Installing an eSIM on an iPhone is genuinely simple — the whole process takes under two minutes once you have your QR code. This guide covers every step, including which iPhones support eSIM, how to install and switch profiles, how to activate when you land, and what to do if something doesn't go as expected.
Which iPhones support eSIM?
Every iPhone from the XS (2018) onwards supports eSIM. The complete list of compatible models:
- iPhone XS, XS Max, XR (2018)
- iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max (2019)
- iPhone SE (2nd generation and later)
- iPhone 12 series (2020)
- iPhone 13 series (2021)
- iPhone 14 series (2022) — US models are eSIM-only, no physical SIM tray
- iPhone 15 series (2023) — also eSIM-only in the US
- iPhone 16 series (2024)
To check whether your specific iPhone supports eSIM: go to Settings → General → About and look for an "EID" number. If it's listed, your phone has an eSIM chip. Your device must also be carrier-unlocked — check under Settings → General → About for "Carrier Lock: No SIM restrictions." If it shows a restriction, contact your home carrier to request an unlock before your trip.
Step-by-step installation
- Purchase your plan on ValaeSIM. Browse our 190+ destinations, select your country, choose your data size and validity, then complete checkout. Your QR code arrives by email within seconds of payment.
- Open Settings on your iPhone and tap Mobile Service (or Cellular, depending on your iOS version).
- Tap "Add eSIM" (or "Add Mobile Plan" on older iOS versions), then select "Use QR Code" when prompted.
- Scan the QR code in your ValaeSIM email. Point your camera at it from about 20–30 cm away and hold steady. The profile downloads automatically in 5–15 seconds.
- Name the plan when asked. Something descriptive like "ValaeSIM Japan" is helpful if you travel frequently and store multiple profiles.
- Set your default lines. iOS will ask which SIM to use for calls, messages, and mobile data. Keep your primary number for calls and select your ValaeSIM profile for data. This lets both lines run simultaneously.
- Enable data roaming on the ValaeSIM line. Go to Mobile Service → ValaeSIM line → Data Roaming: On. Also confirm Data Roaming is OFF on your home SIM to prevent unexpected charges abroad.
The profile is now installed on your device. It will remain there until you delete it, so you can reuse it on your next trip if it has remaining data.
Activating your eSIM when you land
Your ValaeSIM plan activates automatically the first time your phone connects to a network in your destination country. The validity countdown starts at that moment — not when you purchased or installed the profile. This means you can install it weeks in advance without wasting any of your allowance.
To manually confirm your ValaeSIM is handling data: go to Settings → Mobile Service → Mobile Data and select the ValaeSIM line. You'll see signal bars appear and a data connection establish within a few seconds.
Troubleshooting
"The QR code cannot be read": Increase your screen brightness, ensure you're in a well-lit area, and hold the camera steady at 20–30 cm. Try zooming in slightly if the code is small on screen.
"This plan has already been activated on another device": Each QR code is single-use and device-specific. If you need to transfer to a different iPhone, contact ValaeSIM support through the contact page.
No data connection after landing: Check that (1) data roaming is ON for your ValaeSIM line, (2) the ValaeSIM profile is selected as your data line, and (3) Airplane Mode is fully off. Toggling Airplane Mode on then back off often forces your phone to re-register on the local network.
For more answers, see the ValaeSIM FAQ. If you're ready to get started, find your destination on the destinations page and you'll be connected before your next trip begins.