How to set up and use an eSIM on iPhone

Setting up an additional eSIM on your iPhone can provide numerous benefits, particularly for those traveling abroad. It allows users to cut down on hefty foreign mobile data charges and protects them against the pitfalls of unreliable public Wi-Fi. However, navigating the intricacies of eSIM management can vary based on your mobile service provider, making it essential to familiarize yourself with the general procedures before embarking on your travels.

Even if you find yourself needing an eSIM upon arrival at your destination, the tips outlined here will swiftly bring you up to speed. Depending on your iPhone model, the version of iOS, your cellular carrier, and your geographic location, these guidelines will show you how to maximize the eSIM’s utility. Older iPhone models may present slight deviations, but the core process remains fundamentally the same across devices.

To start, it’s advisable to research which eSIM plan suits your needs best, download and install it through the provider’s application or directly within your iPhone Settings before your departure, and ensure it’s activated as soon as you reach your destination (most eSIMs will automatically activate once you connect to a local network).

Most eSIM providers offer data-only plans, which are ideal for applications like Messenger and WhatsApp but won’t cover traditional voice calls or texts; these will route through your primary SIM. For users who require full communication services, considering a roaming add-on from your primary carrier could be more cost-effective. If you can rely solely on messaging apps, the need for any additional charges for calls and texts may be circumvented.

Notably, some eSIM providers, such as Holafly and AloSIM, offer plans that allow you to receive incoming text messages on a dedicated phone number, which is beneficial for receiving OTPs and verification codes necessary for two-factor authentication (2FA).

Let’s dive in!

Choosing Your eSIM Plan

With an array of eSIM providers offering competitive pricing, exploring your options is crucial. Our roundup of the Best eSIM plans features renowned providers like Saily, Nomad, Ubigi, and GigSky.

Typically, the process for selecting and purchasing an eSIM plan is similar across providers. Here’s how a prominent provider, Nomad, displays its plans:

Simon Jary

Establish realistic expectations regarding your data needs. Most users find that their data consumption may fluctuate significantly – whether overly cautious in saving data or excessively streaming videos. Note that you can always opt to top up if your data runs low, as highlighted later.

As a rough guideline, 1GB typically allows for approximately 20-30 minutes daily engagement on emails, social media browsing, and similar tasks. However, heavy video streaming (like 4K content) can consume a staggering 7GB within an hour!

Review the top-up package options offered by your chosen eSIM provider to ensure that you can supplement your plan without being constrained to purchasing amounts that exceed your actual need.

If your eSIM provider charges in a non-local currency, be mindful of potential foreign transaction fees. For instance, Airalo exclusively processes transactions in US dollars. Using a multi-currency card, like those from Revolut or Monzo, when purchasing may save you on fees.

How to Install an eSIM on iPhone

After selecting and purchasing your new eSIM, the next step is installation.

Most eSIMs can be conveniently installed via the provider’s app, which often provides easy-to-follow installation instructions. Alternatively, for providers like Jetpac and Holafly, you might need to scan a QR code. This typical process involves taking a photo and scanning it with your device, which could be slightly cumbersome.

With iPhones utilizing iOS 16 or later, users also have the option of transferring an existing eSIM from one device to another.

If you encounter specific screens during installation, additional steps might be necessary. However, should all go smoothly, continue as instructed.

Simon Jary

If scanning a QR code or using a link isn’t feasible, you can opt to manually enter the eSIM details shared by your service provider. To do this, navigate to the “Cellular” settings within your iPhone’s Settings app, select “Add eSIM”, click “Use QR Code” and then proceed to “Enter Details Manually”.

Make sure to complete this on your home network, as you will need internet connectivity to finish the installation.

The QR code and manual input options remain available for users on devices lacking support for automatic installations. However, most users find success using the provider’s app directly, making the alternative options less frequent.

How to Switch on eSIM on iPhone

After downloading the eSIM, activating it is necessary within your iPhone settings. This operation can occur prior to or during your travels.

Your data plan will only come into effect once you arrive at your destination, alleviating concerns about premature data usage should you configure it beforehand. Bear in mind that internet access is required to activate your eSIM, which might not be available at the airport or in transit to your accommodation.

Here’s how to activate your eSIM:

1. Open your iPhone’s Settings app.
2. Tap on “Cellular” (or “Mobile Data” in certain regions), which brings you to the Cellular main page where you can manage data settings. Here, under the SIMs heading, your eSIM and primary SIM will be listed if applicable.



Simon Jary

3. Select the desired eSIM to activate it.
4. Toggle the switch to enable it (it should turn green). This action will initialize your eSIM.



Simon Jary

5. For easy management, consider renaming the eSIM to reflect its function or provider, such as “EU Trip” or “Business”.

GigSky

How to Turn on eSIM Data Roaming on iPhone

Leveraging an eSIM from a separate provider can significantly reduce the expenses associated with data roaming while traveling.

Data roaming entails utilizing your phone’s internet capabilities beyond the coverage of your home network. By enabling data roaming, your phone can access the internet and utilize apps that depend on data while connecting to a different mobile provider. Given that free Wi-Fi networks are often unreliable, relying on an eSIM helps ensure a safer and more secure connection.

While traveling, when you arrive at your destination, your phone automatically searches for available networks. If the data roaming function is enabled, it will connect to one of these networks, allowing you to use their data services without being charged exorbitant fees.

By disabling data roaming on your primary SIM, your home carrier cannot charge for data usage while on vacation; instead, your eSIM takes over these responsibilities. Should you require additional data during your travels, most eSIMs allow for easy topping up.

To enable data roaming for your eSIM:

1. Access the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Select “Cellular” (or “Mobile Data” in certain locales).



Simon Jary

3. Locate your eSIM and tap to access its settings.
4. Toggle the “Data Roaming” feature on (the button will change to green).



Simon Jary

5. Set “Network Selection” to automatic for optimum connectivity; however, you may select a specific network, should you wish.

It’s crucial to distinguish your primary SIM for calls and messages unless your eSIM provides a new number for these services.

During trips, tourists might underestimate their realized data requirements, particularly when relying on navigation apps or staying connected to social media. Public Wi-Fi isn’t always the securest option; thus, utilizing your mobile data via the eSIM remains the best choice to ensure secure interactions.

Many eSIM providers offer simple data top-up options, with each provider establishing their own procedures to refill your plan easily. For example, GigSky allows top-ups directly through its application.

Simon Jary

If your initial eSIM plan is nearing its limit, simply tap “Top Up” to access various data top-up options available (e.g., adding 3GB over three days).

Simon Jary

After determining your desired additional data, simply select your choice to refresh your data limit. It’s also beneficial to consider investing in a higher data package up front for long-term value.

Saily

Certain providers like Saily offer an “Auto Top-Up” feature to automatically replenish your data plan upon depletion, ensuring seamless connectivity while traveling. This feature can be easily disabled if necessary.

Saily

Enabling a VPN or Adblocker with Your eSIM

Several eSIM offerings include enhanced security features, such as VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) and adblockers.

A VPN establishes an encrypted connection between your device and an online server, improving your web security. It allows you to access location-restricted content, enabling you to connect to services like Netflix or BBC iPlayer as if you were in your home country for uninterrupted streaming.

For example, if you’re traveling in Australia but wish to access UK-based media, a VPN can mask your IP address, allowing services to regard you as browsing from the UK.

Service provider Saily also integrates a VPN utilization option via NordVPN, allowing users to select virtual locations for rerouting internet traffic. As a result, sites visited will trace only NordVPN’s IP addresses from selected regions.

This alternative is less taxing on device battery life since it’s routed through the data connection rather than relying on standard VPN services.

Another reputable VPN service associated with eSIMs is ExpressVPN, offered via its subsidiary Holiday.com, providing varied but potentially less customizable options.

Saily

Moreover, adblockers can significantly minimize mobile data usage by preventing the loading of data-heavy advertisements on web pages. Saily’s eSIM includes an adblocker feature that can be activated through the app, potentially saving users approximately 28.6% on data consumption during travels.