Install your iPhone eSIM before the airport rush.
Use the QR code from your order or email, finish setup with an internet connection, and arrive with your travel line ready to switch on.
Before you start
Make sure your iPhone supports eSIM and is carrier-unlocked before you begin.
Keep your order page, email, or another screen ready so the QR code stays visible during setup.
Keep a stable internet connection for the full install flow.
Install before you fly. Every Pelesim plan starts on first use at your destination, not at install time, so setting up early never costs you plan days.
Do not delete the eSIM after installation unless support asks you to. Most travel eSIMs cannot be reissued instantly.
Install steps
Follow the flow in order so the eSIM installs cleanly the first time.
- 1
Open your Pelesim install details
Go to your order or portal, then keep the QR code and manual activation details nearby before you open iPhone settings.
- 2
Add a new eSIM in Settings
On iPhone, open Settings > Cellular or Mobile Data > Add eSIM, then choose the option to use a QR code.
- 3
Scan the QR code or enter the details manually
Scan the QR code from your email or portal. If scanning fails, use the SM-DP+ address and activation code from your Pelesim install details.
- 4
Label the travel line clearly
Name it something easy to spot later, like Pelesim, Travel, or the destination name, so switching lines abroad is obvious.
- 5
Set the travel line for data when you are ready
Keep your primary line for calls or SMS if needed, then choose the new eSIM as the data line once you want travel data to take over.
- 6
Turn on Data Roaming for the travel eSIM
Open Settings > Cellular or Mobile Data, tap the Pelesim eSIM, and toggle Data Roaming on. Travel eSIMs connect through partner networks abroad, so they stay offline without it.
Travel-ready settings
Open Cellular or Mobile Data.
Pick Pelesim eSIM. Turn switching off.
Turn Data Roaming on.
Switch to LTE only if 5G fails.
Select Pelesim eSIM for cellular data, turn Data Roaming on, and try LTE if the line will not connect on 5G.
Choose the data line: Settings > Cellular or Mobile Data > Cellular Data > Pelesim eSIM
Roaming and network type: Settings > Cellular or Mobile Data > Pelesim eSIM > Data Roaming or Voice & Data
Keep your primary SIM active for calls and texts if you still need your regular number.
Set the Pelesim eSIM as the mobile data line before or when you land.
Turn on Data Roaming for the travel eSIM - it is required for the eSIM to connect abroad.
Turn off Allow Cellular Data Switching so iPhone does not jump back to your primary line for data and run up carrier fees.
Need calls on your regular number? Some carriers only deliver them abroad with roaming turned on for your primary line. With Allow Cellular Data Switching off, your data still goes through the travel eSIM.
Leave the travel line on 5G Auto while it works. Most partner networks abroad serve travel eSIMs over 4G/LTE, so if the line is slow to attach or shows no data, set it to LTE under Settings > Cellular or Mobile Data > the Pelesim line > Voice & Data.
If the network does not attach right away after arrival, toggle airplane mode on and then back off.
Installed but not connecting?
In order. Most cases are fixed by the first two.
Settings > Cellular/Mobile Data > Cellular Data > Pelesim eSIM
On this eSIM, not your home SIM.
Settings > Cellular/Mobile Data > Pelesim eSIM > Data Roaming
Settings > Cellular/Mobile Data > Pelesim eSIM > Voice & Data > LTE
See Coverage on your eSIM in My eSIMs.
Settings > Cellular/Mobile Data > Pelesim eSIM > Network Selection > Automatic off
Troubleshooting
Most install issues come from scanning, compatibility, or data-line settings.
QR code will not scan
Increase screen brightness on the device showing the QR code, clean the camera lens, and try again in better light.
Need manual installation instead
Open Settings > Cellular or Mobile Data > Add eSIM > Use QR Code > Enter Details Manually. Copy the SM-DP+ Address and the Activation Code from your eSIM details page into the fields with the same names, and leave Confirmation Code empty. The Activation Code is the short code only, never the long code that starts with LPA:1$.
Unable to Activate eSIM after entering the details by hand
If no new line appears under SIMs, the details did not match. Check that SM-DP+ Address holds only the address, Activation Code holds only the short code, and Confirmation Code is empty, then try again on Wi-Fi. If the new line is listed, the install worked and the alert is expected before you travel.
The eSIM is not compatible with this iPhone
iPhone shows this when it is locked to a carrier or managed by an employer. Check Settings > General > About > Carrier Lock, which should say No SIM restrictions, and Settings > General > VPN & Device Management for a work profile. A locked iPhone has to be unlocked by the carrier or store that sold it.
Cannot add eSIM
This usually means the device is locked, does not support eSIM, or already reached a carrier restriction. Confirm compatibility first if you are unsure.
Installed but not connecting
Confirm the travel eSIM is turned on, selected for data, and has Data Roaming enabled. Then toggle airplane mode and retry.
Not getting calls on my regular number
Calls to your number go through your home carrier, not the travel eSIM. Open Settings > Cellular or Mobile Data, tap your primary line, and turn Roaming on, then make sure Allow Cellular Data Switching is off so your carrier does not charge you for data. Toggle airplane mode once. If the primary line still shows No Service, ask your carrier to switch on its abroad service.
Shows a network but no data works
Switch the travel line from 5G to 4G/LTE: Settings > Cellular or Mobile Data, tap the Pelesim line, open Voice & Data, and choose LTE (some iOS versions place this under Cellular Data Options). Then toggle airplane mode on and off. Partner networks abroad often accept the eSIM on 4G/LTE when 5G registration fails. You can move back to 5G Auto once you are online.
Still no service, or stuck on Emergency calls only
Choose a network by hand: Settings > Cellular or Mobile Data, tap the Pelesim line, open Network Selection, turn Automatic off, wait for the scan, and pick a network your plan covers. Open Coverage on the eSIM in My eSIMs to see which partner networks the plan uses in each country, which is also how you find the right network on a regional or Global plan. If the first network fails, try the next one, then turn Automatic back on once you are connected.
Need help now?
If the eSIM still does not install or connect, open support with your phone model and the exact step where the flow stopped.