How to Install an eSIM on iPhone: Step by Step

To install an eSIM on iPhone, open Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM and scan the QR code or enter the details manually. On iOS 17.4 or later, a single tap on the install link is enough. Do it at home over Wi-Fi; when you land, choose the eSIM for cellular data and turn on data roaming for it. A Matrimix eSIM installs exactly this way.

Key facts (October 2026)

• Models: eSIM is available on iPhone XS, XS Max, XR and later.
• Three ways to install: a one-tap link (iOS 17.4 and later), a QR code, or manual entry of the SM-DP+ address and activation code.
• Internet needed: during setup the iPhone must be on Wi-Fi or a hotspot.
• Two lines: a physical SIM plus an eSIM works on iPhone XR, XS, SE (2nd generation) and later; two eSIMs on iPhone 13, SE (3rd generation) and later. Only one line carries cellular data at a time.
• Menu names vary by iOS version and region: Cellular, Mobile Data or Mobile Service.
• China: in mainland China only iPhone 18 Pro, 18 Pro Max, 17e and iPhone Air support eSIM. Some Hong Kong and Macao models have two nano-SIM slots instead.

Before you start

1. Connect to Wi-Fi and update iOS.
2. Check the carrier lock: Settings → General → About. Next to Carrier Lock you should see "No SIM restrictions".
3. Confirm eSIM support. Dial *#06#; an EID line means you're fine. More in how to check if your phone supports eSIM.
4. Buy the eSIM. At Matrimix it's Services → Travel SIM cards in the Telegram wallet; every destination is in the eSIM catalogue. After payment the order appears in the Mini App and under Profile → Purchases.

Method 1. One-tap install (iOS 17.4 and later)

1. Open the order in the Mini App and tap Install eSIM.
2. The iPhone opens setup in Settings. When the Activate New eSIM notification appears, tap Allow.
3. Tap Continue at the bottom of the screen and wait for setup to finish.

If setup doesn't open, use the QR code or manual entry; both are in the same order.

Method 2. QR code

The QR code has to be scanned by the camera of the iPhone you're installing on, so show it on another screen: a computer, tablet or second phone (the Show QR code button in the order).

1. On the iPhone, open Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM.
2. Tap Use QR Code (you may need to tap Other Options first) and point the camera at the code.
3. Tap Continue, then Add Cellular Plan.

Or simply scan the code with the Camera app and tap the Cellular Plan Detected notification. Only fill in a Confirmation Code if your order shows one.

Method 3. Manual entry: SM-DP+ address and activation code

Use this when there is no second screen for the QR code.

1. In the order, tap Enter details manually and copy the SM-DP+ address.
2. Open Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → Use QR Code and tap Enter Details Manually at the bottom.
3. Paste the SM-DP+ address into the first field, go back to Telegram, copy the activation code and paste it into the second field.
4. Tap Next and follow the prompts.

Copy and paste rather than retype: one wrong character in a long code and the iPhone won't find the plan.

After setup: label the line and pick defaults

At the end the iPhone asks you to label the lines and choose a default number.

• Label. For example, "Primary" for your home SIM and "Travel" for the eSIM. You can change it later: Settings → Cellular → [line] → Cellular Plan Label.
• Calls, iMessage and FaceTime stay on your main number: a Matrimix eSIM has no number.
• Cellular data stays on your main line until the trip.
• Allow Cellular Data Switching: turn it off. With it on, the iPhone can pull data from your home line depending on coverage, which costs money while roaming.

On arrival: cellular data and roaming

What to do	Where	Setting
Turn on the eSIM line	Settings → Cellular → [eSIM] → Turn On This Line	On
Use the eSIM for data	Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data	"Travel" eSIM
Data roaming for the eSIM	Settings → Cellular → [eSIM] → Cellular Data Options → Data Roaming	On
Data roaming for your home SIM	Settings → Cellular → [main line] → Cellular Data Options → Data Roaming	Off

On iOS 26 and later you may see a Turn On Travel eSIM notification when you land. To keep your home number for calls and SMS, choose Travel eSIM and Current eSIM; your travel eSIM then carries the data. Apple warns that your home line can still incur roaming fees.

One more detail from Apple's documentation: while Data Roaming is on for your data line, visual voicemail and MMS are turned off on the voice-only line. Ordinary calls and SMS, including bank codes, keep working. More on running two numbers: keep your home number with a travel eSIM.

No connection? Turn Airplane Mode on for about 30 seconds and off again, check that General → Date & Time is set automatically, and confirm Data Roaming is on for the eSIM line specifically.

Personal Hotspot from an eSIM

Open Settings → Personal Hotspot (or Cellular → Personal Hotspot) and turn on Allow Others to Join. The hotspot shares whichever line is set for cellular data, so here it's the eSIM. Tethering usually works, though some networks may limit it, and the number of devices that can join depends on the carrier and iPhone model. A laptop burns data much faster than a phone, so keep an eye on the balance on the order page.

Good to know

• Data only. No number, calls or SMS — your main line keeps those.
• One installation. Don't delete the eSIM until the trip ends; it can't be reinstalled.
• New plan instead of a top-up. When data runs out, buy another plan in the same wallet in a couple of taps.
• Telegram required. The order, QR code and manual details live in the Telegram wallet, always at hand under Profile → Purchases.
• Matrimix holds your balance for you. No seed phrases and no extra apps — everything opens in Telegram.
• Not every iPhone qualifies. You need eSIM support and no carrier lock.

Sources

• Apple: Set up eSIM on iPhone
• Apple: Use eSIM while traveling internationally with your iPhone
• Apple: Using Dual SIM with an eSIM
• Apple: About cellular data roaming options for your iPhone and iPad
• Apple: Connect to the Personal Hotspot of an iPhone or iPad
• iPhone User Guide: Set up cellular service

Read also

• Travel eSIM: the complete guide
• Is my phone eSIM compatible? How to check
• How to install an eSIM on Android
• How much data do I need for a trip?

FAQ

Can I install the eSIM on my iPhone before the trip?

Yes, and you should: install it at home over Wi-Fi. The plan only starts on its first connection to a network at your destination.

What if the QR code is on the same iPhone?

Tap Install eSIM in the order (iOS 17.4 and later) or enter the SM-DP+ address and activation code manually. You can also show the QR code on another device.

Can I delete the eSIM and install it again?

No. An eSIM profile installs once, so keep it until the trip is over.

Why is there no data after I land?

Usually the wrong line is set for cellular data, or Data Roaming is off for the eSIM. Check both and toggle Airplane Mode.