The complete 2026 guide — scan a QR code, enter an activation code, or tap a direct install link. Works on iPhone XS and later.
Get an eSIM to Test →All iPhones from 2018 onwards support eSIM. Models marked ✦ are eSIM-only (no physical SIM tray).
✦ US iPhone 14 and all iPhone 15/16 models are eSIM-only and have no physical SIM tray. Non-US iPhone 14 models have a physical SIM + eSIM.
Your eSIM provider will tell you which method to use. QR code is most common.
Best when you receive a QR code image via email or PDF from your eSIM provider.
Use this if you cannot scan the QR code (e.g. the QR is on the same device).
Some carriers send a tap-to-install link via email or SMS (supported on iOS 16 and later).
Apple renamed a few menus in iOS 18. Here's exactly where to find the eSIM settings on each version.
| Action | iOS 17 Path | iOS 18 Path |
|---|---|---|
| Add a new eSIM | Settings → Cellular → Add Cellular Plan | Settings → Mobile Service → Add eSIM |
| Switch active eSIM | Settings → Cellular → [select plan] → Turn On | Settings → Mobile Service → [select plan] → Turn On This Line |
| Set data line | Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data | Settings → Mobile Service → Mobile Data |
| Edit APN settings | Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data Options → Cellular Data Network | Settings → Mobile Service → [plan] → Mobile Data Network |
| Delete an eSIM | Settings → Cellular → [plan] → Remove Cellular Plan | Settings → Mobile Service → [plan] → Delete eSIM |
| Transfer eSIM to new iPhone | Not available for travel eSIMs | Not available for travel eSIMs |
💡 To check your iOS version: Settings → General → About → iOS Version
Still stuck? Here are the most common problems and how to fix them.
Your phone may be carrier-locked. Contact your current carrier to unlock it. Also check: Settings → General → About — if there's no "EID" field, your device doesn't support eSIM. Make sure iOS is up to date.
Go to Settings → Mobile Service → [your eSIM] and make sure "Use for Mobile Data" is enabled. Then check the APN: tap Mobile Data Network and enter the APN string provided by your eSIM carrier. Finally, toggle Airplane Mode on/off to re-register to the network.
Go to Settings → Mobile Service → [eSIM plan] → Mobile Data Network. Under "Mobile Data", enter the APN value your provider gave you (e.g. internet or data.carrier.net). Leave username and password blank unless specified. Restart your phone after saving.
Make sure you're scanning from a different device or printed copy — your iPhone can't scan a QR code displayed on its own screen. Clean your camera lens. If the QR still fails, switch to Method 2 (manual activation code) using the SM-DP+ address and activation code in your email.
Make sure Data Roaming is enabled: Settings → Mobile Service → [eSIM] → Data Roaming → ON. Some travel eSIMs require roaming to be on because they technically roam on local partner networks. Toggle your eSIM off and on again to force re-registration.
iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR (2018) and all newer models support eSIM. iPhone 14 and later models sold in the USA are eSIM-only with no physical SIM tray. If you see an "EID" number under Settings → General → About, your iPhone supports eSIM.
The most common reasons are: (1) Your iPhone is carrier-locked — contact your carrier to unlock it. (2) You already have 2 eSIMs active (iPhone supports up to 8 stored but only 2 active at once). (3) Your iOS is outdated — update to iOS 17 or iOS 18. (4) The device is iPhone X or earlier, which don't support eSIM.
Go to Settings → Mobile Service → Add eSIM → Use QR Code. Point your camera at the QR code from your eSIM provider. Tap 'Add Mobile Plan' and follow the on-screen prompts. The eSIM installs in under 2 minutes.
iOS 18 renamed some menus. On iOS 17, navigate to Settings → Cellular → Add Cellular Plan. On iOS 18, it's Settings → Mobile Service → Add eSIM. The actual installation steps are identical on both versions.
Check that the eSIM is set as your data line: Settings → Mobile Service → select your eSIM → enable "Use for Mobile Data". Then verify the APN setting under Mobile Data Network. Toggle Airplane Mode on/off to force reconnection. If still stuck, contact your eSIM provider for the correct APN string.
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