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Having trouble activating the eSIM on your Apple device? Let's get it working. 

iPhone with eSIM

Get help if you can't activate your eSIM on your iPhone. For help with these steps, visit our pick your device on the Device tutorials page and use the search bar in upper right.

  1. Make sure your iPhone supports an eSIM and is on the latest software version.
  2. If the iPhone wasn't purchased from T-Mobile, make sure that it's unlocked.
  3. Make sure you're connected to a Wi-Fi network and the internet works.
  4. If you’re transferring your eSIM from your previous iPhone, make sure Bluetooth is on and your device is passcode protected.
  5. If you're not using your physical SIM card, remove it from the device.
  6. Select the specific error that you're getting and follow any steps. 
 

Error 511, 514, 518, 531, 534, 538

 

There was an issue transferring your eSIM. Try to transfer your eSIM using manual setup. If that doesn't work, contact us for assistance changing your eSIM and downloading the eSIM profile.

 

Error 512, 515, 516, 532, 535, 536, 539, 540

 

Contact us for assistance changing your eSIM and downloading the eSIM profile.

 

Error 513, 533

 

We're having trouble connecting over your Wi-Fi Connection. Follow our Wi-Fi browsing troubleshooting.

 

Error 517

 

Your account has a security restriction; you'll need to contact us so we can assist with setting up your eSIM.

 

Unable to Transfer Phone Number

 

There was an issue transferring your eSIM. Try to transfer your eSIM using manual setup. If that doesn't work, contact us for assistance changing your eSIM and downloading the eSIM profile.

 

T-Mobile.com or T-Mobile Assisted errors

 

If you're experiencing issues, contact us. It's best if you can call from a different phone than the one you are having issues with.

 

Prepaid app errors

 

Error 501: Device is incompatible or locked by your provider

  • This means your iPhone is either locked or doesn't have an eSIM.
  • Check if your iPhone has an eSIM.
  • If it does, contact the device seller to request an unlock.

Error 502: That email is already a T-Mobile account

  • That email address is already set up with a T-Mobile account.
  • You'll need to use a different email address to create a new account.

Error 503: eSIM limit reached on this device

Error 504: Oops, something went wrong

  • There was an issue loading the next screen.
  • Make sure you have a strong Wi-Fi or Cellular connection and that you can access the internet.

Error 505: There was an issue completing your order

Contact us. It's best if you can call from a different phone than the one you are having issues with.

Error 506: It looks like your ZIP code has no remaining phone numbers

  • We've run out of phone numbers for your ZIP code.
  • Close the app completely, then try again.

Error: Plan cannot be added

  • If you set up your device using the QR code, you may still get a notification to install the assigned cellular plan.
  • Since you've already installed the cellular plan with the QR code, you can just dismiss the notification and no additional action is needed.

Notification to install the assigned cellular plan does not appear

  • If you already have 2+ badge notifications in Settings, you won't be automatically prompted to install the assigned cellular plan.
  • Go to Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan > T-Mobile New Cellular Plan and follow the on-screen steps to download your eSIM.

 

Watch with cellular

Get help if you can't activate your eSIM on your Watch. For help with these steps, visit our pick your device on the Device tutorials page and use the search bar in upper right. Review the information to locate information for all issues.

  1. If you're setting the Watch up to use with your iPhone, make sure the iPhone is on the same account.
  2. If you're setting the Watch up for a family member, make sure it's a Watch Series 4 or newer.
  3. If you're switching from one Watch to another, contact us to change your SIM to the EID of your new device.
  4. Make sure the Line Settings in your account profile have the correct E911 and usage addresses.
  5. Pair the Watch via Bluetooth only and make sure it's updated to the latest software.
  6. Select the specific errors that you're getting and follow any steps. 
 

Error 453 / 905

 
  • This means you're attempting to activate a new line of service for the Watch on a Prepaid account, which is not available.
  • You'll want to complete Bluetooth pairing and choose not to set up a new plan.
 

Error 451

 
  • There are no numbers available for that ZIP code.
  • Try a different, nearby ZIP code for a local number.
 

Error 454 / 465

 
  • You're not authorized to make changes on the account.
  • Have an authorized user or account administrator contact us to make the change.
 

Error 461 / 463 / 462 / 464

 
 

Error 468

 
  • The phone number you selected is no longer available.
  • Go back and choose a different phone number.
 

Error 903 / 904 / 909

 
  1. Review the additional numbers after 9xx and follow the appropriate steps:
    • 1006: The line doesn't have the right plan for the Watch. Change it online or contact us so we can update it.
    • 2001 or 23001: This is a temporary error. Try again in two hours.
    • 2004: You're not authorized to make the change on this account. Have an authorized user contact us to make the change.
  2. Reset your device to factory settings and choose to remove the plan.

 

iPad with eSIM

Get help if you can't activate your eSIM on your iPad. For help with these steps, visit our pick your device on the Device tutorials page and use the search bar in upper right. Review the information to locate information for all issues.

  1. Make sure you're connected to a Wi-Fi network and the internet works.
  2. Update the device software to the latest version.
  3. Select the specific errors that you're getting and follow any steps. 
  4. If the error isn't listed or you're still having issues, contact us.
 

Error 721

 
  1. Restart the device, wait 5 minutes, and try again.
  2. Reset your device to factory settings using the Erase All Content and Settings option.
 

Error 722 / 723 / 724 / 725 / 727 / 729 / 732 / 733 / 734 / 739

 
  1. Restart the device, wait 5 minutes, and try again.
  2. If you're still experiencing the problem, contact us.
 

Error 726

 

We need to review your account to verify what's going on. contact us.

 

Error 728

 
  • The payment method you entered failed.
  • Try again with a different payment method.
 

Error 730

 
  • This means the line or account type isn't compatible.
  • Make sure you've entered in the phone number correctly.
  • If you have a Prepaid account, ensure you're selecting the prepaid option.
 

Error 731

 
  • This means you've entered the incorrect PIN for this account.
  • Make sure you've entered in the PIN correctly.

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