How to install an eSIM on iPhone before you fly

Published Oct 8, 2026 · 4 min read

Short answer: connect your iPhone to Wi-Fi, open your order page on another screen, then go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Use QR Code and scan it. Label the new line "Travel", keep your home line as Default for calls, and set Cellular Data to Travel. You can do all of this at home. The only step left for the airport is switching the travel line on.

Before you start

Three quick checks save most install problems.

Your iPhone supports eSIM. Apple lists iPhone XS, XS Max, XR and later as eSIM-capable (Apple Support). Check that your own model is on that list.
Your iPhone is carrier-unlocked. A phone locked to your home carrier may refuse another provider's eSIM. If you are not sure, ask your carrier.
You are on Wi-Fi. The eSIM downloads over the internet, so install it at home or in a hotel, not on a patchy connection.

Also have a second screen ready (laptop, tablet or another phone) to show the QR code, because the iPhone you are installing on needs to point its camera at it.

Step by step: install an eSIM on iPhone with a QR code

Open your order page. After checkout, your order page shows the QR code. No account or registration is needed. Open it on a laptop or another device.
Go to Settings > Cellular. On some regions and versions this is called Mobile Service or Mobile Data.
Tap Add eSIM. Older versions say "Add Cellular Plan" or "Add Data Plan".
Tap Use QR Code. If your iPhone offers "Transfer From Nearby iPhone" first, skip it and choose the QR option.
Scan the QR code on your order page. Follow the prompts and wait for the plan to finish adding.
Label the new line, for example "Travel". You will choose between it and your home line in the next two steps.
Keep your home line as Default. When asked which line to use for calls and iMessage, choose your normal number. The travel eSIM is for data.
Set Cellular Data to Travel. Then turn off "Allow Cellular Data Switching". This is the step people miss: left on, the iPhone can quietly fall back to your home SIM and use roaming.

That is the install done. Your setup guide has the same steps with the troubleshooting answers alongside.

Can I install it before I travel, and when does it start?

Yes, you can install at home, and many travellers prefer it so the phone is ready on arrival. Installing is not the same as starting the clock: check your plan details for when validity begins. In general, validity runs from activation, so read the plan before you switch it on.

What to do when you land

Turn the travel line on. It may be off after the flight.
Turn on Data Roaming for the travel line only. It sounds wrong, but your eSIM counts as a foreign network from the phone's point of view. Keep roaming off for your home line, which is what protects you from a surprise bill.
Wait a minute, then toggle Airplane mode off and on. This prompts the phone to search for a local network.

If you cannot scan the QR code

An eSIM-capable iPhone can also install by typing the details instead.

On your order page, copy the activation code. It starts with LPA:1 and has two more parts separated by dollar signs.
In Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM, choose "Enter Details Manually".
Some phones accept the whole string. If yours asks for two fields, split it at the dollar signs. Ignore the LPA:1 part, which is only a label, and leave any "Confirmation code" field blank.

Troubleshooting

"Unable to add cellular plan" or "Invalid QR code"

Usually one of three things: you are not on Wi-Fi, the QR code was already installed on another phone, or the phone is carrier-locked.

Installed, but no service after landing

Turn Data Roaming on for the travel line, then toggle Airplane mode. If there is still no service after a few minutes, go to Settings > Cellular > Network Selection, turn off Automatic and pick a local network from the list.

It says connected, but nothing loads

Your iPhone may still be sending data through your home SIM. Set Cellular Data to the travel line and turn off "Allow Cellular Data Switching".

I deleted the eSIM by mistake

An eSIM profile can normally be installed only once, so the original QR code will usually not work again. Contact us with your order number.

FAQ

Do I need Wi-Fi to install an eSIM on iPhone?

Yes, plan on it. The profile is downloaded over the internet, so install on Wi-Fi before you leave.

Can I keep my home number?

Yes. Calls and texts keep working on your home line while it stays in the phone. Keep its data roaming switched off so you are not charged for it.

Which iPhones support eSIM?

Apple lists iPhone XS, XS Max, XR and later. Confirm your model on Apple's page, and check that it is carrier-unlocked.

Ready to pick a plan?

Browse all destinations, choose a plan for where you are going, and install it with the steps above.