How to Install eSIM on iPhone

TL;DR (Travel eSIM setup)

• Home USIM: Primary voice/SMS (data roaming OFF recommended)
• Travel eSIM: For cellular data + data roaming ON
• In iPhone settings, set Allow Cellular Data Switching to OFF to avoid unwanted line switching and roaming.

Before installing (checklist)

• Wi‑Fi: Downloading/registering the eSIM profile is most stable on Wi‑Fi.
• Latest iOS: Recommended for menu/activation stability
• Carrier unlock: Locked devices may not work with overseas eSIMs
• QR code/code: Have QR on another device or check email for SM‑DP+ address and activation code
• Deletion warning: Many eSIMs are one-time install only (don’t delete during travel)

How to activate eSIM on iPhone (Apple official)

Apple describes these main methods:

• eSIM Quick Transfer (transfer number from previous iPhone)
• Carrier eSIM activation (carrier pre-assigns eSIM to iPhone)
• Add with QR code
• Other (link, carrier app, manual entry, etc.)

Travel eSIMs usually use QR code or manual entry (SM‑DP+).

Add eSIM with QR code — step by step

1. Go to Settings > Cellular (Mobile Data).
2. Tap Add eSIM or Add Cellular Plan.
3. Choose Use QR code and scan the QR.
4. Tap Continue when prompted and finish installation.
5. Enter any confirmation code / activation code from the provider if asked.
6. Give the eSIM a label (e.g. Travel / Data / Japan).

If QR doesn’t work: “Enter details manually” (SM‑DP+)

1. Go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM.
2. Tap Enter details manually at the bottom.
3. Enter the SM‑DP+ address and activation code from the provider.

After install: “Travel-optimized” (keep home number + data on eSIM)

1) Set cellular data to travel eSIM

• Cellular data: Select travel eSIM
• Allow Cellular Data Switching: OFF recommended
  (to avoid unwanted line switching)

2) Data roaming ON only for travel eSIM

• Settings > Cellular > Select travel eSIM > Data roaming ON
• Keep data roaming OFF for home USIM
  See How to turn off data roaming on home SIM

3) Keep primary voice/SMS (home number)

With dual SIM, a common setup:

• Default voice: Home USIM
• Messages / iMessage / FaceTime: Choose according to your usage

Common issues (iPhone)

“Activating” takes too long

• Try different Wi‑Fi or reboot and retry
• May be provider/carrier processing; wait a bit

QR code not recognized

• Max brightness, no reflection/blur
• Distance about 20–30 cm
• If still no: use manual entry (SM‑DP+).

No data abroad

• Is cellular data set to travel eSIM?
• Is data roaming ON for travel eSIM?
• Check network auto/manual and APN if needed
  Full checklist: When eSIM data doesn’t work abroad

References (official)

• Apple: Set up eSIM on iPhone