If you own an iPhone 14 or newer, you already know this: there is no SIM tray. Apple made the bold move to go all-in on eSIM starting with the iPhone 14, and every iPhone since then in the US has followed suit. This might have felt like a leap at first, but it also opens up something exciting: you can activate a new carrier instantly, without visiting a store or waiting for mail to arrive.
US Mobile’s free eSIM trial lets you test drive 30 GB of premium 5G data, unlimited talk and text, and 5 GB of hotspot, all activated in about two minutes. No credit card required. No contracts. Just you, your iPhone, and genuinely fast cellular service.
Let’s walk through exactly what you get, which iPhones qualify, and how to activate it.
Free eSIM Trial on iPhone: What You Get
When you activate our free eSIM trial, you are getting the full trial experience. That includes:
- 30 GB of premium 5G data (including access to 5G mmWave and C-band networks)
- Unlimited talk and text to any US number
- 5 GB of hotspot data to share with other devices
- Instant activation over Wi-Fi using your iPhone’s eSIM settings
- The ability to keep your existing line active while testing the trial as a second line (dual eSIM)
Modern iPhones have been eSIM-only in the US since the iPhone 14 arrived in 2022. This design choice freed up internal space for larger batteries, better cameras, and improved water resistance. More importantly, it means activating a new carrier is now purely software-based. No card to insert, no tray to open, no waiting.
Which iPhones Support eSIM?
If your iPhone is from 2017 or later, it supports eSIM. Here’s the breakdown:
iPhone models with eSIM support:
- iPhone 16 Pro Max, 16 Pro, 16 Plus, 16 (eSIM-only in US)
- iPhone 15 Pro Max, 15 Pro, 15 Plus, 15 (eSIM-only in US)
- iPhone 14 Pro Max, 14 Pro, 14 Plus, 14 (eSIM-only in US)
- iPhone 13 Pro Max, 13 Pro, 13, 13 mini (physical SIM + eSIM)
- iPhone 12 Pro Max, 12 Pro, 12, 12 mini (physical SIM + eSIM)
- iPhone SE (3rd generation)
- iPhone XS Max, XS, XR, 11 Pro Max, 11 Pro, 11 (physical SIM + eSIM)
The key takeaway: if your iPhone was released in 2018 or later, you can absolutely use our free trial. Check out Apple’s complete eSIM support page for the full technical specs, or browse our list of eSIM-compatible devices to see if your exact model is listed.
How to get a Free eSIM Trial
Activating your free eSIM trial with US Mobile takes just a few minutes. You will get 30 days free with 30 GB of premium data, unlimited talk and text, and 5 GB of hotspot data. You must port your number from another carrier to qualify.
Total Time: 5 minutes
Go to your US Mobile Account Dashboard
Head over to usmobile.com/get-started and log in or create an account.
Click Add a new Line, then Special Offers
From your dashboard, click Add a new Line and then click Special Offers to see available promotions.
Select Free Trial and click Continue
Choose Free Trial from the offers listed and click Continue.
Skip the Starter Kit and choose eSIM activation
When asked whether you want a Starter Kit mailed to you, skip it and select eSIM activation instead for instant setup.
Add your payment details and click Checkout
Enter your payment method and billing address, then click Checkout. You will not be charged during the 30-day free trial.
Click Start Activation
Hit Start Activation to begin setting up your line.
Select your preferred network
Choose either Warp or Dark Star and hit Continue. The free trial is available on both.
Select eSIM as your Activation Type
Choose eSIM as your activation type and hit Continue.
Transfer your number from your current carrier
Select Transfer your number and fill in your current carrier details. Porting your number is required to qualify for the free trial.
Confirm and activate
Review any optional add-ons, confirm your order details, and click Activate.
Scan the QR code to install your eSIM
Once your line is activated, a QR code will appear. Use your phone’s camera or Settings app to scan it and download the eSIM profile. Your line will be live in a few minutes.
Running the Trial Alongside Your Current Carrier (Dual eSIM)
One of the smartest features of modern iPhones is their ability to hold two eSIM profiles at the same time. This means you can keep your Verizon, T-Mobile, or AT&T line exactly as it is right now, and run your US Mobile trial as a completely separate second line.
Here’s how to set it up:
- Activate your US Mobile eSIM trial using the steps above
- Go to Settings, then Cellular, then Cellular Plans
- You’ll see both your lines listed. You can label each one for clarity (for example, Personal and Trial)
- Scroll down to Default Voice Line and Default Data Line and choose which line you want to use for calls, texts, and data. You can use the trial for everything or just for data, leaving your primary carrier for calls and texts
This setup lets you test the full US Mobile experience without any risk to your existing service. If you love the speeds and coverage, you can port your number over. If you decide it’s not for you, just delete the eSIM profile and move on.
Tips for Getting the Best 5G Speeds on iPhone
The US Mobile trial includes access to 5G mmWave and C-band networks. Here’s how to make sure you’re getting the best possible speeds:
- Turn on 5G in Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options and make sure 5G is enabled
- Enable Allow More Data on 5G. This tells your phone to prioritize 5G speeds for all data usage, not just streaming
- If you’re in a major urban area, look for the 5G+ indicator at the top of your screen. That’s mmWave, the fastest 5G technology available
- Download speed test apps to benchmark your connection. Seeing 400+ Mbps on mmWave is normal
Keep in mind that 5G speed varies by location. Even with the trial active, your speed will depend on network congestion and how far you are from a 5G tower. The trial gives you access; real-world performance depends on your area.
What to Do After the Trial
The trial is genuinely no-strings-attached. When the 30 days are up (or when you’ve used your 30 GB), you have full control over what happens next:
Option 1: Keep the Line and Keep the Service
If you fell in love with the speeds and coverage, you can keep your US Mobile line active on a paid plan. Choose from our light-use plans starting at $8/month or go unlimited.
Option 2: Port Your Number Over
If you’re using your current carrier for an important number, you can port it to US Mobile. The process is seamless and takes about 15 minutes. Your trial helps you test the network before you make that switch.
Option 3: Delete the eSIM and Move On
Change your mind about the trial? No problem. Just go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Plans, tap your US Mobile trial, and remove it. Your iPhone will forget the profile and you’ll be back to your original carrier.
Frequent Asked Questions
Does the free trial work on my iPhone?
Yes, if your iPhone was released in 2018 or later, you can activate our free trial. That includes iPhone XS all the way through the iPhone 16 Pro Max. If you’re unsure about your exact model, check Apple’s eSIM support page or our device compatibility list.
Does my iPhone need to be unlocked?
Yes, your iPhone must be unlocked to use a different carrier. If your phone is locked to Verizon, T-Mobile, or AT&T, contact them to request an unlock. Most carriers unlock phones after a certain period of time or if the device is paid off. Check the FCC’s guide to cell phone unlocking for more details on your rights.
Can I use dual eSIM during the trial?
Absolutely. That’s one of the best parts. Keep your current line active and run the US Mobile trial as a second eSIM. This way, you’re not risking your existing service while you test a new carrier.
Will the trial affect my current phone plan?
Not at all. If you set up dual eSIM and keep your current carrier as the primary line, your existing plan will continue to work exactly as before. The trial is completely separate.
How do I remove the trial eSIM later?
Go to Settings, tap Cellular, tap Cellular Plans, select the US Mobile trial, and tap Remove eSIM. That’s it. The profile deletes from your phone and you’re done.
Do I get 5G on the trial?
Yes. The trial includes full access to 5G mmWave and C-band networks. You’ll see the 5G indicator at the top of your screen and get the faster speeds that come with it.
Which iPhone models are eSIM-only in the US?
The iPhone 14, 15, and 16 (all models) are eSIM-only in the United States. Older models like the iPhone 13, 12, and 11 support both physical SIM and eSIM, so they give you flexibility.
How much data do I get?
You get 30 GB of premium 5G data. That’s plenty for streaming, video calls, and browsing. You also get 5 GB of hotspot data to share with other devices.
Can I use FaceTime and iMessage on the trial line?
Yes. Once your trial eSIM is activated, you can use FaceTime, iMessage, and all other Apple services on that line just like you would with any other carrier.
Ready to test eSIM on your iPhone without any commitment? Our free trial gives you 30 GB of premium 5G data, unlimited talk and text, and no credit card required. Your iPhone supports it, the setup takes two minutes, and you can always delete the profile if it’s not for you. Activate your free eSIM trial at usmobile.com/get-started.
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