Can’t I See “Add eSIM” Option

Smartphone settings screen without eSIM option visible

Why Can’t I See “Add eSIM” Option? (Complete Fix Guide)

If you’re trying to install an eSIM but can’t find the “Add eSIM” or “Add Mobile Plan” option on your phone, don’t worry — this is a common issue.

In most cases, the option is missing because of:

  • Device compatibility
  • Carrier restrictions
  • Software settings
  • Region limitations

The good news: this problem is usually easy to fix.

This guide explains all possible reasons and how to solve them step-by-step.

The most common reason: your phone doesn’t support eSIM

Not all phones support eSIM.

Even if two phones look identical, one model version may support eSIM while another does not.

This depends on:

  • Model variant
  • Country version
  • Carrier firmware

Check compatibility here: 👉 https://novesim.com/compatible-devices/ 

Your phone is carrier-locked

If your phone is locked to a mobile carrier, the eSIM feature may be disabled.

This is common if the device was:

  • Bought through a carrier contract
  • Subsidized
  • Purchased second-hand

Solution: Contact your carrier and request unlocking.

Your phone software is outdated

Older system versions sometimes hide the eSIM option.

Update your device:

  • iPhone:
    Settings → General → Software Update
  • Android:
    Settings → System → Software Update

After updating, restart your phone and check again.

eSIM is disabled by region settings

Some phone manufacturers disable eSIM in certain regions.

This may happen if:

  • Your phone was imported
  • Your device firmware is region-specific

In these cases, the option may only appear after a firmware update or region change.

You already have the maximum number of eSIM profiles installed

Phones can store multiple eSIM profiles, but there is a limit.

If you’ve installed several before, the option may disappear.

Fix:

  • Delete unused eSIM profiles
  • Restart phone
  • Try again

You are looking in the wrong settings menu

Menu names differ depending on phone brand.

Try these paths:

  • iPhone: Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM
  • Samsung: Settings → Connections → SIM Manager → Add eSIM
  • Other Android: Settings → Network → SIM → Add Mobile Plan

The eSIM option appears only after scanning a QR

Some phones hide the option until you start installation.

Try:

  • Opening QR scanner
  • Scanning activation code

Manual installation guide: 👉 https://novesim.com/how-to-activate-esim-manually/

Your device supports eSIM but not in your region model

Some phones have two hardware versions:

  • eSIM model
  • Dual physical SIM model

They look identical externally. Only one supports eSIM.

Rare case: hardware limitation

Very rarely, the eSIM chip may be disabled or defective.

If all solutions fail:

  • Contact manufacturer support
  • Check warranty

Final checklist

Before assuming your phone doesn’t support eSIM, confirm:

  • Phone model supports eSIM
  • Software is updated
  • Device is unlocked
  • You have available eSIM slots
  • You checked correct settings menu

Quick solution summary

If you don’t see Add eSIM, it’s usually because of:

  • 1. Unsupported device
  • 2. Carrier lock
  • 3. Outdated software
  • 4. Wrong menu
  • 5. Region restriction

Ready to install your travel eSIM? Browse supported plans: 👉 https://novesim.com/destinations/

Frequently asked questions

Why don’t I see Add eSIM option on my phone?

Usually because your device doesn’t support eSIM, is carrier-locked, or needs a software update.

Yes. The option may appear only after updating software or unlocking the device.

No. Only specific models support eSIM.

Yes. Carrier-locked phones may disable eSIM functionality.

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