How to Set Up an eSIM on iPhone: Step-by-Step Guide

Setting up a travel eSIM on an iPhone takes just a few minutes. The key is doing things in the right order: install at home, activate at your destination. This guide walks you through all three installation methods and the settings that matter afterward.

Before you start: quick checklist

• Compatible iPhone: iPhone XS, XR or newer. See our list of eSIM compatible phones for details.
• No carrier lock: Settings → General → About → "Carrier Lock" should say "No SIM restrictions".
• Up-to-date iOS: updating first avoids installation problems.
• Stable Wi-Fi: the profile is downloaded from the internet.
• Activation details: the QR code, installation link, or SM-DP+ address and activation code from your provider.

Tip: if you want to scan the QR code, open it on a second screen or print it. You cannot scan a code that is displayed on the same iPhone, but the other two methods solve that.

Which method should you use?

All three methods get you to the same result. One-tap installation via app or link is the most convenient if your provider supports it. The QR code is the classic and works with every provider, but needs a second screen or a printout. Manual entry is the fallback when scanning fails or you only have the details by email. Important for all methods: an activation code can usually be used only once. Do not cancel the installation halfway through, and install the eSIM on the exact iPhone you are taking on your trip.

Method 1: install with a QR code

1. Open Settings → Cellular (called "Mobile Data" or "Mobile Service" in some regions).
2. Tap "Add eSIM" or "Add Cellular Plan".
3. Choose "Use QR Code" and scan your provider's code.
4. Tap "Continue" and wait until the eSIM is activated.
5. Give it a clear label, such as "Travel Japan", so you can tell your lines apart later.

Method 2: one-tap installation via app or link

Many providers, including Airalo, Saily and Holafly, support one-tap installation since iOS 17.4. You tap "Install" in the provider's app or confirmation email, and iOS opens the eSIM setup directly. It is the easiest method because you do not need a second screen.

Method 3: manual entry

1. Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → Use QR Code.
2. Tap "Enter Details Manually" at the bottom.
3. Enter the SM-DP+ address and activation code you received by email or in the app. Watch upper and lower case.

The right settings after installation

After installation, iOS asks how you want to use your two lines. This setup works best for travel:

Default line and cellular data

• Default voice line (calls/texts): your regular number, so you still receive verification codes by text.
• Cellular data: the travel eSIM.
• "Allow Cellular Data Switching": turn it off. Otherwise your iPhone may fall back to your home line when the signal is weak, and that can trigger roaming charges.

Setting up data roaming

• Travel eSIM: Settings → Cellular → [travel eSIM] → Data Roaming on. Nearly all travel eSIMs technically work as roaming, so without this you will not get internet.
• Home line: data roaming off, so your carrier cannot charge you for roaming data or start a day pass.

If you do not need your regular number at all during the trip, you can switch it off completely under Settings → Cellular → [home line]. Keep in mind that you will not receive texts then.

At your destination: activate the eSIM

1. Turn off airplane mode after landing.
2. Check that the travel eSIM is turned on and selected for cellular data.
3. Wait a minute or two for your iPhone to connect to a partner network. You will see the network name in Control Center.
4. No signal? Go to Cellular → [travel eSIM] → Network Selection and pick a network manually.

Common problems and fixes

• "Unable to add eSIM": switch Wi-Fi networks, restart the iPhone and try again. If the error persists, the code may already have been used; contact your provider's support.
• Signal but no internet: check that data roaming is on for the travel eSIM. Some providers require an APN; it is listed in the provider's instructions and goes under Cellular → [eSIM] → Cellular Data Network.
• Slow internet: under "Voice & Data", force 5G or LTE, or pick another network manually.
• Deleted the profile by mistake: travel eSIMs often cannot be reinstalled. Contact the provider; some will issue a new profile.

Personal Hotspot with your travel eSIM

To share data with a laptop, tablet or travel companions, go to Settings → Personal Hotspot and turn on "Allow Others to Join". The hotspot automatically uses the line selected for cellular data, which is your travel eSIM. Check the plan details first to make sure hotspot use is allowed; some unlimited plans restrict it or cap it. Laptops also use much more data than phones because of background updates and cloud sync.

Keep an eye on data usage

Under Settings → Cellular you can see usage per app and per line. Reset the statistics at the bottom of the page before your trip to see exactly how much you use while traveling. Low Data Mode under Cellular → [travel eSIM] → Data Options pauses automatic updates, iCloud Photos and background activity. Your provider's app usually shows how much data you have left. For realistic numbers, see How much data do I need?

After your trip

Only delete the travel eSIM once the plan is used up or expired. Many providers let you top up the same profile, which is handy if you return to the same region, such as Europe or the USA. Using Android? Head to our Android setup guide.

FAQ