eSIM-Now.com
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Last updated: 2026-06-19
Installing an eSIM on your iPhone takes about two minutes. The most important thing to understand up front: you install the eSIM at home before your trip, but it only connects once you arrive at your destination. This guide walks you through both — with screenshots of every screen — and the exact settings to check so your data works the moment you land.
Install before you fly — over Wi-Fi.
Set up your eSIM before you leave home, while you have a stable Wi-Fi or internet connection. Downloading the eSIM profile requires internet, and you may not have any the moment you land. Installing early does not start your plan — the validity countdown only begins when the eSIM connects to a network at your destination.
What you'll need
Install in 4 steps
Open eSIM settings
Go to Settings → Cellular (called Mobile Data in some regions), then tap Add eSIM.
On older iOS versions this may read Add Cellular Plan.
Scan your QR code
Choose Use QR Code and point your camera at the QR code from your email or profile page.
Only have one phone? If the QR code is on the same iPhone, tap the activation link in your eSIM email instead, or choose Enter Details Manually and paste the SM-DP+ address and activation code.
Add & label the plan
Tap Continue, then Add Cellular Plan. Give it a label you'll recognise, like “eSIM-Now Travel.”
When asked, keep your Primary line as your default for calls and texts — you'll set the data line in the next section.
Confirm the profile installed
Go back to Settings → Cellular. Your eSIM-Now plan should now appear as a second line under SIMs.
If you can see it listed, the eSIM profile is installed correctly. You're ready for the important settings below.
Now set it up correctly
This is the part most people miss — and the reason an eSIM "doesn't work" even though it installed fine. Once your profile is installed, set these:
Travel eSIMs need Data Roaming ON to connect abroad.
Turn this OFF so your phone stops using your home SIM for data.
Before you arrive, "No Service" or "Searching…" is completely normal.
Your eSIM connects to its local network at your destination — usually within a few minutes of landing and turning off Airplane Mode. Don't worry if it shows no signal while you're still at home, and never delete the eSIM to "retry" — most travel eSIMs can't be reinstalled once removed.
Your eSIM-Now plan is data-only.
It gives you fast mobile internet — but no phone number, so it can't make regular calls or receive SMS / one-time verification (OTP) codes. Keep your home SIM active for calls and texts, and use WhatsApp, FaceTime, Telegram or Signal to call and message over data.
Still no data after you arrive?
Work through these in order — they fix the large majority of cases (or jump to the full iPhone eSIM troubleshooting guide for manual network selection and common error messages):
- Toggle Airplane Mode on, wait 10 seconds, then off
- Restart your iPhone
- Re-check the settings above: Data Roaming ON for eSIM-Now, and it's selected under Cellular Data
- Make sure you're in an area with coverage and give it a few minutes
- Still stuck? Your QR code and details are always on your profile page — or reach our team and we'll help
Manual setup (if you can't scan)
If you only have one device, enter the details by hand:
- Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → Use QR Code
- Tap Enter Details Manually at the bottom
- Enter the SM-DP+ address and Activation Code from your eSIM email
- Tap Next, then label and configure the line as above
Managing multiple eSIMs
Your iPhone can store up to 8 eSIM profiles and keep 2 lines active at once — ideal for keeping your home number for calls while a travel eSIM handles data. To switch: Settings → Cellular, tap a plan, then Turn On This Line. Only delete a travel eSIM after your trip — most cannot be reinstalled once removed.
Ready for your trip? Browse plans for 140+ countries, get your QR code instantly, and follow this guide to be online the moment you land.
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