Installing an eSIM on iPhone

Under 2 minutes from QR code to working data. Any iPhone XS or later handles it — iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 and whatever Apple ships next. The steps below cover activation.

Also available: Installing an eSIM on Android

First, check this: Two requirements. An eSIM-capable iPhone (XS or later) that is not carrier-locked, and Wi-Fi to download the eSIM profile.

Adding an eSIM to Your iPhone — Step by Step

1
Connect to Wi-Fi
Get on Wi-Fi first. The eSIM profile downloads over the internet, so you need a connection before you begin.
2
Open the email on your iPhone
Find the Onetel email with your QR code. Open that email on the iPhone itself — a second device is not needed.
3
Press and hold the QR code image
Press and hold your finger on the QR code image shown in the email. A menu appears — tap "Add eSIM". On iPhone this is the quickest route.
4
Alternative: use Settings
No menu on hold-down? Take the manual route: Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → Use QR Code, then point your camera at the code.
5
Label and activate
Tap Continue, then Add Cellular Plan. Name the line after where you are going (e.g. "Japan trip"). Switch it on once you land.
Fastest route on iPhone

Open the Onetel email from your iPhone, then press and hold the QR code until the popup shows up. Tap "Add eSIM" — done in seconds, and Settings never comes into it.

Tip

The eSIM can be installed ahead of your trip and switch it on once you land. The path: Settings → Cellular → your eSIM plan → toggle on or off whenever you want.

iPhone eSIM Problems — And How to Fix Them

Open the email on the iPhone itself, not on a laptop screen. If the code has expired, contact support and they will reissue it.

Check Settings → General → About → EID first. If no EID is listed, the handset simply has no eSIM support. If an EID is there, the phone is carrier-locked — ask your carrier to remove the lock.

Data Roaming has to be on for the eSIM line: Settings → Cellular → your eSIM → switch on Data Roaming.

Once a profile is installed, it stays tied to that device for good. Message our support team and they will arrange a replacement.

On an Android phone instead? See the Android setup steps →

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How to install eSIM on iPhone