How to Activate eSIM in iPhone? Step by Step

eSIMs have brought in a revolution by eliminating those long wait times at the airport SIM card kiosk. The technology lets you activate a fully functional mobile data line before you even board your flight. This guide walks you through how to activate an eSIM on your iPhone. It compares the two main setup methods, and shows how a travel Trip.com's eSIM makes the process simple.

What Is an eSIM and Why Does It Matter for Travelers?

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An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM built into your iPhone's hardware. So, you don't have to insert a physical plastic chip into a side tray. eSIMs allow you to download cellular profiles over the internet and activate data plans from mobile network operators in seconds. Some benefits of eSIM include:

• Instant Purchasing and Activation: Through platforms such as Trip.com, you can buy coverage for 150+ nations and install it without waiting for physical delivery.
• Dual SIM Functionality: You can keep your primary domestic phone number active to receive SMS 2-Factor Authentication (2FA) verification codes from banks and route all high-speed mobile data through your eSIM.
• Cost Efficiency: With eSIMs, you can avoid international roaming fees by accessing local and regional data packages at competitive rates.
• Multi-Profile Storage: iPhones can store multiple eSIM profiles simultaneously, allowing you to switch between data plans when crossing international borders.

Pre-Activation Checklist: Is Your iPhone Ready for an eSIM?

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Before activating the eSIM in your iPhone, you must check if your device is ready for it. Here are the two popular methods to check it.

Note: Only iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPHone XR or newer models support eSIMs.

Method 1: Dial *#06# and Look for an EID

This is one of the quickest ways to check eSIM support on an iPhone.

• Open the Phone app, go to the keypad and dial *#06#.
• After dialing the code, your iPhone will show device identifiers
• To confirm eSIM support, check particularly for an EID.
• EID is an Embedded Identity Document. It is a unique identifier for the eSIM chip in the iPhone. A phone with an EID means the phone has built-in eSIM hardware.
• If your EID starts with 89, your device has eSIM capability.
• On the other hand, if you see IMEI, MEID, SEID or serial number, your device does not support eSIM.

Method 2: Check for “Add eSIM” in Settings

Yet another way of checking if your iPhone has eSIM support is through Settings.

• Go to the Settings app on your iPhone.
• Based on your region, the menu may be called Cellular, Mobile Data or Mobile Service. In India, it is labeled as Mobile Data.
• Check for the option Add eSIM. If you see an option, Add eSIM or Add Cellular Plan, your iPhone likely supports eSIM.

Ensure Your iPhone Is Unlocked

Now that you know how to check if your iPhone device supports eSIM, you must ensure your iPhone is unlocked.

• Even if your device supports eSIM, it must be unlocked to use most travel eSIM plans.
• A carrier-locked iPhone may not accept eSIM plans from other providers.
• To check this aspect, follow this iPhone unlock check path: Settings - General - About - Carrier Lock.
• If it says No SIM restrictions, your phone is unlocked.
• If your phone is locked, you must connect with your carrier before you buy a travel eSIM.

How Do I Install and Set Up an eSIM on My iPhone?

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Direct In-App Installation via the Trip.com App

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Trip.com is one of those few platforms in the world that can talk directly to iOS and trigger eSIM install prompts automatically. Here's how you can do it on the app.

• Connect your iPhone to a stable Wi-Fi network.
• Open the Trip.com app and log in into your account.
• Tap on Account at the bottom right and then select My Orders.
• Select your eSIM order.
• Tap the Install eSIM button. On doing this, the app will initiate the background iOS cellular profile transfer.
• You will receive an iOS system pop-up saying Activate eSIM. Tap Continue.
• After that, follow the automatic on-screen iOS instructions to complete the process.

Set up eSIM with a QR Code

If your network provider has provided you with a QR code, you can use it to set up an eSIM in iPhone. Here's how you can activate eSIM in your iPhone.

• Turn on and set up your iPhone.
• When the Set Up Mobile screen appears, click on Use QR code.
• Follow the below onscreen instructions.
• To activate your eSIM after you set up your iPhone, connect with your network provider to receive a QR code.
• Open the Camera app to scan the QR code.
• When you see the Mobile Plan Detected notification, tap it.
• If you are using iOS 17.4 or later and get a QR code from your network provider in a default email app or browser, tap and hold the QR code. Then tap Add eSIM.
• Click Continue at the bottom of the screen.
• Next, tap Add Mobile Plan
• If the system asks you to enter a confirmation code to activate your eSIM, enter the number your network provider has provided.

Trip.com eSIM In-App Direct Installation vs. QR Code Setup

How to Switch Between a SIM Card and an eSIM on iPhone?

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You can easily switch between a SIM card and an eSIM on your iPhone with the following steps.

• Open Settings on your iPhone.
• Scroll down and tap Mobile Service.
• Tap Mobile Data.
• Here, you will see your physical SIM and eSIM lines.
• Tap the option you want to use for data.
• As a result, your iPhone will switch to using the line for mobile data.

How to Activate eSIM in iPhone Upon Arrival at Your Destination

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Once you land in your destination country, you can complete the final activation process in less than a minute.

• Go to Settings> Mobile Data (or cellular)
• Under SIMs, tap your travel line (for example, Trip.com Global)
• Toggle Turn On This Line to ON.
• Tap into your travel eSIM settings and toggle Data Roaming to ON.
• Make sure your primary Indian SIM (Jio/Airtel/Vi) has Data Roaming turned OFF.

eSIM Not Working on iPhone? Quick Troubleshooting & Fixes

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Here's what you can do if your travel eSIM does not connect immediately upon your arrival.

No Service or Unable to Access Internet

• Verify Data Roaming: Go to Settings > Mobile Data > [Trip.com eSIM] and confirm Data Roaming is turned ON.
• Toggle Airplane Mode: Turn Airplane Mode ON for 10 seconds. Then turn it OFF to allow your iPhone to scan local mobile towers.
• Manual Network Selection: Go to Settings > Mobile Data > Network Selection, toggle off Automatic. Next, select the local network carrier partner specified in your Trip.com order confirmation.

Connected but Data is Very Slow

• Restart Your iPhone: Restart the phone to flush network caches and register afresh on the foreign network.
• Verify APN Details: Open Settings > Mobile Data > [Trip.com eSIM] > Mobile Data Network. Make sure that the Access Point Name (APN) matches the string on your Trip.com order page.

QR Code Scan Fails

• Increase your screen brightness on the device displaying the code
• Hold your iPhone steady and ensure there's no glare.
• If it repeatedly fails, most providers, including Trip.com, let you request the code be resent or switch to in-app installation instead.

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