How to install an eSIM on iPhone

Before you start

Find the installation details your carrier or eSIM provider sends you. Apple supports QR codes, carrier links, manual entry, and eSIM Carrier Activation. Use the instructions for the method you receive rather than working through every method.

For Airalo, open your purchased eSIM in the app. Install or share gives you access to installation options. Under Share and more, you can find QR code and manual installation information. If you scan a QR code with your camera, Airalo says you can display it on another device or use a printed copy.

Install with a QR code

If you are setting up your iPhone, Apple says to tap Use QR code when the Set Up Cellular screen appears, then follow the onscreen instructions.

If your iPhone is already set up, use the QR steps below. The manual-entry steps are an alternative if your carrier sends installation details instead of a QR code.

1. For a QR code: open Camera and scan the code. Tap the Cellular Plan Detected notification.
2. If the code is in your default email app or browser, Apple offers another route on iOS 17.4 or later: touch and hold the QR code, then tap Add eSIM.
3. Continue with the QR installation: tap Continue, then Add Cellular Plan. If prompted for a confirmation code, enter the code your carrier provides. Airalo says to wait while activation finishes without exiting the process, then select Done when prompted.
4. For manual entry instead: open Settings.
5. Tap Cellular or Mobile Data.
6. Tap Add Cellular Plan.
7. Tap Enter Details Manually at the bottom of the screen and enter the eSIM details your provider supplies. Airalo makes its manual installation information available under Install or share, then Share and more.

Install from the provider app or a link

Airalo supports direct installation from its app. Apple also describes installation through a carrier link or an eSIM Carrier Activation notification. Follow the branch that matches what your provider sends you.

Airalo says you will be prompted to label the eSIM during installation. Use that label to recognize the new line when you return to your cellular settings.

1. For Airalo app installation: open your eSIM, select Install or share, then Start installation. Follow the prompts.
2. For a carrier link: on an iPhone with iOS 17.4 or later, tap the link your carrier sends.
3. When Activate New eSIM appears, tap Allow.
4. Tap Continue at the bottom of the screen.
5. For eSIM Carrier Activation: tap the Carrier Cellular Plan Ready to Be Installed notification when it appears.
6. In Settings, tap Carrier Cellular Plan Ready to Be Installed, then tap Continue.
7. For the Carrier Activation method, Apple says to make a call to check cellular connectivity. If you cannot make a call, contact your carrier.

Set the eSIM for mobile data

Check the installed line before you try to connect. Apple says to open Settings, tap Cellular, and make sure the new line below eSIMs is turned on.

Airalo gives the following route to turn on the line and open the mobile data setting. Its supplied instructions do not state the next selection on the Cellular Data screen.

1. Open Settings, then tap Cellular or Mobile Service.
2. Select your new eSIM.
3. Turn on Turn On This Line.
4. Return to the main Cellular or Mobile Service menu.
5. Tap Cellular Data or Mobile Data.
6. If your Airalo package includes calls and texts, tap Default Voice Line and choose your eSIM there as well.

When you land

Check your package's connection instructions rather than turning on roaming without checking. Airalo says to enable Data Roaming if its How to connect instructions require it.

Use the new line's label to identify the eSIM you installed. The roaming switch is part of that line's settings, so select the new eSIM before changing it.

1. Open Settings and tap Cellular or Mobile Service.
2. Select your new eSIM and check that Turn On This Line is enabled.
3. Turn on Data Roaming if Airalo's How to connect instructions require it.

If it does not connect

Start by checking the line settings, then refresh the network connection. Airalo suggests restarting your phone or using airplane mode if the eSIM does not connect to a network.

Keep Apple's call check tied to the Carrier Activation method described above. Airalo's instructions only tell you to select the eSIM as your Default Voice Line if your package includes calls and texts.

1. Open Settings, then Cellular or Mobile Data. Select the new eSIM and check that the line is turned on.
2. Check Airalo's How to connect instructions and enable Data Roaming if required.
3. Turn your phone off and on. Alternatively, enable airplane mode for 10 seconds to refresh the network connection.