Help guide to install an eSIM on an Apple Device

18 April 2023

This article follows you through the procedures needed to install an eSIM on an Apple device. It was written using IOS 16.3, the most recent Apple software at the time.

Both "install using a QR code" and "manual install" are available as installation choices in this help document.

The following three items must be present before you can begin the installation:

  • an effective 4G or Wifi connection with a strong internet connection is preferred
  • An eSIM-compatible device - If unsure, check out this list of suitable devices
  • The device is not network-locked to a certain provider. If you are unsure, an article explaining how to detect the "locked / unlocked" status has been supplied.

After installation, don't forget to enable "Data Roaming"!

 

Install Using A QR Code 

 

There are two options available when scanning the QR code to install an eSIM; 

 

Step 1.

 

Either

 

1.1) Open the camera on your device > Scan the QR code > Tap "Mobile Plan" 

 

Step 1.1

 

Or

1.2) Go to "Settings" > Tap "Mobile / Cellular Data" > Tap "Add eSIM" > Tap "Use QR Code" > Scan the QR code provided

 

Step 1.2

 

Step 2. Tap "Continue" > Allow up to 10 minutes for the eSIM to Activate > Tap "Done"

 

Step 2

 

Step 3. There are two options available at this stage, we advise proceeding with option 3.1)

 

Either

 

3.1) Tap "Continue" and then move to Step 4.

 

or

 

3.2) You have the option to modify the "eSIM Label" (the name of the eSIM) instead of using the default name.

 

If you would like to modify the eSIM label before moving to the next step;

 

Tap ">" (the right hand arrow) > Then either choose one of the preset label's or type the name you want to use in the "Custom Label" box > Tap "Done" > Tap "Continue"

 

In this example the name of the esim was changed to "My eSIM" using the custom label box.

 

Please note; Option 3.2) won't be offered to you if you have more than one eSIM already installed on your device, so a custom label can only be altered after the SIM install is complete. 

 

Step 3 Apple

 

Step 4. Configure the following settings as suggested:

  • Set Default Line to "Primary" > Tap "Continue"
  • Set iMessage & FaceTime to "Primary" > Tap "Continue"
  • Set Mobile Data to your previously chosen esim label, in this example "My eSIM"

Allow Mobile Data Switching is defaulted to off, choose you preference using the toggle > Tap "Done" 

"Allow Mobile Data Switching" will allow your device to use mobile data from both lines depending on coverage and availability. You can change your selection later in settings.

 

Step 4 Apple

 

Step 5. The eSIM is now installed and configured.

 

Important: Data Roaming MUST be ENABLED in order for the eSIM to work

 

Go to "Settings" > Tap "Mobile / Cellular Data" > Select desired SIM > Move the toggle switch to "On"

 

Step 5 Apple

 

Don't forget to turn on "Data Roaming" after install!

 

Manual eSIM Install 

 

Step 1. Go to "Settings" > Tap "Mobile / Cellular Data" 

 

Step 2. Tap "Add eSIM" > Tap "Use QR Code" > Tap "Enter Details Manually"

 

Step 1 Manual Install

 

Step 3. Enter the "SMDP Address" and the "Activation Code" provided > Tap "Next"

 

Leave "Confirmation Code" blank

 

Step 3 Manual Install

 

Step 4. Tap "Continue" > Allow up to 10 minutes for the eSIM to Activate > Tap "Done"

 

Step 4 Manual Install

 

Step 5. There are two options available at this stage, we advise proceeding with option 5.1)

 

Either

 

5.1) Tap "Continue" and then move to Step 6.

 

or

 

5.2) You have the option to modify the "eSIM Label" (the name of the eSIM) instead of using the default name.

 

If you would like to modify the eSIM label before moving to the next step;

 

Tap ">" (the right hand arrow) > Then either choose one of the preset label's or type the name you want to use in the "Custom Label" box > Tap "Done" > Tap "Continue"

 

In this example the name of the esim was changed to "My eSIM" using the custom label box.

 

Please note; Option 5.2) won't be offered to you if you have more than one eSIM already installed on your device, so a custom label can only be altered after the SIM install is complete. 

 

Step 5 Manual Install

 

Step 6. Configure the following settings as suggested:

 

  • Set Default Line to "Primary" > Tap "Continue"
  • Set iMessage & FaceTime to "Primary" > Tap "Continue"
  • Set Mobile Data to your previously chosen esim label, in this example "My eSIM"

 

Allow Mobile Data Switching is defaulted to off, choose you preference using the toggle > Tap "Done" 

 

"Allow Mobile Data Switching" will allow your device to use mobile data from both lines depending on coverage and availability. You can change your selection later in settings.

 

Step 6 Manual

 

Step 7. The eSIM is now installed and configured.

 

Important: Data Roaming MUST be ENABLED in order for the eSIM to work

 

Go to "Settings" > Tap "Mobile / Cellular Data" > Select desired SIM > Move the toggle switch to "On"

 

Step 7 Manual

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