woman installing esim on iphone

How to Install an eSIM on iPhone in 2026 – Step-by-Step Guide (Ezy eSIM)

The days of swapping physical SIM cards, fumbling with adapters, and hunting for local stores overseas are over. With eSIM technology, iPhone users can activate mobile data instantly — just by scanning a QR code.

Whether you’re preparing for a trip to Japan, exploring Europe, flying into Singapore, or travelling across the USA and Canada, installing your eSIM correctly ensures fast 4G/5G data with no roaming fees.

This complete 2026 guide walks you through:

  • how to install an eSIM on any iPhone model

  • screenshot examples

  • how to avoid common mistakes

  • how to activate an Ezy eSIM plan

  • troubleshooting (no service, no data, no QR code)

  • country-specific recommendations

Let’s get started.

 

 

🧩 iPhones That Support eSIM in 2026

All recent iPhones support eSIM, including:

  • iPhone SE (2020 & 2022)

  • iPhone XR, XS, XS Max

  • iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, 15

  • iPhone 16 series (eSIM only in USA models)

If you have an iPhone XR or newer, you can use Ezy eSIM instantly.

 

 

🔥 Before You Install Your eSIM: 3 Essentials

1. Make sure your iPhone is unlocked

If you bought your phone outright from Apple, it’s already unlocked.

2. Connect to Wi-Fi

eSIM activation requires the internet for setup.

3. Have your eSIM QR code ready

If you purchased from Ezy eSIM, your email includes:

  • QR code

  • manual activation code

  • plan details

  • country coverage information

If you haven’t purchased yet, choose your destination:

 

 

📲 Step-by-Step: How to Install an eSIM on iPhone

 

 

Step 1: Open Settings

Go to:
 Settings → Mobile (or Cellular)

 

 

Step 2: Tap “Add eSIM” or “Add Mobile Plan”


Depending on your iOS version, you will see:

  • Add eSIM

  • Add Mobile Plan

  • Add Data Plan

Tap to continue.

 

 

Step 3: Scan Your QR Code

Point your camera at the QR code provided in your Ezy eSIM email.

Your iPhone will recognise it instantly and display your plan details.

 

 

Step 4: Tap “Add Data Plan”

You will see a confirmation message:

“A new mobile plan is ready to be added.”

Tap:
 Add Data Plan

 

 

Step 5: Label Your eSIM (Optional)

You can choose a label such as:

  • Travel

  • Ezy eSIM

  • Japan Trip

  • Europe Data

This helps avoid confusion when switching between your physical SIM and eSIM.


 

 

Step 6: Set Your Default Line for Data

When asked:

“Which SIM do you want to use for mobile data?”

Select:

✔ Your Ezy eSIM
 ❌ Not your physical SIM

This ensures you avoid roaming fees entirely.


 

 

Step 7: Turn On Data Roaming for the eSIM

IMPORTANT:
 Only turn on roaming for the eSIM — not your home SIM.

Settings → Mobile → Select your eSIM → Data Roaming → ON

This allows your Ezy eSIM to access partner networks overseas.


 

 

🎉 Your eSIM Is Now Installed

When you land overseas:

  • disable Airplane Mode

  • your eSIM will connect automatically

  • you’ll see 4G or 5G signal within 10–30 seconds

If using Ezy eSIM, this works in 170+ destinations worldwide.

 

 

📊 Comparison Table: QR Code vs Manual eSIM Activation

Method

Best For

Steps Required

Speed

Notes

QR Code Activation

Most travellers

Scan → Add Plan → Done

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Easiest & fastest method

Manual Activation (SM-DP+ Address & Activation Code)

Users with two devices or printed QR

Enter codes manually

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Works if QR isn’t scanning

Carrier Transfer (via eSIM Quick Transfer)

Moving from old iPhone

Automatic transfer

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Apple-only, not for travel eSIMs

QR code is always the fastest way to activate Ezy eSIM travel plans.

 

 

🧩 Manual Activation (If You Can’t Scan the QR Code)

If your second device is unavailable, or if your airline/airport blocks QR scanning:

  1. Go to Settings → Mobile → Add eSIM

  2. Tap Enter Details Manually

  3. Enter the following from your Ezy eSIM email:

    • SM-DP+ Address

    • Activation Code

    • Confirmation Code (if provided)

This method works 100% of the time.

 

 

💡 Tips for a Smooth eSIM Installation

✓ Install before leaving home

Airports sometimes have weak Wi-Fi.

✓ Restart your iPhone after activation

This helps the eSIM register faster.

✓ Turn off data roaming for your physical SIM

Prevents accidental roaming fees.

✓ Use Ezy eSIM’s troubleshooting guide (included with email)

 

 

❗ Common eSIM Installation Mistakes and How to Fix Them

 

 

Issue 1: “Unable to Complete Cellular Plan Change”

Solution:
 Restart your iPhone → connect to Wi-Fi → try again.

 

 

Issue 2: No Service After Activation

Solution:
 Check these:

  • Data Roaming (ON)

  • Mobile Data set to eSIM

  • APN settings (usually not required for Ezy eSIM)

  • Restart device

 

 

Issue 3: QR Code Won’t Scan

Solution:
 Use manual activation via SM-DP+ and Activation Code.

 

 

Issue 4: eSIM Missing After Setup

Rare, but can occur after major iOS updates.

Solution:
 Settings → Mobile → Add eSIM → Transfer or Reinstall
 If travelling: contact Ezy eSIM for fast reissue.

 

 

🌍 Country-Specific Installation Tips

 

 

🇯🇵 Japan eSIM Installation Tips

 

 

🇪🇺 Europe eSIM Installation Tips

 

 

🇸🇬🇲🇾🇹🇭 Singapore / Malaysia / Thailand eSIM Tips

 

 

🇺🇸🇨🇦 USA / Canada eSIM Tips

 

 

🎯 Final Checklist for Installing eSIM on iPhone

Before travelling, ensure:

✔ eSIM installed
 ✔ Mobile data set to eSIM
 ✔ Roaming OFF for physical SIM
 ✔ Roaming ON for eSIM
 ✔ Phone restarted
 ✔ Offline maps downloaded

You are now protected from roaming fees and fully connected.

 

 

📌 FAQs – Installing an eSIM on iPhone

Do I need the internet to install an eSIM?

Yes, you need Wi-Fi or temporary mobile data for activation.

Can I install an eSIM on iPhone without scanning a QR code?

Yes — use manual activation with SM-DP+ and activation code.

Can I keep my physical SIM active?

Yes. Just make sure mobile data uses the eSIM.

Does Ezy eSIM work on all iPhones?

All iPhone models XR and newer support eSIM.

Can I reinstall my eSIM if I delete it?

Yes, you can only reinstall the eSIM on the same device you deleted it on. 

Install Your eSIM Now

Choose your destination and activate your eSIM in under 2 minutes:

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