How to install an eSIM on an iPhone

What is an eSIM on an iPhone?

An eSIM is a virtual SIM card that works the same way a physical SIM card does, except you download it onto your phone. Just like a traditional SIM card, an eSIM allows you to get affordable mobile data and is an especially popular option for travelers. You see, Olivia Newton-John’s iconic hit “Physical” is the anti-anthem of eSIM technology — you won’t have to physically go to a store to buy it or physically insert it in your iPhone. 

If you’re taking a flight from across the pond, the last thing you’ll want to do is deal with annoying logistics like getting a SIM card. Luckily, eSIMs save you this time because you can download and activate your cellular data plan before you leave.

Let’s learn how to add an eSIM on your iPhone before your trip!

How to install your eSIM on an iPhone

Installing an eSIM on your iPhone is a super user-friendly process. Once you’ve downloaded an eSIM app or scanned the QR code given to you by an eSIM carrier, you’ll be prompted by instructions on how to install and activate your data. We’ll make the process even simpler by laying out instructions on how to set up an eSIM on an iPhone.

1. Download an eSIM app or scan a QR code provided by an eSIM carrier. 

   

2. Log in or sign up. 

   

3. Purchase an eSIM plan with enough GB for your trip (you can usually top up later if you run out). 

   
   

4. Install the eSIM before traveling by following the instructions prompted by your iPhone, while you’re still at home. 

   
   
   
   
   

5. Activate the data plan in the eSIM app. Make sure that you have a stable internet connection during eSIM activation! We also recommend activating your data before you get on the plane so that you’ll have speedy mobile data as soon as you land. 

   
   
   

If you’ve followed these steps, you should have mobile data in no time. You can double-check that your eSIM is installed and activated in your “Settings” by following the instructions below. 

How to check if your eSIM is installed on your iPhone

To check if the eSIM is activated on your iPhone, go to “Settings,” and then “Cellular” or “Mobile Service,” (the verbiage will be different depending on where you’re located). You should see a list of SIMs with different labels. From this list, the eSIM you want to activate should say “On” beside it. If you see “Off,” tap the eSIM from the list and make sure the “Turn on this line” switch is on. 

To confirm that your data is up and running, try opening an app that requires the internet, like Instagram or Safari. And voilà!

If something went wrong along the way, you may need to do some simple troubleshooting to install an eSIM on your iPhone. 

Issues with the installation of an eSIM on an iPhone

Though activating an eSIM on your iPhone should be straightforward, nothing in the world of IT is flawless (yet!). If you’re experiencing issues with installing an eSIM on your iPhone, some of the culprits could be:  

• Carrier compatibility issues.

• Outdated iOS versions.

• eSIM account issues.

Let’s take a look at some possible solutions to your eSIM installation issues. 

Stuck on the installation of an eSIM on my iPhone: What can I do? 

If you’re stuck on how to set up an eSIM on an iPhone, don’t panic — there’s probably an easy fix. 

1. Make sure that your phone has no carrier locks. Some carriers lock phones to their cellular network. You can check if your iPhone is unlocked or not by going to “Settings” > “General” > “About.” If you see “No SIM restrictions” next to “Network provider lock”, yipee! Your phone is unlocked and you can follow the next steps to get an eSIM. However, if you see “SIM locked”, you’ll need to contact your carrier to unlock your iPhone. 

2. Confirm that your carrier supports eSIMs. Similar to the point above, you may need to contact your network provider or carrier to make sure it even supports eSIMs. Most smartphones support eSIMs, but it’s worth confirming if you’re unsure. 

3. Make sure your iOS version is up to date. Many of us are guilty of putting off that software update — that little red circle with the “1” just ends up fading into the background. But this may be the reason your eSIM is not working on your iPhone. Go for a short walk while you wait for that software update. 

4. Check the payment method on your eSIM app. Missing or incorrect details in your account may be what’s stopping eSIM installation. 

5. Try restarting your iPhone. The tried and true solution to IT issues: restarting your device. It’s worth a shot if all else fails. 

If absolutely nothing works, you can also contact Apple Support to get eSIM setup instructions over the phone. 

I scanned a QR code, but I still can’t install an eSIM on my iPhone

If you’ve scanned a QR code to download an eSIM and get an error message, a few factors may be at play. For starters, make sure your QR code isn’t expired, since some QR codes have a time limit. If you’ve been putting off eSIM installation and are just scanning your QR code now, the time limit may have passed. Check with your carrier to see if this is the case, and if so, get a new code.  

Ask your carrier if the QR code is correct, too! Human error happens to the best of us, and someone might have given you the wrong code. 

If you don’t want to jump on a call with a customer service rep just yet, you could also try manually entering the eSIM info provided by your carrier. Here’s how to manually install an eSIM on an iPhone:

1. Go to “Settings,” then “Mobile Service,” and then “Add eSIM.”

2. Tap “Use QR Code,” and then “Enter Details Manually.”

3. Enter the SM-DP+ address and activation code. There is an optional section for a confirmation code, which may have been given to you by your network provider or eSIM carrier. 

FAQ

Can I install two eSIMs on my iPhone?

Yes, you can install and activate multiple eSIMs on your iPhone at once. You can install a total of eight eSIMs, but only two can be activated at once. In other words, you can only flip the “On” switch on a total of two eSIMs at a time, and the remaining six will be “napping” in the meantime. 

How do I install an eSIM after a factory reset?

Installing an eSIM after your iPhone has been factory reset shouldn’t be much different than installing an eSIM under normal circumstances. Start off by following the instructions to set your iPhone up, including connecting to a Wi-Fi network. Then follow the instructions for installing an eSIM on your iPhone. 

But let’s rewind a bit: You can also reset an iPhone without losing an eSIM. During a factory reset, you’re given two options for the fate of your eSIM — 1) keep your eSIMs and erase your data, or 2) delete your eSIMs and erase your data. To make life easier, we suggest always going for the first option since you can also deactivate an eSIM later on. 

How do I cancel the installation of an eSIM on my iPhone?

Go to “Settings,” and then “Mobile service.” There, you’ll see a list of all the SIM cards and eSIMs on your phone. Select the one you want to deactivate and flip the “Turn on this line” switch until it’s off. If you want to get rid of the eSIM altogether, scroll down to “Delete eSIM.” 

FYI — even after you delete an eSIM, you’ll still be able to see the ghost of your eSIM in the list of SIMs with “No SIM” written beside it. If you try selecting your dead eSIM, you’ll get a message saying that this mobile plan is no longer available. 

How long does it take for an eSIM to be installed on an iPhone?

Though there is no set amount of time, it should take no longer than a minute to install an eSIM on your iPhone. Activating the eSIM takes another few seconds, as long as you’re using Wi-Fi that won’t randomly cut out.