How to Activate an eSIM on iPhone Step by Step

You’ve bought your travel eSIM and now you’re wondering how to get it up and running? Don’t worry: activating an eSIM on your iPhone is a quick process done entirely from your phone’s settings, with no physical cards or shop visits required. In this guide, we walk you through every step in detail so you’re connected in a matter of minutes.

Before you begin: check your iPhone is compatible

Not all iPhones support eSIM, but the good news is that most modern models do. Check that your device appears on this list:

Also, make sure your iPhone is not carrier-locked. If you bought it directly from Apple or unlocked it a while ago, you shouldn’t have any issues.

Step 1: Receive your QR code or direct activation details

When you purchase an eSIM from Roam2Go, you’ll receive a QR code or activation details by email. Keep that email to hand: you’ll need it during the process. If your plan supports direct activation (without a QR code), we’ll let you know explicitly.

Practical tip: install the eSIM at home where you have Wi-Fi, not at the airport. You’ll save yourself stress and avoid any coverage hiccups at the moment of set-up.

Step 2: Install the eSIM on your iPhone

There are two ways to install it, depending on the type of plan you’ve purchased:

Option A: Scan the QR code

1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
2. Tap Mobile Data (or “Cellular” depending on your language settings).
3. Select Add Mobile Data Plan.
4. Choose Use QR Code and point your camera at the code you received by email.
5. Confirm the addition of the plan when your iPhone prompts you.

Option B: Enter the details manually

1. Follow the same steps up to “Add Mobile Data Plan”.
2. Choose Enter Details Manually.
3. Type in the activation code you received by email.
4. Confirm and wait for the process to complete.

Installation usually takes between 30 seconds and a couple of minutes. Once finished, you’ll see the name of the new plan in your list of mobile lines.

Step 3: Set the eSIM as your data line

Once installed, you need to tell your iPhone which line to use for mobile data while you’re travelling:

1. Go to Settings > Mobile Data.
2. Tap Mobile Data and select the Roam2Go plan.
3. Turn off Data Roaming on your main line (your home one) to avoid any unwanted charges.
4. Turn on Data Roaming on the Roam2Go line (many travel eSIMs need this enabled to work correctly abroad).

You can label each line with a custom name — for example, “Work” and “Travel” — to tell them apart easily.

Step 4: Check your connection

Before you disconnect from your home Wi-Fi, make sure everything is working:

• Temporarily turn off Wi-Fi.
• Open the browser and load any webpage.
• If everything is working, you’ll see the eSIM carrier’s name in the status bar at the top of your phone.

If the connection doesn’t establish straight away, wait a few minutes: sometimes the network takes a little while to register the device. If the problem persists, check that data roaming is enabled on the Roam2Go plan, as explained in the previous step.

Common questions about set-up

If you arrive at your destination and data isn’t working, first check that data roaming is enabled on the correct line. Secondly, make sure the plan you’ve purchased has already come into effect (some activate at the moment of installation, others when they detect first use on the local network). If you need help, the Roam2Go team is on hand to answer any questions.

Now that you know how to activate your eSIM on iPhone, all that’s left is to choose the plan that best suits your trip. Browse all available eSIMs at Roam2Go and stay connected wherever you go, with no nasty surprises on your bill.

Frequently asked questions