How to install an eSIM on your iPhone, step by step

Check three things before you buy or install:

• Your iPhone supports eSIM. Every model from the iPhone XS and XR onwards does. If you're not sure, see our guide to eSIM-compatible phones.
• Your iPhone is unlocked. Phones sold by a carrier on a contract may be locked and refuse eSIMs from other providers. Go to Settings > General > About > Carrier Lock: it should say "No SIM restrictions".
• You have a stable internet connection, ideally Wi-Fi. The iPhone downloads the eSIM profile during installation, so it needs to be online.

The easiest approach is to install it at home the day before you leave. The plan's validity doesn't start when you install it, but when the phone first connects to a network in your destination, so you won't lose any days by doing it early. You have up to 180 days from purchase to install an unused eSIM.

After payment you'll receive an email with everything you need, and the same details appear on your order page: a QR code, the SM-DP+ address and the activation code.

If your iPhone runs iOS 17.4 or newer, this is the quickest route:

1. Open the order email or the order page on the iPhone you're going to use the eSIM on.
2. Tap the "Install on iPhone" button.
3. iOS opens the eSIM activation screen. Follow the prompts and tap Continue until it finishes.

There's nothing to scan and no codes to copy. If the button doesn't appear or doesn't respond, use option B or C.

The QR code is handy when your order is open on another screen, such as a laptop, a tablet or someone else's phone:

1. Go to Settings > Mobile Service (on older versions, "Mobile Data").
2. Tap Add eSIM, then Use QR Code.
3. Point the camera at the QR code in the email or on the order page.
4. Confirm the installation and wait for it to complete.

You can't scan a QR code that's displayed on the iPhone's own screen. In that case, option A is the one to use.

If the camera won't read the code, or you'd rather not use it:

1. Go to Settings > Mobile Service > Add eSIM > Use QR Code.
2. Tap Enter Details Manually (the exact wording may vary).
3. Copy the SM-DP+ address and the activation code exactly as they appear on your order. Leave the confirmation code blank unless we've given you one.

Once installation finishes, iOS asks you a few questions. Here's what we recommend:

• Line label. The profile shows up with the carrier name "Carrier". To tell it apart from your usual SIM, rename it "Startia": Settings > Mobile Service > tap the new line > Line Label.
• Default line for calls. Keep your usual SIM. Our eSIM is data-only, with no phone number and no SMS, although WhatsApp, FaceTime and other internet calling apps work fine over data.
• Mobile data line. Choose the Startia eSIM under Settings > Mobile Service > Mobile Data.
• Turn off "Allow Mobile Data Switching". If it's on, your iPhone may fall back to your home SIM's data when the eSIM signal is weak, which could lead to roaming charges.
• Data Roaming on for the eSIM. Settings > Mobile Service > tap the Startia line > Data Roaming. This is essential: the eSIM connects to partner networks abroad, and without roaming it won't get online.
• Data Roaming off for your home SIM, so your usual provider doesn't charge you anything unexpected. If you'd like to know why, we explain it in how roaming works.

The plan activates as soon as your iPhone connects to a supported network at your destination. If you install it at home, you can leave the eSIM line switched off until the trip. When you land, turn it on, check it's set as your data line and wait a few seconds for a signal to appear. If you need more data, many plans can be topped up from your customer area. And if you haven't chosen a plan yet, have a look at our list of destinations.

• No service when you arrive. Make sure the eSIM line is turned on, selected for mobile data and has Data Roaming enabled. Then switch Airplane Mode on for about ten seconds and off again: this forces the phone to search for available networks.
• "No SIM" or "Invalid SIM". Restart the iPhone. If it persists, check under Settings > Mobile Service that the eSIM is still installed and turned on.
• Signal but no internet. Occasionally the APN has to be entered by hand under Settings > Mobile Service > Startia line > Mobile Data Network. Only do this if your order gives a specific APN; in most cases it's configured automatically.
• Network selection. In areas with patchy coverage, try turning off automatic network selection for the eSIM line and picking another operator from the list.
• Installation error. This is usually down to an unstable connection. Join a different Wi-Fi network and try again. If the error says the code has already been used, contact us before doing anything else.

If none of this helps, email esim-contact@startia.es or open a ticket from your order page. We provide support in English and Spanish.

A deleted eSIM usually can't be reinstalled with the same code. So don't remove it when you get home if you still have data or days left, or if you plan to top it up for another trip. Once the plan has ended and you won't use it again, you can delete it under Settings > Mobile Service > Startia line > Delete eSIM.

Can I install the eSIM before I travel?

Yes, and we recommend it. Validity starts with the first connection to a network at your destination, not when you install it.

Will I lose my phone number?

No. Your usual SIM stays in the iPhone and you can keep receiving calls and texts on it. Just turn off its data roaming.

Why can't I see the "Install on iPhone" button?

It needs iOS 17.4 or later, and the order has to be opened on the same iPhone. If it doesn't appear, use the QR code or the manual details.

Can I get a refund if I can't install it?

Yes, as long as the eSIM hasn't been installed. Once installed there's no refund, so get in touch before deleting it if you're having trouble.

Can I have two eSIMs on my iPhone at once?

Yes. iPhones can store several eSIMs, although only two lines can be active at the same time.