Install eSIM on iPhone in 2 Minutes

Works on iPhone XS and newer. No store visit needed — scan a QR code from your email and you're done.

✓ iPhone XS and newer ✓ iOS 16+ ✓ QR code method ✓ Dual SIM supported

Is your iPhone compatible?

iPhone Model	Year	eSIM Support
iPhone XR, XS, XS Max	2018	✓ eSIM supported
iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max	2019	✓ eSIM supported
iPhone SE (2nd gen)	2020	✓ eSIM supported
iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max	2020	✓ eSIM supported
iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max	2021	✓ eSIM supported
iPhone 14 series (US models eSIM-only)	2022	✓ eSIM supported
iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max	2023	✓ eSIM supported
iPhone 16 series	2024	✓ eSIM supported
iPhone X and older	2017 and before	✗ Not supported

Important: Your iPhone must be carrier-unlocked to use a third-party travel eSIM. Call your carrier or check Settings → General → About — if it says "No SIM restrictions" under Carrier Lock, you're good to go.

Before you start

Run through this checklist before scanning your QR code:

iOS 16 or later — Go to Settings → General → Software Update to confirm
iPhone is carrier-unlocked — Settings → General → About → Carrier Lock should say "No SIM restrictions"
WiFi connection available — You need internet to download and activate the eSIM profile
QR code ready — Check your purchase email on a second device (laptop or another phone) so you can scan it with your iPhone

Step-by-step: Install via QR Code

Open the Settings app

Find the grey gear icon on your iPhone home screen and tap it.

Settings

Tap "Cellular"

This is labeled "Mobile Data" in the UK, Australia, and some other countries — it's the same menu.

Settings → Cellular

Tap "Add Cellular Plan" or "Add eSIM"

The exact label varies slightly by iOS version. On iPhone 14+ (US) you may see "Add eSIM" directly.

Cellular → Add Cellular Plan

Tap "Use QR Code"

iOS will open your camera. If you're setting this up on the same phone, use the "Enter Details Manually" option and enter the code from your email.

Add eSIM → Use QR Code

Scan the QR code from your purchase email

Hold your camera over the QR code displayed on your laptop or second device. Keep it steady — it scans automatically within a second or two.

Tap Continue → label it "Travel eSIM" → Done

Give your new plan a recognisable label. The eSIM will download and install in the background — usually under 30 seconds. You'll see it appear in your Cellular settings.

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Setting up Dual SIM

One of the best things about eSIM on iPhone is Dual SIM — you run two lines simultaneously without carrying two phones.

📱 Primary line Physical SIM

Keep your home SIM card in its slot. This handles calls, SMS, and bank verification texts. Your phone number stays the same.

🌐 Secondary line eSIM

Your travel eSIM provides cheap local data abroad. Set it as the default data line in Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data.

How to switch default data: Go to Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data → select your Travel eSIM. Your iPhone will automatically route data through it, while calls and texts still go through your home SIM.

Troubleshooting common issues

⚠ QR code not scanning

Fix: Take a screenshot of the QR code on your laptop and display it full-screen, or try reducing room lighting/screen glare. Alternatively, most providers give you a manual activation code — tap "Enter Details Manually" in the Add eSIM screen and type it in.

⚠ "Could not connect to server" error

Fix: Disable any VPN before installing your eSIM — VPNs frequently block the carrier's provisioning servers. Turn off VPN in Settings → VPN, retry the QR scan. Also ensure you're on a stable WiFi connection.

⚠ Plan not activating at destination

Fix: Confirm the eSIM plan covers your exact destination country. Go to Settings → Cellular → your Travel eSIM and ensure it's toggled on and set as the data line. Try toggling Airplane Mode off and on to force a network search.

⚠ eSIM option is greyed out in Settings

Fix: Your iPhone may be carrier-locked. Contact your home carrier and request an unlock — this is usually free. You can also check Settings → General → About: if Carrier Lock does not say "No SIM restrictions," the phone is locked.

Installing eSIM on Android

The process is similar on Android. Here's where to find the eSIM settings on the two most popular Android brands:

Samsung Galaxy

Open Settings
Tap Connections
Tap SIM Manager
Tap Add eSIM
Scan QR code

Google Pixel

Open Settings
Tap Network & Internet
Tap SIMs
Tap Add a SIM
Scan QR code

Note: Android phone must also be carrier-unlocked. Check under Settings → About Phone → SIM Status, or contact your carrier.

Frequently asked questions

Can I install eSIM on a locked iPhone?

No. If your iPhone is carrier-locked, you can only use eSIM profiles from that carrier. You must contact your carrier to unlock the phone first. Most carriers unlock for free after you've completed your contract or paid the device off.

What if I lose my QR code?

Contact your eSIM provider's customer support. Most providers can resend the QR code to your email or issue a new one. This is why it's worth saving the purchase confirmation email before you travel.

Can I transfer an eSIM to a new phone?

It depends on the eSIM provider and your carrier. Some eSIM data plans are single-device and cannot be transferred. Apple's carrier eSIMs can sometimes be transferred during iPhone setup. Check with your provider before upgrading your phone.

Does eSIM drain battery faster?

No. eSIM uses the same amount of power as a physical SIM card. There is no measurable battery difference between using eSIM and a nano-SIM for data.

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