Before you start
You need a Wi-Fi or cellular connection to download the profile, and your iPhone must be running iOS 12.1 or later (almost every phone in use today qualifies). Buy the plan from your provider while at home and keep the QR code or install link handy — screenshot it so you have it offline.
Tip: install the profile before you travel. The plan’s validity clock starts when you connect to the destination network, not when you install.
Step 1 — Open Settings and add the plan
Go to Settings → Cellular (or Mobile Data) → Add eSIM. Choose “Use QR Code” and scan the code from your provider’s email or app. If your provider sends an install link instead, tap it and follow the on-screen prompts.
Step 2 — Label the line
iOS asks you to label your plans, e.g. “Travel” for the eSIM and “Primary” for your home line. Clear labels make it easy to tell which line is doing what when you land.
Step 3 — Set the default data line
In Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data, select the travel eSIM as your data line. If you want to keep receiving calls on your home number, set your home SIM as the voice line under Default Voice Line.
Step 4 — Turn on data roaming for the eSIM
Travel eSIMs work through “data roaming” even though there are no roaming fees — the plan is a local connection. In Settings → Cellular → tap the travel plan → enable Data Roaming. This is the single most common missed step.
Step 5 — Arrive and verify
When you land, your iPhone should connect automatically. Check the status bar: your travel carrier’s name (or “eSIM”) appears next to the signal bars. If not, toggle Airplane Mode on and off once, then confirm the travel line is active under Cellular.
Troubleshooting
- “Unable to add plan” — check that your iPhone is unlocked and eSIM-capable (Settings → General → About → EID present)
- QR code won’t scan — use the “Enter Details Manually” option with the SM-DP+ address and activation code from your provider
- No signal after landing — enable Data Roaming for the travel line and toggle Airplane Mode
- Slow speeds — your plan may be on a secondary network; try manual network selection under Settings → Cellular → Network Selection
Frequently asked
No. Adding an eSIM profile touches nothing else on the phone — your apps, photos and home SIM all stay exactly as they are.
Yes — Settings → Cellular → tap the travel plan → Remove Cellular Plan. You can reinstall it later from your provider account if it is still valid.
Travel eSIMs technically connect through roaming-style agreements, but there are no roaming charges — your plan is prepaid. Keep Data Roaming on for the travel line and off for your home line.
Keep learning
Guides are original FinderESIM editorial content. They explain how eSIM technology works and are reviewed regularly; last updated 2026-07-25.