T-Mobile eSIM: activation, transfer and travel

How to get a T-Mobile eSIM

For an existing line, T-Mobile provides SIM transfer or activation through T-Life. The transfer section below follows that process. For a new prepaid account, T-Mobile directs you to its Prepaid eSIM app, which activates service directly from your device without a QR code.

T-Mobile also offers prepaid activation on the web for an existing eSIM-capable device unlocked for use on other carriers' networks. T-Mobile gives these web activation steps:

1. Open T-Mobile's prepaid website on your computer or device and select the banner to activate service with eSIM.
2. Select your device make and model to check compatibility, then select Continue to plans.
3. Choose an available prepaid rate plan, then select Continue to payment.
4. Enter your name, email, ZIP code and payment method, then select Continue to review.
5. Review your order and select Order now.
6. On the Success screen, scan the QR code with your device to download and activate your T-Mobile eSIM profile, then select Continue.

T-Mobile eSIM activation and QR code

T-Mobile says your iPhone can prompt you to activate an eSIM or transfer one from an existing iPhone during initial setup. If you have already set up your iPhone, T-Mobile says to connect to Wi-Fi; your phone will prompt you when the T-Mobile Cellular Plan is ready to install.

If your device asks for a QR code, T-Mobile says to contact it so it can email the code to you. That is separate from T-Mobile's prepaid web checkout, where the QR code appears on the Success screen.

For prepaid web activation, T-Mobile says you can save a screenshot of the QR code if you cannot scan it immediately. You can also use T-Mobile's Welcome email to download the profile later. T-Mobile's Prepaid eSIM app does not require a QR code.

Moving your T-Mobile eSIM to a new phone

T-Mobile says to make sure SIM Protection is disabled before using its T-Life transfer process. Its instructions then follow this order:

1. Open T-Life while connected to the T-Mobile network.
2. Select the Account tab and choose the line whose SIM you want to change.
3. Choose SIM transfer or activation, then Get Started.
4. Enter the new device's IMEI number, then select Continue.
5. Choose to activate an eSIM, then select Continue.
6. Enter the EID, then select Continue.

For an iPhone-to-iPhone transfer, T-Mobile says initial device setup can offer a transfer from your existing iPhone. Its manual-transfer guide lists iPhone XS or newer running iOS 13.1 or higher, with the same Apple ID on both devices. If you switch between Apple and Android, or no longer have your old device, T-Mobile directs you to its Other devices instructions.

T-Mobile free eSIM trial

T-Mobile advertises its trial as free for up to 30 days while you keep your current carrier and phone number. If you already use T-Mobile, you are not eligible. T-Mobile also excludes Metro by T-Mobile customers, customers of partners using its network, and anyone who used T-Mobile Trial, formerly Network Pass, in the last 6 months.

T-Mobile requires a compatible eSIM-capable device unlocked by your existing carrier, Wi-Fi for setup, and existing service with another carrier. Participation is limited to people in the United States.

T-Mobile lists unlimited talk, text and premium data, plus 250 GB of high-speed hotspot. Its page also advertises unlimited talk, text and 5 GB of high-speed data in Canada and Mexico, but separately says the trial is not for international use. Do not treat that Canada and Mexico allowance as confirmed travel coverage.

T-Mobile gives the following signup sequence and then these iPhone setup steps. After setup, T-Mobile says to use its line as your primary SIM for data to test the network.

1. Connect to Wi-Fi with an active internet connection.
2. Download T-Life from the Apple App Store or Google Play store.
3. Open T-Life and choose Get started now.
4. Follow the on-screen signup steps.
5. In T-Life, select Start carrier setup.
6. On your iPhone, choose the Add eSIM pop-up, then Continue.
7. Add the T-Mobile plan as Secondary, then select Continue.

Adding a travel eSIM next to your T-Mobile line

Apple says supported iPhone models can have two eSIMs active at the same time. If your iPhone has a SIM tray, Apple says you can use a physical SIM alongside an eSIM while traveling. These options let you keep a T-Mobile line alongside a travel eSIM on a supported phone.

The T-Mobile pages we checked do not state customer roaming prices or plan-specific international allowances for Mexico, Canada, Europe or Japan. That prevents a dollar-for-dollar comparison with a travel eSIM. Apple recommends checking whether your carrier plan includes international roaming without additional fees before you travel.

For a prepaid data budget, these selected provider prices give you a starting point, checked Oct 2026. Compare the data amount and validity with your trip; the adjacent price box has more plans.

• 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.
• Japan: Saily lists 20 GB for 30 days at US$24.99.