How to install eSIM on iPhone with QR code

Detailed instructions on installing and activating an eSIM on your iPhone using QR code.

shuhei

Dec 12, 2024 • 5 min read

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The actual steps and interfaces may vary depending on the iOS version and the iPhone model. This article explains eSIM installation for both iOS 18 and iOS 17.

These days, you don’t need a physical SIM card to get mobile service. With eSIM, you can download and install mobile data plans over the internet, just like you would install an app. This makes it easy to manage multiple lines—whether it’s adding a secondary line for work or using a prepaid travel eSIM while you’re overseas.

In this article, we’ll walk you through how to install an eSIM (mobile data plan) on your iPhone using a QR code, with actual screenshots.

Before proceeding, please make sure that:

Your iPhone is eSIM-compatible
Your iPhone is not carrier-locked (SIM-free)

You’ll also need a stable internet connection to install an eSIM. Wi-Fi or mobile data will work just fine.

【Important】Whether you can add an eSIM with a single device depends on your iOS version

With iOS 17, it is(was) possible to scan a QR code directly from Photos by long-pressing it or opening it during the activation flow, allowing you to complete the entire installation process on a single device. Unfortunately, iOS 18 removed this option for some reason, which makes the process slightly more inconvenient. (This information is current as of the time of writing.)

As a result, if you’re using iOS 18, you’ll need another device to display the QR code—or a printed copy of it—so you can scan it. If you don’t have another device or a printed copy, you can still manually enter the activation code.

FYI, starting with iOS 17.4, you may not need a QR code or activation code at all. Certain carriers now provide a direct link that opens the installation screen, allowing you to add an eSIM with just one click from an email or app. However, if no such link is provided, you’ll still need to use a QR code or an activation code.

1️⃣ Scan QR Code

As mentioned, the way you scan a QR code differs between iOS 18 (iOS 18.2 and below to be moe specific) and iOS 17. We’ve divided the instructions by version below.

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If you’re already using two lines as dual-SIM mode, we recommend turning off the secondary line before starting. This effectively frees up one of the SIM slots for the new eSIM.

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Keep in mind that most QR codes can only be used once. Once you start the installation process, don’t cancel it and proceed straight through to the end.

iOS 18

Follow these steps to open the "Set Up Mobile Service" screen:

Open the Settings app
Tap Mobile Service (or Cellular)
Under the "SIMs" section, tap Add eSIM

Next, you’ll see options to "Transfer From Nearby iPhone" or "Use QR Code". Choose Use QR Code.

Your camera will open automatically. Point it at the QR code to scan.

*The scan may complete even before you fully center the QR code in the frame but this is perfectly fine.

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Alternatively, you can simply launch the iOS Camera app and scan QR code from there which might be quicker.

iOS 17

iOS 17.4 or later

Simply press and hold the QR code you receive from the service provider, and tap "Add eSIM" option displayed at the bottom of the menu.

*It's a bit tricky because if you save the QR code to your photos, the "Add eSIM" option doesn't appear.

iOS 17.3 or below

You first save the QR code as an image in the Photos app.

To save the QR code as a photo, open the image or long press it, and tap "Save Image" or "Save to Photos". Alternatively, you can take a screenshot and trim it.

Next, open up the "Set Up Cellular (or Mobile Service)" by following these steps.

Go to Settings
Tap Cellular (or Mobile Service)
Tap Add eSIM in SIMs section

From there, tap "Use QR Code" and then "Open Photos". Once you've selected the QR code image, it will be scanned immediately.

2️⃣ Activate eSIM

After successful QR code scan, Activate eSIM page will pop up (given the QR code is valid). Here you tap Continue to activate and install the eSIM.

This activation process may take few minutes. Once completed, it shows that the eSIM is now active on your iPhone.

That's it. Now you've successfully installed an eSIM using QR code.

Next step is to set up the eSIM (Mobile Service Plan) you just installed.

FYI

In some cases, activation may take longer than a couple of minutes e.g. due to the carrier's system not responding or processing quickly. When that happens, your iPhone will just show "Activating..." for the installed eSIM.

Unless there is an issue with their system, it should take no more than 15 minutes. But if you experience a much longer wait time, we suggest that you contact the eSIM provider for more details.

3️⃣ Set Up Mobile Service Plan

Depending on the eSIM, you might see a couple of settings screens like Cellular Plan Labels, Default Line, iMessage & FaceTime, and Cellular Data after installing it.

In most cases you can safely select your primary (original) SIM/eSIM for all of them.

Mobile Service (Cellular) Plan Label

By default your eSIM will probably be labeled as Travel or Business or other pre-set one.

If you are using an eSIM for travel, it's recommended that you name it like a country flag + name of the provider. This way it's easy to spot which eSIM is for travel to where.

You can also customize it at any time from Settings > Mobile Service (or Cellular).

Storing multiple eSIMs

Under Settings > Mobile Service (or Cellular), you can find all the SIMs and eSIMs in your iPhone.

The latest eSIM you installed should be at the bottom of the SIMs list.

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As you can see in the screenshot below, you can install and store multiple eSIMs.

You can tap on it to configure things like Labels and Data Roaming at any time.

Useful resources

Below is a video from Apple Support official YouTube channel on activating an eSIM on an iPhone.