How to Set Up an eSIM on iPhone: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Which iPhones support eSIM?

All iPhones from iPhone XS (2018) onwards support eSIM. From iPhone 14 (US models), the phone has no physical SIM slot at all — everything is eSIM-only.

Supported models:

• iPhone XS, XS Max, XR and later
• iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation)
• iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 series

On iPhone 13 and earlier, you can have one physical SIM and one eSIM active simultaneously. From iPhone 14, you can have multiple eSIM profiles.

Before you start

• Make sure your iPhone is unlocked (not carrier-locked). Go to Settings, then General, then About, and check "Carrier Lock"
• Have your IMBA eSIM QR code ready (find it in your dashboard after purchase)
• You'll need a Wi-Fi or cellular connection to download the eSIM profile

Method 1: Scan the QR code

1. Go to Settings, then Mobile Service (or "Cellular" in some regions)
2. Tap Add eSIM (or "Add Cellular Plan")
3. Tap Use QR Code
4. Scan the QR code from your IMBA dashboard
5. Tap Continue when asked to activate the plan
6. Choose a label for the plan (e.g., "IMBA Travel")
7. Select which line to use for data: choose the eSIM for data when abroad

Method 2: Enter details manually

If you can't scan the QR code, tap Enter Details Manually and type in the activation code (SM-DP+ address and activation code), available in your IMBA dashboard alongside the QR.

Setting up dual SIM

After installing your eSIM:

1. Go to Settings, then Mobile Service
2. Tap the eSIM profile (e.g., "IMBA Travel")
3. Turn Data Roaming ON for the eSIM
4. Go back and set Mobile Data to use the eSIM
5. Keep your home SIM as the default for calls and texts

This way you receive calls on your regular number while using the IMBA eSIM for cheap local data.

Troubleshooting

"eSIM not supported" — Your phone might be carrier-locked. Contact your carrier to unlock it.

"Unable to complete cellular plan change" — Restart your iPhone and try again. If the problem persists, try adding the eSIM via QR code instead of manual entry.

No connection after activation — Toggle Airplane Mode on and off. Make sure Data Roaming is enabled for the eSIM profile.

QR code already used — Each QR code can only be scanned once. Contact IMBA support to get a new one.

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