Check iPhone Compatibility Before Starting

Not every iPhone supports eSIM, so the first thing you want to confirm is whether your current model is compatible or not. Most iPhones from the XS onwards have eSIM support. In fact, starting from the iPhone 14 (US models) onwards, iPhones are now eSIM-only even. This means they have no physical tray at all.

Here’s a quick list of eSIM-compatible iPhone models:

• iPhone XS, XS Max, XR and later
• iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation)
• iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 series (all variants)
• iPhone 14 and later (US models) – eSIM only, no physical SIM slot

Your iPhone also needs to be unlocked to use an eSIM. If it is carrier-locked, you may need to contact your carrier to unlock it first. For a full breakdown of the list of supported devices, check our eSIM compatible devices guide. Confirm your model before purchasing an eSIM plan.

How to Set Up eSIM on iPhone Using a QR Code

This is the most common method for setting up an eSIM on iPhone. And it’s what most providers provide eSIM services. Once you’ve purchased your eSIM plan, you will receive a QR code via email or in the app.

Here’s how to install eSIM on iPhone step by step:

1. Open Settings on your iPhone
2. Tap Cellular (or Mobile Data depending on your region)
3. Tap Add eSIM or Add Cellular Plan
4. Select Use QR Code
5. Scan the QR code sent by your eSIM provider
6. Tap Continue and follow the on-screen prompts
7. Label the plan (e.g., “Travel” or “Airhub”) to keep it separate from your primary line
8. Choose whether this plan will be used for cellular data, calls, or both
9. Tap Done

Your eSIM is now installed. It will usually take less than two minutes from start to finish. Though keep in mind that each QR code can only be scanned once, so don’t share or try to scan it on multiple devices.

How to Activate eSIM on iPhone After Installation

Installing an eSIM and activating one are two separate steps and this is where most users tend to get confused. After an eSIM is installed, you need to make sure that it’s actually turned on and set as your active data line.

Here’s how to activate eSIM in iPhone:

• Go to Settings → Cellular
• Tap on the eSIM plan you just added (it’ll appear listed under your lines)
• Toggle Turn On This Line to green
• Scroll down and tap Cellular Data
• Select your eSIM plan as the data source
• If you want to use it for calls and texts too, update your Default Voice Line settings accordingly

For travelers using a dual-SIM setup (meaning home SIM + travel eSIM), this step is super important. You want your home SIM to be active for calls while the Airhub eSIM handles all your data needs.

Want to understand more about what an eSIM is and how it differs from the traditional SIM? You can read our guide on What is an eSIM before you fully dive into it.

Setting Up eSIM on iPhone Without a QR Code

Wondering how to setup eSIM in iPhone? There’s more than one way, and QR code scan isn’t the only option to set it up. Some providers also provide support for direct carrier activation, where your iPhone automatically downloads the eSIM plan without a QR code at all – common with major carriers in the US.

Here’s how to activate eSIM on iPhone without a QR scan:

1. First go to Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM
2. Then tap “Use Carrier Activation” if available as an option
3. Your iPhone will automatically detect and download the plan
4. Keep following the on-screen prompts to confirm

If your provider gave you an activation code instead of a QR code, you can enter it manually:

• Go to Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → Enter Details Manually
• Type in the SM-DP+ address and activation code provided
• Tap Next and complete the setup

This method isn’t that common for most eSIM providers but it works perfectly when QR code scanning isn’t available. Like when you’re setting it up remotely or received the details in a text format.

How to Manage Multiple eSIMs on iPhone (Dual SIM Setup)

One of the biggest benefit of an eSIM is that it can be active alongside your main/home SIM or simply another eSIM profile. This basically means you can have two numbers at the same time.

iPhone 13 and later models can store multiple eSIM profiles and have two active at once (Dual SIM). Here’s how to manage them cleanly:

• Label each line clearly: Go to Settings → Cellular → tap the plan → choose a label like “Primary,” “Travel,” or “Airhub.”
• Set the eSIM as default: Under Cellular Data, pick your travel eSIM when abroad. This will help you avoid accidental roaming charges on your home SIM.
• Allow Cellular Data Switching: This lets your iPhone fall back to the other line if data drops on one. Avoid if you do not have any plans on the other or want to avoid unnecessary charges.

This is the ideal setup for frequent travelers who don’t want to lose access to their home number while abroad. Airhub eSIM works seamlessly in this dual SIM mode and supports instant activation.

Common Issues When Installing eSIM on iPhone and How to Fix Them

Most of the time, your eSIM setup will go smoothly as they’re fairly easy. But here are some common hiccups you may get and what you can do to solve them:

QR code is not working

Make sure your iPhone camera is focused and clean and that there’s enough light. Try holding the QR code about 20-30cm away from the camera and if it still doesn’t scan, try other methods to install or contact your provider to resend a new one.

eSIM plan is installed, but no data

Check and make sure the eSIM is set as your active data line in Settings and under mobile data/cellular. You can also contact your provider to make sure it’s been activated on the provider’s side.

Add eSIM option is greyed out

This means your iPhone is carrier locked. You will have to contact your primary carrier and ask them to unlock the device before trying again.

Only one eSIM showing

On older iPhone models (from iPhone XS to iPhone 12), you can have one active eSIM and one physical SIM at the same time. But starting from iPhone 13 and later, you can hold multiple eSIM profiles.

eSIM removed after iOS update

This is quite rare, but it can happen. You have to simply re-scan your QR code or re-enter the activation details. Though most QR expires after first installation, most providers can allow re-installation in special cases like this.

Why Travelers Are Switching to eSIM Before Every Trip

The traditional way of getting a local SIM – landing at the airport, finding a kiosk, waiting in line and hoping it works is becoming too redundant, especially for this fast-paced world. eSIM removes every single one of those pain points.

With Airhub eSIM, you can buy eSIM online within minutes and avail connectivity in over 190+ countries. We partner with major local and global networks so that you get the best network wherever your passport ends up – including unlimited data, local number and calling.

And with this guide on how to set up eSIM on iPhone, all your connectivity problems are sorted before you even land in a new country. So, ready to explore the world with seamless data in hand?

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