How to Set Up eSIM on iPhone

Step-by-step guide for your RoamFree eSIM

You have purchased your RoamFree eSIM and received your QR code and manual activation details via order email. This step-by-step guide walks you through installation and activation for iPhone devices.

Should I install eSIM before travel?

Special Tips: We recommend installing your eSIM on your travel day.

Each RoamFree eSIM data plan has a fixed validity period. Installing too early may start your plan countdown and waste your data before your trip.

You have two options for installation:

1. Install on your travel day before departure. You will need stable Wi‑Fi to download the eSIM profile.
2. Install after you arrive at your destination, connected to local Wi‑Fi.

⚠️ Critical rule:
Do NOT turn on Data Roaming for your RoamFree eSIM until you arrive at your travel destination.
Your plan countdown and data usage will begin once Data Roaming is enabled and connected to a local mobile network.

Two Ways to Scan the QR Code (Preferred Method)

You will find your unique QR code inside your order confirmation email, together with manual activation credentials for iPhone.

✅ Option 1 (Recommended): Display QR code on a second device (PC, tablet or another phone).
Open your order email on the second device, then scan the QR code directly with your iPhone’s scanner. This is the most reliable way.

✅ Option 2: Only one iPhone available (no second device) – see Method B below.

Method A: Scan QR Code with a second device (Best)

1. Open your RoamFree order email on your second device, make sure the full QR code is visible on screen.
2. On your iPhone, navigate to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Use QR Code.
3. Point your iPhone camera toward the QR code on your second screen.
4. Follow on-screen prompts and wait for the eSIM profile to finish downloading.
5. Name your new eSIM profile (example: RoamFree Europe).
6. Set your default lines:
   • RoamFree eSIM: Default for Mobile Data
   • Primary physical SIM: Default for Calls and SMS (optional)
7. Leave Data Roaming OFF. Enable Data Roaming only after you arrive at your destination.

Method B (Only one iPhone available, no second device):

💡 Best & most reliable recommendation: Use a second phone, tablet or laptop to display the QR code for scanning. This works on all iPhones and iOS versions.

Option 1 (iOS 17.4 or newer):
Open your order email in Apple’s native Mail app. Press and hold the QR code image, then tap Add eSIM. Follow the prompts to finish installation.
⚠️ Note: This only works in Apple Mail. Gmail, Outlook and other third-party email apps DO NOT support this shortcut.

Option 2 (Tested on iPhone 13, works on many iOS versions):

1. Open your order email and take a full screenshot of the QR code. Make sure all four corners of the QR code are fully visible, not cropped. Save the screenshot to Photos.
2. Open the native Camera app on your iPhone.
3. Tap the gallery/photo icon inside Camera, select your saved QR screenshot.
4. Tap the Live Text icon at the bottom right of the preview image.
5. Tap the QR code inside the picture. When the “Add eSIM” pop-up appears, tap it.
6. Complete download, rename profile and set your default lines.
7. Keep Data Roaming off until you arrive at your destination.

Important Note:
- The QR scanner inside Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM CANNOT open photos from your gallery. It only scans live camera view.
- Option 2 relies on iOS Live Text, and compatibility varies by iPhone model & iOS version. If this method fails, please use the manual setup below.

Manual iPhone Setup (If QR scan fails)

1. Go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM.
2. Tap Enter Details Manually.
3. Input the SM-DP+ Address and Activation Code provided in your order email.
4. Complete installation following the on-screen instructions.

🛠️ Troubleshooting: Common iPhone eSIM Issues & Fixes

1. QR code will not scan
   • Check screenshot: all four corners of QR must be visible, no blur or cropping
   • If scanning from a screen, increase screen brightness
   • If QR still fails, use manual activation method with SM-DP+ and Activation Code
2. Installation failed during download
   • Confirm your iPhone is factory unlocked and supports eSIM
   • Check your Wi‑Fi connection; do not switch Wi‑Fi during download
   • Reboot your iPhone and retry installation
3. eSIM installed, but no mobile data abroad
   • Verify Data Roaming is enabled only on your RoamFree eSIM profile
   • Confirm RoamFree eSIM is selected as your default mobile data line
   • Reboot your phone after landing
4. Error: Cannot add eSIM / plan cannot be added
   • This usually means the iPhone is carrier locked, or the eSIM profile has already been installed and used. Contact RoamFree support with your order number.

✅ Final Pre-Departure Checklist for iPhone

Tick each item before your trip:

• Your iPhone is factory unlocked and supports eSIM
• You have received your QR code + manual activation codes in your order email
• You will download the eSIM profile on stable Wi‑Fi
• RoamFree eSIM is set as your default mobile data line
• Data Roaming for RoamFree eSIM remains OFF before arrival
• You will turn on Data Roaming only once you reach your destination

Conclusion

RoamFree eSIM installation on iPhone is simple once you follow these steps. We recommend installing your eSIM on the day of travel to avoid wasting your plan validity. Remember to activate Data Roaming only after you arrive in your destination country.

If you run into any issues during setup, please contact our support team with your order number and a description of your problem.