How to Install a Travel eSIM on iPhone

Installing a travel eSIM on iPhone takes about five minutes. You add the eSIM, turn on Data Roaming for it, and choose it for mobile data. Here's the whole process, step by step.

Before you start

• Check that your iPhone supports eSIM. iPhone XS, XR and every newer model do. Your iPhone also needs to be carrier-unlocked. Check under Settings › General › About › Carrier Lock: it should say "No SIM restrictions".
• Connect to Wi-Fi. The eSIM downloads over the internet.
• Check the activation rule for the package you purchased. Validity may start at installation or at the first connection to a supported network. Follow that package’s instructions; do not assume every plan uses the same trigger. Install when you are ready for the validity period to begin, on reliable Wi-Fi. The day you fly, before boarding or after landing, is a practical choice once you have checked your package’s activation rule.

Option 1: One-tap install (iOS 17.4 and later)

The easiest way, with no QR code needed.

1. On your iPhone, open My eSIMs on VenterraSIM and tap Install on iPhone, or tap the iOS (17.4+) quick-install button in your confirmation email.
2. Follow the prompts and tap Continue. Skip to "Set up the eSIM" below.

Option 2: Scan the QR code

Use this if one-tap install isn't available. You'll need the QR code on a second screen, like a laptop or another phone, since you can't scan your own screen.

1. Go to Settings › Cellular (called Mobile Data in some regions) and tap Add eSIM.
2. Tap Use QR Code and scan the code from your email or from My eSIMs.
3. Wait for the eSIM to activate, then tap Continue.

Can't scan? Tap Enter Details Manually and copy the SM-DP+ Address and Activation Code from the Manual Install tab of your order.

Set up the eSIM

iPhone will ask a few questions. Here's what to choose:

1. Label your lines. Rename the new one "Travel" and your usual one "Primary". It makes every later screen easier.
2. Default line: choose Primary. It keeps iMessage and FaceTime on your usual number.
3. Cellular data: choose Travel.
4. Tap Done.

Then open Settings › Cellular › Travel and turn on Data Roaming. This step is important. Your eSIM connects through partner networks abroad, so without Data Roaming it won't get online. It costs nothing extra, because the data is already paid for.

iPhone example: the home line is off and the travel line is on. Labels may differ on your phone.

When you land

1. Go to Settings › Cellular › Primary and turn off Turn On This Line. This guarantees your home carrier can't charge you for roaming. (Need calls or texts on your number? Leave it on, but turn off its Data Roaming.)
2. Make sure Travel is on and selected under Cellular Data.
3. In Cellular Data, turn off Allow Cellular Data Switching, so your iPhone never falls back to your home line.
4. Test it: turn Wi-Fi off and open any website. If it loads, you're online.

Not connecting?

Run through these before anything else:

• Data Roaming is on for the Travel line
• Travel is selected for Cellular Data
• Airplane mode is off
• You're in a country your package covers

Still nothing? Restart the iPhone, or turn Airplane mode on and off. Don't delete the eSIM. It usually can't be reinstalled. Our troubleshooting guide covers the rest, and support is one message away in the chat.

Heading home

Switch Cellular Data back to Primary and turn your Primary line back on. You can leave the Travel eSIM on the phone, turned off. It won't use anything.

Prefer pictures? Follow our illustrated iPhone installation guide.