How to Find Your eSIM ICCID Number: A Complete Guide

In the rapidly evolving world of mobile technology, eSIMs have become the new standard for connectivity. They offer incredible flexibility, allowing you to switch carriers or plans without ever handling a physical SIM card. However, this digital convenience introduces a new challenge: finding critical information like your eSIM ICCID number. Unlike a traditional plastic SIM where you can simply pop out the card and read the number, your eSIM’s ICCID is embedded within your device’s software. If you need to activate a plan, troubleshoot network issues, or transfer your service, knowing how to locate this unique identifier is essential.

The ICCID (Integrated Circuit Card Identifier) is a crucial piece of data. It’s a unique 19- or 20-digit serial number that globally identifies your specific SIM profile, whether physical or digital. Think of it as your SIM’s fingerprint or social security number. For eSIM users, accessing this number isn’t always intuitive, as the process varies significantly between iPhone, Android, and even carrier interfaces. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every possible method to find your eSIM ICCID across all major platforms and scenarios, ensuring you’re never locked out of managing your own digital identity.

What is an ICCID and Why Do You Need It?

Before we dive into the « how, » let’s clarify the « why. » The ICCID is more than just a random string of digits. Its structure is defined by the ITU-T E.118 standard. Typically, it starts with an Issuer Identification Number (IIN), which identifies the telecom operator, followed by an individual account identification number, and ends with a single check digit calculated using the Luhn algorithm. This number is permanently baked into the SIM chip’s firmware.

You will need your eSIM ICCID for several important tasks:

Activation and Provisioning: Many carriers require you to provide the ICCID when activating a new eSIM plan, especially if you purchased it from a third-party retailer or are traveling.
Customer Support: When contacting your carrier for troubleshooting—be it for activation failures, no service, or data issues—the support agent will almost always ask for your ICCID to identify your specific line on their network.
Transferring an eSIM: Some processes for moving an eSIM from an old device to a new one may require the ICCID from the original profile.
Account Management: For linking a line to an online account or for detailed billing inquiries.

How to Find eSIM ICCID on iPhone and iPad

Apple’s iOS and iPadOS provide a relatively straightforward path to find your eSIM information, though it’s tucked away in the settings menu.

Primary Method: Settings App

This is the most reliable way to find the ICCID for an activated eSIM on your iPhone.

Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
Tap on General.
Tap on About.
Scroll down. You will see a section for each cellular plan installed on your device, labeled « Primary » and « Secondary » (or with custom names if you’ve renamed them).
Tap on the eSIM line you want to inspect.
On the next screen, look for the ICCID field. The long number listed here is your eSIM’s ICCID. You can tap and hold to copy it.

Alternative Method: During Setup

If the eSIM is not yet fully activated, you might see the ICCID during the installation process. When you scan a carrier’s QR code or use their app, the confirmation screen often displays the ICCID before you tap « Add Cellular Plan. » Be ready to take a screenshot or note it down at this stage.

Important Note for Dual SIM iPhones

If you use both a physical SIM and an eSIM, ensure you are checking the correct line in the Settings > General > About section. The labels (Primary, Secondary, or your custom names) will help you distinguish between them.

How to Find eSIM ICCID on Android Devices

The process on Android can vary more due to different manufacturer skins (like Samsung’s One UI, Google’s Pixel UI, etc.), but the general location is similar. The terminology might also differ slightly (e.g., « SIM card manager » vs. « Network & internet »).

Standard Android Path

Follow these steps as a general guide:

Open the Settings app.
Navigate to Connections or Network & Internet.
Tap on SIM cards or Mobile network.
Select the eSIM line you want to check (it may be listed as « SIM 2 » or by your carrier’s name).
Look for SIM status, Advanced, or Carrier settings.
Within these menus, you should find an entry for ICCID. On some devices, it’s directly on the SIM card details page.

Samsung Galaxy Specific Instructions

Samsung’s One UI has a dedicated menu for SIM management:

Go to Settings > Connections.
Tap SIM card manager.
Select the eSIM line (often « SIM 2 »).
Tap on More settings or the information (i) icon.
The ICCID should be displayed on the following screen.

Google Pixel Specific Instructions

On Pixel phones running stock Android:

Go to Settings > Network & internet.
Tap on the SIMs section.
Select your eSIM subscription.
Tap on Advanced.
Scroll to find the ICCID.

If you cannot find it, use the search bar within the Settings app and type « ICCID. » This often surfaces the correct menu directly.

Finding eSIM ICCID Through Your Carrier

If you cannot access your device, or the eSIM is not currently installed, your mobile carrier is the definitive source for your ICCID. They assign the number and link it to your account.

Methods to Get ICCID from Your Carrier:

Carrier’s Mobile App: Log into your account via your carrier’s official app (e.g., My Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile). Navigate to your line details or device information. The ICCID is almost always listed there.
Online Account Portal: Log into your account on the carrier’s website via a computer. Go to the section for your device or plan details. Look under « SIM number » or « ICCID. »
Customer Service: Call or chat with your carrier’s support. After verifying your account (usually with a PIN or security questions), ask them for the ICCID associated with your eSIM line. They can pull it up instantly from their system.
Original eSIM Documentation: If you received a physical eSIM activation card or a printed QR code, the ICCID is often printed on that card, usually in the format « ICCID: 89xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx ».

Special Cases and Troubleshooting

When the ICCID is Not Displayed (Shows as « Not Available »)

Sometimes, especially during activation glitches or on certain Android skins, the device may show « Not Available » for the ICCID. Here’s what to do:

Restart Your Device: A simple reboot can refresh the connection to the eSIM profile and make the ICCID visible.
Re-enter the eSIM Details: On Android, you might try toggling the eSIM off and on in the SIM settings.
Check for Carrier Settings Updates: On iPhone, go to Settings > General > About. If an update is pending, a prompt will appear.
Your Last Resort: Contact your carrier. They have the master record and can often re-push the eSIM profile or provide the ICCID directly.

Finding ICCID for a Travel eSIM (Airalo, Holafly, etc.)

For popular travel eSIM providers, the process is usually app-based:

Open the provider’s app (e.g., Airalo).
Go to « My eSIMs » or « Orders. »
Select the active eSIM plan.
The details page should show the EID (your device’s eSIM ID) and the ICCID for the installed profile. They also almost always email you a receipt or installation guide containing the ICCID after purchase.

Using Device Information Shortcuts

For iPhone: You can dial *#06# on the keypad. This will bring up a screen showing the IMEI, but it will also show the ICCID for all installed SIMs (both physical and eSIM). This is the fastest universal method on iOS.

For Android: Dialing *#06# often works, but some manufacturers only show the IMEI. It’s worth trying first. Alternatively, go to Settings > About phone > Status > SIM status (path may vary).

Pro Tips and Best Practices

Save it Before You Need It: Once you find your eSIM ICCID, save it in a secure note-taking app (like Notes, Google Keep, or a password manager) along with the associated phone number and carrier. This saves immense time during future support calls.
Understand EID vs. ICCID: Don’t confuse the two. The EID (Embedded Identity Document) is a unique 32-digit number physically engraved on your device’s eSIM chip. It identifies the chip itself. The ICCID identifies the specific carrier profile installed on that chip. You need the EID to install an eSIM; you need the ICCID to manage it after installation.
Check Your Carrier Bill: Many carriers print the ICCID on your monthly billing statement, either in the PDF or paper version.
Screenshot and Store Safely: When you see the ICCID during eSIM setup, take a screenshot immediately. Store this screenshot in a dedicated album for important tech info.

Conclusion: Your Digital Key is Always Within Reach

While the shift from physical SIM to eSIM moves critical identifiers from a piece of plastic into the software realm, they are by no means inaccessible. As this guide demonstrates, finding your eSIM ICCID is a simple process once you know where to look—whether within your device’s Settings menu, through your carrier’s robust account tools, or by using quick dialer codes. By bookmarking this guide or saving your ICCID in a safe place, you empower yourself to handle activations, troubleshoot issues, and manage your mobile identity with confidence. The future of SIM technology is digital, and with the right knowledge, you are fully equipped to navigate it seamlessly.