How to install an eSIM on iPhone (iOS 17 and iOS 18)
QR code, manual SM-DP+ entry, line labels, default line settings and data roaming, in the order iOS asks for them. About three minutes on Wi-Fi.
Quick facts
To install a Universal eSIMs profile on an iPhone running iOS 17 or iOS 18, open Settings, Cellular, Add eSIM, Use QR Code and scan the code from your email. Label the line Travel, keep your home SIM as default voice, set Cellular Data to the travel line, and enable Data Roaming for it only.
Guide reviewed on 25 October 2026 · Hotspot allowed on every plan · Full refund if your phone cannot install the eSIM
Step by step
Connect to Wi-Fi and open the QR email on another screen
Open the email or the Universal eSIMs app on a laptop or second phone. If you only have the iPhone, save the QR image to Photos; iOS 17 and later can install from a saved image.
Settings, Cellular, Add eSIM
On iOS 17 and iOS 18 the menu reads Settings, Cellular (Mobile Service in the UK and India), Add eSIM. On iOS 16 it reads Add Cellular Plan. Choose Use QR Code.
Scan, or use the saved image, or enter details manually
Point the camera at the QR code. If the code is on this iPhone, tap Open Photos and pick the saved image. If neither works, tap Enter Details Manually and paste the SM-DP+ address and activation code from the email; the confirmation code field stays empty unless the email lists one.
Wait for "Cellular Plan Activated"
The download takes 30 to 90 seconds. Do not leave the screen. If you see "Cellular plan cannot be added", read the troubleshooting guide.
Label the line
iOS asks for a label. Choose Travel or type the destination. Labels make the next screens easier.
Set the default line
Default Voice Line: your home SIM, so calls and iMessage stay on your usual number. Cellular Data: the travel line. Leave "Allow Cellular Data Switching" off to prevent the phone from using your home SIM data abroad.
Turn on Data Roaming for the travel line only
Settings, Cellular, tap the travel line, Data Roaming on. Then tap the home SIM and confirm Data Roaming is off.
Keep the line off until you land, or leave it on
Either works. The plan activates only when it first connects to a destination network. If you want to be sure nothing starts early, toggle "Turn On This Line" off until arrival.
iOS 17 vs iOS 18: what changed
The install path is the same. iOS 18 added eSIM transfer over Bluetooth between iPhones and moved some labels: Cellular is called Mobile Service in India and the UK. On iOS 18 a QR code saved to Photos can also be installed by long-pressing the image and choosing Add eSIM.
Manual entry: where the fields are
The same three values are encoded in the QR code, formatted as LPA:1$address$code. If support sends you a single LPA string, split it at the dollar signs.
Settings to check before you fly
- Settings, Cellular, Cellular Data: travel line.
- Travel line: Data Roaming on. Home SIM: Data Roaming off.
- Settings, Cellular, Personal Hotspot: available once the data line is the travel line.
- Low Data Mode off for the travel line if you want full speed.
After you land
Turn the travel line on if you switched it off. Wait up to a minute for the carrier name to appear. If nothing appears, toggle Airplane Mode for ten seconds, then Settings, Cellular, travel line, Network Selection, Automatic off, and pick one of the networks listed on your destination page.
Frequently asked questions
Can I install the eSIM without Wi-Fi?
The download needs an internet connection. Wi-Fi is easiest. Mobile data from your home SIM also works, including abroad if roaming is on, but keep it brief because of roaming charges.
The QR code is on the same iPhone. How do I scan it?
Save the image to Photos, then in Add eSIM choose Open Photos, or long-press the image on iOS 18. Alternatively use Enter Details Manually.
Which iPhones support eSIM?
iPhone XS, XR and every later model, except units sold in mainland China. US models from the iPhone 14 onwards have no SIM tray. See the full list.
Will iMessage and FaceTime still use my Indian number?
Yes, if Default Voice Line is your home SIM. Check Settings, Messages, Send and Receive after installing.
Can I delete the eSIM after the trip?
Yes. Settings, Cellular, tap the line, Delete eSIM. Deleted travel eSIMs cannot be reinstalled, so wait until the plan has expired. See deleting an eSIM.
What does "Cellular plan cannot be added" mean?
Usually the code has already been used, the phone is carrier-locked, or Wi-Fi dropped mid-download. The fixes are in troubleshooting.
Can I install it weeks before the trip?
Yes. Validity starts on first connection in the destination, not at install.
Related help
• Install on Android
· • Troubleshooting
· • eSIM on a dual-SIM iPhone
· • iPhone 15 eSIM guide
· • Browse destinations
· • Help centre
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