How to Install & Activate an eSIM on iPhone (2026)

Installing a travel eSIM on your iPhone takes about two minutes, and you can do it before you leave home. This guide walks through both install methods — scanning a QR code and entering details manually — plus how to choose which line uses data and how to fix the most common "No Service" problem.

Before you start

Two quick checks save a lot of frustration:

• Your iPhone supports eSIM. That's iPhone XS, XR, and every model since (including SE 2020 and later). US iPhone 14 models and newer are eSIM-only.
• Your iPhone is carrier-unlocked. If your phone is tied to a home carrier, it may refuse a new eSIM. Check under Settings → General → About → Carrier Lock — it should read "No SIM restrictions."
• You have Wi-Fi. You need a connection to download the eSIM profile. Do this step at home before you fly.

Have your eSIM Today order open — you'll need the QR code or the manual activation details from your confirmation.

Method A — Install with a QR code (easiest)

1. Open Settings → Cellular (or Mobile Service in some regions).
2. Tap Add eSIM (or Add Cellular Plan).
3. Tap Use QR Code.
4. Point your camera at the QR code from your eSIM Today confirmation. If you're viewing the code on the same iPhone, tap Enter Details Manually instead (see Method B).
5. Tap Continue, then Add eSIM. Your iPhone downloads the plan — this takes a minute.

Method B — Install manually (enter details)

Use this if you don't have a separate screen to scan from.

1. Go to Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → Use QR Code → Enter Details Manually.
2. Enter the SM-DP+ Address and Activation Code exactly as shown in your eSIM Today confirmation.
3. Tap Next, then Add eSIM to download the plan.

Set up your plan after install

Once the plan downloads, iPhone walks you through a few choices:

1. Label the plan. Pick a clear name like "Travel" or "Japan" so you can tell it apart from your home line.
2. Default Line. Keep your home number as the default for calls and iMessage so you don't miss anything.
3. Set this to your . Turn on only if you want iPhone to fall back to your home line — for most travellers, leave it off to avoid roaming charges on your home plan.