How to Set Up an eSIM on iPhone

TL;DR: Installing an eSIM on iPhone takes about 5 minutes. Go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM, scan the QR code, and you're done. Your physical SIM stays active.

Setting up an eSIM on iPhone is straightforward. Apple has supported eSIM since the iPhone XR (2018), and the process has gotten simpler with each iOS update. If you can scan a QR code, you can install an eSIM.

At a glance

Supported on iPhone XR and newer (iPhone 14 US models are eSIM-only)
Installation takes about 5 minutes
You can install the eSIM before you travel — it activates when you connect abroad
Your physical SIM stays active for calls and texts
You can store multiple eSIMs and switch between them

Which iPhones support eSIM?

Every iPhone from the XR onwards supports at least one eSIM. Here's the full list:

iPhone XR, XS, XS Max — 1 eSIM + 1 physical SIM
iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max — 1 eSIM + 1 physical SIM
iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max — 1 eSIM + 1 physical SIM (dual eSIM with iOS 14.5+)
iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max — dual eSIM + 1 physical SIM
iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max — dual eSIM (US models have no physical SIM tray)
iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max — dual eSIM + 1 physical SIM (varies by region)
iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max — dual eSIM + 1 physical SIM (varies by region)
iPhone SE (3rd generation) — 1 eSIM + 1 physical SIM

Not sure about your device? Use the compatibility checker.

Step-by-step setup

1. Get your QR code

After purchasing an eSIM plan on Synpas, you'll receive a QR code via email and in your order confirmation. Keep this QR code accessible — you'll need to scan it with your iPhone's camera.

2. Open Cellular settings

Go to Settings → Cellular (or Mobile Data in some regions).

3. Add eSIM

Tap Add eSIM or Add Cellular Plan. Your iPhone will open the camera to scan a QR code.

4. Scan the QR code

Point your camera at the QR code from your eSIM purchase. Your iPhone will detect and read it automatically.

5. Confirm and activate

Tap Continue when prompted. Your iPhone will download the eSIM profile. This takes 1-2 minutes.

6. Label your lines

iOS will ask you to label your lines. A sensible setup:

Primary — your physical SIM (home carrier)
Travel or Secondary — your new eSIM

7. Set your data line

Go to Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data and select your eSIM as the data line. Keep your primary line for calls and texts.

That's it. When you arrive at your destination, your eSIM will connect to the local network automatically.

Configuring dual-SIM on iPhone

With an eSIM installed alongside your physical SIM, your iPhone runs in dual-SIM mode. Here's how to configure it properly for travel:

Default line for data: Set the eSIM as your cellular data line. This ensures all internet traffic goes through the local plan, not your home carrier's roaming.

Default line for calls: Keep your physical SIM as the default for calls and texts. This preserves your home number for incoming calls, iMessage, and WhatsApp.

Allow Cellular Data Switching: In Settings → Cellular, you'll see an option called "Allow Cellular Data Switching." Turn this off for travel. If it's on, your iPhone may use your home SIM for data when the eSIM signal is weak — which means roaming charges.

Good for

✓Travelers who want to stay connected abroad without roaming charges
✓People who want to keep their home number active for calls and texts
✓Anyone with an iPhone XR or newer
✓People who want to set up connectivity before leaving home

Not ideal for

✗iPhone 8 or older (no eSIM support)
✗Carrier-locked iPhones (must be unlocked first)
✗People who need a local phone number for voice calls

Common issues and fixes

"Unable to complete cellular plan change" — This usually means a weak internet connection during setup. Connect to stable Wi-Fi and try again.

eSIM not connecting to network abroad — Make sure data roaming is enabled for the eSIM line: Settings → Cellular → [your eSIM line] → Data Roaming → On.

No data after installing — Confirm the eSIM is set as your cellular data line in Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data.

QR code won't scan — Make sure you're scanning from Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM, not the regular camera app. The QR code needs to be read by the cellular setup flow.

Phone says "SIM locked" — Your iPhone may be locked to a specific carrier. Contact your carrier to request an unlock before installing an eSIM.

FAQ

Can I install the eSIM before I travel?+

Yes. Install it at home over Wi-Fi. The data plan activates when your phone connects to a supported network in the destination country.

Will it affect my existing phone plan?+

No. Your physical SIM and home plan continue to work normally. The eSIM is a separate, additional line.

Can I store multiple eSIMs?+

Yes. Modern iPhones can store multiple eSIM profiles. You can switch between them in Settings → Cellular without reinstalling.

How do I remove an eSIM when I'm done?+

Go to Settings → Cellular → [your eSIM line] → Remove Cellular Plan. The profile is deleted from your phone.

Does iMessage still work?+

Yes. iMessage is tied to your Apple ID and phone number. It works regardless of which line is providing data.

Can I use two eSIMs at the same time?+

On iPhone 13 and newer, yes. You can have two eSIMs active simultaneously. Older models support one eSIM and one physical SIM at a time.

Next steps

If you're ready to get connected for your next trip, start by choosing a plan for your destination. The setup process is the same regardless of which country you're visiting.

Browse all eSIM plans→