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How to get and activate an AT&T eSIM USA
Looking to get an AT&T eSIM in the USA? Here’s everything you need to know about their pricing, services, activation, and alternatives.
Looking to get an AT&T eSIM in the USA? AT&T offers eSIMs whether you’re a current customer wanting to make a switch from physical SIMs or looking to join as a new customer.
Let’s take a closer look at the eSIM plans AT&T offers, including their pricing and features. And if none of them feel right for you, we’ll introduce Holafly Plans — a long-term eSIM for home and travel use that’ll keep you connected wherever you go.
Note: This article focuses on AT&T eSIM plans for US residents. If you’re a tourist looking to stay connected, check out our AT&T tourist eSIM blog. If you’re an AT&T user looking to use your eSIM abroad, check out our article on AT&T international eSIMs.
Connectivity made easy
Activate your eSIM in a few simple steps and get connected anywhere in the world instantly.
AT&T eSIM pricing and plans for US locals
AT&T offers eSIMs with both prepaid and postpaid plans, allowing you to use its services without needing a physical SIM card. Postpaid plans tend to be more popular for long-term users, but there are some solid prepaid options as well.
AT&T prepaid eSIM plans
AT&T offers six different prepaid eSIM plans, all but one of which include unlimited data. That said, even unlimited plans have data usage restrictions, such as limits on hotspot data or slower speeds after a certain amount of data is used.
- Unlimited + 10 GB Hotspot: Unlimited data with 10 GB of hotspot sharing for $25/month, requires upfront payment for 12 months.
- 5 GB data: 5 GB data with hotspot sharing for $30/month.
- Unlimited Basic: Unlimited data with 3 Mbps speed cap, slowed to 1.5 Mbps after 30 GB, and no hotspot sharing for $45/month.
- Unlimited Level Up: Unlimited data, slowed to 1.5 Mbps after 30 GB, and no hotspot sharing for $50.99/month
- Unlimited MAX + 25 GB Hotspot: Unlimited data and 25 GB hotspot sharing for $55/month.
- Unlimited MAX + 35 GB Hotspot: Unlimited data, no speed caps, and 35 GB hotspot sharing for $65/month.
The prices above apply when AutoPay is turned on. For most plans, the price increases by $10/month without AutoPay. The price also doesn’t include taxes and fees, which typically differ depending on the state you’re in.
All plans also include unlimited talk and text within the US, while most also allow you to make calls and send texts to Mexico and Canada as well. The Unlimited Level Up and both Unlimitex MAX plans also include up to 25 GB of AT&T roaming for international use in Canada and Mexico.
AT&T postpaid eSIM plans
Postpaid plans, known simply as Wireless phone plans on the website, come in five different options.
There are three unlimited plans:
- AT&T Unlimited Starter: For $65.99/month, you get unlimited data, text messages, phone calls, and 5 GB of data sharing.
- AT&T Unlimited Extra: For $75.99/month, you get unlimited data, text messages, phone calls, 30 GB of data sharing, and 75 GB of high-speed data.
- AT&T Unlimited Premium: For $85.99/month, you get unlimited high-speed data, text messages, phone calls, 60 GB of data sharing, and roaming in 20 Latin American countries.
The other two plans have fewer benefits:
- AT&T Value Plus: For $50.99/month, you get unlimited data, text messages, and phone calls with no data sharing available.
- AT&T 4GB: For $50.00/month, you get 4 GB in the US, Canada, and Mexico, plus unlimited calls and text messages in all three countries.
All postpaid plans offer better pricing per line if you buy more than one line. As with prepaid plans, taxes and fees are not included in the price, as they may differ from state to state.
Devices compatible with the AT&T eSIM USA
AT&T eSIMs work on all eSIM-compatible phones approved for the AT&T network. That said, not all devices with eSIM capability are approved by AT&T. For example, Samsung Galaxy S20 models G981U and G981U1 will work on the AT&T network, while models G981N and G981O will not.
If you won’t be buying a phone from AT&T, check their list of approved phones to ensure that yours will work on the AT&T network.
How to get an AT&T eSIM
If you find an AT&T plan that suits your needs, it’s time to buy one. You can get an AT&T eSIM card online or in physical stores. Both options have slightly different requirements and processes.
Requirements for buying an AT&T USA eSIM online
When buying your eSIM online, you’ll have to go through the entire process yourself. There are no store clerks to help you out, so make sure you have everything you need. These are the main requirements you’ll need to purchase a postpaid eSIM or AT&T prepaid eSIM online:
- A local address, contact number, and personal information for the process
- An unlocked phone with eSIM capability
- An IMEI number to confirm compatibility with the network
- Access to one of AT&T’s approved payment methods
- A valid email address to receive the AT&T eSIM QR code
How to get an AT&T eSIM online
To use your cell phone in the USA with AT&T, you’ll first need to choose a plan, then follow through with the purchase process:
- Enter your details, such as your full name, address, and contact number.
- Verify your device by entering its IMEI number.
- Choose whether to get a SIM card or an eSIM. To get an eSIM, choose the eSIM activation kit option.
- Review your order before completing the purchase, make the payment, and you’ll receive the AT&T eSIM QR code in your email.
AT&T will charge you a one-time fee of $4.99 for the eSIM activation kit, which you’ll have to pay for at checkout.
Requirements for buying an AT&T eSIM in a physical store
The main difference between getting an AT&T eSIM online and in a physical store is that you won’t have to worry about completing the process alone when buying in person. Simply visit a physical AT&T store, and an employee will help you out.
If you’re not buying a new phone, you’ll need to bring an eSIM-compatible, AT&T-approved phone. You may also need your passport, SSN, or any other form of identification.
How to get an AT&T eSIM in a physical store
Getting an AT&T eSIM from a physical store is extremely simple. Choose the cellular plan you want, and the employee will take care of the rest. All you’ll need to do is provide the information required to purchase the eSIM and pay for your plan.
How to install an eSIM on your phone
Once you’ve received your QR code, you’ll need to download your AT&T eSIM and activate it on your phone. This process depends on the phone you have. Let’s take a look at some of the most common ones:
- Set up eSIM on iPhone: Go to Settings > Cellular/Mobile > Add eSIM > Use QR code. Then scan the QR code from your email and follow the instructions to complete the setup.
- Set up eSIM on Samsung: Go to Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > Add Mobile Plan > Add using QR code. Scan the QR code from your email and follow the instructions to complete the setup. A similar process applies to all Android devices, though some steps may differ slightly.
- Set up eSIM on Google Pixel: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > tap Add > Add eSIM > Confirm eSIM download > choose to add via a QR code. Scan the QR code from your email and follow the instructions to complete the setup.
With that done, you should be able to enjoy eSIM coverage on the AT&T network throughout the US, as well as Canada, Mexico, and any other countries that may be included in your plan.
Stay connected in the US with Holafly Plans
What if your AT&T eSIM isn’t working or you can’t find a plan that suits your needs? For anyone living in the US, Holafly Plans is the way to go. It’s a pay-monthly eSIM subscription with coverage in 170+ destinations, perfect for digital nomads, frequent travelers, and extended stays in the USA.
Every plan gives reliable long-term access to data in the USA, as well as hotspot sharing and a phone number. Choose one that suits your needs, use it to stay connected for as long as you need, and cancel anytime. No long-term contracts or other commitments needed.
For shorter stays, you can get an eSIM for the United States or an eSIM for North America and enjoy unlimited data and 24/7 customer support while avoiding roaming charges for up to 90 days.
Connectivity made easy
Activate your eSIM in a few simple steps and get connected anywhere in the world instantly.
Looking for other providers offering a US eSIM? Prepaid and postpaid plans are also available with Verizon and T-Mobile. Check out our posts on what they have to offer:
Frequently asked questions
To convert a physical AT&T SIM card to an eSIM, follow these steps:
Log in to your AT&T account on the website or app.
Find and select your device.
Go to the Manage Wireless settings page.
Go to Device Options, then Manage your SIM.
Follow the prompts to get a new eSIM.
AT&T charges a one-time activation fee of $4.99 for its eSIM. Outside of that, the monthly price depends on the plan you choose.
Yes, when you get an eSIM, a QR code will be delivered to your email. Scan that QR code to set up your eSIM, and you will be able to use it on the same day, usually within minutes.
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A senior SEO writer from Lithuania, combining my passion for writing and travel at Holafly. With years of experience in technical fields, I'm here to answer all of your questions about staying connected. I specialize in turning even the most complicated topics into something everyone can understand.
