How to install your eSIM on iPhone (iOS 16+)

Installing your Eflexsim eSIM on iPhone takes about two minutes. The activation email lands in your inbox right after checkout. From there you have three install paths, and they all end at the same place: a working travel eSIM, your home line still active, ready to use the moment you land.

The fastest path needs iOS 17.4 or later. The other two work on any iPhone with iOS 16 or newer.

Before you start

Three checks save time. Most travelers are already set up.

• Your iPhone is eSIM-compatible. Models from the iPhone XS onward are.
• You're on Wi-Fi for the install. Activation needs a working data connection, and you don't want to burn cellular before the eSIM is set up.
• Your iPhone is unlocked. Most are by default. If yours was bought outright or through a major US carrier in the past few years, you're fine.

If something's off, the install fails with a clear message and you can try again. No charge for failed attempts.

Three ways to install

Pick the one that fits your setup. They all install the same eSIM.

1. One-tap install (recommended). Tap a button in your email and iPhone handles the rest. Works if your activation email is open on the iPhone you're installing to. Needs iOS 17.4 or later.

2. Scan the QR code. Use the iPhone camera to scan the QR code from your email. Works if your email is on a laptop or another device.

3. Type the codes manually. Copy two codes from your email into the iPhone fields by hand. Works when the QR code won't scan.

Method 1. One-tap install

The fastest path. If you're reading this on the iPhone you want the eSIM on, open the activation email and tap the green install button.

1. On your iPhone, open the activation email from Eflexsim. Subject line: "Your Eflexsim eSIM is ready."
2. Tap the green Install eSIM button in the email body.
3. iPhone opens Cellular settings automatically. Tap Continue, then Add eSIM.
4. Label the line (e.g., "Eflexsim Italy") and tap Done.
5. Choose Eflexsim as your default line for data. Keep your home line for calls and SMS.

Tip. Don't see an Install eSIM button? Your iPhone is probably on iOS 17.3 or earlier. Use the QR code method below. It works on iOS 16+.

Method 2. Scan the QR code

If your activation email is open on a laptop, tablet, or second phone, scanning the QR code with the iPhone camera is the simplest path.

1. Open the activation email on a different screen (laptop, tablet, second phone).
2. On your iPhone, open Settings → Cellular → Add Cellular Plan.
3. Point the iPhone camera at the QR code in the email. Hold steady. It usually scans in one or two seconds.
4. Label the line (e.g., "Eflexsim Italy") and choose Eflexsim as your data line.

Tip. Save the activation email to your laptop or second device before you start. You'll need to scan the QR from a different screen with your iPhone's camera. You can't scan your own iPhone's screen with itself.

Method 3. Type the codes manually

If the QR won't scan in dim light or on a tiny screen, you can paste the codes from the activation email by hand. iPhone calls this "Enter Details Manually."

1. Open your activation email. Subject line: "Your Eflexsim eSIM is ready." The two codes you need are right at the top.
2. In iPhone Cellular settings, tap Enter Details Manually instead of scanning.
3. Copy the first code from the email into the first iPhone field.
4. Copy the second code from the email into the second iPhone field.
5. Leave the third field empty. IPhone doesn't need it. Tap Continue.

Choose your data line

When you have two lines installed, iPhone lets you pick which one uses cellular data. For travel, set Eflexsim as the data line. Apps automatically use the cheaper plan. Your home line stays available for calls and SMS, so 2FA codes and family texts keep arriving.

To switch: Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data → select Eflexsim.

You can flip back at any time. Useful when you fly home. Switch the data line back to your home plan and the eSIM stops using your travel data.

Heads up. Don't delete your Eflexsim line between trips. Installing again counts as a fresh install and may consume your activation credit. Toggle the line off in Cellular settings instead. Your QR code is single-use.

When does the plan timer start?

Your plan's validity timer doesn't start when you install. It starts when your iPhone first connects to a partner network at your destination. So you can install at home days before you fly, on Wi-Fi, and not lose any time on your plan.

The first connection is automatic. Land, turn airplane mode off, and within a minute or two you'll see Eflexsim show up as the data line. That moment is your timer's start.

For more on activation timing, see when to activate your eSIM.

Troubleshooting

Most installs work the first time. If yours doesn't:

• QR code won't scan. Lighting, screen size, and one workaround.
• My eSIM has no signal. Five checks before contacting support.
• Email support@eflexsim.com with your order number. We reply within 4 hours, every day.