Can I install the eSIM before my flight?

Yes. Install on Wi‑Fi at home or the airport. You can leave the travel line inactive until you need data.

Will installing an eSIM delete my physical SIM?

No. Modern iPhones support Dual SIM: one physical (or second eSIM) plus your travel eSIM for data.

Do I need Data Roaming on for a travel eSIM?

Often yes for the **travel eSIM line only**. Follow the plan card in your dashboard. Keep home-line roaming off to avoid carrier charges.

What if my iPhone says eSIM is not supported?

Your model, region, or carrier lock may block eSIM. Run an [eSIM compatibility check](/guides/esim-compatibility-check) before purchase.

How to Install an eSIM on iPhone

Step-by-step guide to install a travel eSIM on iPhone with QR code — before you land, without roaming fees.

Updated 2026-07-28

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Add your travel eSIM

3 steps · about 2 minutes on Wi‑Fi

Good to know

Use stable Wi‑Fi — a weak connection can interrupt the install
The QR code works once, so scan it on the phone you're travelling with
You can install before you fly and turn data on later, once you land

1
Scan the QR code
Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → Use QR Code, then scan the code from your PingRoam dashboard.
No QR handy? Use Enter Details Manually below.
2
Or enter details manually
Paste the SM-DP+ address and activation code from your dashboard, then tap Next.
Both codes are on the same confirmation email as your QR.
3
Confirm and label the line
Tap Add Cellular Plan, then label it something like “Travel Data” so it's easy to find later.
Leave your home line active — this adds a second line, it doesn't replace it.

Installing a travel eSIM on iPhone takes a few minutes with a QR code: open Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM, scan your plan QR, then set Cellular Data to the travel line before or after you land. You keep your physical SIM for calls and SMS. This guide covers iPhone XS and newer on iOS 17+.

What you need

An eSIM-capable iPhone (iPhone XS / XR or newer in most markets; carrier locks may still apply)
Stable Wi‑Fi for the install step (airport or home Wi‑Fi is fine)
Your QR code from the PingRoam dashboard or confirmation email
Dual SIM space free — you do not remove your home SIM

PingRoam plans are sold on the web only. The companion app shows QR codes and usage; it does not sell in-app plans.

Buy and prepare before you fly

Choose a destination or regional plan on Destinations.
Complete checkout on pingroam.com and sign in to My eSIMs.
Open the QR on a laptop or second screen so your iPhone camera can scan it.
Install before boarding while Wi‑Fi is reliable. Activation of data can wait until landing.

Install with QR code (recommended)

Go to Settings → Cellular (or Mobile Data / Mobile Service).
Tap Add eSIM → Use QR Code.
Scan the PingRoam QR. Confirm Add Cellular Plan.
Label the line (for example “Travel Data”).
When asked which line to use for Cellular Data, select the new eSIM for travel use.
Turn Allow Cellular Data Switching off if you want to avoid accidental home-network roaming charges.

Manual entry (SM-DP+ address and activation code) is available if QR scanning fails — use the values shown in your dashboard.

Turn data on when you arrive

Under Settings → Cellular, enable the travel eSIM line.
Set Cellular Data to the travel eSIM.
Enable Data Roaming on the eSIM line only if your plan instructions require it.

Problem	Likely fix
Unable to activate	Retry on Wi‑Fi; confirm the QR was not already used on another device
No bars after landing	Toggle Airplane Mode; confirm Cellular Data = travel eSIM
Still using home data	Set Cellular Data to the eSIM; disable data switching
Slow speeds	Restart iPhone; verify you bought the correct country/region plan

How to Install an eSIM on iPhone

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Add your travel eSIM

Scan the QR code

Or enter details manually

Confirm and label the line