How to install an eSIM on iPhone

Once your eSIM QR has arrived, installing it on an iPhone takes a couple of minutes. Here's the whole process — scan, label, and turn on roaming for the travel line. Exact wording shifts slightly between iOS versions, but the flow is the same.

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Before you start

  • An eSIM-capable iPhone — most models from iPhone XR / XS onward.
  • A Wi‑Fi connection (installing the profile is a download).
  • Your eSIM QR — delivered by email or retrievable from order lookup with your tracking code.
  • Best done before you travel, while you still have Wi‑Fi at home.

Install it in three steps

  1. 1

    Open Add eSIM

    Go to Settings → Cellular (or Mobile Service) → Add eSIM → Use QR Code. On newer iOS you may see 'Set Up Cellular'.

  2. 2

    Scan the QR

    Point the camera at the QR from your confirmation. If you're scanning on the same phone, choose 'Enter Details Manually' and paste the activation code instead.

  3. 3

    Label & finish

    Give the line a label like 'Travel', choose it as your Cellular Data line, and finish. The profile downloads and the line appears in Settings.

Turn it on when you arrive

The one step people miss: a travel eSIM connects by roaming onto local networks, so you must allow it. After landing:

  • Settings → Cellular → select the travel eSIM line.
  • Turn ON Data Roaming for that line (this is expected for a travel plan — you won't be charged extra; the plan already covers the destination).
  • Set the travel eSIM as your Cellular Data line, and turn OFF your home line's data so it doesn't roam by accident.
  • Give it a couple of minutes to attach to a local network; toggle Airplane Mode if it's slow.

Troubleshooting

  • No data? Confirm the travel eSIM (not your home line) is selected for Cellular Data and that Data Roaming is ON for it.
  • Still nothing after a few minutes? Toggle Airplane Mode on and off to force a fresh network search.
  • Wrong line sending texts/calls? That's separate from data — check the line settings; most travel eSIMs are data-only.
  • Installed but the QR won't scan again later? eSIM profiles usually install once; keep your tracking code until everything works.

Haven't bought a plan yet? Pick one on the browse page — no KYC, no account, pay in crypto and your QR arrives in minutes. On Android instead? See how to install an eSIM on Android.

FAQ

Which iPhones support eSIM?+

Most iPhones from the iPhone XR / XS generation onward support eSIM, and recent US models are eSIM-only. If Settings → Cellular (or Mobile Service) shows an 'Add eSIM' option, your iPhone supports it. Dual-SIM with one physical SIM plus one or more eSIMs is widely supported on newer models.

Do I need internet to install the eSIM?+

Yes — installing the eSIM profile is a download, so you need Wi‑Fi (or another working connection) at the moment you scan the QR. Install before you fly, while you still have Wi‑Fi, then switch the line on when you land.

My eSIM is installed but there's no data. What's wrong?+

Three things to check: (1) the travel eSIM is selected for Cellular Data, (2) Data Roaming is turned ON for that line (travel eSIMs roam onto local networks, so this is required and normal), and (3) you've waited a few minutes after arrival for the network to attach. If it still won't connect, toggle Airplane Mode on and off.

Can I install the same eSIM QR twice?+

Usually no — most eSIM profiles can only be installed once. If you delete the eSIM or reset your phone, you typically need a fresh profile rather than re-scanning the old QR. Keep your QR or tracking code until the plan is set up and working.

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