android)

1
Buy a travel plan at lte.app.
2
Settings → Connections → SIM Manager → Add eSIM (Samsung), or Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → Add SIM (Pixel).
3
Scan the QR code from your email.
4
Set the eSIM as your Data SIM and enable data roaming.

Having trouble? Smart Coach diagnoses automatically.

Open LTE.app and tap Smart Coach. It checks your APN settings, roaming state, and carrier connection automatically — even without mobile data.

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Frequently asked questions

Will I lose my phone number when I switch to eSIM?

No. When converting your home number to eSIM, your number moves with you — it is a change of SIM technology, not a carrier change. Your contacts, two-factor auth, and call history are unaffected.

Can I switch back to a physical SIM after converting to eSIM?

Yes, but you need to contact your carrier again to convert back. They will send you a new physical SIM card. Most carriers support this, though some charge a fee.

If I get a travel eSIM, do I need to remove my home physical SIM?

No — that is the point of dual SIM. Your home SIM stays in the tray. The travel eSIM runs alongside it. You keep your home number and get local data rates simultaneously.

Troubleshooting guides

🔧 eSIM Not Activating?🔧 eSIM Installation Failed?