SimVala
Part of the complete guide to eSIMs

How to install an eSIM on iPhone

Settings, Cellular, Add eSIM, Use QR Code, scan. That is the whole thing, and it takes about two minutes. Here is every step, plus the settings that matter once you land.

Updated September 27, 2026 · SimVala editorial

Before you start

Four quick checks save you from the most common problems:

An eSIM iPhoneiPhone XS, XR, or newer.Check your model
An unlocked iPhoneSettings, General, About should show Carrier Lock: No SIM restrictions.
Wi-FiThe plan downloads once, so install at home before you fly.
Your QR codeIt appears in your SimVala dashboard once your order is ready.

Install it: three ways

Pick whichever fits. They all end with the same eSIM on your iPhone.

Pick your method

The usual way. Open your QR code on a second screen, like a laptop, and scan it with your iPhone.

  1. 1Open Cellular settingsSettings, then Cellular. In some countries it is called Mobile Service or Mobile Data.
  2. 2Tap Add eSIMOr Add Cellular Plan on older iOS versions.
  3. 3Choose Use QR CodeThe camera opens inside Settings.
  4. 4Scan your codePoint it at the QR code in your SimVala dashboard. The plan downloads and installs.
  5. 5Label the lineCall it Travel, then choose it for Cellular Data. Keep your Home line for calls and texts.

How to read a manual activation code

Your dashboard may show one long code instead of two separate fields. It follows a standard format, and splitting it is easy:

LPA:1$rsp.example-provider.com$K2-8Q4T7-1XZ9M

LPA:1$ A prefix. Do not type it.

SM-DP+ Address Between the first and second $.

Activation Code Everything after the second $.

A standard eSIM activation code, split into the two fields iPhone asks for. Example values.

Get the settings right

Installing is half the job. These settings decide whether you get online abroad, and whether your home carrier sends you a bill.

Right after installing

  • Label the new line Travel and your usual one Home.
  • Choose Home as your default line for calls and texts.
  • Choose Travel for Cellular Data.
  • Leave the Travel line off until you arrive, if you like.

When you land

  • Settings, Cellular, Travel: switch on Turn On This Line.
  • On the same screen, switch on Data Roaming for Travel.
  • Make sure Cellular Data is set to Travel.
  • Turn Data Roaming off on your Home line.
  • Keep Allow Cellular Data Switching off, so data never falls back to Home.

Why data roaming has to be on

This one worries people, so here is the plain version.

Most travel eSIMs connect to local networks as a roaming line. The roaming is what you paid for, so it costs nothing extra. The charges people fear come from roaming on your home line, which is why that one stays off.

New in iOS 26: the travel eSIM prompt

On iOS 26 and later, your iPhone can offer to Turn On Travel eSIM when you arrive, and switches back to your home line when you return. If you see that prompt, tap it and follow the steps. It does the same job as the settings above.

If something goes wrong

The six problems people hit most, and the fix for each.

The camera will not read the QR code

Open the code bigger on a second screen, turn up the brightness, and hold steady. Or use the Only my iPhone method, or enter the details manually.

“This code is no longer valid”

Most codes install once. Check Settings, Cellular: if a new line is there, it already worked. If not, contact support with your order details.

“Unable to complete cellular plan change”

Usually a weak connection or a carrier lock. Join stable Wi-Fi and try again, and confirm Carrier Lock shows No SIM restrictions.

No service after landing

Check Turn On This Line and Data Roaming are both on for Travel. Then switch Airplane Mode on and off. Still nothing? Set Network Selection to manual and pick a local network.

Signal bars but no internet

Make sure Cellular Data is set to Travel, not Home. Then restart the iPhone.

My home line is charging me for data

Turn off Data Roaming on the Home line and Allow Cellular Data Switching, so only Travel uses data.

More problems? Open the full eSIM troubleshooter.

Tip: never delete the eSIM while troubleshooting. Most codes cannot be installed a second time.

After your trip

You do not have to delete anything. Switch off Turn On This Line for Travel, set Cellular Data back to Home, and the eSIM just sits there quietly.

When the plan is fully used or expired, you can remove it: Settings, Cellular, tap Travel, then Delete eSIM. On older iOS it is called Remove Cellular Plan.

Sources

Menu names checked against Apple support on 2026-09-27. They can differ slightly by iOS version and country.

Keep reading

iPhone eSIM questions

How do I install an eSIM on my iPhone?+

Open Settings, tap Cellular, tap Add eSIM, choose Use QR Code, and scan the QR code from your provider. Then label the line and choose it for cellular data. It takes about two minutes.

Can I install an eSIM with only my iPhone?+

Yes, on iOS 17.4 or later. Open the QR code in Safari on the iPhone, touch and hold it, and tap Add eSIM.

Which iPhones support eSIM?+

iPhone XS, XS Max, XR, and every iPhone since, including the SE from 2020. Most iPhones sold in mainland China are the exception.

Do I need Wi-Fi to install an eSIM on iPhone?+

You need an internet connection once, to download the plan. Wi-Fi is the easiest, so install before you travel.

Will installing an eSIM remove my current SIM?+

No. The eSIM is added next to your current line, and both can stay on your iPhone.

Should I turn on Data Roaming?+

Turn it on for the travel eSIM line only, since travel eSIMs usually connect as a roaming line and that roaming is included. Keep Data Roaming off on your home line to avoid charges.

How many eSIMs can an iPhone hold?+

Several can be stored, and many iPhones can run two lines at once. Only one line uses cellular data at a time.

Why does my iPhone say the code is no longer valid?+

Most eSIM codes install only once. If it installed before, the eSIM is already on your iPhone under Cellular. If it never installed, contact support with your order details.

Can I move an eSIM to a new iPhone?+

Travel eSIMs usually cannot be transferred. Carrier eSIMs can move with eSIM Quick Transfer on iOS 18.4 or later, if the carrier supports it.

How do I delete an eSIM from my iPhone?+

Settings, Cellular, tap the line, then Delete eSIM. Only do it when the plan is finished, because a deleted eSIM usually cannot be reinstalled.

Get your eSIM, then scan

Pick your destination, pay in crypto, and your QR code is waiting in your dashboard. No card, no email, no ID.

Browse eSIMsCheck my iPhone