How to install a travel eSIM on iPhone 17, 16, 15 and older
2026-11-04 · goAFK
Short answer
- Every iPhone from XS/XR to the iPhone 17 supports eSIM; US iPhone 14 and newer are eSIM-only.
- Install before the trip on Wi-Fi: Settings → Mobile Service (Cellular) → Add eSIM → Use QR Code.
- At the destination, choose the travel eSIM for Mobile Data and turn on Data Roaming for it. Keep your main line on for calls and SMS.
Which iPhones support eSIM
iPhone XS, XS Max, XR and every newer model, including SE (2nd and 3rd generation), support eSIM. Most can hold eight or more eSIMs and use two lines at once. iPhones sold in mainland China (except some models from Hong Kong and Macao) have two physical SIM slots instead and do not support eSIM.
The phone must be carrier-unlocked. Check: Settings → General → About → Carrier Lock should say "No SIM restrictions".
Install the eSIM (2 minutes)
Do this at home before you fly, on Wi-Fi or mobile data, and stay connected until it finishes.
- Open Settings → Mobile Service (called Cellular or Mobile Data on older iOS) → Add eSIM.
- Tap "Use QR Code" and scan the QR from your goAFK profile. On the same iPhone, use "Enter Details Manually" with the SM-DP+ address and activation code instead.
- Name the line, e.g. "goAFK Japan", so you can tell it apart from your main SIM.
- When asked for a default line, keep your main number for calls and SMS. You can switch data later.
Turn it on at the destination
- Settings → Mobile Service → Mobile Data → choose the travel eSIM.
- Open the travel eSIM line and turn on Data Roaming. Without it a travel eSIM will not connect, because it roams on a local network.
- Turn off "Allow Mobile Data Switching" so the phone does not fall back to your main SIM and charge roaming.
- The plan's validity starts when the eSIM first connects to a local network, not when you install it.
Keep your main number working
Leave your main SIM switched on for calls and SMS (bank codes still arrive), and turn off Data Roaming on that line so it never uses paid roaming data. iMessage and FaceTime keep working on your main number over the travel eSIM's data.
If it does not work
- No internet after landing: check Data Roaming is on for the travel eSIM and that it is selected for Mobile Data, then restart the phone.
- "Cellular plan cannot be added": the phone may be carrier-locked, or the QR was already used. A QR code can be installed only once.
- Do not delete the eSIM to "reset" it: once removed, the same eSIM cannot be reinstalled.