How to Activate an eSIM on iPhone: Step-by-Step (2026)

Activating vs installing an eSIM on iPhone: the same step

People search for both, and on iPhone they describe one action. When you scan the QR code, iOS downloads the profile and the line appears in Settings — that is the install. The plan itself does not start counting down at that moment: it activates when the eSIM first connects to a network at your destination, which is why you can safely set it up at home days before you fly. So there is no separate activation step to find, no code to enter later, and no button to press on arrival. If you installed it before leaving and left the line switched on, your iPhone connects by itself when you land. The one thing worth doing deliberately is the dual SIM configuration below, because that decides which line carries your data and which keeps your home number reachable.

Before you start: three requirements

1. eSIM-compatible iPhone: iPhone XS, XS Max, or XR (2018) or any newer model. iPhone 14 and later in the US are eSIM-only (no physical SIM tray).
2. Unlocked phone: Your iPhone must be unlocked from your carrier. Most iPhones bought from Apple directly or on a financing plan that is paid off are unlocked. To check: Settings → General → About → Carrier Lock. If it says "No SIM restrictions", you are unlocked.
3. Wi-Fi connection: eSIM installation requires an internet connection. Do this before you board your flight.

Method 1: Install via QR code (recommended)

1. 1

   Open your eSIM email on a second device

   Open the email from your eSIM provider (e.g., Flysimio) on a different device — a laptop, tablet, or another phone — so you can scan the QR code with your iPhone camera.

2. 2

   Open Cellular settings

   On your iPhone: open Settings → Cellular (or Mobile Data).

3. 3

   Tap Add eSIM

   Tap Add eSIM.

4. 4

   Choose Use QR Code

   Tap Use QR Code.

5. 5

   Scan the QR code

   Scan the QR code shown on your other device.

6. 6

   Confirm the plan

   Tap Continue when prompted.

7. 7

   Label the eSIM

   Give the eSIM a label — "Japan", "USA", or the country you are visiting. Tap Continue.

8. 8

   Set your default lines

   On the Default Line screen: keep your home SIM as the default for Calls and Messages. Set the travel eSIM as your Cellular Data line.

9. 9

   Finish the install

   Tap Done.

Method 2: Manual entry (if you cannot scan the QR code)

If you only have one device and cannot display and scan the QR code simultaneously, use the manual entry option.

1. Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → Use QR Code.
2. Below the camera viewfinder, tap Enter Details Manually.
3. Enter the SM-DP+ Address and Activation Code from your eSIM provider email.
4. Tap Next. The eSIM installs in 10–30 seconds.

Setting up dual SIM correctly

After installing the travel eSIM, your iPhone has two active lines. You need to configure which SIM does what — otherwise your home carrier may charge international roaming. (Not bought a plan yet? Start with our best eSIM for iPhone picks.)

1. Settings → Cellular → Default Voice Line: keep your home SIM. This way incoming calls still reach your home number.
2. Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data: set to the travel eSIM.
3. Settings → Cellular → tap the travel eSIM line → enable Data Roaming.
4. Settings → Cellular → tap your home SIM line → disable Data Roaming. This prevents your home carrier from charging you.
5. iMessage and FaceTime: if prompted, choose which number to use. Keep your home number for iMessage so contacts can still reach you.

How to verify it is working

In the top-left corner of your iPhone, you should see two signal bars — one labeled with your home carrier, one labeled with the local carrier (e.g., NTT Docomo for Japan). Open Safari and load any webpage. If it loads, your eSIM is working.

Installing on Android (brief)

Android eSIM installation varies by manufacturer but the steps are similar. Settings → Network & Internet (or Connections) → SIM Manager (or SIMs) → Add eSIM → Scan QR Code. On Samsung: Settings → Connections → SIM Card Manager → Add eSIM. On Google Pixel: Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → Download a SIM.