How to Activate an eSIM on iPhone with a QR Code

To activate an eSIM on iPhone, connect to stable Wi-Fi, open Settings, then Mobile Service (UK) or Cellular (US), tap Add eSIM or Add Mobile Plan, choose to use a QR code, and scan the code from your email. Label the line, set it up, and turn it on when you arrive.

To activate an eSIM on iPhone, connect to stable Wi-Fi, open Settings, then Mobile Service (UK) or Cellular (US), tap Add eSIM or Add Mobile Plan, choose to use a QR code, and scan the code from your email. Label the line, set it up, and turn it on when you arrive.

Before you start

Before you start, make sure your iPhone is unlocked and eSIM compatible, and that you have a stable Wi-Fi connection. You also need the QR code from your eSIM provider, usually sent by email. Install the eSIM before you fly, because with a travel eSIM, validity usually starts when the eSIM first connects at the destination.

Check the iPhone is unlocked. An eSIM cannot be installed on a locked phone. If you are not sure, follow the guide to check the iPhone is unlocked.

Confirm the phone supports eSIM. Most recent iPhones do, but older models may not. You can check in Settings under General, then About. If you see an option for eSIM or a digital SIM, the phone is compatible.

Have the QR code ready. It is normally in the email from your eSIM provider. You can display it on another screen or print it. The camera on your iPhone will scan it during setup.

Connect to Wi-Fi. A stable Wi-Fi connection is needed to install the eSIM. Mobile data alone may not work for the initial download.

Scan the QR code

To scan the QR code, open Settings, then Mobile Service (UK) or Cellular (US), tap Add eSIM or Add Mobile Plan, choose to use a QR code, and scan the code from your email with the camera. The exact menu name depends on your iOS version and region.

1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
2. Tap Mobile Service (UK) or Cellular (US). The name depends on your region.
3. Tap Add eSIM or Add Mobile Plan. The option name depends on your iOS version.
4. Choose to use a QR code.
5. Hold your iPhone so the camera can see the QR code from your email. The phone will scan it automatically.
6. Wait while the eSIM installs. This can take a minute or two.

If the camera does not scan the code, you can enter the details manually if your provider gives them. Otherwise, ask your provider for a new QR code. A QR code can usually be installed only once, so do not delete the eSIM after installing it.

Label and set up the new line

After scanning, you can label the new line, for example Travel, and choose which line is used for mobile data. Keep your home SIM on for calls and SMS, with its data roaming off, to avoid roaming charges.

Give the line a clear name. Labelling it Travel or similar helps you tell it apart from your home line later.

Choose the default line for calls, SMS and mobile data. For a travel eSIM, set the travel line as the mobile data line. Keep your home SIM selected for calls and SMS so you can still receive verification codes.

Turn data roaming off for your home line. This helps avoid roaming charges. You can turn data roaming on for the travel line when you arrive.

If you need to change these settings later, see how to switch between lines.

Switch it on when you arrive

When you arrive, turn the travel line on, set it as the mobile data line and turn on data roaming for that line. Keep your home SIM on for calls and SMS, with its data roaming off, to avoid roaming charges.

Turn the travel line on. Go to Settings, then Mobile Service (UK) or Cellular (US), and make sure the travel line is enabled.

Set the travel line as the mobile data line. In the same menu, choose the travel line under Mobile Data.

Turn on data roaming for the travel line. This is usually required for a travel eSIM to connect abroad. Leave data roaming off for your home line.

Check the signal. Once the travel line connects, you should see a signal and data should work. With a travel eSIM, validity usually starts when the eSIM first connects at the destination.

If the eSIM does not connect

If the eSIM does not connect, check that the travel line is on, set as the mobile data line, and that data roaming is on for that line. Also confirm you are in a coverage area and that the phone is unlocked. If problems continue, see the guide on data connection errors.

First, check the basics. Make sure the travel line is enabled, selected for mobile data, and that data roaming is on for that line.

Restart the phone. A simple restart can refresh the network connection.

Check coverage. Move to an area with known coverage. If you are indoors, try near a window.

Confirm the phone is unlocked. A locked phone may not allow the eSIM to connect. Use the guide to check the iPhone is unlocked.

If the eSIM still does not connect, see the guide on data connection errors for more help. Do not delete the eSIM, as a QR code can usually be installed only once.