No technical knowledge? No problem. We've simplified it for you.

Follow our step-by-step guide and enjoy instant connectivity in no time. No hassle, no delays—just smooth installation.

What You Need to Know Before Installing Your eSIM

Before installing your eSIM, make sure your device supports eSIM technology, such as recent smartphones or tablets. Ensure you have a stable internet connection, either Wi-Fi or mobile data.

When Should You Install Your eSIM?

We recommend installing your eSIM while connected to a reliable internet source, like Wi-Fi or stable mobile data, to ensure a smooth setup process. If you're preparing for a trip, it's best to Install your eSIM a day before travel. Data starts automatically in covered areas.

How to install and activate your eSIM on iOS

Once you've purchased a eSIM data package from us, you need to install and activate your eSIM (digital SIM card) on your iPhone device so it's there when you need it.

  • Installation with QR Code

  • Manual Installation

Go to Setting on your device 

Open Settings:

> Go to the Settings app on your iPhone.

 

Select Mobile Data:

> Tap on Mobile Data (or Cellular, depending on your region).

 

Add eSIM:

> Select Add eSIM or Add Cellular Plan.

 

Scan QR Code:

> Use the camera to scan the QR code provided by eSIM1st.

 

If you’re using an iPhone with iOS 17.4 or later and you receive a QR code from us in an email, or from our eSIM Manger, touch and hold the QR code, then tap Add eSIM.

Tap the "Continue" prompsts

Start Activation:

> On the Activate eSIM screen, tap Continue to begin the activation process.

 

Wait for Activation:

> Your iPhone will display Activating... while it sets up the eSIM. This may take up to 10 minutes.

 

Complete Setup:

> Once the activation is successful, you will see the Mobile Plan Setup Complete screen. Tap Done to finish the process.

Assign a label to your eSIM

Choose a Label for the eSIM:

> On the Mobile Plan Labels screen, tap on the label field next to the eSIM (e.g., "Business" or "Primary").

 

Select or Customize a Label:

> Choose from the preset options like Mobile Data, Personal, or Travel.

> To create a custom label, scroll down, select Custom Label, and type your preferred name (e.g., "My eSIM" or "eSIM1st UK"). Tap Done to save.

 

Confirm and Continue:

> The selected or custom label will now appear next to your eSIM. Tap Continue to finalize the setup.

Configure your eSIM settings

> On the Default Line screen, select which line (e.g., Primary or My eSIM) will be used for calls and messages to people not in your contacts. Tap Continue to proceed.

> Select the mobile plan (Primary or My eSIM) you want to use for iMessage & FaceTime. Tap Continue to save your selection.

> On the Mobile Data screen, choose the default line (Primary or My eSIM) for mobile data.

If needed, toggle Allow Mobile Data Switching on or off. This allows your iPhone to switch between lines for better coverage.

 

Your iPhone could activate the plan immediately. To avoid using data before your trip, switch off roaming on all your mobile data plans. We recommend activating the eSIM only at the destination.

Well done!

Your eSIM is installed and ready for activation.

Please activate your eSIM only upon arrival at your destination

 

Activate and start using your eSIM data

Go to Settings:

> Open the Settings app on your iPhone and tap Mobile Data (or Cellular Data).

 

Select Your eSIM:

> Under the SIMs section, tap the eSIM you want to configure.

 

Enable Data Roaming:

> Scroll down to Data Roaming and toggle it On.

 

Important Notes:

- Data Roaming: Ensure data roaming is enabled for the eSIM to work properly.

- Mobile Data Source: Make sure to select your eSIM as the active source under Mobile Data settings.

 

Primary SIM: Disable data roaming on your primary SIM to avoid unexpected high charges from your primary network provider.

If you completed the steps but your eSIM didn’t install correctly, contact our Technical Support at support@esim1st.com. 

 

Our team is available to assist with any iPhone eSIM activation questions.

Go to Setting on your device 

Add eSIM:

> Open Settings and go to Mobile Data (or Cellular Data).

> Scroll down and tap Add eSIM.

 

Set Up Mobile Service:

> On the next screen, choose Use QR Code to proceed.

 

Enter Details:

If a QR code is not available, tap Enter Details Manually and input the activation details provided by your carrier.

Enter the activation code

Enter Activation Information:

> In the first field, type the SM-DP+ Address (e.g., rsp.truphone.com) provided by eSIM1st.

> In the second field, enter the Activation Code (e.g., JQ-20BNUQ-1UTJQXP).

 

Confirmation Code (Optional):

> If eSIM1st has given a Confirmation Code, enter it in the optional field.

 

Proceed to Next Step:

> Tap Next in the top-right corner to validate the information and complete the eSIM activation.

Tap the "Continue" prompsts

Start Activation:

> On the Activate eSIM screen, tap Continue to begin the activation process.

 

Wait for Activation:

> Your iPhone will display Activating... while it sets up the eSIM. This may take up to 10 minutes.

 

Complete Setup:

> Once the activation is successful, you will see the Mobile Plan Setup Complete screen. Tap Done to finish the process.

Assign a label to your eSIM

Choose a Label for the eSIM:

> On the Mobile Plan Labels screen, tap on the label field next to the eSIM (e.g., "Business" or "Primary").

 

Select or Customize a Label:

> Choose from the preset options like Mobile Data, Personal, or Travel.

> To create a custom label, scroll down, select Custom Label, and type your preferred name (e.g., "My eSIM" or "eSIM1st UK"). Tap Done to save.

 

Confirm and Continue:

> The selected or custom label will now appear next to your eSIM. Tap Continue to finalize the setup.

Configure your eSIM settings

> On the Default Line screen, select which line (e.g., Primary or My eSIM) will be used for calls and messages to people not in your contacts. Tap Continue to proceed.

> Select the mobile plan (Primary or My eSIM) you want to use for iMessage & FaceTime. Tap Continue to save your selection.

> On the Mobile Data screen, choose the default line (Primary or My eSIM) for mobile data.

If needed, toggle Allow Mobile Data Switching on or off. This allows your iPhone to switch between lines for better coverage.

 

Your iPhone could activate the plan immediately. To avoid using data before your trip, switch off roaming on all your mobile data plans. We recommend activating the eSIM only at the destination.

Well done!

Your eSIM is installed and ready for activation.

Please activate your eSIM only upon arrival at your destination

 

Activate and start using your eSIM data

Go to Settings:

> Open the Settings app on your iPhone and tap Mobile Data (or Cellular Data).

 

Select Your eSIM:

> Under the SIMs section, tap the eSIM you want to configure.

 

Enable Data Roaming:

> Scroll down to Data Roaming and toggle it On.

 

Important Notes:

- Data Roaming: Ensure data roaming is enabled for the eSIM to work properly.

- Mobile Data Source: Make sure to select your eSIM as the active source under Mobile Data settings.

 

Primary SIM: Disable data roaming on your primary SIM to avoid unexpected high charges from your primary network provider.

If you completed the steps but your eSIM didn’t install correctly, contact our Technical Support at support@esim1st.com. 

 

Our team is available to assist with any iPhone eSIM activation questions.

Running Into Issues? Here's How to Fix Them!

How to Ensure Your eSIM Data Package Activates on Your Device

For iPhones or iPads running the latest iOS, your data package may activate automatically after installation, provided you're in the correct country or region for the eSIM. If you're using a device like a Google Pixel or Samsung, the package activates only after completing the necessary activation steps. Always confirm activation with your carrier.

The QR code won’t scan, or the camera doesn’t detect it?
  • Ensure the QR code is well-lit and free of smudges.
  • Clean your iPhone camera lens.
  • Increase screen brightness if scanning from another device.
  • Manually enter the eSIM details via Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan > Enter Details Manually.

The eSIM setup process completes, but the plan isn’t active?
  • Restart your iPhone after installation.
  • Ensure you are connected to Wi-Fi or cellular data during activation.
  • Confirm with your carrier that your eSIM is provisioned correctly.
  • Check that your iOS is updated to the latest version.

Weak signal or no network after activating the eSIM?
  • Verify that the eSIM profile is enabled in Settings > Cellular.
  • Toggle Airplane Mode on and off to refresh network connections.
  • Reset network settings via Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
  • Contact your carrier to confirm network coverage in your area.

The eSIM doesn’t appear in your Cellular Plans after activation?
  • Ensure the QR code was scanned correctly.
  • Check for pending updates in Settings > General > Software Update.
  • Delete and re-add the eSIM profile from Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan.

Multiple eSIM profiles create confusion or disrupt connectivity?
  • Ensure only one eSIM profile is active at a time.
  • Disable unused profiles via Settings > Cellular > Manage Cellular Plans.
  • Clearly label your eSIM profiles for easy identification (e.g., "Work" and "Travel").

Can I use an eSIM and a physical SIM simultaneously?

Yes, iPhones support dual SIM functionality. You can choose how to use each line (e.g., personal and business).

Is an eSIM as secure as a physical SIM?

Yes, eSIMs are encrypted and offer comparable security to physical SIM cards.

You accidentally removed the eSIM profile from your iPhone?
  • Contact your carrier to reissue the QR code or manual setup details.
  • Re-add the eSIM via Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan.

The eSIM worked at home but stopped after entering a new country?
  • Ensure roaming is enabled for the eSIM in Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options.
  • Check that the carrier supports roaming in the destination country.
  • Purchase a local eSIM plan for better connectivity abroad.

eSIM doesn’t work on your new device after switching phones?
  • Contact your carrier to deactivate the eSIM on your old device and activate it on the new one.
  • Use the carrier’s app or website for quick eSIM transfers if supported.

The iPhone displays "No SIM" even though the eSIM is activated ?
  • Check that the eSIM profile is enabled in Settings > Cellular > Cellular Plans.
  • Restart your iPhone.
  • Reset network settings.
  • If the issue persists, delete and reinstall the eSIM profile.

The "Add Cellular Plan" option is missing?

Do I need Wi-Fi to set up an eSIM abroad?

Yes, you’ll need Wi-Fi for initial activation if cellular service isn’t available.

Can my eSIM be hacked?

It’s extremely rare. Protect your phone with a strong passcode and enable two-factor authentication for added security.

Our 24/7 support team is ready to assist you anytime

Whether you need help before or during your trip, you can reach us at support@esim1st.com for prompt and reliable assistance, ensuring a smooth experience.

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