Install your eSIM on iPhone
Do it at home on Wi-Fi, a day or two before you fly. Installing doesn't start your plan; the days start when you connect in your destination. When do my days start?
Before you start
iPhone XS, XR or later
Unlocked
On Wi-Fi
Easiest: one tap from your order email (iOS 17.4 or later)
Your order email has an Install on iPhone button. Open the email on the iPhone you're traveling with and tap it. Bought on a computer? The same button is waiting in your inbox.
- 1
Tap “Install on iPhone”
The button in your order email. On your order page, it's called “Install on this phone”. - 2
Tap Allow
When the “Activate New eSIM” notification appears. - 3
Tap Continue
At the bottom of the screen, then follow the prompts. - 4
Label it “RoamClean”
When iPhone asks for a label, enter RoamClean so the line is easy to find later.
Or scan the QR code
Show the QR code on another screen, such as a laptop, and scan it with the iPhone.
- 1
Open the Camera app
Point it at the QR code in your order email or on your order page. - 2
Tap “Cellular Plan Detected”
The notification appears over the camera. - 3
Tap Continue
At the bottom of the screen. - 4
Tap Add Cellular Plan
Then label the line RoamClean.
On the iPhone you're installing on? Tap and hold the QR code, then tap Add eSIM. Needs iOS 17.4 or later, with the code open in your default email app or browser.
Or enter the details by hand
Your order page has an “Enter manually” section with both codes and copy buttons.
- 1
Open Settings
Tap Cellular (Mobile Data in some regions). - 2
Tap Add eSIM
Some iOS versions call it Add Cellular Plan or Set Up Cellular. - 3
Tap Enter Details Manually
At the bottom of the screen. You may need to tap Use QR Code first. - 4
Paste the two codes
The SM-DP+ address and the activation code from your order. If asked for a confirmation code, leave it blank.
“eSIM Not Supported”? Your iPhone is locked to a carrier
If installing stops at this message, your iPhone is carrier-locked: it only accepts its own carrier's SIMs. Nothing is wrong with the eSIM.
Check in 10 seconds
Settings > General > About > Carrier Lock should say “No SIM restrictions”. “SIM locked” or anything else means locked. More on the check
Get it unlocked by your carrier
Only your carrier can unlock it, and it can take a few days, so ask well before you fly. Each carrier's official rules for phones on its postpaid plans:
AT&T
Verizon
T-Mobile
Your eSIM isn't used up. If your order page still says “Ready to install”, install it once your phone is unlocked, before the install-by date, or refund it there within 30 days of purchase. Find my order
After it's added
Keep your home line as the default
iOS 26: “at home or while you travel?”
Don't delete it
Keep your home number working
Sources
- Apple: Set up eSIM on iPhonechecked September 30, 2026
- Apple: Use eSIM while traveling internationally with your iPhonechecked September 30, 2026
- Apple: Using Dual SIM with an eSIMchecked September 30, 2026
- Apple: How to erase an eSIM on your iPhone or iPadchecked September 30, 2026
- Apple: Learn which type SIM your iPhone or iPad useschecked September 30, 2026
- Apple: How to unlock your iPhone for use with a different carrierchecked September 30, 2026
- AT&T Support: Unlock AT&T phones or deviceschecked October 1, 2026
- Verizon: Device unlocking policychecked October 1, 2026
- T-Mobile: Device unlock policychecked October 1, 2026
Related help
When do my plan's days start?
Not when you install. The days start when the eSIM first connects in a country your plan covers.
When you land
Turn the line on, set it for data, turn roaming on for it, and keep your home line for texts.
No internet?
Check the data line, roaming, airplane mode, APN and network selection, in that order.
How to tell if your iPhone is unlocked
Settings > General > About > Carrier Lock. What to do if it's locked.
Last verified October 1, 2026