How to Install an eSIM on iPhone

Installing an eSIM on an iPhone usually takes only a few minutes. You can add a mobile plan by scanning a QR code, opening an activation link, using a carrier application, or entering the eSIM details manually.

This guide explains how to install and configure a travel eSIM on a compatible iPhone.

What You Need Before Installation

Before installing your eSIM, make sure that:

• Your iPhone supports eSIM.
• Your iPhone is connected to Wi-Fi or another internet connection.
• You have received an eSIM QR code or manual activation details.
• Your iPhone is not locked to a different mobile carrier.
• Your iPhone is using the latest available version of iOS.

According to Apple, eSIM is supported on the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, and later compatible models. Support may differ for devices purchased in China mainland, Hong Kong, or Macao. See Apple’s official eSIM setup and compatibility information.

Check Whether Your iPhone Is Unlocked

An iPhone must normally be unlocked to use a travel eSIM from another provider.

To check:

1. Open Settings.
2. Select General.
3. Tap About.
4. Scroll down to Carrier Lock.
5. Look for No SIM Restrictions.

If another message is displayed, contact your current mobile carrier to ask whether the device can be unlocked. Apple provides more information in its guide to using eSIM while travelling internationally.

Method 1: Install an eSIM Using a QR Code

A QR code is the most common way to install a travel eSIM.

Scan a QR code displayed on another device

1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
2. Tap Cellular or Mobile Data.
3. Select Add eSIM.
4. Tap Use QR Code.
5. Scan the QR code supplied by your eSIM provider.
6. Tap Continue.
7. Select Add Cellular Plan or Add eSIM.
8. Wait for the installation to finish.

Keep the QR code open on another phone, tablet, or computer so that you can scan it with your iPhone.

Open a QR code on the same iPhone

If you received the QR code by email or opened it in a browser, you may not need another device.

On an iPhone with iOS 17.4 or later:

1. Open the email or webpage containing the QR code.
2. Touch and hold the QR code.
3. Select Add eSIM.
4. Tap Continue.
5. Follow the instructions displayed on the screen.

Apple documents both options in its official guide: Set up eSIM on iPhone.

Method 2: Install an eSIM Manually

If you cannot scan the QR code, use the manual activation information supplied by your provider.

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Cellular or Mobile Data.
3. Select Add eSIM.
4. Tap Use QR Code.
5. Select Enter Details Manually.
6. Enter the provided SM-DP+ Address.
7. Enter the Activation Code.
8. Enter a confirmation code if your provider supplied one.
9. Tap Next and wait for the plan to be installed.

Copy the details carefully. Extra spaces or incorrect characters may prevent activation.

Method 3: Install an eSIM Using an Activation Link

Some providers send an activation link instead of a QR code.

On an iPhone with iOS 17.4 or later:

1. Open the activation link on your iPhone.
2. When the Activate New eSIM notification appears, tap Allow.
3. Tap Continue.
4. Follow the onscreen instructions.

Do not share your activation link with anyone because it may contain information linked to your eSIM profile.

Configure Your New eSIM

After installation, your iPhone may ask you to configure the new line.

Label the eSIM

Choose a recognizable label, such as:

• Travel
• Mobile Data
• Turkey
• Europe
• Business

A clear label helps prevent you from accidentally changing the settings of your primary SIM.

Select your default line

If your iPhone has another SIM or eSIM, you can choose which line to use for:

• Voice calls
• SMS
• iMessage and FaceTime
• Mobile data

For a data-only travel eSIM, you can normally keep your primary number as the default voice line and select the travel eSIM for mobile data.

Apple explains how to manage both lines in Using Dual SIM with an eSIM.

Select the eSIM for Mobile Data

To use your newly installed eSIM for internet access:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Cellular or Mobile Data.
3. Select Cellular Data or Mobile Data.
4. Choose your travel eSIM.
5. Turn off Allow Cellular Data Switching if you do not want the iPhone to use your primary line for data.

Disabling cellular data switching can help prevent unexpected roaming charges from your home mobile provider.

Enable Data Roaming

Many international travel eSIMs require data roaming to connect to a partner network.

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Cellular or Mobile Data.
3. Select your travel eSIM.
4. Make sure Turn On This Line is enabled.
5. Tap Cellular Data Options.
6. Enable Data Roaming.

Enabling data roaming for the travel eSIM does not automatically enable roaming for your primary SIM. However, always confirm that you are editing the correct line.

When Should You Install the eSIM?

You can usually install your eSIM before travelling while you have a reliable Wi-Fi connection. Whether you should activate it before departure depends on the plan’s activation policy.

A plan may begin:

• Immediately after installation
• On a specified date
• When the eSIM first connects to a supported network at the destination

Read the activation instructions before installation. Do not delete the eSIM after installing it unless instructed by the provider, as some QR codes can only be used once.

What to Do After Arriving at Your Destination

After landing:

1. Open Settings → Cellular.
2. Select your travel eSIM.
3. Enable Turn On This Line.
4. Enable Data Roaming if required.
5. Open Cellular Data and select the travel eSIM.
6. Wait a few minutes for the iPhone to connect to a local network.
7. Turn Airplane Mode on and off if the connection does not appear immediately.

Your iPhone may display the name of a local partner network instead of the name of the eSIM provider. This is usually normal.

What If the eSIM Is Not Working?

Try these steps:

1. Confirm that your iPhone is connected to Wi-Fi during installation.
2. Turn Airplane Mode on and then off.
3. Restart the iPhone.
4. Open Settings → Cellular and confirm that the eSIM appears.
5. Turn the eSIM line off and back on.
6. Make sure the eSIM is selected for cellular data.
7. Enable data roaming for the eSIM if required.
8. Check that the iPhone is not carrier-locked.
9. Open Settings → General → About and install a carrier settings update if prompted.
10. Verify the APN settings if your provider supplied specific APN details.

Apple provides additional troubleshooting instructions on its If you can’t set up an eSIM on your iPhone page.

Can You Delete an eSIM After Your Trip?

Yes, but delete it only when you are certain that you no longer need the plan.

To remove it:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Cellular or Mobile Data.
3. Select the eSIM plan.
4. Tap Delete eSIM or Remove Cellular Plan.
5. Confirm the removal.

Deleting an eSIM from your iPhone does not necessarily cancel the service or issue a refund. It may also prevent you from reinstalling the plan with the original QR code. Apple explains the process in its guide on how to erase an eSIM.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my physical SIM and an eSIM together?

Yes. Compatible iPhones can use Dual SIM with a physical SIM and an eSIM. Supported newer models can also use two active eSIMs.

Do I need Wi-Fi to install an eSIM?

In most cases, yes. Your iPhone needs an internet connection to download and activate the profile. Apple notes that certain eSIM-only iPhones may activate without Wi-Fi in some countries and regions.

Can I scan the QR code from the same iPhone?

Yes. On iOS 17.4 or later, touch and hold a QR code displayed in a supported email application or browser, and then select Add eSIM.

Should data roaming be enabled?

Many travel eSIMs require data roaming because they connect through local partner networks. Enable it only for the travel eSIM unless your primary carrier’s roaming service is also required.

Can I keep receiving calls on my regular number?

Yes, if you keep your primary SIM active. However, your home carrier may charge for calls, messages, or roaming services. Check its roaming conditions before travelling.

Why does my eSIM show a different network name?

Travel eSIMs often use partner mobile networks. The name shown in the iPhone status bar may therefore be different from the name of the company that sold the plan.

Conclusion

The easiest way to install an eSIM on an iPhone is to scan the QR code provided after purchase. Once installed, select the eSIM for mobile data and enable data roaming if required by the plan.

Install the profile while you have a stable internet connection, check the activation policy, and keep the QR code until you have confirmed that the eSIM works. For further assistance, refer to Apple’s official eSIM setup guide.