How to install an eSIM on your iPhone, step by step

LSThe LimitSim team

Setting up a travel eSIM on your iPhone takes just a few minutes. You scan the QR code we send you, add the eSIM profile, and pick which line to use for mobile data.

Every iPhone from the XS onward supports eSIM technology. And with LimitSim eSIM plans, your usage period doesn't start when you buy the plan — it starts the moment the eSIM connects in your destination country. That means you can install your eSIM ahead of your trip without any worry.

Which iPhone models support eSIM?

eSIM support first arrived with the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR.

Every model made since then supports eSIM technology, including:

  • iPhone 11 series
  • iPhone 12 series
  • iPhone 13 series
  • iPhone 14 series
  • iPhone 15 series
  • iPhone 16 series
  • iPhone 17 series
  • iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation)
  • iPhone Air

If your device is an iPhone X, iPhone 8, or anything older, eSIM isn't available.

To check your model, go to:

Settings → General → About → Model Name

Watch out for carrier locks

Some iPhones bought on a contract are locked to a single carrier and won't accept another carrier's eSIM profile.

Models sold in certain regions can also differ. For example, some iPhone models sold in China may not support eSIM at all.

To use a travel eSIM, your phone needs to be carrier-unlocked.

What you'll need before you start

Before you begin the setup, get these ready:

  • a stable Wi-Fi or internet connection;
  • the QR code LimitSim emailed to you;
  • a second device to display the QR code (a laptop, tablet, or another phone).

One of the most common questions is about when to install.

You can set up your LimitSim eSIM a few days before your trip. Doing so won't use up any of your data allowance.

With LimitSim plans, the usage period only begins the first time the eSIM connects to a mobile network in your destination country.

That's why we recommend installing the eSIM at home over Wi-Fi.

If the QR code opened only on the iPhone itself, open it on another device and scan it from there. Otherwise, you can use the manual setup method.

Installing the eSIM with a QR code

Follow these steps in order.

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Go to Cellular (or Mobile Data).
  3. Choose Add eSIM.
  4. Tap Use QR Code.
  5. Point the camera at the QR code LimitSim sent you.
  6. Once the QR code is recognized, tap Continue.
  7. When the profile finishes loading, the setup is complete.

If you can't scan the QR code, choose Enter Details Manually and type in the SM-DP+ address and activation code we sent you.

Name your eSIM and choose your data line

Once the setup is done, your iPhone will ask you to make a few more choices.

First, give the new eSIM profile a label that's easy to recognize.

For example:

  • LimitSim
  • Trip
  • Travel

Next, keep your main phone number for calls and texts.

For Mobile Data, select your LimitSim eSIM.

After that, we recommend turning off Allow Cellular Data Switching. Otherwise, when the data signal gets weak, your phone may automatically switch to your main SIM's roaming data and run up extra charges.

You can change these settings again at any time later.

Once you arrive in your destination country

After you land in the country:

  • Turn off Airplane Mode.
  • Wait for your phone to connect to a local carrier.
  • Make sure your LimitSim eSIM profile is active.
  • Select that eSIM for mobile data.

Then turn on Data Roaming specifically for your LimitSim eSIM.

This may seem a little strange, but because travel eSIMs use partner mobile carriers' networks, your iPhone treats it as roaming.

If Data Roaming is turned off, your internet won't work.

If your plan supports it, you can also share the connection with other devices through Personal Hotspot.

LimitSim plans work in more than 150 countries, and the usage period only starts after activation.

Problems you might run into

The "Add eSIM" option isn't showing

This usually happens for one of two reasons:

  • the phone doesn't support eSIM;
  • the device is carrier-locked.

Check your phone model and its carrier lock status.

The QR code won't scan

Check the following:

  • turn up the screen brightness;
  • clean the camera;
  • make sure the whole QR code is visible.

If the QR code is only on that same phone, use the Enter Details Manually option.

"Cellular Plan Cannot Be Added"

If you see this:

  • check your internet connection;
  • connect to Wi-Fi;
  • make sure the QR code hasn't already been used.

Most QR codes can only be activated once.

The internet isn't working in your destination country

The most common causes are:

  • Data Roaming isn't turned on;
  • the eSIM isn't selected as the mobile data line.

If the problem continues:

  • Turn Airplane Mode off and on again;
  • In Network Selection, choose the carrier manually;
  • Restart your phone.

If none of that helps, contact LimitSim support with your order details.

Frequently asked questions

Where do I get the QR code for my eSIM?

After you buy a LimitSim eSIM plan, the QR code is sent to your email address automatically.

To make it easy to scan with the iPhone you're setting up, we recommend opening the QR code on a second device.

Does the usage period start the moment I install the eSIM?

No.

With LimitSim plans, the usage period doesn't start when you install or buy the eSIM — it starts the first time it connects to a mobile network in your destination country.

Can I scan the QR code with the same iPhone?

No.

A phone can't scan a QR code shown on its own screen.

In that case, open the QR code on another device, or use the Enter Details Manually option.

Why isn't the internet working in my destination country?

The most common cause is that Data Roaming is turned off.

Also check that:

  • your LimitSim eSIM is active;
  • it's selected as the main line for mobile data.

Then turn Airplane Mode on and off once. This can help your phone reconnect to the network.