If you just bought (or preordered) an iPhone 17 and it’s eSIM-first in your country, follow these steps: 1) Preflight checklist, 2) Quick activation (QR / Quick Transfer / Carrier Push), 3) Troubleshooting & sample messages to send to support. This post also includes rare direct links (carrier PDFs & activation pages) that you won’t easily find in search. Apple’s official activation methods are the backbone here.

Why this matters right now

Apple and several carriers are pushing eSIM-first phones (many iPhone 17 models are eSIM-only in more countries), so millions will search “how to activate eSIM” in the launch weekend — you want the exact page and the exact wording to get support fast.

A. Preflight checklist — do this before you scan anything

Make sure your iPhone is updated to the latest iOS (Settings → General → Software Update). Connect to stable Wi-Fi (eSIM often requires internet to download the profile). Back up (iCloud) or note your physical-SIM phone number. If moving from an old iPhone, keep it nearby for Quick Transfer (both must be on iOS 16+). Have a photo of your purchase receipt and your IMEI/EID handy (Settings → General → About). (Carriers may ask for EID or proof of purchase during activation.)

B. The three universal ways to activate an eSIM

1) Scan the carrier QR code (most common)

Open Settings → Cellular (or Mobile Data) → Add eSIM / Add Cellular Plan. Choose Use QR Code and point your camera at the QR your carrier emailed or printed. Follow prompts, assign label (Primary / Travel / Work), then test by calling. If the QR was time-limited, ask the carrier to reissue one.

2) eSIM Quick Transfer (transfer from nearby iPhone)

On the new iPhone: Settings → Cellular → Set Up Cellular → Transfer from Nearby iPhone. Keep both iPhones close and follow confirmations on the old device. Wait until the new phone confirms activation; the old SIM is deactivated automatically.

3) Carrier Push / eSIM Carrier Activation

Sometimes the carrier “pushes” the eSIM to your iPhone after purchase (you’ll see a notification: “Carrier Cellular Plan Ready to Be Installed”). Tap the notification or go to Settings → Cellular → Carrier Cellular Plan Ready to Be Installed → Continue. Restart if instructed, and make a test call.

C. Country & carrier micro-guides

Israel — Cellcom / Pelephone / Partner

Cellcom activation page (hidden support page): https://www.cellcom.co.il/iphone/esim Cellcom PDF with QR instructions (rare direct PDF): https://www.cellcom.co.il/iphone/esim/guide.pdf Pelephone eSIM tourist & local info: https://www.pelephone.co.il/esim Pelephone eSIM PDF: https://www.pelephone.co.il/esim/guide.pdf Partner eSIM notes (community breakdown): https://partner.co.il/esim

Spain — Movistar / Orange / Vodafone

Orange Spain eSIM PDF (prepago instructions): https://www.orange.es/esim/prepago.pdf Vodafone Travel eSIM activation: https://www.vodafone.es/esim/travel Movistar prepaid eSIM: https://www.movistar.es/esim

USA — AT&T / Verizon / T-Mobile

AT&T prepaid eSIM quick start: https://www.att.com/esimsetup Verizon & T-Mobile: ask support for a fresh QR or carrier push; both support instant activation via Settings → Cellular.

D. Hard-to-find direct links (bookmark these)

Apple: eSIM setup guide → https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212780 Apple: list of carriers that support eSIM worldwide → https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT209096 Cellcom PDF iPhone eSIM → https://www.cellcom.co.il/iphone/esim/guide.pdf Pelephone eSIM PDF → https://www.pelephone.co.il/esim/guide.pdf Orange Spain prepago PDF → https://www.orange.es/esim/prepago.pdf Vodafone Travel eSIM → https://www.vodafone.es/esim/travel AT&T eSIM quick start → https://www.att.com/esimsetup

E. Copy-paste messages for support

Requesting a fresh QR (expired QR):

Hi — I bought an iPhone 17 today and my eSIM QR expired / failed to install. Can you issue a new QR or perform a carrier push? My EID: [paste EID], IMEI: [paste IMEI], Order #: [paste]. Thanks.

Converting physical SIM to eSIM:

Please convert my current SIM ([phone#]) to eSIM. Device EID: [EID]. I’m ready to complete verification.

If you see “Cellular Plan Activation Failed”:

I followed Apple steps and got “Activation Failed.” Please escalate to provisioning team. IMEI/EID: [EID]. Screenshot attached.

F. Quick Troubleshooting

No network: toggle Airplane Mode on/off → restart phone. “Activation Failed”: delete plan → re-scan QR (if available) or request carrier push. If QR can’t scan: go to Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → Enter details manually. If calls not working: check APN in Cellular Data Network + restart.

G. FAQ

How long does eSIM activation take?

Usually under 5 minutes with QR or Quick Transfer; carrier pushes can take up to 30 minutes.

What if my phone says “Carrier Cellular Plan Ready to Be Installed”?

Tap the notification or go to Settings → Cellular → Carrier Cellular Plan Ready to Be Installed → Continue.

What if my country still requires a physical SIM?

Some regions haven’t fully moved to eSIM. Check Apple’s carrier list above. Apple may ship eSIM-only models in some markets.

#eSIM #iPhone17 #HowTo #MobileTips #iPhoneSetup #TravelSIM #CellularHack #Israel #Spain #TechGuide