Ready to install an eSIM on your iPhone before you travel? You've come to the right place. eSIMs are quickly becoming the global connectivity standard for travelers worldwide. And Airalo is the first and largest eSIM marketplace, giving you access to eSIMs for 200+ countries and regions worldwide!
We know the ins and outs of eSIMs, including how to install and activate an eSIM before you travel. Keep reading for step-by-step instructions to install an eSIM on your iPhone and stay connected during your trip.
What Is an eSIM?
First, let's review what an eSIM is and how it works. An eSIM is an embedded SIM (that's what the "e" stands for) — a tiny chip built into your device during manufacturing. Like a physical SIM card, it identifies you as a mobile subscriber and connects you to a carrier's network.
The difference is that an eSIM works 100% digitally. You don't need to insert a physical SIM to change mobile providers or stay connected when you travel. Instead, you can purchase an eSIM plan from a provider like Airalo, install an eSIM profile on your device, and instantly connect to a mobile network.
Does My iPhone Support eSIM?
The first Apple phones to support eSIM technology were the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR, released in 2018. If you have a later iPhone model, it's likely to be eSIM-compatible. However, this may vary depending on your mobile carrier and the country or region where you purchased your iPhone (e.g., iPhones in China don't have eSIM capabilities).
Your iPhone must be carrier-unlocked and eSIM-compatible to use an eSIM. Follow these steps to see if your device meets these requirements:
- Go to Settings > General > About.
- Scroll down to the Carrier Lock section.
- If your device is unlocked, it will show "No SIM restrictions."
- Scroll down to Available SIM (iOS 15 or later) or Digital SIM (earlier iOS versions).
- If your phone supports eSIMs, it will show a 15-digit IMEI number.
3 Ways To Install an eSIM on an iPhone
If your iPhone is eSIM-compatible, you're set to purchase an eSIM and stay connected during your next trip. Here are three ways to install an eSIM from Airalo on your iPhone.
Option 1: Direct Installation
This is the quickest and easiest way to install an eSIM on your iPhone. Follow these step-by-step instructions to use the direct installation method.
- Login to your Airalo account, go to My eSIMs and tap the eSIM you want to install.
- Tap Details.
- Tap Install eSIM.
- Tap Add Cellular Plan.
- Label your eSIM (e.g., Italy eSIM).
- Choose your preferred default line to call or send messages.*
- Choose your preferred line to use with iMessage and FaceTime.*
- Choose your Airalo eSIM plan as your default line for Cellular Data. Keep Allow Cellular Data Switching turned OFF to prevent changes on your other line.
*If you've purchased a data-only eSIM, select your primary (home) line for calls, texts, iMessage, and FaceTime. If you've purchased an eSIM with call and text capabilities, select the eSIM as your preferred line to access those features.
Option 2: Scan a QR Code
You can also install an eSIM on your iPhone by scanning a QR code. Follow these steps to get started.
- Login to your Airalo account, go to My eSIMs and tap the eSIM you want to install.
- Tap Details.
- Tap Install eSIM and select QR Code.
- Print or display the QR code on another device (e.g., a laptop or tablet).
- Go to your device Settings > Cellular or Mobile.
- Tap Add Cellular Plan or Add Mobile Data Plan.
- Tap Use QR Code and scan your eSIM QR code.
- Label your eSIM (e.g., Italy eSIM).
- Choose your preferred default line to call or send messages.
- Choose your preferred line to use with iMessage and FaceTime.
- Choose your Airalo eSIM plan as your default line for Cellular Data. Keep Allow Cellular Data Switching turned OFF to prevent changes on your other line.
Option 3: Manual Installation
Another way to install an eSIM on your iPhone is by manually entering an activation code. Here's how to do it.
- Login to your Airalo account, go to My eSIMs and tap the eSIM you want to install.
- Tap Details.
- Tap Install eSIM and select Manual to access the SM-DP+ address and activation code.
- Go to your device Settings > Cellular or Mobile.
- Tap Add Cellular Plan or Add Mobile Data Plan.
- Select Enter Details Manually. Enter the SM-DP+ address, activation code, and confirmation code (if available).
- Label your eSIM (e.g., Italy eSIM).
- Choose your preferred default line to call or send messages.
- Choose your preferred line to use with iMessage and FaceTime.
- Choose your Airalo eSIM plan as your default line for Cellular Data. Keep Allow Cellular Data Switching turned OFF to prevent changes on your other line.
How To Turn on Your eSIM Line
Now that you've installed your eSIM, you can connect to a mobile network when you arrive at your destination. Here's how to turn on your eSIM line upon arrival.
- Go to your device Settings > Cellular or Mobile
- Tap your eSIM line.
- Toggle ON Turn On This Line.
- Toggle ON Data Roaming.
- Your iPhone will automatically connect to a supported network.
You're all set to stay connected during your travels! https://www.airalo.com/https://www.airalo.com/ to find an eSIM for your trip.
