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How to get and activate a T-Mobile eSIM in the USA

Thinking about getting a T-Mobile eSIM? Learn all you need to know about T-Mobile’s eSIM plans, pricing, and how you can activate your eSIM.

T-Mobile is one of the most popular cell service providers in the USA, keeping users connected with a variety of phone plans, all of which are available with eSIM. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the T-Mobile plans, pricing, features, and how you can get a T-Mobile eSIM in the USA.

If none of the plans feel like the right fit by the end, we’ll introduce Holafly Plans, an eSIM subscription service that keeps you connected in 170+ destinations worldwide.

Note: This post is aimed at US locals looking for a long-term eSIM plan. If you’re looking for a T-Mobile eSIM to travel abroad, check out our blog on T-Mobile international eSIM plans. If you’re a tourist visiting the US, check out our T-Mobile tourist SIM article instead.

In this article

T-Mobile eSIM USA: Plans and pricing for US locals

T-Mobile offers both prepaid and postpaid plans, each with a unique set of pricing and features.

T-Mobile prepaid plans

There are three T-Mobile prepaid plans available right now, offering reliable coverage without the need for a long-term contract:

Starter Monthly: 15 GB of premium data, unlimited 2G data, unlimited talk and text for $40/month
Unlimited Monthly: 50 GB of premium data, unlimited 5G data, unlimited talk and text for $45/month
Unlimited Plus Monthly: 50 GB of premium data, unlimited 5G data, unlimited texting to 215 countries, unlimited calls to the US, Canada, and Mexico

For an additional $5/month you can add unlimited calls and texts to Canada and Mexico to your Starter or Unlimited Monthly plans, or pay an additional $15/month for a T-Mobile international calling plan that includes calls to landlines in 70+ countries and mobile lines in 30+ countries.

All prices shown don’t include taxes and fees, and include an Autopay discount. If you disable Autopay, plans cost $5/month more. A $10 device connection charge also applies if it’s the first time you’re connecting your phone to a T-Mobile plan.

T-Mobile postpaid plans

T-Mobile offers three postpaid eSIM plans, with prices ranging from $50 to $100/month:

Essentials Saver: Unlimited talk, text, and data in the US with 50 GB of premium data for $50/month
Experience More: Unlimited talk, text, and unlimited premium data in the US, 60 GB hotspot data, 15 GB of data for Canada and Mexico, 5 GB of data for 215 T-Mobile international roaming destinations, unlimited text in 215 destinations, Netflix, and Apple TV for $85/month.
Experience Beyond: Unlimited talk, text, and unlimited premium data in the US, unlimited hotspot data, 30 GB of data for Canada and Mexico, 15 GB of data for 215 T-Mobile international roaming destinations, unlimited text in 215 destinations, Netflix, Hulu, and Apple TV for $100/month.

The prices for all plans include a $5/month Autopay discount but don’t include taxes and fees, which may differ depending on the state you’re in. Special deals are also offered to the military and ex-military, first responders, and people over the age of 55.

T-Mobile eSIM-compatible devices

T-Mobile eSIMs work with most eSIM-compatible phones. However, there are a couple of things you need to know. If you purchased your phone from another carrier in the US, you need to make sure your phone is unlocked. If it’s not, you won’t be able to use a T-Mobile eSIM.

On top of that, some phones bought outside of the US, especially those purchased in China, may not work with eSIMs in the US.

How to get a T-Mobile eSIM for the USA

Since eSIMs are completely digital, you don’t have to visit a physical store to get your T-Mobile eSIM. Here’s how you can buy your eSIM:

Buy an eSIM on the prepaid eSIM app

If you’re looking to get a prepaid plan, you can do so on T-Mobile’s prepaid app.

Open the T-Mobile Prepaid eSIM app.
Enter your details, such as your email and the ZIP code of your location.
Choose the prepaid eSIM plan that suits your needs.
Enter your credit card details and approve the payment.
Tap Continue on the Install Cellular Plan screen to download and install your eSIM.
Follow the prompts to complete the activation process.

Buy an eSIM on the T-Mobile website

If you want to get a postpaid plan online, you can do so on the T-Mobile website.

On the homepage, tap Plans, then Unlimited Phone Plans
Choose a plan that suits your needs
If you’re not buying a new phone with your plan, tap Bring your own device on the checkout screen
Enter your device’s IMEI number, then select the eSIM option.
Go to the checkout and complete your purchase to buy the plan and eSIM.

You may be asked to provide details such as your ZIP code, full name, and email during the purchase process.

Buy an eSIM in a physical T-Mobile store

If you’d rather get your plan in a physical store, you can do so at any T-Mobile location in the United States. A sales representative in the store will talk you through the plan options and help you set up your plan. Make sure to have an eSIM-compatible device and a form of ID with you.

How to install and activate your T-Mobile eSIM

Once you have purchased a T-Mobile eSIM plan, you’ll need to activate your eSIM for it to start working. Here’s how you can do that, depending on your device.

iOS

Go to Settings, then Cellular.
Choose the Add eSIM option.
Choose between adding your details manually or scanning a QR code.
Follow the prompts to complete your setup process.

You can check out our detailed guide on setting up an eSIM on your iPhone for more information.

Android

Go to Settings, then SIM card manager.
Locate and choose the Add eSIM option.
Choose between adding your details manually or scanning a QR code.
Follow the prompts to complete your setup process.

The process for Android devices may differ slightly depending on your device and the version of your operating system. We have separate guides for setting up eSIM on Oppo, Samsung, and Google Pixel phones.

Can I convert my T-Mobile SIM to eSIM?

If you already have a physical SIM card from T-Mobile, you can convert your SIM to an eSIM as well. To do so, either visit a T-Mobile store and ask to switch to an eSIM or contact T-Mobile asking for a QR code. With the QR code, you can set up the eSIM yourself without having to visit a physical store.

Companies also offering eSIMs in the USA

While T-Mobile is a popular option in the USA, it’s far from the only one. Most local service providers offer eSIM plans as well, while some international eSIM companies also started offering long-term options. Let’s take a look at some alternatives to T-Mobile eSIMs in the USA.

Verizon eSIM for the USA

Verizon eSIMs for the USA are available with both prepaid and postpaid eSIM plans. The prepaid plans range from $45 to $75/month, while the postpaid plans range from $65 to $90/month. All plans are available as physical SIM or eSIM.

AT&T eSIM card for the USA

With prices ranging from $20 to $85/month, there are plenty of AT&T eSIMs for the USA to choose from. Most plans include unlimited data, calls, and messages and are available both as eSIM and physical SIM.

When shopping for postpaid plans, don’t get caught off-guard by their pricing, as AT&T initially shows the price for 4 lines, with the monthly price increasing by as much as $35/month if you only need one line.

Holafly Plans

Holafly Plans is an international eSIM subscription that offers coverage in 170+ destinations worldwide, including the USA, all with a single eSIM plan. It allows you to stay connected pretty much anywhere you go without having to worry about roaming costs. Get unlimited data and unlimited hotspot sharing for $64.90 a month, with no hidden fees or additional taxes.

On top of that, there are no long-term contracts to worry about. You can enjoy reliable coverage for as long as you need and simply cancel the plan when you no longer need it.

If you’re only visiting the USA, you can get a Holafly eSIM for the USA instead. All eSIMs include unlimited data, and you can choose any plan duration from 1 to 90 days for as little as $1.55/day. Plan on visiting Canada or Mexico as well? The Holafly eSIM for North America will have you covered in the entire continent.

Disclaimer: The data in this article is accurate as of September 15, 2025, and is subject to change.

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Rokas Aniulis

Senior SEO copywriter

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.

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