How to Add eSIM to
iPhone & iPad
On your iPhone, open Settings, tap Cellular or Mobile Data, then tap Add eSIM to start the installation.
If the QR code is open on another device, tap Install with QR Code and point your camera at it.
eSIM Manual code
12568050
Tap Install Manually if you cannot scan the QR code, then type in the SM-DP+ address and activation code.
Choose your installation method
Before you start QR code installation, keep these points in mind:
- •Show the QR code on a separate screen. You cannot scan a QR code from the same device you are installing on.
- •Stay on a stable WiFi connection throughout the process.
- •Each QR code can only be scanned once. Keep it private.
- •Do not remove the eSIM from your device. An eSIM is not transferable once installed.
Before you start manual installation, keep these points in mind:
- •Activation codes are single-use. Each code works only once.
- •Stay on a stable WiFi connection throughout the process.
- •Do not delete the eSIM from your phone. An eSIM is not transferable once installed, so removing it means the plan is gone for good.
Enter Activation Code
1234 5678 9012
Let's get you set up
Our team is available 24/7 if you need help at any point during installation.
- 01Open your email
Open your HelloRoam confirmation email on a second device or computer. You need this screen to scan the QR code.
- 02Open Cellular settings
On your iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data) and tap Add eSIM to begin.
- 03Follow the steps
Scan the QR code or type in your activation code manually, then follow each screen prompt until the setup is complete.
Install eSIM via QR Code
Install eSIM via Activation Code
Active eSIM
This phone is ready to activate a HelloRoam eSIM.
1. Scan the QR code
Point your iPhone camera at the QR code in your HelloRoam email on a second screen. Installation starts on its own.
Cellular setup
complete
2. Installation complete
Your HelloRoam plan is now installed on your iPhone.
Data Plan Labels
3. Label your data plan
Give your HelloRoam line a recognisable name, like "HelloRoam Sydney" or "HelloRoam Dubai", so it's easy to find later.
Default line
4. Choose your default call line
Pick Primary so your home carrier line still handles calls and messages.
Cellular Data
5. Set data line
Set HelloRoam as Secondary for data. Keep Allow Mobile Data Switching off to avoid unexpected charges on your home line.
Install eSIM via QR Code
Install eSIM via Activation Code
Scan QR code
1. Open Settings
Open Settings. Tap Mobile Data (or Cellular), then Add eSIM or Add Data Plan, then Use QR Code, then Enter Details Manually.
Enter Activation Code
2. Enter your activation details
Copy the SM-DP+ address and Activation Code from your HelloRoam email and paste each into the matching field. Tap Next.
Active eSIM
This phone is ready to activate a HelloRoam eSIM.
3. eSIM profile downloads
Your iPhone will start downloading the eSIM profile. The process begins automatically once you confirm the code.
Cellular setup
complete
4. Installation complete
Your HelloRoam plan is now installed on your iPhone. You're ready to activate when you travel.
Data Plan Labels
5. Label your data plan
Give your HelloRoam line a name so you can tell it apart from your home SIM (for example, "HelloRoam London" or "HelloRoam Dubai").
Default line
6. Set your default call line
Choose Primary so calls and messages still go through your South African number.
Cellular Data
7. Set data line
Choose Secondary for your HelloRoam data line. Keep Allow Mobile Data Switching turned off to avoid unexpected charges on your home carrier.
How to activate your HelloRoam eSIM on iPhone
Before you activate:
- •Automatic-activation plans go live when you land at your destination. Data may not work before you travel.
- •Turn on aeroplane mode, then re-enable WiFi to avoid charges on your home carrier while you install.
- •Save this guide as a PDF so you can access it offline when you arrive.
Open Settings on your iPhone and tap Mobile Data. Find your HelloRoam line in the list.
Tap your HelloRoam line, then switch it on and set Data Roaming to ON so your plan works abroad.
Your HelloRoam eSIM is now active. You have data access in 185+ countries on local networks.
All sorted. Your plan is live and ready to use.
Start using your data right now. No extra charges, no contracts, no surprises.
What is an eSIM? How it works in 2 minutes.
An eSIM is a digital SIM. Scan a QR code to install it on your phone and you're ready to go. Step-by-step guide
Unlimited data
Up to 5G support
Hotspot sharing
1.
Look for at least one signal bar at the top of your iPhone screen. That means your eSIM is connected.
2.
Open Settings, tap Mobile Data, select your HelloRoam line, and check that Data Roaming is ON.
FAQs
Digital SIM technology is supported on iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, and all newer models including iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 series released from September 2018 onwards.
Yes! You can install your plan manually without a QR code on iPhone. Go to Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan > Enter Details Manually.
If you don't see the 'Add Cellular Plan' option on your iPhone, verify these 4 requirements: (1) Your iPhone model is compatible, (2) Your iOS version is 12.1 or later, (3) Your device is carrier-unlocked, (4) You're not in a restricted region.
Yes! iPhone supports Dual SIM Dual Standby (DSDS) with one physical nano-SIM and one digital profile active simultaneously since iPhone XS.
Switch between your digital and physical SIM on iPhone by navigating to Settings > Cellular. You'll see both lines listed as separate entries.
Yes, iPhone 14 fully supports digital SIM technology with enhanced capabilities. All iPhone 14 models can store up to 8 profiles and have 2 active simultaneously.
Install your plan on iPhone 15 in 3 steps: (1) Go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM, (2) Select 'Use QR Code' and scan, or 'Enter Details Manually', (3) Tap 'Add Cellular Plan'.
iPhone 16 series includes advanced digital connectivity: stores up to 8 profiles, activates 2 simultaneously, supports Quick Transfer, and includes improved 5G connectivity.
If your iPhone won't scan the QR code, try these fixes: Clean camera lens, display QR at full brightness, hold 6-12 inches away, ensure good lighting, or use manual installation.
Plan activation on iPhone typically takes 2-10 minutes depending on your WiFi connection speed and network conditions.
Yes! Digital SIM works on iPad models released from 2018 onwards including iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad, and iPad mini with cellular capability.
Delete your plan from iPhone: Settings > Cellular > tap the line > 'Remove Cellular Plan' > Confirm. WARNING: Once deleted, you cannot restore the same profile.
Rename your plan: Settings > Cellular > tap the line > 'Cellular Plan Label' > choose preset or create 'Custom Label'.
iPhone can store up to 8 digital profiles simultaneously starting from iPhone XS. However, you can only have 2 profiles active at the same time.
Yes, you must enable Data Roaming for your HelloRoam plan to work when traveling abroad. Go to Settings > Cellular > [Your Line] > toggle 'Data Roaming' to ON.
Select network manually: Settings > Cellular > [Your Line] > 'Network Selection' > turn OFF 'Automatic' > select preferred network from list.
Yes, your iPhone must be carrier-unlocked to install and use digital SIM from HelloRoam or any third-party provider.
Set your plan as primary: Settings > Cellular > 'Cellular Data' > select your HelloRoam line.
Yes! Transfer your plan using Quick Transfer during iPhone setup (iPhone XS or newer, iOS 16+). Select 'Transfer eSIMs' when prompted.
Reset network settings: Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > 'Reset Network Settings'. This erases WiFi passwords but NOT your profiles.
Yes, you can use any VPN app with HelloRoam on iPhone without restrictions. VPN works smoothly over your connection.
Yes, iMessage works perfectly with your plan on iPhone. Your iMessage identity remains linked to your Apple ID.
No, iOS updates do NOT delete or affect your installed profiles on iPhone. Your plans remain active after software updates.
WiFi calling availability depends on your home carrier's support for digital WiFi calling—it's controlled by your primary carrier, not HelloRoam.
Airplane mode disables ALL cellular connections. To use data in airplane mode, enable Airplane Mode then turn WiFi ON separately.
Check data usage: Settings > Cellular > scroll to 'Cellular Data' section > view usage per app under your line.
Access cellular settings: Settings > Cellular (or 'Mobile Data'). Here you'll find all controls for managing your eSIM.
Try these troubleshooting steps: Verify Data Roaming is ON, restart iPhone, toggle line OFF then ON, select network manually, reset network settings.
No, iPhone and Apple Watch use separate cellular profiles that cannot be shared. Apple Watch requires its own cellular plan.
Check compatibility: Settings > General > About > 'Model Number' should be iPhone XS or newer. Also check Settings > Cellular for 'Add Cellular Plan' option.
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