How to install an eSIM on iPhone
iPhone XS/XR and later support eSIM. On iOS 17.4 or later the quickest way is to open your eSIM page on the iPhone you'll use and tap "Install on this iPhone"; you can also scan the QR code with the Camera. Install on Wi-Fi before you leave; when you land, go to Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data, choose this eSIM, and turn on its Data Roaming.
Steps checked against manufacturer guides: 2026-10-26
Before you install
eSIM requires iPhone XS, XS Max, XR or later (phones that support eSIM), and the phone must not be carrier-locked. Tapping to install and long-pressing the QR code in an email need iOS 17.4 or later; check under Settings → General → About.
Install it on Wi-Fi before you leave
Pick any one of the methods below. Installing needs an internet connection, so do it on Wi-Fi before your trip.
- A
Install directly on this iPhone (iOS 17.4+)
On the iPhone you'll use, open the installation email or your eSIM page and tap "Install on this iPhone", then tap Continue. If the page is open inside an app such as LINE, the button may not respond; open it in Safari instead.
- B
Scan the QR code with the Camera
Show the QR code on a computer or another phone, scan it with the iPhone Camera, tap the Cellular Plan Detected notification, then tap Continue → Add Cellular Plan.
- C
Add it from Settings
Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → Use QR Code (you may need to tap Other Options first) and scan the code; if it won't scan, enter the SM-DP+ address and activation code from your eSIM page. Afterwards you can label the plan (for example "Travel") to tell it apart.
⚠️ A QR code can usually be installed only once. Don't delete the eSIM after installing it.
When you arrive: switch your data line
- Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data, and choose the travel eSIM.
- Under Cellular, tap the eSIM and turn on Data Roaming. A travel eSIM always connects abroad by roaming, so it won't work with roaming off.
- Keep Data Roaming off on your home line to avoid roaming charges from your home carrier; it still receives texts.
- We recommend turning off Allow Cellular Data Switching: when on, your home line uses data during calls, which may incur roaming charges.
- Open a web page to check you're online; if not, toggle Airplane Mode on and off once.
FAQ
My iPhone is below iOS 17.4. Can I still install it?
Yes. Scan the QR code with the Camera, or go to Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → Use QR Code; you just can't use the tap-to-install button. Show the QR code on another screen to scan it.
If I install before I leave, do the days start early?
It depends on the plan. Most plans start counting the first time they connect at your destination, so installing early is fine; each plan's page and your eSIM page say when it starts.
Can I reinstall an eSIM I deleted by mistake?
Usually not; most QR codes can be installed only once. Make sure you no longer need it before deleting; if it was a mistake, contact support with your order number.
Menu names follow the manufacturers' guides below (Traditional Chinese editions); names may differ slightly between software versions.
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