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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’s prepaid plans give you eSIM service with no annual contract, and you can set most of them up online. The AT&T eSIM price depends on the plan you pick, ranging from $20 to $60 per month for a single line. Here’s how the current prepaid plans compare:
| Plan | Price | High-speed data | Mobile hotspot | Extras |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 month unlimited + 10 GB hotspot | $20/month (with $240 paid upfront for 12 months) | Unlimited; slowed to 1.5 Mbps after 16 GB | 10 GB | 5G access; calls to Mexico and Canada from the US; online only; not eligible for the AutoPay discount |
| Unlimited talk, text, and data | $25/month | Unlimited at up to 3 Mbps; slowed to 1.5 Mbps after 30 GB | Not included | AT&T Level Up; online only |
| Unlimited Saver | $35/month | Unlimited at up to 3 Mbps; slowed to 1.5 Mbps after 30 GB | Optional 5 GB add-on for $10/month | AT&T Level Up |
| Unlimited Enhanced Plus | $45/month | Unlimited high-speed; may slow when the network is busy | 10 GB | Usage in Mexico and Canada (25 GB/month cap in Canada); save up to $20/line on multiple lines |
| Unlimited Ultra | $60/month | Unlimited high-speed, no slowdown | 30 GB | Usage in Mexico and Canada; 100 GB AT&T Personal Cloud; 500 international calling minutes; HD streaming |
These AT&T eSIM prepaid plans run on 30-day periods with no annual contract. Prices are for a single line and don’t include taxes or fees. AT&T eSIM activation costs $15 per line for in-store or In-Home Expert setup, plus a recurring Administrative/Regulatory Cost Recovery Fee of $2.63, and a $5 convenience fee if you pay by phone.
Disclaimer: The data in this article is accurate as of May 20, 2026, and is subject to change.
AT&T postpaid eSIM plans
AT&T’s postpaid plans, listed as Wireless phone plans, or “Unlimited Your Way,” on its site, come in four unlimited tiers, and all of them work with an AT&T eSIM. For a single line, the AT&T eSIM price runs from $40 to $80 per month with AutoPay and paperless billing. Here’s how the postpaid plans compare:
| Plan | Price (single line) | High-speed data | Hotspot | Streaming | AT&T roaming |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Value 2.0 | $40/month | 5 GB, then may slow when the network is busy | 3 GB | SD | US, Canada, Mexico |
| Extra 2.0 | $50/month | 100 GB | 50 GB | SD | US, Canada, Mexico |
| Premium 2.0 | $60/month | Unlimited, no slowdown | 100 GB | 4K UHD | Adds 20 Latin American countries |
| Elite 2.0 | $80/month | Unlimited, no slowdown | 250 GB | 4K UHD | Adds 20 Latin American countries and 20 GB/month across 210+ destinations; one watch and tablet line included |
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, AT&T doesn’t approve every eSIM-capable device. For example, the Samsung Galaxy S20 models G981U and G981U1 work on its network, while the G981N and G981O don’t.
If you’re not buying your phone from AT&T, confirm AT&T eSIM compatibility first. Check AT&T’s list of approved phones or verify your device by entering its IMEI number during checkout.
How to get an AT&T eSIM
Once you’ve picked a plan, you can get an AT&T eSIM online or at an AT&T store. The process differs slightly between the two.
How to buy an AT&T eSIM online
To buy a prepaid or postpaid AT&T eSIM online, you’ll need:
- A local address, contact number, and personal details
- An unlocked phone with eSIM capability
- Your IMEI number to confirm network compatibility
- An approved AT&T payment method
- A valid email to receive your AT&T eSIM QR code
Choose your plan, enter your details, and verify your device by IMEI. Select the eSIM activation kit option, complete payment, and the QR code will arrive by email.
How to buy AT&T eSIM in a physical store
At an AT&T store, a staff member sets everything up for you. If you’re not buying a new phone, bring an eSIM-compatible, AT&T-approved device, plus your passport, SSN, or other ID. Pick your plan, share the required details, pay, and they handle the rest.
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 Google Pixel eSIM: 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
For long-term connectivity across the USA and beyond, Holafly Plans is a pay-monthly eSIM subscription covering 170+ destinations with unlimited data, unlimited hotspot, and no long-term contracts. For shorter stays, a Holafly eSIM for the USA or eSIM for North America gives you unlimited data and 24/7 customer support for up to 90 days. For help with AT&T eSIM issues, our AT&T eSIM troubleshooting guide has everything you need.
Holafly always has your back with Always On, a perk included with every Holafly eSIM that provides 1 GB of monthly backup data at no extra cost. Whether you’re crossing into Canada or Mexico, on a layover, or settling in before your next plan, just keep your eSIM installed, and your Always On backup data is there whenever you need it.
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
The eSIM itself is free, but you pay for your plan, plus a possible activation fee. AT&T prepaid plans run $20–$60 a month and postpaid plans $40–$80, depending on the data, hotspot, and features you choose.
AT&T doesn’t offer free eSIM service, even though the eSIM is free to download, but you need a paid prepaid or postpaid plan to use it. Some sign-up offers include a free SIM or eSIM kit, but that covers the eSIM itself, not the monthly service.
AT&T’s own prepaid and postpaid eSIMs run on the AT&T network. Some smaller prepaid carriers (MVNOs) also use AT&T’s network, so their eSIMs connect through it too. To check, see whether a provider lists AT&T as its underlying network.
Plans that may interest you
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.
