T-Mobile Prepaid eSIM app

The T-Mobile Prepaid eSIM app lets you activate new T-Mobile prepaid service on an iPhone or Android with eSIM. For other devices, check the compatibility to bring your device to T-Mobile Prepaid. 

Looking for Prepaid plans and devices? Visit the T-Mobile Prepaid website.

About the app

The Prepaid eSIM app was built for travelers coming to the U.S., existing T-Mobile customers who want a secondary pre-paid line, and anyone who wants to take the Un-carrier out for a test drive to try out America’s fastest 5G network.*

• The app can only activate a T-Mobile prepaid line.
• For postpaid accounts, check out T-Mobile eSIM.
• Only available for iPhone or Android devices with eSIM.
• The app requires:
  • You have a data connection, through either Wi-Fi or Cellular.
  • You either purchased the device from T-Mobile, or else you must first SIM unlock it. (Contact the original provider if you need help.)
• There are no fees to activate a device with an eSIM.
• You must be located in the US when activating service.
• To activate your eSIM on another wireless provider or manage eSIM settings, check out our Tutorials.

Activate T-Mobile service

1. Download the T-Mobile Prepaid eSIM app:
   • Apple App Store
   • Google Play Store
2. Open the app and enter your email address, then select Let's go. Make sure the email address isn’t already used with a T-Mobile ID.
3. If prompted, allow the app access to your location while you’re using the app.
4. Enter the ZIP code for the primary place you'll use T-Mobile service, usually your home, and select Continue.
5. Choose your prepaid plan, then select Continue. Choose Plan details for more information on the plans.
   
6. Review the Service terms, then select Accept if you agree.
7. Enter your credit card information, with CVC/CCC and billing ZIP, set up a 6-15 digit PIN, then select Review.
8. Review your order to make sure everything looks correct, then choose Submit & pay.
9. Wait while we set up your T-Mobile service.
10. On the "Install Cellular Plan" screen, choose Continue to download and install your eSIM.
11. Follow the prompts on your device to complete your eSIM download, including giving it a name and choosing a primary line.
12. If you want to use a phone number from another provider or from another line, contact us to get this started.

Re-download eSIM

Sometimes, you may need to replace the eSIM you received through the app.

• You accidentally deleted your eSIM.
• You upgraded your phone and want to transfer your eSIM line of service to your new phone.
• You lost connection when downloading your eSIM, and it didn't get installed properly on your device.

If you’re switching from one iPhone to another, you can transfer your phone number during Quick Start or through device settings. Otherwise, you'll need to call us at 1-877-778-2106. Make sure you have:

• Your Prepaid eSIM phone number or your OrderID. Your OrderID will display if you encounter an error in the app.
• Your account PIN code, which you set up to complete your order in the T-Mobile Prepaid eSIM App.

Errors and support

Here are some error messages you may receive using the app and tips to solve them.

Full terms

*5G: Capable device required; coverage not available in some areas. Some uses may require certain plan or feature; see T-Mobile.com. Fastest: Based on median, overall combined 5G speeds according to analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data for Q2 2023.

Rate Plan Disclaimers

T-Mobile Prepaid: Limited time offer; subject to change. Plus taxes and fees. $10 SIM starter kit may be required. U.S. roaming and on-network data allotments differ: includes 100MB roaming. Unlimited talk & text features for direct communications between 2 people; others (e.g., conference & chat lines, etc.) may cost extra. Features available until 30th day; if sufficient balance, services automatically renew at expiration. If balance is insufficient to renew all lines on your account for 120 days, all lines will be suspended for 30 days. If you have an account balance, all lines will convert to Pay As You Go for 30 day increments with $3/mo. for 30 voice min./SMS messages. After your account balance is depleted, then account is suspended. When you switch between plan options or renew a monthly plan, features or credits associated with your prior plan option will no longer be available, and you are not able to switch back to some plan options. Some plan options will not allow early renewal or permit use of features after included amounts are depleted. If you transfer your number to another carrier, account will be deactivated and no service will be available. Video streams at up to 1.5Mbps with Data Maximizer. Disable Data Maximizer at any time. Optimization may affect speed of video downloads; does not apply to video uploads. For best performance, leave any video streaming applications at their default automatic resolution setting. Domestic use only; additional charges apply for international use, where available. Partial megabytes rounded up. Full speeds available up to data allotment, including tethering; then slowed to up to 2G speeds for balance of service period. Certain uses, e.g., some speed test apps, may count against high-speed data allotment or have speeds reduced after allotment reached. No cash redemption value. Non-refundable. Devices sold for use on T-Mobile prepaid service are to be activated on that service, not transferred for resale, modification, or export.

T-Mobile Prepaid Unlimited: Limited time offer; subject to change. Plus taxes and fees. $10 SIM starter kit may be required per line. Not eligible for AutoPay discount or KickBack. Capable device required for some features. U.S. roaming and on-network data allotments differ: includes 200MB roaming. Unlimited talk & text features for direct communications between 2 people; others (e.g., conference & chat lines, etc.) may cost extra. Unlimited high-speed data US only; no international data or features. Features available until 30th day; if sufficient balance, services automatically renew at expiration. If balance is insufficient to renew all lines on your account for 120 days, all lines will be suspended for 30 days. If you have an account balance, all lines will convert to Pay As You Go for 30 day increments with $3/mo. for 30 voice min./SMS messages per line. After your account balance is depleted, then account is suspended. When you switch between plan options or renew a monthly plan, features or credits associated with your prior plan option will no longer be available, and you are not able to switch back to some plan options. Some plan options will not allow early renewal or permit use of features after included amounts are depleted. If you transfer your number to another carrier, account will be deactivated and no service will be available. T-Mobile Prepaid Unlimited not available for hotspots and some other data-first devices. Video streams at up to 1.5Mbps unless you have an HD Day Pass. Optimization may affect speed of video downloads; does not apply to video uploads. For best performance, leave any video streaming applications at their default automatic resolution setting. Tethering at max 3G. For small fraction of customers using over 50 GB per month, primary data usage must be on smartphone or tablet. Smartphone and tablet usage is prioritized over Mobile Hotspot Service (tethering) usage, which may result in higher speeds for data used on smartphones and tablets. Not for extended international use; you must reside in the U.S. and primary usage must occur on our network. No cash redemption value. Non-refundable. Devices sold for use on T-Mobile prepaid service are to be activated on that service, not transferred for resale, modification, or export.

T-Mobile Prepaid Unlimited Plus: Limited time offer; subject to change. Plus taxes and fees. $10 SIM starter kit may be required per line. Not eligible for AutoPay discount or KickBack. Capable device required for some features. U.S. roaming and on-network data allotments differ: includes 200MB roaming. Unlimited talk & text features for direct communications between 2 people; others (e.g., conference & chat lines, etc.) may cost extra. Unlimited high-speed data US only; no international data or features. Features available until 30th day; if sufficient balance, services automatically renew at expiration. If balance is insufficient to renew all lines on your account for 120 days, all lines will be suspended for 30 days. If you have an account balance, all lines will convert to Pay As You Go for 30 day increments with $3/mo. for 30 voice min./SMS messages per line. After your account balance is depleted, then account is suspended. When you switch between plan options or renew a monthly plan, features or credits associated with your prior plan option will no longer be available, and you are not able to switch back to some plan options. Some plan options will not allow early renewal or permit use of features after included amounts are depleted. If you transfer your number to another carrier, account will be deactivated and no service will be available. T-Mobile Prepaid Unlimited not available for hotspots and some other data-first devices. Video streams at up to 1.5Mbps unless you have an HD Day Pass. Optimization may affect speed of video downloads; does not apply to video uploads. For best performance, leave any video streaming applications at their default automatic resolution setting. Tethering: 10GB high-speed data then unlimited on our network at max 3G speeds. For small fraction of customers using over 50 GB per month, primary data usage must be on smartphone or tablet. Smartphone and tablet usage is prioritized over Mobile Hotspot Service (tethering) usage, which may result in higher speeds for data used on smartphones and tablets. Not for extended international use; you must reside in the U.S. and primary usage must occur on our network. No cash redemption value. Non-refundable. Devices sold for use on T-Mobile prepaid service are to be activated on that service, not transferred for resale, modification, or export.

All Prepaid Plans: Limited time offer; subject to change. Plus taxes and fees. $10 SIM starter kit may be required. Not eligible for AutoPay discount or Kickback. Capable device required for some features. U.S. roaming and on-network data allotments differ; see selected service for details. Unlimited talk & text features for direct communications between 2 people; others (e.g., conference & chat lines, etc.) may cost extra. Domestic use only; additional charges apply for international use, where available. Features available until 30th day; if sufficient balance, services automatically renew at expiration. If balance is insufficient to renew all lines on your account for 120 days, all lines will be suspended for 30 days. If you have an account balance, all lines will convert to Pay As You Go for 30 day increments with $3/mo. for 30 voice min./SMS messages. If funds available, additional minutes/messages @ $0.10/minute or message. After your account balance is depleted, then account is suspended. When you switch between plan options or renew a monthly plan, features or credits associated with your prior plan option will no longer be available, and you are not able to switch back to some plan options. Some plan options will not allow early renewal or permit use of features after included amounts are depleted. If you transfer your number to another carrier, account will be deactivated and no service will be available. No cash redemption value. Non-refundable. Not for extended international use; you must reside in the U.S. and primary usage must occur on our network. Video streams at up to 1.5Mbps with Data Maximizer. Optimization may affect speed of video downloads; does not apply to video uploads. For best performance, leave any video streaming applications at their default automatic resolution setting. You may deactivate Data Maximizer on some plans (e.g. T-Mobile Prepaid) to allow on-device video to stream at speeds that provide HD video capability (max 1080p); tethering optimized. Some content providers may not stream their services in HD. HD Day Pass available for T-Mobile Prepaid Unlimited; buy and turn on. Capable device required to experience HD resolution. T-Mobile Prepaid Unlimited: Unlimited high-speed data US only. Not available for hotspots and some other data-first devices. Tethering at max 3G speeds unless you add Plus, which includes 10GB of high-speed data. For small fraction of customers using over 50 GB per month, primary data usage must be on smartphone or tablet. Smartphone and tablet usage is prioritized over Mobile Hotspot Service (tethering) usage, which may result in higher speeds for data used on smartphones and tablets. T-Mobile Prepaid & Mobile Internet: Partial minutes/megabytes rounded up. Full speeds available up to data allotment, including tethering; then slowed to up to 2G speeds for balance of service period. Certain uses, e.g., some speed test apps, may count against high-speed data allotment or have speeds reduced after allotment reached. Mobile Internet provides data only; does not include voice, messaging, or Wi-FI services. Prepaid Data Pass: Service available for time period and/or usage amount provided by Pass. For time period, a day is 12:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m., Pacific time. Usage rounded up to the nearest MB each session. Only one Pass may be active at a time. Account suspended after 365 days of inactivity. Domestic use only for on-demand passes; U.S./Canada/Mexico use only for monthly recurring passes. No U.S. roaming. Data only; does not include voice, messaging or Wi-Fi services. Usage applied first to on demand passes, next to free data, then monthly Mobile Internet allotment. Devices sold for use on T-Mobile prepaid service are to be activated on that service, not transferred for resale, modification, or export. Stateside International Talk/Text: International calling from U.S./Canada/Mexico to landlines in over 70 countries and destinations, plus unlimited calling to mobiles in over 30 countries. Qualifying service required for each line. Calls/texts must originate on T-Mobile's U.S. network or in Canada/Mexico; otherwise standard international roaming rates apply. See T-Mobile.com for countries and rates. Music Streaming: Qualifying plan required. Licensed music streaming from included services does not count towards 5G & 4G LTE data allotment on T-Mobile's network or in Canada/Mexico; music streamed using Smartphone Mobile. Coverage not available in some areas. Network Management: Service may be slowed, suspended, terminated, or restricted for misuse, abnormal use, interference with our network or ability to provide quality service to other users, or significant roaming. During congestion, the small fraction of customers using >50GB/mo. may notice reduced speeds until next bill cycle due to data prioritization. See T-Mobile.com/OpenInternet for details. See Terms and Conditions (including arbitration provision) at www.T-Mobile.com for additional information. T-Mobile and the magenta color are registered trademarks of Deutsche Telekom AG. ©2019 T-Mobile USA, Inc.