GUIDE · 2 MIN READ

How to install an eSIM on iPhone

Your eSIM works as a second digital SIM line on your iPhone. Installation takes 1-2 minutes and does not require changing your primary physical SIM — the eSIM is added alongside it. Compatible with iPhone XS and later (2018+). This guide covers the three install methods plus the essential settings to check so data works when you land.

1
Check compatibility
Open Settings → General → About. If you see "EID available", your iPhone supports eSIM. Compatible models: iPhone XS, XS Max, XR (2018) and all later models. iPhones sold in the US from iPhone 14 are eSIM-only (no physical SIM slot).
2
Connect to WiFi
Installation downloads the eSIM profile from the carrier's servers. Do this on a stable WiFi network — not on mobile data — before traveling. The eSIM does not consume your plan's data during install.
3
Method 1: Activation link (easiest)
After purchase we send an email with a "📲 Install eSIM" button. Tap it from your iPhone — Settings opens automatically with the eSIM data pre-loaded. Confirm "Continue" → "Add eSIM". The profile downloads in 30-60 seconds.
4
Method 2: Scan QR
If you didn't tap the link directly on your iPhone, open the email on your computer or another phone and scan the QR with your iPhone: Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → Use QR Code. The camera focuses on the code and processes automatically.
5
Method 3: Manual entry
If neither link nor QR works, use the SM-DP+ address from the email. Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → "Enter Details Manually" → paste the address starting with "smdp." (without the "LPA:" prefix). Tap Next. The eSIM downloads.
6
Label the line
When install completes, iPhone asks you to label both lines. Set "Primary" on your physical SIM and "Travel" or the country name on the eSIM. Avoids confusion when you arrive and need to pick which line does what.
7
Set which line uses data
After labeling: Settings → Cellular → "Cellular Data" → select the new eSIM (not your home SIM). Otherwise you keep using your home plan in roaming = expensive bill.
8
⚠️ TURN ON DATA ROAMING (critical step)
Your eSIM is technically "a roaming line" when you travel. Without enabling it, install completes but no data flows. Settings → Cellular → tap your eSIM → "Data Roaming" → ON. This ONLY affects the selected eSIM, not your home SIM. It's the #1 error we see: users install correctly and report "not working" — always this.
9
Activate when you land
Plan validity starts from the first connection to the local network, NOT from purchase or install. You can install days or weeks ahead, keep it ready, and the clock starts when you land and the eSIM connects.

Frequently asked questions

Can I install the eSIM before I travel?

Yes — recommended. Install on home WiFi, keep the eSIM line "off" until you land. Validity starts on first connection to the local network, not on install.

Does my home number still work?

Yes. The eSIM is a second line — your physical SIM stays active for bank SMS, family calls, and app verifications. Only data routes through the eSIM if you set it up that way.

I'm not getting data after install

99% of the time it's because data roaming is off. Settings → Cellular → eSIM → Data Roaming → ON. Only affects the eSIM, not your home SIM.

Can I delete and install the eSIM on another iPhone?

No. eSIMs are tied to a device. Deleting and reinstalling on a different iPhone counts as a new install but the first one stops working. For device transfers, contact support.

How long does the data last?

Depends on the plan you bought. Each plan has a validity (7, 15, 30 days) that starts on activation. Check days remaining at Settings → Cellular → your eSIM → Info.