How to install an eSIM on iPhone (QR code, one-tap link or manual)
Three ways to add a travel eSIM to an iPhone, the settings you must change before you land, and fixes for the most common errors.
Installing a travel eSIM on an iPhone takes about a minute. You need an eSIM-capable iPhone (XS/XR or newer, not a mainland-China model), iOS up to date, a carrier-unlocked device and a Wi-Fi connection for the download.
Method 1 — One-tap install (iOS 17.4 and newer)
- Open the delivery email or your installation page on the iPhone.
- Tap Install eSIM. iOS opens the eSIM setup sheet.
- Tap Continue, wait for "Cellular Plan Added", then follow the prompts below.
Method 2 — Scan the QR code
- Show the QR code on another screen (laptop, tablet, a friend's phone) or print it.
- Go to Settings → Cellular (Mobile Service) → Add eSIM → Use QR Code.
- Point the camera at the code and tap Continue. On iOS 16+ you can also long-press a QR image saved in Photos and choose Add eSIM.
Method 3 — Enter details manually
- Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → Use QR Code → Enter Details Manually.
- Paste the SM-DP+ address and the activation code from your installation page (use the copy buttons — no typos).
- If a confirmation code is shown on your page, enter it when asked.
After the profile is added — the settings that matter
- Label the new line (e.g. "Travel"). Keep your primary line as Default Line for calls and iMessage.
- Set Cellular Data to the travel eSIM when you arrive — this is the single most common mistake.
- Open the travel line and turn on Data Roaming. Travel eSIMs are roaming profiles; without this toggle nothing works.
- Turn Data Roaming off on your home SIM to avoid surprise charges; keep it on Wi-Fi calling if you want to receive calls.
- Until departure you can keep the travel line switched off — the validity only starts when it first connects at the destination.
Troubleshooting
- "Cellular Plan Cannot Be Added" — the phone is carrier-locked or the code has already been used. Each eSIM can be installed once.
- "Unable to complete cellular plan change" — usually a network hiccup: connect to stable Wi-Fi and try again, or use the manual method.
- Installed but no internet — check Cellular Data is set to the travel line, Data Roaming is on, then toggle Airplane Mode. Try Settings → Cellular → travel line → Network Selection and pick one of the partner networks manually.
- Deleted the eSIM by mistake? — it cannot be re-downloaded; contact support with your order reference.
Rule of thumb: install at home, switch on when you land, data roaming ON for the travel line only.
FAQ
Which iPhones support eSIM?
iPhone XS, XS Max, XR and every model since (11, SE 2020/2022, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16…). iPhones sold in mainland China do not support eSIM.
Do I need Wi-Fi to install the eSIM?
Yes, the profile is downloaded over the internet. Install at home or at the hotel; the plan itself only starts at the first connection abroad.
Can I scan the QR code with the same iPhone?
Not with the camera (the code is on the same screen). Use the one-tap Install eSIM link on iOS 17.4+, long-press the QR image in Photos (iOS 16+), or enter the details manually.
Will I still receive calls and SMS on my own number?
Yes, keep your primary SIM enabled as the default line. The travel eSIM is used for data only.
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