Your eSIM will not be named “SimSIM” on your device — it appears under a local network’s name at your destination, which is normal. More details.
iOS 26 and later
1
Open My eSIMs in the app
In the SimSIM app, go to My eSIMs and open the plan you purchased. A plan that hasn’t been installed yet is marked as ready to install. If you bought several plans, make sure you pick the one for your current destination.
2
Tap the install button
Tap Install eSIM. The app passes the profile straight to iOS — there’s no QR code to scan and no codes to enter manually.
3
Approve adding the eSIM
Your iPhone will ask permission to add a new eSIM. Approve it and wait for installation to finish. This takes a few minutes, and you can keep using your phone meanwhile.
4
Choose "Data Only"
When asked what the line is for, choose Data Only. The new line then handles internet only, while your calls and messages continue through your regular number.
5
Finish the installation
Tap Done. The eSIM is now installed on your device.
6
Turn on the new line
Select the newly configured eSIM and turn the line on. Until you do, the line exists on the device but is inactive.
7
Confirm data roaming is enabled
Go back to the previous screen, tap the eSIM you just enabled, and confirm Data Roaming is on. This is the step most people miss — without it the eSIM is installed but you’ll have no internet at your destination.
8
After you land — switch your data line
Once you arrive, go to Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data and select the eSIM you set up. From this point your browsing runs through the plan you purchased.
Earlier iOS versions
On earlier versions of iOS, some settings appear as a wizard during installation itself. The steps are similar, but the screen order differs.1
Open My eSIMs and tap install
In the SimSIM app, go to My eSIMs, open your plan, and tap Install eSIM.
2
Approve adding the eSIM
Approve the request and tap Continue if prompted. Installation takes a few minutes — don’t close the screen partway through.
3
Default line — choose your primary line
When asked which line should be the default, choose your primary line and tap Continue. This keeps calls and messages arriving on your usual number.
4
FaceTime and iMessage — choose your primary line
Choose your primary line here too and tap Continue, so iMessage and FaceTime keep working from the number people know.
5
Cellular data — choose your primary line
Choose your primary line here too and tap Continue.
6
Confirm data roaming is enabled
Tap the eSIM you enabled and confirm Data Roaming is on. Without it you’ll have no internet at your destination, even if installation succeeded.
7
After you land — switch your data line
Once you arrive, tap Cellular Data and select the eSIM you set up.