How to Install an eSIM on iPhone (Step-by-Step)

Which iPhones support eSIM?

Most iPhone XS, XS Max, XR, and later models support eSIM, but the country where the phone was sold matters. Apple documents separate rules for mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macao, so a model name alone is not enough. US-market iPhone 14 and later models are eSIM-only, but they can still be locked to a carrier.

Open Settings > General > About. Look for an EID to confirm that the phone has eSIM hardware. Then check Carrier Lock. Apple's wording No SIM restrictions means the phone is unlocked. If either item is missing, confirm the exact model and lock status with Apple or the carrier before buying a travel plan.

One requirement: your phone must be carrier-unlocked

If you bought the iPhone through a carrier, it may be locked even when it has no physical SIM slot. A locked phone can reject eSIM profiles from other providers. Only the carrier can remove that lock, and its eligibility rules vary. Check for No SIM restrictions before buying a travel eSIM.

Installation via QR code

This is the standard method used by most eSIM providers. After purchasing a plan, you receive a QR code by email or in the provider's app.

• Go to Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Service on non-US phones).
• Tap Add Cellular Plan or Add eSIM.
• Select Use QR Code and scan the code from your provider.
• Follow the on-screen prompts. You'll be asked to label the plan (something like "Travel eSIM" works).
• When asked which line to use for data, select the travel eSIM. Keep your home plan as the primary line.
• Turn on Data Roaming for the travel eSIM if it's for international use.

Installation via provider app

Some provider apps can hand the eSIM profile to iOS without a separate camera scan. The exact prompts vary, so follow the app and verify the new line under Settings > Cellular before assuming installation finished.

Tips for a smooth setup

Do this on WiFi before you travel. Most eSIM activations require an internet connection to complete. If you wait until you land and have no WiFi, installation may fail.

Set your travel eSIM as the secondary data line. Keep your home plan active so you receive calls and messages. Under Cellular Data, select the travel eSIM. Disable Allow Cellular Data Switching if you don't want the phone to automatically fall back to your home plan (which could incur roaming charges).

Many providers issue single-use QR codes, but this is a provider rule rather than an iPhone rule. Do not delete a working travel eSIM unless the provider confirms that it can be reinstalled or replaced.

What to do if installation fails

Check the activation window first. Some eSIM plans expire if not activated within 30 days of purchase. If you bought the plan months in advance and never activated it, this may be the issue.

Restart your phone and try again. Temporary connectivity glitches cause most installation failures.

If the QR code doesn't scan cleanly (bad lighting, glare on screen), ask the provider for the manual activation code. Most provide an SM-DP+ address and activation code you can enter manually.

Still stuck? Contact the provider before deleting the profile. Support may supply corrected activation details or a replacement QR code, depending on the provider.

Official references

Apple explains eSIM setup on iPhone and how to check Carrier Lock and request an unlock. Those pages take priority over model lists copied into travel blogs because device and regional support can change.