Setting Up an eSIM on iPhone, Step by Step
Updated: October 2026
The iPhone is the easiest phone to set an eSIM up on; Apple has backed eSIM for years and the whole process takes a few minutes. This guide walks through every step after purchase.
Which iPhones support eSIM?
iPhone XS, XS Max, XR and every model since (2018 onwards) support eSIM. The ones that do not: iPhone X, iPhone 8 and earlier, and the first-generation iPhone SE. iPhones sold in the US from the iPhone 14 onwards have no SIM tray at all and run on eSIM alone.
Two conditions: the phone must be unlocked (not tied to one carrier) and iOS must be up to date. A phone bought outright is unlocked; one bought on a carrier contract may still be locked, and your carrier can unlock it, usually for free once the contract is paid off.
To be sure: open Settings → General → About and scroll down; if you see "Digital SIM" or an EID number, you are ready.
Setup: in one tap (the easy way)
On iOS 17.4 and later, all you need to do is tap the "Install on iPhone in one tap" link that comes with your order; there is no QR code to scan. The button on your order page and in your email takes you straight to the install screen; you confirm, and it is done.
Setup: by QR code
- Open the QR code on a computer screen, or print it (your phone has to scan it from another surface).
- On the iPhone go to Settings → Cellular (Mobile Service in the UK) → Add eSIM → Use QR Code.
- Point the camera at the code and confirm "Add Cellular Plan".
- Give the eSIM a label, such as "Peregrin Greece", so the two lines do not get mixed up.
If the QR code is only on your phone: take a screenshot of the code in the email, then use Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → Use QR Code → Open Photos to scan it from your photo library.
Travel settings (the critical part)
After setup, before you board:
- Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data → choose the eSIM as your data line.
- Open the eSIM line → Data Roaming: ON (abroad, the eSIM works as a "roaming" line; this is normal and does not cost extra).
- Open your home line → Data Roaming: OFF. Leave the line itself on; calls and bank texts keep arriving.
When you land, the phone finds the local network by itself. If it does not, switch Airplane Mode on and off.
Common problems
- "Unable to Activate Cellular Plan": Usually a temporary network issue; check your Wi-Fi connection and try again.
- The QR code says "invalid": Each QR code can only be installed once. If you have already installed it, the eSIM is on your phone; check the list under Settings → Cellular.
- Slow or no data: Is Data Roaming on for the eSIM line, and is the eSIM selected as the data line? Check both settings.
Ready?
Find your destination in the list of destinations; for the basics, see What is an eSIM?. If no data comes through, work through the checks in eSIM not working? in order.