iPhone guide

Install your eSIM on iPhone

A complete guide with a picture of every screen: install the eSIM, then turn on the line and data roaming. For iOS 17 and newer; it takes a few minutes.

Before you start

  • An eSIM-compatible, unlocked phone

    Dial *#06# as if making a call: if an EID code appears, your iPhone has an eSIM (iPhone XS, XR and newer). The phone must not be locked to a carrier. If you bought it on a contract, ask your carrier.

  • Internet on the phone

    Connect to Wi-Fi (or use your SIM’s mobile data): the phone downloads the eSIM from the internet.

  • The QR code on another screen

    Open the e-mail with the QR code on a laptop, tablet or another phone (or print it) and scan it with your iPhone. Reading the e-mail on the iPhone itself? Use the Install eSIM on iPhone button for a one-tap install (iOS 17.4 or newer).

  • When to install

    Install the eSIM shortly before you leave, for example on the day of the trip, while you still have Wi-Fi. The validity of your plan is counted from activation, as described in the plan details.

Installing the eSIM

Follow the steps in order. The pictures show your phone’s screens; what to tap is outlined in blue.

  1. Step 1: Open Settings and tap Cellular.

    UK iPhones: Mobile Service. On iPad: Cellular Data / Mobile Data.

  2. Step 2: Tap Add eSIM.

    No active line yet? The option is called Set Up Cellular (UK: Set Up Mobile Service).

  3. Step 3: Choose Use QR Code.

    If you don’t see it straight away, tap Other Options first.

  4. Step 4: Scan the QR code from your e-mail. Keep the whole code inside the frame on the screen.

    Scanning doesn’t work? Tap Enter Details Manually (see “Without a QR code” below).

  5. Step 5: Tap Continue and wait for the activation, which can take a minute. Don’t close the screen.

  6. Step 6: Under Cellular Plan Label, give the new line a name you will recognise, for example Flash Sim.

  7. Step 7: On the next screens, keep your home line for calls, SMS and iMessage, and under Cellular Data choose Flash Sim.

    Leave Allow Cellular Data Switching off, so the iPhone doesn’t switch to your home SIM’s data by itself.

Without a QR code: manual entry

Can’t scan the code (for example, you only have your phone with you)? Type the details in by hand. You will find them in the eSIM e-mail and on your order page:

  • SM-DP+ address + Activation codewhen the phone asks for two fields
  • Full code (LPA)when the phone asks for one code (it starts with LPA:1$)
  1. In step 4, on the camera screen, tap Enter Details Manually.
  2. Fill in the SM-DP+ address and the Activation code from your e-mail, then continue as in step 5.

Copy the codes exactly, without spaces at the start or end. Easiest: open the e-mail on your phone, press and hold the code → Copy, then paste it into the field.

Activation: the line, mobile data and roaming

After installing, the eSIM must be turned on and chosen for the internet. Calls and SMS stay on your home SIM.

  1. Step 8: Check the line: Settings → Cellular → Flash Sim. Turn On This Line must be on.

    Also in Cellular, Flash Sim must be chosen under Cellular Data.

  2. Step 9: Turn on roaming for the eSIM: Flash Sim → Cellular Data Options → Data Roaming. On your home line, Data Roaming stays off.

    UK iPhones: Mobile Data Options → Data Roaming.

Good to know

  • Install the eSIM only once: the QR code can usually be used only once.
  • Don't delete the eSIM from your phone after installing it: it usually can't be installed a second time, and any top-ups are added to the same line.
  • The validity of your plan is counted from activation, as described in the plan details.
  • eSIM works on iPhone XS, XR and newer. iPhones from mainland China (with two physical SIM slots) usually have no eSIM.
  • Two lines can be active on an iPhone at the same time: your home SIM and the Flash Sim eSIM. You can keep several eSIMs installed and turn on only what you need.

Common problems

  • The QR code doesn’t work or was already used

    A QR code can usually be installed only once. If you see an error (invalid or already used code), don’t keep retrying and don’t delete anything. Write to us with the ICCID from your e-mail and we’ll help.

  • No signal on the eSIM (“no service”)

    Check that you are in a country covered by your plan, that the eSIM line is turned on and that data roaming is on for the eSIM. Turn airplane mode on and off, then restart the phone. Connecting to the network can take a few minutes.

  • Signal, but no internet

    Check: the eSIM is chosen for mobile data, data roaming is on for the eSIM, and the phone has been restarted. If your plan needs APN settings, they are in your order e-mail: set them exactly as shown there.

  • I can’t find the option to add an eSIM

    Your phone may not have an eSIM or may be locked to a carrier. Dial *#06#: if no EID appears, the phone has no eSIM.

  • I deleted the eSIM by mistake

    Write to us before doing anything else: a deleted eSIM usually can’t be reinstalled with the same code.

Menu names can differ slightly depending on your phone model and system version. The pictures are illustrations of the screens, not screenshots of your phone.