How to Set Up a Travel eSIM on iPhone, Step by Step
Setting up a travel eSIM on iPhone takes about five minutes. The safest approach is to install it at home over Wi-Fi, leave it switched off, and turn it on after you land. This guide follows the menus in recent versions of iOS. Apple's own instructions are on its eSIM support page. Depending on your region, the menu may be called "Cellular" or "Mobile Service". The steps are the same.
Before you start
- Check your iPhone supports eSIM. iPhone XS, XR and later do. See what a travel eSIM is for model notes.
- Check it's unlocked. Go to Settings > General > About and look for "No SIM restrictions" next to Carrier Lock.
- Connect to reliable Wi-Fi. The eSIM profile downloads over the internet.
- Have the QR code on another screen, such as a laptop or a printed copy. If you only have one device, use the manual details or the "install" link many providers send by email.
Step 1: Install the eSIM
- Open Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Service).
- Tap Add eSIM, then Use QR Code, and scan the code.
- If you can't scan, choose Enter Details Manually and type the SM-DP+ address and activation code from your provider.
- Wait for "Activating" to finish. This can take a minute or two.
Alternatively, point your iPhone camera at the QR code and tap the "Cellular plan" notification.
Step 2: Label your lines
iOS asks you to name the new line. Give it a clear label such as "Japan" or "Travel", and leave your home line as "Primary". Clear labels make every later menu easier, especially if you install eSIMs for several countries.
Step 3: Choose the default lines
iOS then asks which line to use for:
| Setting | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Default line (calls and texts) | Your home line | Bank codes and texts keep arriving |
| iMessage and FaceTime | Your home line | Your contacts see your usual number |
| Cellular Data | The travel eSIM | All data goes over the travel plan |
When you're asked about Allow Cellular Data Switching, turn it off. If it's on, your iPhone can fall back to your home line's data when the travel signal is weak, which can mean roaming charges from your home carrier.
Step 4: Switch it off until you travel
Go to Settings > Cellular, tap the travel line, and turn off Turn On This Line. Many plans start counting days when they first connect to a network at your destination. Keeping the line off at home avoids starting the clock early on plans that begin at installation.
Step 5: When you land
- Turn off airplane mode.
- In Settings > Cellular, tap the travel line and turn on Turn On This Line.
- On the same screen, turn on Data Roaming. Almost every travel eSIM needs this, even when you're connected to a local network.
- Check that Cellular Data is set to the travel line.
- On your home line, make sure Data Roaming is off.
Within a minute or two you should see a local network name and 4G or 5G in Control Center. If you see "No Service", work through our troubleshooting checklist.
Checking your data use
Settings > Cellular shows data used per line, but the count runs since you last reset statistics. Scroll to the bottom and tap Reset Statistics before your trip for an accurate figure. Your provider's app or website shows the official remaining balance. To estimate how much you'll need, see the data guide.
After the trip
Switch the travel line off when you get home. Don't delete it straight away if your provider offers top-ups for the same eSIM. Once the plan has expired and you won't reuse it, you can remove it under Settings > Cellular > [travel line] > Delete eSIM.
FAQ
Can I install a travel eSIM while I'm already abroad?
Yes, as long as you have Wi-Fi to download the profile. Installing at home is easier because you can sort out problems before you leave.
Why do I need data roaming on for a local network?
Travel eSIMs are usually issued by an operator outside your destination, so the network treats you as a roaming customer. Turning on data roaming for the travel line is expected and doesn't cost extra on your home bill.
Will my home carrier charge me while the travel eSIM is active?
Not for data, if your home line's data roaming is off and Cellular Data Switching is off. Incoming calls and texts on your home line may still be charged according to your carrier's roaming rules.
How many eSIMs can my iPhone hold?
According to Apple, iPhone can store eight or more eSIMs, with two lines active at the same time.
My QR code says it's no longer valid. What now?
The profile may already have been installed, or the code may have expired. Contact your provider with your order number. They can usually check whether the eSIM was downloaded.