To add an eSIM to your iPhone via QR code, you need three things in place: a compatible iPhone, a Wi-Fi connection (or an active SIM), and a QR code from your carrier. The setup itself takes under five minutes.
If you’re new to eSIM technology, read What Is an eSIM? first. If your setup fails partway through, eSIM Activation Failed: Troubleshooting covers every common error.
Before You Start: 3 Prerequisites
1. Confirm Your iPhone Supports eSIM
QR code eSIM setup works on iPhone XS (2018) and every model released after it. Here is the current compatibility breakdown based on Apple’s official support page:
| Model | Configuration |
|---|---|
| iPhone XS / XS Max / XR (2018) | Physical SIM + 1 eSIM |
| iPhone 11 / 11 Pro / 11 Pro Max | Physical SIM + 1 eSIM |
| iPhone SE (2nd generation) | Physical SIM + 1 eSIM |
| iPhone 12 series | Physical SIM + 1 eSIM |
| iPhone 13 series | Physical SIM + 2 eSIMs (dual eSIM) |
| iPhone SE (3rd generation) | Physical SIM + 2 eSIMs (dual eSIM) |
| iPhone 14 series (outside the US) | Physical SIM + eSIM |
| iPhone 15 series (outside the US) | Physical SIM + eSIM |
| iPhone 16 series (outside the US) | Physical SIM + eSIM |
| iPhone 16e | Physical SIM + eSIM (most regions) |
| iPhone 14–16e (US models) | eSIM-only — no physical SIM slot |
| iPhone 17 series (US, Canada, Mexico, Japan, and several other regions) | eSIM-only — no physical SIM slot |
| iPhone Air (all regions) | eSIM-only — no physical SIM slot |
US travelers and US-purchased iPhones: If you bought an iPhone 14 or later in the United States, your phone has no physical SIM slot. It can only use eSIM. This makes QR code setup the standard activation method — you do not need to visit a store or handle a card.
To check eSIM support on your device without looking it up: open Settings > Cellular. If you see Add eSIM or Set Up Cellular, your iPhone supports eSIM.
2. Check That Your iPhone Is Carrier-Unlocked
A carrier-locked iPhone can only use eSIM plans from the carrier it’s locked to.
To check: go to Settings > General > About and look for Carrier Lock. If it says No SIM restrictions, your iPhone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier’s eSIM.
If it says locked, contact your current carrier to request an unlock. Most carriers unlock devices online at no charge once any contract or installment period is complete.
3. Have a Stable Internet Connection
You need internet access to download the eSIM profile from the carrier’s server. Connect to a Wi-Fi network before starting. If you have a physical SIM with active data in the same iPhone, that connection also works.
If you’re setting up a travel eSIM before a trip: do it at home on reliable Wi-Fi. Airport Wi-Fi is often unstable, and a failed download just before boarding is stressful.
How to Get a QR Code
The QR code comes from whoever sold you the eSIM plan.
From a Mobile Carrier (New Plan or eSIM Switch)
Log in to your carrier’s app or website. Look for an option labeled Switch to eSIM, Add eSIM, eSIM Activation, or SIM Management. After you complete any required identity verification, the carrier generates your QR code — usually displayed on screen or sent to your email.
The exact location of this option varies by carrier. If you don’t see it, use the carrier’s live chat or call support.
From a Travel eSIM Provider
Providers like Airalo, Holafly, Nomad, and Saily send your QR code by email and also display it in their app after purchase. Most travel eSIMs are data-only — they do not include a voice or SMS line. For a full walkthrough of buying and using a travel eSIM, see Your First Travel eSIM: Complete Guide.
Step-by-Step Setup Instructions
Standard Method (Scanning with Camera)
Use this when the QR code is on a separate screen or printed on paper.
Step 1 — Open the QR code on a second device
Display the QR code on a laptop, tablet, or another phone — not on the iPhone you’re configuring. If the QR code is printed, have it in front of you.
Step 2 — Go to Settings > Cellular
On your iPhone, open the Settings app and tap Cellular (or Mobile Data in some regions).
Step 3 — Tap “Add eSIM”
Tap Add eSIM or Add Cellular Plan. The label differs slightly depending on your iOS version and whether you already have a line active.
Step 4 — Scan the QR code
The camera activates. Point it at the QR code. When the code is recognized, a notification or pop-up appears: Cellular Plan Detected.
Step 5 — Confirm and add
Tap Continue and then Add Cellular Plan. Your carrier may ask for a confirmation code at this point — check your email or SMS for a short numeric code.
Step 6 — Wait for the download
The eSIM profile downloads from your carrier’s server. This takes a few seconds to about a minute depending on your connection. When you see Cellular Plan Added, the installation is complete.
Step 7 — Configure your lines
iOS will prompt you to set a label for the new line (for example, “Travel” or “Work”) and to choose default settings. See the Dual SIM setup section below for what to configure.
If the QR Code Is Already on Your iPhone (iOS 17.4 and Later)
When the carrier sends the QR code by email or you have it saved as a photo, you cannot use the camera to scan it from the same device. iOS 17.4 added a direct workaround:
- Open the QR code image in the Mail, Photos, or Safari app.
- Long-press the image.
- Tap Add eSIM from the pop-up menu.
This triggers the same installation flow as the camera scan.
On iOS 17.3 and earlier: transfer the QR code to a second device and scan it normally with your iPhone’s camera.
During Initial iPhone Setup (Out-of-Box)
When setting up a brand-new iPhone for the first time, iOS shows a Set Up Cellular screen. Tap Use QR Code, then scan with the camera. The process is identical to the standard method above.
This is the primary activation path for eSIM-only iPhones (US iPhone 14 and later), since there is no physical SIM to insert.
Setting Up Dual SIM After Adding an eSIM
Adding an eSIM creates a two-line (dual SIM) configuration. You need to decide how each line is used.
Go to Settings > Cellular to see both lines and configure the following:
| Setting | What to Choose |
|---|---|
| Default Voice Line | The line you use for outgoing calls |
| Default Line for SMS/iMessage | The line used for non-iMessage texts |
| Cellular Data | The line used for mobile data |
| Allow Cellular Data Switching | See note below |
Allow Cellular Data Switching: When enabled, iOS can use either line for data depending on coverage. If you add a travel eSIM and leave this on, your home SIM may use roaming data without warning. Turn it off when using a travel eSIM abroad to keep data usage on the travel line only.
For a deeper explanation of dual SIM modes (DSDS vs dual eSIM), see What Is Dual SIM?.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
“Unable to Add Cellular Plan” error
This usually means one of the following: the QR code has already been used on another device, the QR code has expired, or you have reached the number of stored eSIM profiles your device allows (iPhones can store 8 or more eSIMs, but check with your carrier if you frequently install and delete plans). Request a new QR code from your carrier.
QR code scans but nothing happens
Clean your camera lens. Try adjusting the distance between the code and the camera to around 10–30 cm. Make sure the code is in focus and well-lit. If the code is damaged or very low resolution, switch to the manual entry method: Set Up eSIM with a Manual Code (SM-DP+ Address) (coming soon).
eSIM installed but no mobile data
Installing the profile and turning on data are separate actions. In Settings > Cellular, find your new eSIM line and verify that Cellular Data is switched on. Then confirm it is selected under Cellular Data as the active line. If data roaming is required (e.g., you’re using a local SIM abroad), also enable Data Roaming.
Carrier Lock message during setup
Your iPhone is locked to another carrier. Contact your carrier to unlock it before proceeding. Unlocking is typically free once your device is paid off or your contract term has ended.
For issues not listed here, see eSIM Activation Failed: Troubleshooting.
After Setup: What Comes Next
Once your eSIM is running, you can manage it fully from Settings > Cellular:
- Rename the line for clarity (e.g., “Home”, “Travel Japan”)
- Toggle the line on or off without deleting it
- Switch which line handles calls, SMS, or data at any time
Transferring or reinstalling your eSIM: If you upgrade your iPhone or need to reinstall the eSIM, note that each QR code is single-use. You will need to request a new QR code from your carrier. Some carriers support eSIM Quick Transfer (coming soon), which lets compatible iPhones transfer an eSIM directly without a QR code.
To browse eSIM plans for your destination, search on SimFinder Travel →
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