How to Set Up eSIM on iPhone: Step-by-Step Guide (2026)

Which iPhones Support eSIM?

Before you begin, confirm your iPhone model supports eSIM. Apple introduced eSIM support starting with the iPhone XS in 2018, and every iPhone released since then includes eSIM capability.

Full iPhone eSIM Compatibility List

iPhone Model	eSIM Support	Physical SIM	Notes
iPhone 16 / 16 Pro / 16 Pro Max	Dual eSIM	Nano-SIM (international) / None (US)	Latest model, full 5G SA
iPhone 15 / 15 Pro / 15 Pro Max	Dual eSIM	Nano-SIM (international) / None (US)	USB-C, 5G
iPhone 14 / 14 Pro / 14 Pro Max	Dual eSIM	None (US) / Nano-SIM (international)	First eSIM-only in US
iPhone 13 / 13 Pro / 13 mini	Dual eSIM	Nano-SIM	First dual eSIM support
iPhone 12 / 12 Pro / 12 mini	Single eSIM	Nano-SIM	5G support
iPhone 11 / 11 Pro / 11 Pro Max	Single eSIM	Nano-SIM	4G LTE
iPhone XS / XS Max / XR	Single eSIM	Nano-SIM	First eSIM iPhones
iPhone SE (3rd gen, 2022)	Single eSIM	Nano-SIM	Budget eSIM option
iPhone SE (2nd gen), X, 8 and older	No eSIM	Nano-SIM	Not supported

Important: iPhones purchased in mainland China do not support eSIM due to regulatory restrictions. Hong Kong and Macao models support eSIM from iPhone 13 onwards.

For a complete list of all eSIM-compatible devices beyond iPhone, see our compatible devices guide.

Method 1: Set Up eSIM Using QR Code (Recommended)

This is the fastest and most common method. Rivio provides a QR code after you purchase a data plan.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Open Settings on your iPhone
2. Tap Cellular (or Mobile Data in some regions)
3. Tap Add eSIM (or Add Cellular Plan on older iOS versions)
4. Select Use QR Code
5. Point your camera at the QR code provided by Rivio
6. Your iPhone will detect the eSIM profile automatically
7. Tap Continue when prompted
8. Wait for the profile to download (usually 15-30 seconds)
9. Tap Done — your eSIM is now active

Pro tip: You can also scan the QR code from a photo. If Rivio sent the QR code via email, save the image to your Photos, then select “Open from Photos” on the QR scanning screen.

After Installation

Once installed, you need to configure your cellular settings:

1. Go to Settings > Cellular
2. You will see two lines listed (your physical SIM and the new eSIM)
3. Tap the Rivio eSIM line
4. Enable Turn On This Line
5. Enable Data Roaming (essential for international travel)
6. Go back and tap Cellular Data
7. Select your Rivio eSIM as the data line

Method 2: Manual eSIM Setup

If you cannot scan a QR code, you can enter the eSIM details manually.

1. Go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM
2. Tap Enter Details Manually
3. Enter the SM-DP+ Address provided by Rivio (looks like: smdp.example.com)
4. Enter the Activation Code (a long alphanumeric string)
5. If provided, enter the Confirmation Code
6. Tap Next and wait for the profile to download
7. Follow the same post-installation steps as Method 1

Method 3: eSIM Carrier Activation (iOS 16+)

Starting with iOS 16, some carriers support automatic eSIM activation without a QR code.

1. Open the Rivio app on your iPhone
2. Purchase your data plan
3. A notification will appear: “Carrier eSIM Available”
4. Tap the notification and follow the prompts
5. The eSIM installs automatically

This method is the simplest but requires the carrier to support iOS eSIM Carrier Activation. Rivio supports this for select destinations.

Method 4: Transfer eSIM from Another iPhone

If you are upgrading your iPhone, you can transfer your existing Rivio eSIM.

1. On your new iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM
2. Select Transfer from Nearby iPhone
3. Follow the on-screen instructions on both devices
4. Verify with your Face ID or passcode
5. The eSIM profile transfers to your new device

Note: The eSIM will be deactivated on your old iPhone after transfer. This feature requires both devices to run iOS 16 or later.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

”Cannot Add eSIM” Error

• Check carrier lock: If your iPhone was purchased through a carrier contract, it may be carrier-locked. Contact your carrier to request an unlock.
• Check iOS version: eSIM setup requires iOS 12.1 or later. Update to the latest iOS version.
• Check region: Some iPhone models sold in mainland China do not support eSIM.

eSIM Installed but No Data Connection

1. Verify Data Roaming is enabled: Settings > Cellular > [eSIM line] > Data Roaming
2. Ensure the eSIM line is set as the Cellular Data source: Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data > select Rivio
3. Toggle Airplane Mode on and off
4. Restart your iPhone
5. Check if Allow Cellular Data Switching is enabled: Settings > Cellular > Allow Cellular Data Switching

Slow Data Speeds

• Move to an area with better signal (check the signal bars for your eSIM line)
• Disable Low Data Mode: Settings > Cellular > [eSIM line] > Low Data Mode > Off
• If available, manually select a different network: Settings > Cellular > [eSIM line] > Network Selection > turn off Automatic

eSIM Not Connecting After Landing

This is the most common issue for travelers. The fix is simple:

1. Restart your iPhone after landing (this forces a fresh network scan)
2. Ensure Data Roaming is ON
3. Ensure your Rivio eSIM is selected as the Cellular Data line
4. Wait 1-2 minutes for the network to register

If the issue persists, contact Rivio support — our team is available 24/7.

eSIM Management Tips for Travelers

Before Your Trip

• Install and test your eSIM before departure — ideally 24 hours before your flight
• Label your eSIM line clearly (Settings > Cellular > [eSIM line] > Cellular Plan Label > “Rivio Travel”)
• Add balance through the Rivio app while you still have Wi-Fi

During Your Trip

• Monitor your data usage: Settings > Cellular > scroll down to see per-line usage
• Use Wi-Fi when available to conserve your data balance
• Keep your home SIM line active for receiving calls and SMS, but disable its data to avoid roaming charges

After Your Trip

• Your Rivio eSIM and balance remain active — no need to delete it
• Your unused balance never expires and carries over to your next trip
• Before your next trip, simply add more balance through the app

iPhone eSIM Limits

iPhone Generation	Max eSIM Profiles Stored	Max Active Lines
iPhone XS–12 series	8-10 profiles	1 eSIM + 1 physical
iPhone 13–14 series	8-10 profiles	2 eSIM (or 1 eSIM + 1 physical)
iPhone 15–16 series	8-10 profiles	2 eSIM (or 1 eSIM + 1 physical)

You can store multiple eSIM profiles but only have two lines active at once. Switch between stored profiles in Settings > Cellular without re-downloading.

eSIM Security on iPhone

One common concern among travelers is whether eSIM is secure. The answer is yes — eSIM profiles are stored on a tamper-resistant chip called eUICC (embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card), which is physically soldered to your iPhone’s logic board. Unlike a removable physical SIM that can be swapped or cloned, your eSIM profile cannot be extracted without destroying the hardware.

According to Apple’s platform security guide, eSIM provisioning uses mutual authentication between your device and the carrier’s SM-DP+ server. The profile is encrypted during download and can only be decrypted by the specific eUICC it was intended for. This is the same security architecture used by Apple Pay and Face ID — your travel data connectivity is protected by the same standards as your financial transactions.

Additionally, if your iPhone is lost or stolen, your eSIM profile is protected by your device passcode, Face ID, or Touch ID. A thief cannot access or transfer your eSIM without your biometric authentication.

Have questions about eSIM in general? Read our complete eSIM guide for the basics, explore the FAQ for quick answers, or see how Rivio compares to other eSIM providers.