What is eSIM?

Activate your device in whole new way!

eSIM stands for 'embedded SIM.' This means the SIM is already inside the phone when you receive it. There is no more physical SIM cards to transfer to your new phone.

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    READY RIGHT AWAY
    Sign up for Consumer Cellular and you can activate your eSIM-compatible phone instantly

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    NO MORE PHYSICAL SIM CARDS
    Say goodbye to physical SIM cards, everything is already available on your phone

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    ZERO HASSLE
    No shipping is needed, start using your phone immediately

Note: Some devices that require an eSIM for activation need to be connected to Wi-Fi to register the device on our network.

I just bought a new phone:

If you purchased an eSIM compatible phone, your phone won't arrive with a SIM card installed. To activate your phone, turn it on, connect a Wi-Fi network, and follow the onscreen instructions.

Otherwise, if you need to setup an eSIM, you can scan the QR code we provided.

  1. Open the Camera app and scan your QR code.
  2. When the Cellular Plan Detected notification appears, tap it.
  3. Tap Continue, at the bottom of the screen.
  4. Tap Add Cellular Plan.

I am bringing my own phone:

Follow these steps to install eSIM on your phone:

  1. Find out if your phone is eSIM compatible! Use our IMEI checker to find out.
  2. With your eSIM-compatible phone, pick one of Consumer Cellular's affordable plans.
  3. To activate and install your eSIM, your device will need to be connected to Wi-Fi. We will send you a step-by-step email on how to activate your device.

Having Trouble?

If eSIM is new for you and you have questions, please do not hesitate to call Consumer Cellular's 100% US based customer support is here to help you!

Call Us: (888) 345-5509

Frequently Asked Questions

What is eSIM?

An eSIM is a digital SIM that eliminates the need for a physical SIM card. With eSIM, you can quickly and easily transfer an existing cellular plan or get a new cellular plan, all digitally. You can even store multiple eSIMs on the same device and use two phone numbers at the same time. Plus it’s more secure – someone can’t remove the physical SIM card if your phone is lost or stolen. In just a few simple steps, you are ready to make calls, send messages and browse the web.

Which phone models support eSIM?

Many of the latest Apple, Samsung, Motorola, and Consumer Cellular phones support eSIM.

How do I activate a Consumer Cellular eSIM on an eSIM-compatible phone?

Activating an eSIM on an eSIM-compatible phone is easy. Consumer Cellular supports eSIM Carrier Activation, where Consumer Cellular assigns you an eSIM to your eSIM-compatible phone digitally at the time of purchase or if you call for an eSIM. Simply follow the set up instructions on your screen.

The QR code is provided in the packing slip of your purchased eSIM-compatible phone. The QR is available in My Account or by calling the call center – (888) 345-5509

How do I transfer my phone number to my new phone?

Once the eSIM is activated, then the phone number automatically transfer to the new phone (this will occur for any existing phone number). If this does not happen, call us at (888) 345-5509

How do I activate my phone with eSIM if I don’t have access to a Wi-Fi network?

Apple:

If you have an eSIM only iPhone 14 or newer model and you don’t have a Wi-Fi network, Apple has a new solution to activate your eSIM. During the Set Up process, you can choose to continue without Wi-Fi. This allows you to setup your new eSIM without Wi-Fi — at no cost to you.

If you do not have an iPhone 14 or newer, you will need to connect to Wi-Fi to activate your eSIM.

Samsung:

If you have a Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 or Fold5, you can activate your eSIM with or without a Wi-Fi connection. During the Set Up process, you can choose to continue without Wi-Fi. This allows you to setup your new eSIM without Wi-Fi — at no cost to you.

For other Samsung eSIM devices, you will need to connect to Wi-Fi to activate your eSIM.

Motorola:

If you have a Motorola eSIM device, you will need to connect to Wi-Fi to activate your eSIM.

Consumer Cellular:

If you have a Consumer Cellular eSIM device, you will need to connect to Wi-Fi to activate your eSIM.

Are all Consumer Cellular customers able to use an eSIM on eSIM-compatible phones?

All of our customers have access to eSIM.

How do I get a Consumer Cellular eSIM if I am not purchasing my phone from Consumer Cellular?

Visit the SIM details page and enter your phones IMEI, this will validate that you have an eSIM capable device. Next, you’ll choose a plan that’s right for you, this will give you the ability to install your eSIM after check out.

What should I do if my phone is lost or stolen with an active eSIM?

If your phone is lost or stolen, call Customer Support at (888) 345-5509. We can reinstall a deleted eSIM from my account, or call customer support.

Can I still use my Consumer Cellular eSIM if I travel internationally?

Yes! You are able to use international roaming on eSIMs just like physical SIM cards.