Skip to content
Development preview. Prices, rankings, test claims, people and legal details are sample content. Purchases and messages are disabled.
eSIM Clarity

How to install a travel eSIM on iPhone, step by step

The whole thing takes about five minutes. Do it at home, on Wi-Fi, a day or two before you fly.

TimeAbout 5 minutes You needWi-Fi and an unlocked iPhone XS or newer Tested oniPhone 15, [iOS version] Updated3 Oct 2026

Before you start

  • Your iPhone supports eSIMiPhone XS, XR or newer. Check your model
  • Your iPhone is unlockedSettings, General, About: "No SIM restrictions" next to Carrier Lock
  • You are on Wi-FiThe eSIM downloads over the internet
  • You have bought your planKeep the email or app open

Install at home

  1. Step 1

    Open the install link

    In the eSIM app, tap Install. If you bought on a website, open Settings, then Cellular, then Add eSIM, and choose to use a QR code.

    Tip: a QR code is easiest to scan from a second screen, such as a laptop.

    [Screenshot: Settings, Cellular, Add eSIM]
  2. Step 2

    Add the eSIM

    Follow the prompts and tap Continue. The download takes under a minute on good Wi-Fi.

    [Screenshot: Activating eSIM]
  3. Step 3

    Name it "Travel"

    When asked to label the new line, pick Travel. It makes the next steps much easier.

    [Screenshot: Cellular Plan Labels]
  4. Step 4

    Keep your main line for now

    When asked which line to use for data, choose your main line. You will switch when you land, so your plan does not start early.

    [Screenshot: Default line choice]

When you land

  1. 1

    Open Settings, Cellular, Cellular Data and choose Travel.

  2. 2

    Tap the Travel line and turn on Data Roaming. Travel eSIMs need it.

  3. 3

    Tap your main line and turn Data Roaming off, so your home carrier does not charge you.

  4. 4

    Wait a minute for signal. You will see the local network name at the top of Control Center.

If it does not work

I have signal but no internet
Check that Data Roaming is on for the Travel line, and that Travel is chosen under Cellular Data. If it still fails, restart the phone.
It says "No Service"
[Steps from our own testing, including choosing a network manually]
The QR code will not scan
Most providers also show a manual code. In Add eSIM, choose to enter the details manually and paste it in.

Still stuck? Contact your eSIM provider's support. Links: Airalo, Saily, Holafly.