iPhone eSIM Complete Setup Guide

Everything you need to know about eSIM on iPhone — from installation to dual SIM configuration to troubleshooting. Covers iPhone XS through iPhone 16 Pro.

Which iPhones support eSIM?

eSIM + Physical SIM (dual SIM): iPhone XS, XS Max, XR, 11 series, 12 series, 13 series, 14 (non-US models), 15, 16 (all models).

eSIM only (no physical SIM slot): iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max (US models only). iPhone 15 and 16 worldwide.

Number of stored eSIM profiles: Up to 8 (iPhone 13 and later). Can have 2 active simultaneously.

Step 1: Install the eSIM (QR method)

1
Settings → Cellular → Add Cellular Plan → Use QR Code.
2
Scan the QR code from your LTE.app email.
3
Tap "Add Cellular Plan" when prompted.
4
Name it — e.g., "Japan Trip 2026" — for easy identification.

Step 2: Configure for travel

1
Settings → Cellular → tap your travel eSIM → turn on "Data Roaming."
2
Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data → select your travel eSIM.
3
Settings → Cellular → Default Voice Line → keep your home SIM selected.
4
Toggle airplane mode off/on to force carrier registration in your destination country.

Step 3: Manage data and plan

1
Check remaining data in the LTE.app dashboard.
2
Purchase additional data or a new plan from the app if needed — no new QR required for top-ups.
3
To disable the travel eSIM temporarily (at home), Settings → Cellular → tap the plan → toggle "Turn On This Line" off.

Step 4: When your trip ends

1
Toggle your home SIM back as the Cellular Data line.
2
Leave the travel eSIM installed — you can reactivate it for a future trip without scanning a new QR (plan permitting).
3
To permanently remove: Settings → Cellular → tap the plan → Remove Cellular Plan. Note: removal is permanent.

iMessage and FaceTime with eSIM

Your Apple ID links to your phone number, which stays on your home SIM. iMessage and FaceTime continue to work on your home number regardless of which SIM is handling data. You do not need to update any iMessage settings when traveling with an eSIM.

Having trouble? Smart Coach diagnoses automatically.

Open LTE.app and tap Smart Coach. It checks your APN settings, roaming state, and carrier connection automatically — even without mobile data.

Get LTE.app →

Frequently asked questions

Will my iPhone eSIM work internationally?

Yes, provided you have enabled data roaming on the eSIM line and purchased a plan covering your destination. The eSIM hardware is not region-locked — it supports any carrier worldwide.

What happens if my iPhone runs out of eSIM storage?

Delete an old unused eSIM profile to free a slot. Settings → Cellular → tap the unused plan → Remove Cellular Plan. On iPhone 13 and later, you can store up to 8 profiles before needing to delete one.

Does eSIM work on a locked iPhone?

Carrier-locked iPhones may reject eSIMs from other carriers. Contact your home carrier and request an unlock before traveling. Once unlocked, you can use any eSIM globally.

Can I move an eSIM to a new iPhone?

Yes. During iPhone setup (migrating from old iPhone), iOS offers to transfer eSIM profiles. Some eSIM plans allow this; others are device-locked. LTE.app plans can be reissued if transfer is not supported — contact support.

Troubleshooting guides

🔧 eSIM Connected but No Data?🔧 eSIM Roaming Not Working Abroad?🔧 iPhone eSIM Not Working?

Ready to get connected?

Instant eSIM plans for 196 countries. Buy, scan, done — in under 2 minutes.

Get an eSIM for your iPhone →