How to install eSIM on iPhone

Three ways: by link in one tap (iOS 17.4+), by QR code and manually. Step by step, with answers to common errors.

• You can install right now: the plan's validity starts only at the first network connection in the destination country.
• Don't delete the eSIM until the trip is over: once deleted it cannot be installed again.
• The phone needs internet to install: Wi-Fi or mobile data from your home SIM both work.

Method 1 · By link· fastest

Open the eSIM e-mail or the order page on your iPhone and tap "Install on iPhone". Then step by step:

1
Tap "Install on iPhone"
A system sheet "Activate eSIM" appears — tap "Continue". If a browser page with an error opened instead, your iOS is older than 17.4: install by QR code (method 2) or manually (method 3).
2
Wait for activation
Usually a few seconds, sometimes a couple of minutes — both are fine. If it drags on, tap "Done": the iPhone continues in the background. The error "Unable to add eSIM / code no longer valid" almost always means the eSIM is already installed — move on to setup.
3
"Labels" and "Default line" screens
They don't always appear. The new eSIM is always at the bottom — name it, e.g. "Simix Turkey". For the default line, cellular data and FaceTime keep your home SIM (the top one) for now: we'll switch data on arrival.
4
Settings → Cellular
The new eSIM is the last one in the SIMs list; iPhone may have named it anything: "Travel", "Secondary". Open it and turn on "Data Roaming". The status "Activating…" for the first minutes is normal.
5
Give the eSIM a clear name
"Cellular Plan Label" → "Custom Label", e.g. "Turkey". That way you won't mix it up with your home SIM.
6
On arrival
Settings → Cellular → "Cellular Data" → pick the Simix eSIM. Keep "Allow Cellular Data Switching" off. Turn "Data Roaming" off on your home SIM in advance so you don't end up in your carrier's roaming.

Method 2 · QR code

The QR code is in the e-mail and on the order page. Scan it with the camera from another screen: open the e-mail on a computer or a second phone.

1
Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM
Choose "Use QR Code" and point the camera at the code.
2
Tap "Continue" and wait for activation
Then it's the same as the link method: name, data roaming, and on arrival pick the eSIM for cellular data.

Method 3 · Manually

The SM-DP+ address and activation code are in the e-mail and on the order page, with "Copy" buttons next to them.

1
Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM
"Use QR Code" → "Enter Details Manually" at the bottom. Paste the SM-DP+ address and activation code, tap "Next".

On arrival

After installing: name the eSIM, turn on "Data roaming" for it, and on arrival pick it for mobile data. Turn off airplane mode — the phone finds a local operator on its own. Network registration takes up to a minute. If there is no network, open the eSIM settings and pick an operator manually.

Installation FAQ

Which iPhones support eSIM?

Every model from iPhone XS and XR onwards, including SE 2020 and 2022. Quick check: dial *#06# — if you see an EID line, eSIM is supported. iPhones sold in mainland China and Hong Kong often come without eSIM.

Do I need Wi-Fi to install?

No. Mobile data from your home SIM works too. It only has to stay stable until the activation finishes.

iPhone says "Unable to add eSIM" or "Code is no longer valid"

Almost always the eSIM is already installed and you're trying a second time. Open Settings → Cellular and look for the new eSIM at the end of the list. If it's not there, write to support — we'll check the profile.

How do I switch to the eSIM on arrival?

Settings → Cellular → "Cellular Data" → pick the Simix eSIM. "Data Roaming" must be on for the eSIM and preferably off for your home SIM. Keep "Allow Cellular Data Switching" off.

Can I delete the eSIM and install it again?

No. An eSIM profile is single-use: once deleted it cannot be installed again. Don't delete it until the trip is over.

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Simix · How to install eSIM