> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.simsimglobal.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Install an eSIM on iPhone — step by step

> How to install a SimSIM eSIM on iPhone: enable data roaming and select your data line at your destination — for iOS 26 and later, and for earlier versions.

This guide covers both iOS versions. If you're not sure which one you have, check **Settings → General → About → Software Version**.

<Note>
  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](/en/activating-your-esim).
</Note>

## iOS 26 and later

<Steps>
  <Step title="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.
  </Step>

  <Step title="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.
  </Step>

  <Step title="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.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose &#x22;Data Only&#x22;">
    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.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Finish the installation">
    Tap **Done**. The eSIM is now installed on your device.
  </Step>

  <Step title="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.

    <Tip>The eSIM you just installed always appears at the bottom of the line list.</Tip>
  </Step>

  <Step title="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.
  </Step>

  <Step title="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.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## 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.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open My eSIMs and tap install">
    In the SimSIM app, go to **My eSIMs**, open your plan, and tap **Install eSIM**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Approve adding the eSIM">
    Approve the request and tap **Continue** if prompted. Installation takes a few minutes — don't close the screen partway through.
  </Step>

  <Step title="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.
  </Step>

  <Step title="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.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Cellular data — choose your primary line">
    Choose your **primary line** here too and tap Continue.
  </Step>

  <Step title="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.

    <Tip>The eSIM you just installed always appears at the bottom of the line list.</Tip>
  </Step>

  <Step title="After you land — switch your data line">
    Once you arrive, tap **Cellular Data** and select the eSIM you set up.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## If something isn't working

The most common problem by far is **data roaming** being switched off on the new line. If you have no internet at your destination, check that first.

For more checks see [Troubleshooting](/en/troubleshooting), confirm your model is on the [compatible device list](https://simsimglobal.com/esim-compatible-devices), or see [installing on Android](/en/install-esim-android) if you're setting up a different device.


## Related topics

- [Install an eSIM on Android — step by step](/en/install-esim-android.md)
- [Install an eSIM via QR Code on iPhone or Android](/en/install-esim-qr.md)