Why does iphone say add cellular plan

In this tutorial, you will learn how to:

• Set up eSIM
• Manage cellular plans
• Switch cellular plan for phone call
• Switch cellular plan for message
• Erase eSIM

If you are trying to find your EID for your associated eSIM, view the Find IMEI, Serial number, & EID tutorial.

Set up eSIM

1. From the home screen, select the

Settings app.

2. Select Cellular, then select Add eSIM.

3. Select Use QR Code.

4. Use your iPhone's camera to scan the QR code. Select Enter Details Manually at the bottom of the screen to manually enter your plan information.

5. Select Continue.

5. Label the Cellular Plans as desired, then select Continue.

Note: To label your plans, select the desired Phone number then select the desired Label or enter a Custom Label. Select Done when finished.

6. Select your Default Line, then select Continue.

7. Select the desired line to use for iMessage, Facetime and Apple ID, then select Continue. Select the desired line to use for Cellular Data. If desired, select the Allow Cellular Data Switching switch, then select Done.

Note: Both of your phone numbers can make and receive voice calls and send and receive messages. However, your iPhone can only use one cellular data network at a time. Turning on Cellular Data Switching will automatically switch lines for cellular data when you're on a call.

Manage cellular plans

To switch between cellular plans, from the Cellular screen, select the desired plan then edit settings as desired.

Switch cellular plan for phone call

From the Keypad in the

Phone app, select the current line then select the desired line.Note: While on the current line, incoming calls to the other line will route straight to voicemail.

Switch cellular plan for message

When composing a message in the

Messages app, select the current line then select the desired line.

Erase eSIM

From the Cellular menu in Settings, select the desired eSIM number. Select Delete eSIM.

Note: You will be prompted to select Delete eSIM again to confirm. For more information, visit Using Dual SIM with an eSIM.

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.

All postpaid issues

Make sure your iPhone supports an eSIM and is on the latest software version.
If the iPhone wasn't purchased from T-Mobile, make sure that it's unlocked.
Make sure you're connected to a Wi-Fi network and the internet works.
If you’re transferring your SIM card or eSIM from your previous iPhone, make sure both Bluetooth and Password Lock are turned on.
If you're not using your physical SIM card, remove it from the device.
Change your SIM to the EID of your new iPhone.
If you're not automatically prompted to download your eSIM, use the QR code.
Select the specific postpaid errors that you're getting and follow any steps.
If the error isn't listed or you're still having issues, contact your Team of Experts.

Specific postpaid errors

Error 513: We need a stronger Internet connection

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

Error 511, 512, 514, 515, 516, 518

There was an issue transferring your eSIM. Follow the steps to manually change your eSIM and download the eSIM profile.

Still need help?

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

Error 517 or Unable to Transfer Phone Number

If you're transfering your eSIM, try again and make sure you're double clicking on your previous iPhone to accept the transfer. If that doesn't work, you'll need to give us a call or message so we can assist with setting up your eSIM.

Error: Cellular Plan cannot be added

This happens when you scan the QR code without changing your SIM first. You just need to change your SIM to the EID of your new iPhone.

Still need help?

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

All prepaid issues

Make sure your iPhone supports an eSIM and is on the latest software version.
If the device wasn't purchased from T-Mobile, make sure that it's unlocked.
Make sure you're connected to a Wi-Fi network and the internet works.
If you're not using your physical SIM card, remove it from the device.
Choose your activation method and follow steps for any errors you see.
If the error isn't listed or you're still having issues, contact us.

Select your activation method

T-Mobile.com or T-Mobile Expert Assisted

Error: Cellular Plan cannot be added

This happens when you scan the QR code without activating your eSIM first. If you need a new line, download the T-Mobile Prepaid eSIM app. Otherwise, contact us so we can change your eSIM.

Error not listed or still need help?

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

T-Mobile Prepaid eSIM app

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

You don't have any more eSIM profile spaces available. You can only have 10 at a time.
Delete one of your existing profiles and try again.

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

Give us a call or message. 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.

Error not listed or still need help?

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

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.

All issues

If you're setting the Watch up to use with your iPhone, make sure the iPhone is on the same account.
If you're setting the Watch up for a family member, make sure it's a Watch Series 4 or newer.
If you're switching from one Watch to another, make sure you've changed your SIM to the EID of your new device.
Make sure the Line Settings in your account profile have the correct E911 and usage addresses.
Pair the Watch via Bluetooth only and make sure it's updated to the latest software.
Select the specific errors that you're getting and follow any steps.
If the error isn't listed or you're still having issues, contact us.

Specific errors

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.

Still need help?

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

Review the additional numbers after 412 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.
Complete a master reset and choose to remove the plan.

Still need help?

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

You have too many devices paired with your iPhone. The maximum is 5.
Use the myDIGITS portal to remove an existing line pairing.

Still need help?

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

Error 428 / 429 / 430 / 433

There was a temporary error in processing your request.
Restart both the Watch and the iPhone, then try again.

Still need help?

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

Make sure you're attempting to pair with an iPhone on the same account as the Watch.
Complete a master reset and choose to remove the plan.

Still need help?

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

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

Still need help?

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

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

Still need help?

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

Error 461 / 463 / 462 / 464

This watch is already active on another account.
Complete a master reset and choose to remove the plan.

Still need help?

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

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

Still need help?

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

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.

All issues

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

Specific errors

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

Restart the device, wait 5 minutes, and try again.
If you're still experiencing the problem, give us a call or message.

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

Still need help?

If you're still experiencing the problem, give us a call or message.

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.

Still need help?

If you're still experiencing the problem, give us a call or message.

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

Still need help?

If you're still experiencing the problem, give us a call or message.

Why does my iPhone say I have no cellular plan?

Go to Settings > Cellular and check to see if your cellular line is turned on. If your cellular line is off, turn it back on. Then check to see if you have service. If you don't see your cellular line in Settings > Cellular, you should set up an eSIM or insert a physical SIM card.

What does it mean when it says add data plan?

A data plan is an agreement between a mobile carrier and a customer that specifies how much mobile data the user can access, usually per month, for a specific fee.