Upgrading iPhones? Here’s How To Convert an iPhone SIM Card Into an iPhone 14 eSIM

The iPhone 14 is one of Apple's technological wonders. It comes with a faster processor, a better camera, a 120Hz display, and even Dynamic Island - a pill-shaped area around the Face ID sensors and front camera. It can display system alerts like incoming phone calls and the Face ID authentication prompt, providing users with easier access to notifications and controls, per Apple and MacRumors.

However, its newest change from the iPhone 13 is that every iPhone 14 model no longer has a SIM tray, at least for iPhones sold in the US. Instead, iPhones sold in the US come with an eSIM, increasing the available interior space and giving users more SIM options.

However, what is the benefit of an eSIM? How does a first-time user of an iPhone 14 set one up?

Benefits And Detriments Of An eSIM

An eSIM, or an "embedded SIM," is a SIM card that's already built into a device's motherboard, per How-To Geek. Although it cannot be removed and transferred to another device (at least without damaging the phone in the process), it allows users to use more than one SIM.

In fact, iPhone 14 users can use up to five virtual SIM cards at a time, making switching between them easy.

Another benefit to an eSIM is that they are easier to activate than physical SIM cards. According to PC World, an eSIM can be activated by scanning a QR code that registers a user's eSIM profile with their mobile network.

Although some networks require users to enter a PIN, setting up one takes no more than 15 minutes.

However, having an eSIM has its disadvantages. For one, users can no longer switch devices as easily as before with a phone relying on a physical SIM card.

Additionally, an eSIM prevents a person from hiding their location in case they have concerns about being tracked. Traveling outside the US will be more difficult as well, as users who do so can't switch their SIM card for a locally available one.

How To Set Up An eSIM For The First Time

As previously mentioned, setting up an eSIM is quick and easy, with the entire process only taking less than or equal to 15 minutes.

According to Apple and The Verge, here are the steps you need to follow to set up your iPhone 14's eSIM for the first time if you have a physical SIM with your old iPhone:

1. Check if your old iPhone has its BluTooth switched on, a passcode for biometric unlocking, and running on iOS 16 or later.
2. Go to your new iPhone and go to Settings, then Cellular, then Add Cellular Plan.
3. Tap Transfer from Nearby iPhone.
4. Assuming your old iPhone is close to your new iPhone, enter the verification code displayed on the new iPhone if prompted.
5. Sticking to the new iPhone, select the phone number you wish to transfer from the options on-screen. Once selected, tap Confirm to convert your old physical SIM card into an eSIM.
6. Keep the two phones close to each other until you see Cellular Setup Complete.

Keep in mind that your previous SIM card is deactivated when the cellular plan on your new iPhone activates.