How do I install my eSIM on an iPhone?

Install your eSIM on your iPhone at home on Wi-Fi: open our email on the iPhone and tap "Install on iPhone", or scan the QR code.

If iOS asks "Data Only" or "Voice and Data", choose Data Only. Use the eSIM for mobile data, keep your own SIM for calls, and switch the eSIM on when you land.

By Claudio Cuccovillo, founder of Genghis. Last updated: September 26, 2026.

How do I install it, step by step?

Six steps, from our email and Apple's eSIM setup page (checked September 25, 2026).

1. Connect the iPhone to Wi-Fi at home, before you travel: installing needs internet.
2. Open the email "Your eSIM for order [order number]" on the iPhone that will hold the eSIM and tap "Install on iPhone". Apple says an activation link shows "Activate New eSIM": tap Allow, then Continue.
3. Reading the email on another screen? Scan the QR code with the iPhone Camera, tap "Cellular Plan Detected", tap Continue, then Add Cellular Plan.
4. If iOS asks "Data Only" or "Voice and Data", choose Data Only.
5. In Settings, Cellular, Cellular Data, choose the eSIM line. Your own line can stay the default for calls, SMS, iMessage and FaceTime.
6. When you land, turn the eSIM line on and turn on Data Roaming for it, in Settings, Cellular, then the eSIM line, then Cellular Data Options.

On iOS 17.4 or later, you can also touch and hold the QR code in the email, then tap Add eSIM. Apple's pages on using two lines and data roaming show the settings screens.

What if the QR code and the button do not work?

Enter the activation code by hand. In Settings, Cellular, tap Add Cellular Plan, then Enter Details Manually, and paste the activation code from our email or your order page. Apple's UK page names these screens Mobile Service and Add Mobile Plan.

What should I avoid?

Deleting the eSIM. A deleted eSIM cannot be installed again, even when the data runs out, and Apple also advises against erasing an eSIM to fix a problem. An installed eSIM stays on that iPhone and cannot be moved to another phone.

Read whether your phone supports eSIM, why the eSIM needs data roaming, what to do if it does not connect, the Android steps, or how Genghis eSIMs work.

Still stuck? Write to samantha@genghis.pro with your order number.