How to Set Up an eSIM on iPhone (Step-by-Step for iOS 15, 16, and 17+)

Introduction

Setting up mobile data on an iPhone using an eSIM is a fast and convenient way to get connected without a physical SIM card. Apple has refined the eSIM installation process across iOS versions, so the steps may vary slightly depending on your device’s software.

This guide explains how to set up an iPhone eSIM for iOS 17 and later, iOS 16, and iOS 15 or earlier, including both QR code installation and manual installation, followed by the required steps to ensure mobile data access.

iOS 17 or Later (iOS ≥ 17)

QR Code Installation

Step 1: Install the eSIM

1. Go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Use QR Code.

2. Scan the QR code from another device or a printed copy.

3. Tap Continue until activation starts.

4. Wait while the eSIM activates (do not exit the process; it may take a few minutes).

5. Tap Done. If prompted, select “Abroad” and “Data Only” to complete setup.

Step 2: Access Mobile Data

1. Go to Settings > Cellular and select your new eSIM.

2. Enable Turn On This Line.

3. Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data and select your new eSIM (if not already selected).

4. Disable Allow Cellular Data Switching.

5. Return to your eSIM settings and tap Network Selection.

6. Disable Automatic, then manually select the supported network (it may take a moment to appear).

7. Enable Data Roaming.

Manual Installation (iOS 17+)

Step 1: Install the eSIM

1. Go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Use QR Code.

2. Tap Enter Details Manually.

3. Enter the SM-DP+ Address and Activation Code.

4. Tap Continue until activation begins.

5. Wait for the eSIM to activate.

6. Tap Done and choose “Abroad” and “Data Only” if prompted.

Step 2: Access Mobile Data

Follow the same Access Mobile Data steps listed above for QR installation.

iOS 16

QR Code Installation

Step 1: Install the eSIM

1. Go to Settings > Cellular / Mobile Data > Add eSIM or Set Up Cellular / Mobile Service.

2. Select Use QR Code and scan the QR code.

3. Tap Continue twice and wait for activation.

4. Once connected, tap Done.

5. Choose a label for your new eSIM plan.

6. Select Primary as your default line and tap Continue.

7. Choose Primary for iMessage and FaceTime, then tap Continue.

8. Select your new eSIM for cellular/mobile data and tap Continue.

Step 2: Access Mobile Data

1. Go to Settings > Cellular / Mobile Data.

2. Select the newly installed eSIM.

3. Enable Turn On This Line.

4. Select your new eSIM for cellular/mobile data.

5. Tap Network Selection, disable Automatic, and manually select the supported network if needed.

6. Enable Data Roaming.

Manual Installation (iOS 16)

Step 1: Install the eSIM

1. Go to Settings > Cellular / Mobile Data > Add eSIM.

2. Tap Enter Details Manually.

3. Enter the SM-DP+ Address and Activation Code, then tap Next.

4. Tap Continue twice and wait for activation.

5. Tap Done once connected.

6. Choose a label for your eSIM.

7. Select Primary as the default line.

8. Choose Primary for iMessage and FaceTime.

9. Select your new eSIM for cellular/mobile data.

Step 2: Access Mobile Data

Follow the same Access Mobile Data steps listed above for QR installation.

iOS 15 or Earlier (iOS ≤ 15)

QR Code Installation

Step 1: Install the eSIM

1. Go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Use QR Code.

2. Scan the QR code from another device or printout.

3. Tap Continue until activation starts.

4. Wait for the eSIM to activate.

5. Tap Done when prompted.

6. Choose a label for your eSIM.

7. Select Primary as your default line.

8. Choose Primary for Apple ID, FaceTime, and iMessage.

9. Select your new eSIM for Cellular Data, then tap Done.

Step 2: Access Mobile Data

1. Go to Settings > Cellular and select your new eSIM.

2. Enable Turn On This Line.

3. Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data and select your new eSIM.

4. Disable Allow Cellular Data Switching.

5. Go to Network Selection, disable Automatic, and manually select the supported network.

6. Enable Data Roaming.

Manual Installation (iOS 15 or Earlier)

Step 1: Install the eSIM

1. Go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Use QR Code.

2. Tap Enter Details Manually.

3. Enter the SM-DP+ Address and Activation Code.

4. Tap Continue until activation begins.

5. Wait for the eSIM to activate.

6. Tap Done and continue with setup.

7. Choose a label for your eSIM.

8. Select Primary as your default line.

9. Choose Primary for Apple ID, FaceTime, and iMessage.

10. Select your new eSIM for Cellular Data, then tap Done.

Step 2: Access Mobile Data

Follow the same Access Mobile Data steps listed above for QR installation.

Final Tips

• Always ensure your iPhone is connected to Wi‑Fi during eSIM activation.

• Do not exit the setup process while the eSIM is activating.

• If data does not work immediately, restart your device and recheck Network Selection and Data Roaming settings.

By following this guide, you can successfully set up mobile data on your iPhone using an eSIM across all supported iOS versions.