How to Install an eSIM on iPhone: Step-by-Step (2026)

To install an eSIM on an iPhone, open Settings, tap Cellular (shown as Mobile Service or Mobile Data in some regions), tap Add eSIM, then scan the QR code your provider sent you. Do this while connected to Wi-Fi, because the profile downloads over the internet. The whole process usually takes under two minutes.

Exact wording varies slightly by iPhone model and iOS version, but the path below works on recent versions of iOS. If you have not bought a plan yet, you can browse eSIM destinations first and come back once you have your QR code.

Before you start

• Confirm your iPhone supports eSIM (iPhone XS, XR, and later). If unsure, see does my phone support eSIM?
• Make sure the phone is carrier-unlocked.
• Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network.
• Have your provider’s email or app open, with the QR code ready on another screen or printed out.

Method 1: Scan a QR code (easiest)

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Cellular or Mobile Service.
3. Tap Add eSIM (older versions may show Add Cellular Plan).
4. Tap Use QR Code.
5. Point the camera at the QR code from your provider.
6. Tap Continue when the plan is detected, then follow the prompts to add it.

If the QR code is on the same iPhone (for example in an email), you cannot scan it with the same device. Use Method 2 instead, or open the code on a second screen.

Method 2: Enter details manually

If you cannot scan a code, most providers also give you the details to type in by hand.

1. Go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Use QR Code.
2. Tap Enter Details Manually at the bottom of the screen.
3. In SM-DP+ Address, type the address from your provider (it looks like a web address, for example consumer.example.com).
4. In Activation Code, type the code exactly as shown.
5. Leave Confirmation Code blank unless your provider gave you one.
6. Tap Next and follow the prompts.

Method 3: Install via your provider’s app

Many eSIM providers offer an app that installs the profile for you. Buy the plan in the app, tap the install or Install eSIM button, and approve the iOS prompt that appears. This skips QR codes entirely and is often the smoothest route on a single device.

After installing: label and choose your lines

Once the eSIM is added, iOS asks you to label the lines (for example Personal and Travel) and choose defaults for calls, messages, and cellular data. You can change these any time under Settings > Cellular. A common setup for travel is to keep your home line for calls and texts and set the travel eSIM as your default data line once you arrive.

Important: installing is not the same as activating

Adding the profile does not usually start your plan or your data. In most cases the plan begins when the eSIM first connects to a network at your destination, and you still need to switch on Data Roaming for the eSIM line. For the full activation sequence, read how to activate your eSIM.

Troubleshooting tips

• QR code will not scan: Clean the camera, increase screen brightness on the device showing the code, or switch to manual entry.
• “Unable to add eSIM”: Check you are on Wi-Fi and that your iPhone is unlocked. Restart and try again.
• No data after install: Confirm the eSIM is set as your data line and that Data Roaming is on for it.
• Code already used: Each QR code can normally be installed only once. Ask your provider to reissue it if needed.

Using two eSIMs or an eSIM and physical SIM

iPhone 13 and later can keep two eSIMs active at once, and every eSIM iPhone can run one eSIM alongside the physical SIM (where a tray exists). This is ideal for travel: your home line stays reachable for calls, texts, and two-factor codes while the travel eSIM carries data. You can add several eSIM profiles over time and simply turn the ones you are not using off under Settings > Cellular — they stay stored on the phone until you delete them, so you can reuse a plan on a future trip if it still has validity. Only one data line is active at a time, so remember to pick the travel eSIM as your data line when you arrive.

New to the whole idea? Start with what is an eSIM? Ready to buy? Pick a destination such as Japan or USA, or browse all eSIM destinations.