This help guide walks you through the steps required to install an eSIM on an Apple Device, the guide was created using the most recent version of Apple software available at the time, iOS 17.2
There are two install options offered in this help guide, either "install using a QR code" or "manual install"
Before starting the install, it is important you have the following three components:
A strong internet connection - Ideally using a Wifi network or a good 4G/5G connection
An eSIM compatible device - If unsure, a list of compatible devices is provided here
The device is not locked to one particular network - If unsure, an article has been provided to talk you through how to determine the "locked / unlocked" status of a device, click here
Don't forget to turn on "Data Roaming" after install!
Install Using A QR Code
There are two options available when scanning the QR code to install an eSIM;
Step 1.
** Starting iOS 17, the QR code can be scanned not only from the camera but also from Photos (you should save it to your Photos beforehand), see 1.2 below
Either
1.1) Open the camera on your device > Scan the QR code > Tap "Mobile Plan"
Or
1.2) Go to "Settings" > Tap "Mobile / Cellular Data" > Tap "Add eSIM" > Tap "Use QR Code" > Scan the QR code provided
**Or
For iOS +17 - Click "Open Photos" and select the QR image
Step 2. Tap "Continue" > Allow up to 10 minutes for the eSIM to Activate > Tap "Done"
Step 3. There are two options available at this stage, we advise proceeding with option 3.1)
Either
3.1) Tap "Continue" and then move to Step 4.
or
3.2) You have the option to modify the "eSIM Label" (the name of the eSIM) instead of using the default name.
If you would like to modify the eSIM label before moving to the next step;
Tap ">" (the right hand arrow) > Then either choose one of the preset label's or type the name you want to use in the "Custom Label" box > Tap "Done" > Tap "Continue"
In this example the name of the esim was changed to "My eSIM" using the custom label box.
Please note; Option 3.2) won't be offered to you if you have more than one eSIM already installed on your device, so a custom label can only be altered after the SIM install is complete.
Step 4. Configure the following settings as suggested:
Set Default Line to "Primary" > Tap "Continue"
Set iMessage & FaceTime to "Primary" > Tap "Continue"
Set Mobile Data to your previously chosen esim label, in this example "My eSIM"
Allow Mobile Data Switching is defaulted to off, choose you preference using the toggle > Tap "Done"
"Allow Mobile Data Switching" will allow your device to use mobile data from both lines depending on coverage and availability. You can change your selection later in settings.
Step 5. The eSIM is now installed and configured.
Important: Data Roaming MUST be ENABLED in order for the eSIM to work
Go to "Settings" > Tap "Mobile / Cellular Data" > Select desired SIM > Move the toggle switch to "On"
Don't forget to turn on "Data Roaming" after install!
Manual eSIM Install
Step 1. Go to "Settings" > Tap "Mobile / Cellular Data"
Step 2. Tap "Add eSIM" > Tap "Use QR Code" > Tap "Enter Details Manually"
Step 3. Enter the "SMDP Address" and the "Activation Code" provided > Tap "Next"
Leave "Confirmation Code" blank
Step 4. Tap "Continue" > Allow up to 10 minutes for the eSIM to Activate > Tap "Done"
Step 5. There are two options available at this stage, we advise proceeding with option 5.1)
Either
5.1) Tap "Continue" and then move to Step 6.
or
5.2) You have the option to modify the "eSIM Label" (the name of the eSIM) instead of using the default name.
If you would like to modify the eSIM label before moving to the next step;
Tap ">" (the right hand arrow) > Then either choose one of the preset label's or type the name you want to use in the "Custom Label" box > Tap "Done" > Tap "Continue"
In this example the name of the esim was changed to "My eSIM" using the custom label box.
Please note; Option 5.2) won't be offered to you if you have more than one eSIM already installed on your device, so a custom label can only be altered after the SIM install is complete.
Step 6. Configure the following settings as suggested:
Set Default Line to "Primary" > Tap "Continue"
Set iMessage & FaceTime to "Primary" > Tap "Continue"
Set Mobile Data to your previously chosen esim label, in this example "My eSIM"
Allow Mobile Data Switching is defaulted to off, choose you preference using the toggle > Tap "Done"
"Allow Mobile Data Switching" will allow your device to use mobile data from both lines depending on coverage and availability. You can change your selection later in settings.
Step 7. The eSIM is now installed and configured.
Important: Data Roaming MUST be ENABLED in order for the eSIM to work
Go to "Settings" > Tap "Mobile / Cellular Data" > Select desired SIM > Move the toggle switch to "On"