AT&T eSIM: activation, transfer and travel

How to get an AT&T eSIM

If you bring your own device to AT&T Wireless, AT&T's support page says to request a new eSIM. AT&T says a phone bought elsewhere must be unlocked and compatible with its network.

For AT&T Prepaid, AT&T directs you to its bring-your-own-phone portal to order an eSIM and choose your prepaid plan. After purchasing through the AT&T Prepaid website, AT&T says you receive a notification on your device to download the eSIM.

AT&T also sells eSIM activation kits through authorized retailers, including Walmart, Kroger, Meijer, and Family Dollar. AT&T says eSIM QR codes can take 2–3 business days to arrive, so leave time if you choose that route.

AT&T eSIM activation and QR code

For AT&T Wireless, AT&T says your device must be on an active plan before you download the eSIM over Wi-Fi. Follow the prompts on your device. If you are transferring your number from another provider, AT&T says to use its number-transfer activation page before turning on your phone.

For AT&T Prepaid, AT&T says to follow your activation email's device instructions if you selected Digital eSIM at checkout. If you have an activation kit that uses the Camera app, AT&T gives this QR-code sequence:

1. Turn on your device and connect to Wi-Fi.
2. Open the Camera app and scan the QR code.
3. Tap the Cellular Plan Detected notification when it appears.
4. Select Continue.
5. Tap Add Cellular Plan and follow the prompts on your device.

Moving your AT&T eSIM to a new phone

AT&T says you can move an eSIM between devices if both are eSIM compatible. Its transfer support page says to turn off Wireless Account Lock before you start. AT&T's online wireless account instructions give this sequence:

1. Go to Manage my SIM. Sign in, if asked.
2. Choose Switch to change devices if needed.
3. Scroll to and select Switch devices, then Get started.
4. Follow the prompts to complete your transfer.

For AT&T Prepaid, AT&T's iPhone instructions say to keep your existing and new iPhones next to each other and connected to Wi-Fi. On the new phone, open Settings, tap Cellular, then Add Cellular Plan. When Transfer Cellular Plan appears on the old iPhone, select the number you want to use on the new phone.

For a transfer from an Android device, AT&T Prepaid directs you to Customer Support online or at 800.901.9878. AT&T's separate SIM-switching page says prepaid customers should call Customer Care from another phone.

AT&T free eSIM trial

AT&T lists a free 30-day trial with talk, text, and 100 GB of data, plus 25 GB of personal hotspot data. AT&T says you keep your current phone, number, and service during the trial.

AT&T's trial page requires a compatible iPhone or Android and says terms and restrictions apply. AT&T describes the offer as a trial for new customers, so do not assume your existing AT&T line qualifies. Use AT&T's eligibility check.

AT&T also lists unlimited talk and text in and between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. That wording describes talk and text; it is not a stated overseas data allowance. AT&T gives this signup sequence:

1. Scan the QR code on AT&T's trial page, or search in the App Store.
2. Check your eligibility and create a user profile.
3. Get your trial phone number and start texting, calling, and browsing.

AT&T abroad: roaming or a travel eSIM

AT&T International Day Pass costs $12 per day on land for the first line. AT&T charges $6 for each additional line on the same account used on the same calendar day. Your first data use, sent text, or made or accepted call starts the charged 24-hour period in an included destination.

AT&T caps land and air charges at 10 daily fees per line, per bill period. That is a billing-period limit, not a trip-length limit. AT&T says your domestic plan's terms and data allowance apply, and coverage is not available in all areas.

Before paying for roaming in Mexico or Canada, check your existing plan. The AT&T pages we checked do not establish whether your specific plan includes roaming there without an additional fee. For Europe and Japan, check AT&T's included destinations against your itinerary.

Selected prepaid alternatives from our price table show the difference between AT&T's daily roaming charge and a fixed data package:

• Mexico: Saily lists 20 GB for 30 days at US$37.99.
• Canada: Ubigi lists 10 GB for 7 days at US$15.00.
• Europe: Saily lists 1 GB for 7 days at US$4.99. This is a small allowance, not a substitute for heavy data use.
• Japan: Saily lists 20 GB for 30 days at US$24.99.

AT&T Day Pass lets you use your current plan for calls, texts, and data. The travel eSIM examples below quote data allowances and validity periods, not an equivalent calling package. Compare the allowance you need, not price alone.