How to Install an eSIM on iPhone, Step by Step
Installing a travel eSIM on iPhone takes a few minutes, and the best time is at home on Wi-Fi, a day or two before you fly. This guide covers the current flow: install from the link on the iPhone itself or scan the QR code, then set up the two lines so your number stays on for calls and the travel line carries your data.
Before you start
- Wi-Fi. The iPhone downloads the plan, so it needs a stable connection.
- An unlocked iPhone XS, XR or newer. Settings → General → About → Carrier Lock should say "No SIM restrictions". More in does my phone support eSIM.
- Up-to-date iOS. Settings → General → Software Update.
- Your install page. It opens after payment, and the link is in your receipt.
Option 1: install from the link on your iPhone
This is the quickest way if you bought on the iPhone itself, or can open the receipt on it.
- Open the install page on the iPhone.
- Tap Install on this iPhone.
- iOS opens the cellular plan setup. Tap Continue and follow the prompts.
- Wait for the plan to finish downloading. Keep Wi-Fi on and don't leave the setup halfway.
Option 2: scan the QR code
Open the install page on a second screen, such as a laptop, a tablet or another phone, so the iPhone camera can scan it.
- On the iPhone, go to Settings → Cellular. In some regions it is called Mobile Data or similar.
- Tap Add eSIM (Add Cellular Plan on some iOS versions), then Use QR Code. You can also point the Camera app at the code and tap the Cellular Plan Detected notice.
- Point the camera at the QR code on the install page.
- Follow the prompts until the plan is added.
No second screen?
The install page also shows an SM-DP+ address and an activation code. On the QR scanning screen, tap Enter Details Manually and type them in. Apple's own walkthrough is in set up eSIM on iPhone.
Set up the two lines
After the download, iOS walks you through a few choices. This is the step that decides whether you keep your number and avoid charges from your own carrier.
Label the lines
Give the new line a clear label such as Travel, and keep your home line as Primary or Personal. You will see these labels in Settings and in the status bar, so make them obvious.
Default line: your home number
When iOS asks which number to use as your default, choose your home line. For iMessage and FaceTime, choose your home number as well. Calls and SMS to your usual number keep arriving, and WhatsApp stays on your usual number too; see keep your WhatsApp number abroad.
Cellular Data: the travel line
When iOS asks which line to use for Cellular Data, choose Travel. On the same screen, turn off Allow Cellular Data Switching. If it stays on, the iPhone can fall back to your home line for data when the travel signal is weak, and your carrier may charge you for it.
Data Roaming: on for Travel, off for home
- Go to Settings → Cellular, tap the Travel line, open Cellular Data Options if you see it, and turn Data Roaming on.
- Go back, tap your home line and make sure Data Roaming is off.
Roaming on for the travel line sounds wrong but is expected: the eSIM is a visitor on the local network, and the plan is prepaid. Roaming off on the home line is what stops your own carrier charging you for data. Apple covers the same switch in cellular data roaming options, and we explain the logic in data roaming settings explained.
If your install page lists an APN
Most plans set the APN automatically. If your install page shows one, enter it under Settings → Cellular → Travel → Cellular Data Network.
Before you fly
- Does the plan cover your home country? If your plan also covers your home country, for example a Europe eSIM bought in France, the line can connect at home and start its validity early. In that case, go to Settings → Cellular, tap Travel and turn off Turn On This Line right after installing, and switch it back on once you have left. The same goes for layovers in a covered country.
- Don't delete the eSIM. An install code usually works once.
- Keep the receipt. If you ever need the details again, they are on the install page and in your account.
When you land
Switch off Airplane Mode. Within a minute or two the Travel line should show a network name and data should work. If it doesn't, toggle Airplane Mode on and off once and check that Data Roaming is on for Travel. The full landing routine is in how to activate your eSIM, the landing-day checks are in no service after landing, and the fixes for stubborn cases are in eSIM not working.
On Android instead? See how to install an eSIM on Android. Haven't bought yet? Pick your destination on the eSIM page, for example Japan or Europe.
Questions
Can I install the eSIM before I travel?
Yes, and you should. Install it on Wi-Fi a day or two before you fly. Validity starts when the phone first connects to a network in the destination, not at install.
The install link didn't open the setup screen. What now?
Use the QR code instead: open the install page on another screen and scan it from Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM. The install page also shows the details for manual entry.
Will installing an eSIM remove my current SIM?
No. Your home SIM stays where it is. You are adding a second line and choosing which one carries data.
Why does the travel line say No Service at home?
Outside the plan's coverage it only connects in the destination, and validity starts then. That is normal. Don't delete it.