How to set up an eSIM on your iPhone (step by step)

So you've bought a travel eSIM for your upcoming trip and now you're staring at a QR code wondering what to do next. Don't worry — setting up an eSIM on an iPhone is surprisingly simple. This guide walks you through every step, including the data roaming settings most people get wrong.

Before you start

Make sure your iPhone is eSIM-compatible. All iPhones from XS/XR (2018) and newer support eSIM. If you have an iPhone X or older, unfortunately you'll need a physical SIM. Also check that your phone is carrier-unlocked — if it's locked to Jazz, Telenor, or any other network, the eSIM won't work.

You'll also need a stable Wi-Fi connection during setup. The eSIM profile downloads from the internet, so do this at home or at the airport lounge before you board — not mid-flight.

Step 1: Open your QR code

We send your eSIM QR code to both WhatsApp and email. Open it on any screen — your laptop, a friend's phone, or even a printed copy works fine. You just need to be able to point your iPhone camera at it. If you only have one phone, screenshot the QR from WhatsApp and scan it from your Photos app instead.

Step 2: Go to Settings → Mobile Service

Open the Settings app on your iPhone. Tap 'Mobile Service' (or 'Cellular' depending on your region). Then tap 'Add eSIM'. Your iPhone will open the camera — point it at the QR code. It should recognize it within a second or two.

Step 3: Label your eSIM

After scanning, your iPhone will ask you to label the new line. We recommend naming it something clear like 'Travel' or the country name — 'Turkey', 'Dubai', etc. This makes it easy to tell which line is which when you're abroad. Your original Pakistani SIM stays as 'Primary'.

Step 4: Set your primary line as default

This is the most important step. When your iPhone asks which line to use as default, select your original Pakistani number as the default line for calls, messages, and FaceTime. Set the travel eSIM as the line for 'Mobile Data' only. This way your WhatsApp stays linked to your PK number and you only use the travel eSIM for internet.

Step 5: Keep the eSIM OFF until you land

Once installed, go back to Settings → Mobile Service and turn OFF the travel eSIM line. Keep it off until your flight lands at the destination. Turning it on early might start the plan validity countdown or cause roaming charges.

Step 6: Land, switch on, enable roaming

After landing, go to Settings → Mobile Service → tap your travel eSIM → turn ON 'Turn On This Line' and enable 'Data Roaming'. Within a few seconds you should see signal bars and a 4G or 5G icon appear. Open Safari or Google Maps to confirm the internet is working — and you're done!

Common issues (and fixes)

No signal after turning on? First, toggle Airplane Mode on and off — this forces the phone to search for networks. Still nothing? Go to Settings → Mobile Service → travel eSIM → Network Selection → turn off Automatic and manually pick a carrier from the list. Message us on WhatsApp if you're still stuck — we usually reply within a minute.

Data is slow? Check that Data Roaming is ON for the eSIM line (this is the #1 issue). Also make sure you're on 4G or 5G, not 3G. Go to Settings → Mobile Service → travel eSIM → Voice & Data → select 5G Auto or 4G.