How to Install an eSIM on Your iPhone in 5 Minutes

Before You Start: Quick Checklist

Before installing your eSIM, make sure you have everything ready. This prevents issues during installation:

Not sure if your iPhone supports eSIM? Read our guide on checking iPhone eSIM compatibility.

About the QR Code

Your eSIM provider sent you a QR code via email after purchase. Find that email now. You can display the QR code on another device (laptop, tablet, or print it) for easy scanning. Or you can take a screenshot and view it on your iPhone during installation.

Step-by-Step Installation Process

Follow these steps exactly. Each one takes just seconds. The entire process finishes in about 5 minutes.

1Open Settings App

The Settings app should be on your home screen. If you can't find it, swipe down on your home screen and use Search to type "Settings."

2Go to Cellular or Mobile Data

The exact name depends on your region. US iPhones say "Cellular." Many international iPhones say "Mobile Data." Both lead to the same place.

3Tap Add eSIM or Add Cellular Plan

This option appears near the top of the Cellular settings page. If you don't see it, your iPhone might not support eSIM or it might be carrier-locked. Check our troubleshooting guide if you don't see this option.

4Scan Your QR Code

Hold your iPhone steady about 6-8 inches from the QR code. The camera focuses automatically. You'll feel a slight vibration or see a notification when the scan succeeds.

If You Saved a Screenshot of the QR Code

Tap "Enter Details Manually" instead of scanning. Then:

1. Open your Photos app in a separate window (use app switcher)
2. View your QR code screenshot
3. Switch back to Settings
4. Or use another device to display the QR code

Alternatively, most eSIM providers offer manual activation codes you can type instead of scanning.

5Wait for Activation

This step takes 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Your iPhone contacts the eSIM provider's server and downloads your profile. You'll see a progress indicator. Be patient.

You need a stable Wi-Fi connection during this step. If Wi-Fi disconnects, the process might fail. Stay near your Wi-Fi router.

6Label Your eSIM

This label helps you identify which SIM is which later. Choose something you'll remember. You can change this later if needed.

Common label choices:

• "Travel Data" - if you're using it for international travel
• "Japan eSIM" - if it's for a specific country
• "Work" or "Personal" - if you're using dual SIM
• "Vacation" - for temporary travel use

7Choose Which Line to Use for Data

This setting determines which SIM provides internet connection. You can change this anytime later in Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data.

If you're keeping your regular SIM active for calls and texts, selecting the eSIM for data is usually correct. Your regular SIM still receives calls and messages.

8Confirm Installation Complete

That's it! Your eSIM is installed. You'll see it listed under your primary SIM in Settings > Cellular. It's ready to use when you turn it on.

What Happens Next?

After installation, your eSIM sits on your iPhone waiting to be activated. Here's what to do next:

If You're Still at Home (Before Your Trip)

Keep your eSIM turned off for now. It's installed and ready, but you don't need to activate it until you arrive at your destination. This prevents using data before your trip.

To verify it's off:

1. Go to Settings > Cellular or Mobile Data
2. Tap on your eSIM label
3. Make sure "Turn On This Line" is toggled OFF

When You Arrive at Your Destination

Turn on your eSIM:

1. Open Settings > Cellular or Mobile Data
2. Tap your eSIM label
3. Toggle "Turn On This Line" to ON
4. Wait 10-30 seconds for connection

You should see signal bars appear. Your iPhone connects to local networks automatically.

Important: Enable Data Roaming for eSIM

This step confuses many people. Your eSIM needs data roaming turned ON to work. This is safe - you're not using your home carrier, so no roaming charges apply.

1. Go to Settings > Cellular or Mobile Data
2. Tap your eSIM label
3. Toggle "Data Roaming" to ON

Keep data roaming OFF for your home SIM to avoid charges on that line.

How to Manage Your eSIM Settings

After installation, you can manage how your eSIM works. Here are useful settings to know:

Switching Between SIMs for Data

To change which SIM provides internet:

1. Settings > Cellular or Mobile Data
2. Tap "Cellular Data" or "Mobile Data"
3. Select which line to use for data

Choosing Which SIM Makes Calls

Your iPhone can make calls from either line:

1. Settings > Cellular or Mobile Data
2. Tap "Default Voice Line"
3. Choose which line makes calls by default

You can also choose which line to use when making each call. In your Phone app, tap the SIM selector before calling.

Checking Data Usage

To see how much data you've used:

1. Settings > Cellular or Mobile Data
2. Scroll down to see data usage by app
3. Your eSIM's remaining data might show here or in the provider's app

Turning eSIM On or Off

To temporarily disable your eSIM without deleting it:

1. Settings > Cellular or Mobile Data
2. Tap your eSIM label
3. Toggle "Turn On This Line" off

This is useful when you return home and want to stop using travel data.

Removing Your eSIM

To completely delete an eSIM from your iPhone:

1. Settings > Cellular or Mobile Data
2. Tap your eSIM label
3. Tap "Remove Cellular Plan"
4. Confirm removal

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Installation usually works smoothly, but here are solutions to common problems:

QR Code Won't Scan

Problem: Your camera can't read the QR code or nothing happens when you point at it.

Solutions:

• Make sure the QR code is displayed clearly without glare or shadows
• Hold your iPhone 6-8 inches from the code
• Ensure good lighting in the room
• Try displaying the QR code larger on your screen
• Clean your iPhone camera lens
• Use the manual entry option instead (tap "Enter Details Manually")

"Cellular Plan Cannot Be Added"

Problem: You see an error saying the plan cannot be added.

Solutions:

• Check that you're connected to Wi-Fi (not cellular data)
• Restart your iPhone and try again
• Verify your iPhone is unlocked (not carrier-locked)
• Update to the latest iOS version
• Contact your eSIM provider - the QR code might be invalid or already used

eSIM Installed But No Signal

Problem: Installation completed but you don't have any signal bars.

Solutions:

• Make sure you turned on the eSIM line (Settings > Cellular > your eSIM > Turn On This Line)
• Enable Data Roaming for your eSIM line
• Restart your iPhone
• Check if you're in an area with coverage
• Wait a few minutes - initial connection can take time
• Toggle Airplane Mode on and off to reset connections

Can't Find "Add eSIM" Option

Problem: The "Add eSIM" or "Add Cellular Plan" option doesn't appear.

Solutions:

• Verify your iPhone model supports eSIM (XS/XR or newer)
• Check that your iPhone is unlocked by your carrier
• Update to iOS 12.1 or later
• Restart your iPhone
• Check if your iPhone is eSIM-enabled for your region

Installation Freezes or Takes Forever

Problem: The activation process gets stuck and won't complete.

Solutions:

• Check your Wi-Fi connection is stable and strong
• Move closer to your Wi-Fi router
• Cancel and restart the installation process
• Try a different Wi-Fi network
• Restart your iPhone and try again

For more detailed troubleshooting, check our complete eSIM troubleshooting guide.

Tips for First-Time eSIM Users

Here are helpful tips if this is your first time using eSIM:

Install Before You Leave Home

Don't wait until you arrive at your destination. Install your eSIM a day or two before departure. This gives you time to troubleshoot any issues while you have good Wi-Fi and support available.

Keep Your QR Code Saved

Screenshot your QR code and save it in multiple places. Email it to yourself. Save it to cloud storage. Some providers let you use the same QR code to reinstall if needed.

Test Before Traveling

If your eSIM provider allows it, activate your eSIM briefly at home to confirm it works. Then turn it off until your trip. This verifies installation succeeded.

Label Clearly

Use descriptive labels for your eSIM plans. "Work," "Travel," "Japan Trip" are better than "Line 2" or "Secondary." You'll thank yourself later when managing multiple plans.

Understand Dual SIM

Your iPhone can run your regular SIM and eSIM simultaneously. Your regular number stays active for calls and texts. Your eSIM provides data. Both work together seamlessly.

Monitor Your Data

Check your data usage regularly in Settings > Cellular. Many eSIM plans have data limits. Knowing your usage helps you avoid running out unexpectedly.

Don't Delete Accidentally

Removing an eSIM deletes it from your phone. Some can't be reinstalled. Be careful not to tap "Remove Cellular Plan" unless you're certain.

After Installation: Using Your eSIM

Once installed and activated, your eSIM works just like a regular SIM card. Here's what to expect:

Connection Speed

Your eSIM connects to local networks just like physical SIM cards. You'll get the same speeds and coverage. There's no performance difference between eSIM and physical SIM.

Receiving Calls on Your Home Number

If you kept your physical SIM in your iPhone, you can still receive calls and texts on your home number. Your eSIM handles data while your regular number stays active.

Switching Networks

Your eSIM automatically connects to available networks. You don't need to manually select networks usually. If you're in an area with poor coverage, your phone tries other available networks automatically.

When You Return Home

Simply turn off your eSIM:

1. Settings > Cellular or Mobile Data
2. Tap your eSIM
3. Toggle "Turn On This Line" OFF

Your iPhone switches back to using your regular SIM for everything. Your eSIM stays installed for future trips if it has remaining validity.

Want to learn more about eSIM basics? Read our guide on what is an eSIM and why travelers need one.

Comparing Manual Entry vs QR Code Scanning

Most people use QR codes, but you have options:

QR Code Method (Recommended)

Pros:

• Fastest method - takes seconds
• No typing required
• No chance of entering wrong information
• Works for most eSIM providers

Cons:

• Needs another device to display code or printed copy
• Can be tricky with screen glare
• Requires decent camera focus

Manual Entry Method

Pros:

• Works if QR code won't scan
• No second device needed
• Useful for copy-paste from emails

Cons:

• Requires typing long activation codes
• Risk of typos
• Takes longer
• Not all providers offer manual codes

For most people, QR code scanning is easier and faster. Use manual entry only if scanning doesn't work.