Before you start
- An iPhone XS, XR or newer. Every iPhone since 2018 supports eSIM.
- An unlocked phone. Go to Settings › General › About and find Carrier Lock. It should say "No SIM restrictions".
- Wi-Fi. The eSIM downloads over the internet, so install it at home, not at the airport.
- The QR code or install link from your provider. Open the QR code on a second screen, such as a laptop, so your iPhone can scan it.
Add the eSIM
- Open Settings › Cellular (called Mobile Data in some countries) and tap Add eSIM.
- Choose Use QR Code and scan the code. On iOS 17.4 or later you can instead tap the install link in the provider's email or app.
- Wait a minute or two while the eSIM downloads.
Most plans only start counting days when the eSIM first connects to a network at your destination, so installing a few days early is fine. A few providers start the clock at install, so check your plan's terms.
Label your lines
When iPhone asks, name the new line Travel and keep your home SIM as Primary. Clear names make the next steps much easier.
iPhone also asks which line to use for iMessage and FaceTime. Keep Primary, so people can still reach you on your usual number.
Switch on when you land
- Turn on the Travel line.
- Set Travel as your Cellular Data line.
- Turn on Data Roaming for Travel only.
- Leave Data Roaming off on Primary, so your home carrier can't charge you.
- Under Cellular Data, turn off Allow Cellular Data Switching. Otherwise iPhone may use your home line when the Travel signal is weak.
Don't delete the eSIM during your trip. Many providers can't reissue one, so you'd have to buy a new plan.
Back home
Turn the Travel line off and set Primary as your data line again. Delete the eSIM once the plan has run out, or keep it if your provider lets you top up for the next trip.
Troubleshooting
No internet after landing. Check that Data Roaming is on for the Travel line and that Travel is your Cellular Data line. Then turn Airplane Mode on and off.
The line says "No Service". Open Settings › Cellular › Travel › Network Selection, turn off Automatic and pick a network your provider supports.
iPhone asks for APN settings. Some providers need a manual APN. You'll find it in their install email.
The QR code won't scan, or says it was already used. Most eSIM codes work only once. If an install failed halfway, contact the provider for a new code instead of scanning again.