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How to Install eSIM on iPhone: Step-by-Step Guide (2025)

How to Install eSIM on iPhone: Step-by-Step Guide (2025)

Complete tutorial with screenshots and troubleshooting tips

📖 15 min read · Updated October 27, 2025

Want to install an eSIM on your iPhone but not sure where to start? Don't worry - it's actually much easier than you think. You can set up your eSIM in just 5 minutes without needing any technical skills.

An eSIM (electronic SIM) is a digital version of the physical SIM card that goes in your phone. Instead of a plastic card, the SIM is built into your iPhone. This means you can activate a new phone plan instantly without waiting for a physical card to arrive in the mail.

In this guide, I'll walk you through every step of installing an eSIM on your iPhone. Whether you're getting an eSIM for international travel to India or just switching carriers, these instructions will work for you. I'll also show you how to fix common problems if something goes wrong.

How to Install eSIM on iPhone: Step-by-Step Guide

📑 Quick Navigation

Before You Start: Requirements

Before installing your eSIM, make sure you have everything you need. Here's a quick checklist:

  • Compatible iPhone: iPhone XS, XR, or newer (including all iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 models)
  • iOS Version: iOS 12.1 or later (check Settings > General > About)
  • iPhone Unlocked: Your iPhone must be carrier-unlocked (not locked to AT&T, Verizon, etc.)
  • WiFi Connection: You need internet to download the eSIM profile
  • eSIM QR Code or Details: From your eSIM provider (like Airalo, Saily, etc.)

Which iPhones Support eSIM?

All these iPhone models can use eSIM:

  • iPhone 16 Series: iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max
  • iPhone 15 Series: iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max
  • iPhone 14 Series: iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max
  • iPhone 13 Series: iPhone 13, 13 Mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max
  • iPhone 12 Series: iPhone 12, 12 Mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max
  • iPhone 11 Series: iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
  • iPhone XS Series: iPhone XS, XS Max, XR
  • iPhone SE: iPhone SE (2020) and SE (2022)

💡 Important Note About iPhone 14 and Newer (USA Models)

If you bought your iPhone 14, 15, or 16 in the United States, it doesn't have a physical SIM card slot at all. These models only use eSIM. If you bought your iPhone outside the USA, it has both eSIM and a physical SIM slot.

How to Check if Your iPhone is Unlocked

Your iPhone needs to be unlocked to use eSIM from different carriers. Here's how to check:

  1. Open Settings on your iPhone
  2. Tap General
  3. Tap About
  4. Scroll down to Carrier Lock or Network Provider Lock
  5. If it says "No SIM restrictions" or "Unlocked", you're good to go!

If your iPhone is locked, you'll need to contact your carrier (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, etc.) to unlock it first.

3 Ways to Install eSIM on iPhone

There are three different ways to install an eSIM on your iPhone. Most eSIM providers support all three methods, but some only support one or two.

Method 1: QR Code Scanning (Easiest)

Best for: Most people (simplest and fastest method)

Your eSIM provider sends you a QR code either by email or shows it in their app. You simply scan this QR code with your iPhone camera, and it automatically installs the eSIM. This is the method I'll focus on in the step-by-step guide below because it's the easiest.

Pros: Very fast, no typing needed, works every time

Method 2: Manual Entry

Best for: If you don't have another device to display the QR code

Instead of scanning a QR code, you manually type in the eSIM details that your provider gives you. This includes an activation code and server address. It takes a bit longer because you have to type everything carefully.

Pros: Works without needing a second screen, useful if QR code scanning fails

Method 3: Carrier App or Direct Installation

Best for: Major carriers like Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile

Some big carriers let you install their eSIM directly through their app or by calling them. This is common if you're switching your main phone plan to eSIM. Travel eSIM providers like Airalo also have apps that install the eSIM automatically.

Pros: Fully automated, no QR code needed, guided by the carrier

💡 Which Method Should You Use?

For travel eSIMs like Airalo, Saily, or Yesim, I recommend using the QR code method. It's the fastest and most reliable. Just make sure you have another device (like a computer or iPad) to display the QR code, or you can print it out.

Step-by-Step: Install eSIM Using QR Code

Here's exactly how to install your eSIM using a QR code. I'll walk you through every single step with clear instructions.

1

Get Your eSIM QR Code Ready

First, you need to get the QR code from your eSIM provider:

  • If using Airalo: Open the Airalo app > My eSIMs > Select your eSIM > Tap "Details" > You'll see the QR code
  • If emailed to you: Open the email on a different device (computer, iPad, or another phone)
  • Best option: Display the QR code on a computer screen or print it out

⚠️ Important

You cannot scan a QR code that's on the same iPhone you're setting up. You must display the QR code on a different device or print it. This is the #1 mistake people make!

2

Open iPhone Settings

  1. On your iPhone, tap the Settings app (gray icon with gears)
  2. Scroll down and tap Cellular or Mobile Data (depends on your region)
  3. Tap Add Cellular Plan or Add eSIM

Your iPhone camera will automatically open, ready to scan the QR code.

3

Scan the QR Code

  1. Hold your iPhone so the QR code appears in the camera frame
  2. Keep your phone steady - it will scan automatically
  3. Wait for the message "Cellular Plan Detected"
  4. Tap Continue when prompted

💡 Scanning Tips

  • Make sure the QR code is well-lit (not too dark)
  • Hold your phone about 6-8 inches from the QR code
  • If it's not scanning, try cleaning your iPhone camera lens
  • Make sure the entire QR code fits in the frame
4

Install the eSIM Profile

  1. Your iPhone will show "Installing Cellular Plan"
  2. Wait 30 seconds to 2 minutes (don't close Settings!)
  3. You'll see "Cellular Plan Added" when it's done
  4. Tap Done

⚠️ Stay Connected to WiFi

Don't turn off WiFi or leave the Settings app during installation. If the installation is interrupted, you might need to start over with a new QR code.

5

Label Your eSIM (Optional but Recommended)

If you have multiple SIM cards (like your regular plan plus a travel eSIM), you should label them so you know which is which:

  1. You'll see a screen asking to label your new plan
  2. Choose a pre-made label like "Travel", "Business", or "Secondary"
  3. Or tap "Custom Label" and type your own name (like "India eSIM" or "Airalo")
  4. Tap Continue

This makes it easy to switch between your plans later.

✅ Installation Complete!

Your eSIM is now installed on your iPhone. But you're not quite done yet - you still need to activate it. Continue to the next section to learn how.

Need an eSIM for India Travel?

If you're looking for an affordable eSIM to use in India, I recommend Airalo. Their India plans start at just $4.50 for 1GB (7 days), and installation takes less than 5 minutes.

Get Airalo eSIM for India →

For more eSIM options, check out our complete guide to the best eSIM for India travel.

How to Activate Your eSIM

Installing the eSIM and activating it are two different steps. Here's how to make sure your eSIM is actually working:

Check if Your eSIM is Active

  1. Open Settings on your iPhone
  2. Tap Cellular or Mobile Data
  3. You should see your new eSIM listed under "SIMS"
  4. Look for signal bars next to the eSIM name

Turn On Your eSIM

Sometimes the eSIM installs but doesn't turn on automatically. Here's how to turn it on:

  1. Go to Settings > Cellular
  2. Tap on your new eSIM
  3. Toggle Turn On This Line to ON (green)
  4. Wait 10-30 seconds for it to connect

Enable Data Roaming (For Travel eSIMs)

If you're using a travel eSIM like Airalo for India, you MUST turn on Data Roaming. Don't worry - this won't cause extra charges because you're using a prepaid eSIM.

  1. Go to Settings > Cellular
  2. Tap on your travel eSIM
  3. Toggle Data Roaming to ON (green)
  4. You should now see signal bars and LTE/4G/5G icon

💡 Why Data Roaming is Safe for Travel eSIMs

Travel eSIMs are prepaid with a fixed data amount. Even with Data Roaming on, you can't be charged extra - once your prepaid data runs out, the eSIM simply stops working. This is different from your regular carrier's roaming, which can charge you hundreds of dollars.

Set Your eSIM as Default for Cellular Data

If you want to use your eSIM for internet (like when traveling in India), you need to make it your default data line:

  1. Go to Settings > Cellular
  2. Tap Cellular Data
  3. Select your travel eSIM
  4. Your iPhone will now use this eSIM for all internet

You can keep your original SIM active for calls and texts while using the eSIM for data.

✅ Test Your eSIM

Open Safari and try loading a website, or send a message on WhatsApp. If it works, your eSIM is active and ready to use! If you don't see signal bars or can't use data, check the troubleshooting section below.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Here are solutions to the most common problems people face when installing eSIM on iPhone:

Problem 1: "Unable to Complete Cellular Plan Change"

This usually means: The QR code has already been used, or there's a connection problem

Solutions to try:

  1. Check your WiFi: Make sure you have a strong WiFi connection
  2. Restart your iPhone: Hold power button > Slide to power off > Wait 30 seconds > Turn back on
  3. Try again: Sometimes it just needs a second attempt
  4. Get a new QR code: Contact your eSIM provider - the QR code might be expired or used

Problem 2: QR Code Won't Scan

This usually means: Camera issue or QR code display problem

Solutions to try:

  1. Clean your camera lens: Wipe it with a soft cloth
  2. Improve lighting: Make sure the QR code is well-lit
  3. Adjust distance: Move your phone closer or farther from the QR code
  4. Enlarge the QR code: If on a screen, zoom in to make it bigger
  5. Print it out: Sometimes paper works better than screens
  6. Use manual entry: Enter the activation code manually instead

Problem 3: eSIM Installed But No Signal

This usually means: The eSIM isn't activated or Data Roaming is off

Solutions to try:

  1. Turn on the eSIM line: Settings > Cellular > Tap your eSIM > Turn On This Line
  2. Enable Data Roaming: Settings > Cellular > Tap your eSIM > Data Roaming ON
  3. Restart your iPhone: This often fixes connection issues
  4. Toggle Airplane Mode: Turn it on for 10 seconds, then off
  5. Check activation date: Some eSIMs only activate when you arrive in the destination country

Problem 4: "Invalid Activation Code" or "Activation Failed"

This usually means: The activation code is wrong or your iPhone isn't unlocked

Solutions to try:

  1. Verify iPhone is unlocked: Settings > General > About > Check "Carrier Lock"
  2. Contact your eSIM provider: They can verify if the activation code is correct
  3. Request a new QR code: The old one might be invalid
  4. Update iOS: Make sure you have iOS 12.1 or later

Problem 5: Can't Find "Add Cellular Plan" Option

This usually means: Your iPhone doesn't support eSIM or needs updating

Solutions to try:

  1. Check your iPhone model: Must be iPhone XS/XR or newer
  2. Update iOS: Settings > General > Software Update
  3. Check for carrier restrictions: Some carrier-locked phones disable eSIM
  4. Try different path: Settings > General > About (some iOS versions have it here)

⚠️ Still Having Problems?

If none of these solutions work, contact your eSIM provider's customer support. They can check if there's an issue with your eSIM profile or generate a new QR code for you. Most providers like Airalo have 24/7 support through their app.

For more help with travel connectivity, see our guide on eSIM vs Physical SIM cards for India travel.

Managing Multiple eSIMs on Your iPhone

Your iPhone can store multiple eSIMs at once (up to 8 profiles), but only 1-2 can be active at the same time depending on your iPhone model.

How to Switch Between eSIMs

  1. Go to Settings > Cellular
  2. You'll see all your installed SIMs
  3. Tap the eSIM you want to use
  4. Toggle Turn On This Line
  5. If needed, turn off another SIM to activate this one

How to Delete an Old eSIM

When you're done with an eSIM (like after your India trip), you should delete it to keep things organized:

  1. Go to Settings > Cellular
  2. Tap the eSIM you want to remove
  3. Scroll down and tap Remove Cellular Plan
  4. Tap Remove to confirm

⚠️ Warning About Deleting eSIMs

Once you delete an eSIM, you cannot reinstall it with the same QR code. The QR code can only be used once. If you might need the eSIM again, just turn it off instead of deleting it.

eSIM vs Physical SIM: What's the Difference?

If you're new to eSIMs, you might wonder how they compare to regular SIM cards:

eSIM Advantages:

  • Instant activation: No waiting for a SIM card to arrive
  • Multiple lines: Keep your regular number plus add travel eSIM
  • No physical card: Can't lose it or damage it
  • Easy switching: Change plans without changing SIM cards
  • Perfect for travel: Get local rates before you even leave home

eSIM Disadvantages:

  • Can't share between phones: Unlike physical SIM, you can't move it to another phone
  • Harder to transfer: Switching to a new iPhone requires re-downloading the eSIM
  • Requires unlocked phone: Won't work on carrier-locked iPhones
  • Setup can be confusing: First time users might find it tricky

For a detailed comparison, read our guide on eSIM vs Physical SIM for India travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to install an eSIM on iPhone?

Installing an eSIM on iPhone typically takes 2-5 minutes. You need to scan a QR code, wait for the profile to download (30 seconds to 2 minutes), and then activate it. The entire process is very quick as long as you have a good WiFi connection.

Can I install eSIM without a QR code?

Yes, you can install eSIM manually without a QR code. Go to Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan > Enter Details Manually. You'll need the activation code and server address from your eSIM provider. This takes longer than scanning a QR code but works just as well.

Can I use the same QR code twice?

No, QR codes for eSIM installation can only be used once. After you scan the QR code and install the eSIM, that same code won't work again. If you need to reinstall the eSIM (like on a new phone), you must request a new QR code from your provider.

Will my iPhone work with both eSIM and physical SIM at the same time?

Yes, most iPhones can use both a physical SIM and an eSIM at the same time. This is called Dual SIM. However, US models of iPhone 14 and newer don't have a physical SIM slot - they only use eSIM. You can have two eSIMs active on these models.

Do I need to remove my physical SIM before installing eSIM?

No, you do not need to remove your physical SIM card before installing an eSIM. Both can be active at the same time. This is actually one of the main benefits of eSIM - you can keep your regular phone number on the physical SIM and use a travel eSIM for data when traveling.

Why is my eSIM not working after installation?

If your eSIM installed but isn't working, the most common causes are: (1) Data Roaming is turned off - go to Settings > Cellular > tap your eSIM > turn on Data Roaming, (2) The eSIM line is turned off - toggle Turn On This Line to green, or (3) Your iPhone needs to be restarted. Try these three solutions first before contacting support.

How do I know if my eSIM is activated?

Go to Settings > Cellular and look at your eSIM. If it's activated, you'll see signal bars next to the name and the status will say the carrier name (like Airalo, Jio, etc.). You can also test by turning off your physical SIM and trying to use the internet - if websites load, your eSIM is working.

Final Thoughts

Installing an eSIM on your iPhone is easier than most people think. With the right QR code and a good WiFi connection, you can have a working eSIM in less than 5 minutes. The key is following each step carefully and not rushing through the process.

If you're planning to travel to India, getting an eSIM before your trip can save you hundreds of dollars in roaming charges. Services like Airalo offer affordable India plans starting at just $4.50, and you can install the eSIM from home before you even leave.

Remember these key points:

  • Your iPhone must be XS/XR or newer
  • Display the QR code on a different device
  • Stay on WiFi during installation
  • Turn on Data Roaming for travel eSIMs
  • Label your eSIMs so you know which is which

If you run into any problems, revisit the troubleshooting section above. Most issues can be fixed with a simple restart or by toggling Data Roaming on. And if all else fails, your eSIM provider's support team can help you troubleshoot.

For more information about staying connected while traveling to India, check out our complete guide to the 9 best ways to call India from USA.

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Priya Sharma
Priya Sharma

International Calling Expert & Indian Expat Advocate

Priya is an Indian expat based in San Francisco with over 8 years of experience helping fellow expats stay connected with family back home. After spending thousands on international calls herself, she dedicated herself to researching and testing every calling solution available. Through Dial91, she shares honest, practical advice to help Indian expats find affordable ways to call India without breaking the bank.

📧 priya@dial91.com

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