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How to Install eSIM on
iPhone & iPad

iPhone Settings screen showing eSIM option
1

Open Settings, tap Cellular or Mobile Data, then select Add Cellular Plan to start installation.

iPhone scanning eSIM QR code
2

Select "Install with QR Code" if you have the code on another device to scan.

eSIM Manual code

12568050

3

Tap "Install Manually" If you can't scan the QR code.

iPhone Settings screen showing eSIM option
1

Open Settings, tap Cellular or Mobile Data, then select Add Cellular Plan to start installation.

iPhone scanning eSIM QR code
2

Select "Install with QR Code" if you have the code on another device to scan.

eSIM Manual code

12568050

3

Tap "Install Manually" If you can't scan the QR code.

Choose the device you will use to complete the process on.
iPhone
Android

Select your installation option

Before you begin installation with a QR code, there are a few important points to be aware of:

  • •You must have the QR code on another screen or device to scan it with your phone camera.
  • •Make sure you have a stable internet connection throughout the process.
  • •Please note that the QR code can only be scanned once.
  • •Do not remove the eSIM from your device as you will not be able to use it again.
QR code installation method - scan to activate eSIM instantly

Before you begin manual installation, there are a few important points to be aware of:

  • •Manual installation codes can only be used once.
  • •Make sure you have a stable internet connection throughout the process.
  • •Do not remove the eSIM from your device as you will not be able to use it again.
eSIM card

Enter Activation Code

1234 5678 9012

Checkmark icon - code entry confirmed

Let's get started together

Our team is here 24/7 if you need assistance during installation.

01
Open your email
Open your email on a separate device and locate the QR code we sent you for installation.
02
Prepare your settings
Go to Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data) and tap 'Add eSIM' to begin.
03
Follow the steps
Complete the installation process by following the on-screen prompts.
01
Open your email
Open your email on a separate device and locate the QR code we sent you for installation.
02
Prepare your settings
Go to Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data) and tap 'Add eSIM' to begin.
03
Follow the steps
Complete the installation process by following the on-screen prompts.

Install eSIM via QR Code

Install eSIM via Activation Code

iPhone device mockup displaying eSIM installation steps
eSIM purple icon - activation step indicator

Active eSIM

This phone is ready to activate a Hello Roam eSIM.

1. Set up your data plan
Once you scan the QR code on your iPhone the installation will begin automatically. Scanning the QR code on your iPhone will automatically start the installation.

Click on
Continue
iPhone device mockup displaying eSIM installation steps
eSIM purple icon - activation step indicator

Cellular setup
complete

2. Mobile configuration completed
Your plan has now been installed.

Click on
Continue
iPhone device mockup displaying eSIM installation steps

Data Plan Labels

Label for +0
Primary
Step 3: Select Primary line for iOS eSIM label configuration
Label for your new hello roam plan
Secondary
Step 3: Select Secondary line for Hello Roam eSIM label

3. Label your data plan
Choose a name for your new Hello Roam line to help identify it (e.g., "Hello Roam Spain").

Click on
Continue
iPhone device mockup displaying eSIM installation steps

Default line

Primary
Hello roam
Step 4: Hello Roam eSIM selected as default line on iOS

4. Choose your default line
Select the "Primary" option to continue using your number to receive messages and calls.

Click on
Continue
iPhone device mockup displaying eSIM installation steps

Cellular Data

Primary
Hello roam
Step 5: Hello Roam eSIM selected for mobile data on iOS
Allow mobile data switching

5. Mobile Data
Select the "Secondary" option. Keep "Allow Mobile Data Switching" turned off to avoid additional roaming charges.

Click on
Continue

Install eSIM via QR Code

Install eSIM via Activation Code

iPhone device mockup displaying eSIM installation steps

Scan QR code

👉

1. Go to Settings
Once there, click on "Mobile Data", then "Add eSIM" or "Add Data Plan" and select "Use QR Code". Finally, click on "Enter Details Manually"

Click on
Continue
iPhone device mockup displaying eSIM installation steps

Enter Activation Code

SM-DP+ Address
Activation Code
Confirmation Code Optional

2. Add your data plan
Now it's time to copy and paste the SM-DP + address and Activation Code into the corresponding field. Click on Next

Click on
Continue
iPhone device mockup displaying eSIM installation steps
eSIM purple icon - activation step indicator

Active eSIM

This phone is ready to activate a Hello Roam eSIM.

3. Set up your data plan
Once you scan the QR code on your iPhone the installation will begin automatically. Scanning the QR code on your iPhone will automatically start the installation.

Click on
Continue
iPhone device mockup displaying eSIM installation steps
eSIM purple icon - activation step indicator

Cellular setup
complete

4. Mobile configuration completed
Your plan has now been installed.

Click on
Continue
iPhone device mockup displaying eSIM installation steps

Data Plan Labels

Label for +0
Primary
Step 3: Select Primary line for iOS eSIM label configuration
Label for your new hello roam plan
Secondary
Step 3: Select Secondary line for Hello Roam eSIM label

5. Label your data plan
Choose a name for your new Hello Roam line to help identify it (e.g., "Hello Roam Spain").

Click on
Continue
iPhone device mockup displaying eSIM installation steps

Default line

Primary
Hello roam
Step 4: Hello Roam eSIM selected as default line on iOS

6. Choose your default line
Select the "Primary" option to continue using your number to receive messages and calls.

Click on
Continue
iPhone device mockup displaying eSIM installation steps

Cellular Data

Primary
Hello roam
Step 5: Hello Roam eSIM selected for mobile data on iOS
Allow mobile data switching

7. Mobile Data
Select the "Secondary" option. Keep "Allow Mobile Data Switching" turned off to avoid additional roaming charges.

Click on
Continue
Your eSIM is now installed, ready for activation
iPhone displaying eSIM installed confirmation screen - successful installation
eSIM installation complete checkmark icon - iOS setup successful
eSIM Installed

Activation guide for your eSIM

Mobile Data settings showing eSIM and Data Roaming toggle

Important:

  • •You must be at your destination to activate your eSIM.
  • •Enable airplane mode, then turn on Wi-Fi to avoid home network charges.
  • •Download this guide as PDF for offline access during your trip.
Setting
Cellular
1

Open Settings and navigate to Cellular (or Mobile Data) to find your eSIM.

P
Primary
On
H
Hello roam
Add eSIM
On
2

Turn on your eSIM line and enable data roaming for connectivity.

Data Roaming
3

Your eSIM is now active and ready to use worldwide.

That's it! Your plan is now active and you can start using your data.

Success! Your eSIM is now active and ready to use.

Start using your data immediately. No roaming fees, no surprises.

iPhone showing eSIM activated status - ready to use for international travel
eSIM activation complete checkmark - Hello Roam eSIM now active
eSIM Activated

What’s an eSIM? Learn in 2 minutes.

An eSIM is a digital SIM. Scan the QR code to install on your phone. Step-by-step guide

Unlimited mobile data icon - no data limits for travellers

Unlimited data

5G network speed icon - fast global connection

Up to 5G support

Data sharing icon - hotspot and tethering enabled

Data sharing

Learn more about eSIM
iPhone showing eSIM installation
15.56 GB
Of 30 GB left
10GB
From $8.40 (30 days)
How do you confirm your eSIM is active?
You can check in two ways:

1.

Make sure there is at least one bar in the signal icon on your iPhone.

2.

Go to "Settings" on your iPhone, select "Mobile Data", click on the "Hello Roam" option and check that "Data Roaming" is turned on.

Signal strength and Data Roaming confirmation

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. You need iOS 12.1 or later to activate cellular profiles. iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation and later), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later), iPad Air (3rd generation and later), and iPad mini (5th generation and later) also support this functionality.

Yes! You can install your plan manually without a QR code on iPhone. Go to Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan > Enter Details Manually. Then input the SM-DP+ address and activation code provided in your HelloRoam email confirmation. This manual method takes 3-5 minutes and works on all compatible iPhones running iOS 12.1 or later.

If you don't see the 'Add Cellular Plan' option on your iPhone, verify these 4 requirements: (1) Your iPhone model is compatible (iPhone XS or newer released after September 2018), (2) Your iOS version is 12.1 or later (check Settings > General > About), (3) Your device is carrier-unlocked (contact your original carrier to confirm), (4) You're not in mainland China or Hong Kong where digital SIM may be restricted. If all requirements are met, restart your iPhone and check again.

Yes! iPhone supports Dual SIM Dual Standby (DSDS) with one physical nano-SIM and one digital profile active simultaneously since iPhone XS. You can choose which line to use for cellular data, iMessage, FaceTime, calls, and SMS messages through Settings > Cellular. iPhone 13, 14, 15, and 16 series support two active profiles simultaneously without needing a physical SIM card, giving you complete digital flexibility.

Switch between your digital and physical SIM on iPhone by navigating to Settings > Cellular. You'll see both lines listed as separate entries (e.g., 'Primary' and 'Secondary'). Tap the line you want to use for Cellular Data and select it. You can independently configure which line handles voice calls, messages, and data. Toggle each line on/off by tapping the line name and using the 'Turn On This Line' switch.

Yes, iPhone 14 fully supports digital SIM technology with enhanced capabilities. All iPhone 14 models (iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, and 14 Pro Max) can store up to 8 profiles and have 2 active simultaneously. US models of iPhone 14 and newer are digital-only with no physical SIM tray, while international models support both nano-SIM and virtual SIM for dual connectivity.

Install your plan on iPhone 15 in 3 steps: (1) Go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM, (2) Select 'Use QR Code' and scan the QR code from HelloRoam email, or choose 'Enter Details Manually' to input SM-DP+ address and activation code, (3) Tap 'Add Cellular Plan' and wait 2-5 minutes for activation. iPhone 15 supports storing 8 profiles with 2 active simultaneously. Ensure you're connected to WiFi during installation for fastest download speeds.

iPhone 16 series (iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max) includes advanced digital connectivity: stores up to 8 profiles, activates 2 simultaneously, supports Quick Transfer to move your plan from old iPhone to new iPhone during setup, includes improved 5G connectivity on virtual networks, and offers digital-only models in the US with no physical SIM tray. All models run iOS 18 with streamlined management through Settings > Cellular.

If your iPhone won't scan the QR code, try these 5 fixes: (1) Clean your iPhone camera lens with a soft cloth, (2) Display the QR code on another device screen at full brightness (not on paper), (3) Hold your iPhone 6-12 inches away from the QR code, (4) Ensure adequate lighting in the room, (5) If scanning still fails, use manual installation by selecting 'Enter Details Manually' and typing the SM-DP+ address and activation code from your HelloRoam email.

Plan activation on iPhone typically takes 2-10 minutes depending on your WiFi connection speed and network conditions. The download process shows a progress bar under Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan. If activation takes longer than 15 minutes, cancel the installation, restart your iPhone, and try again. Ensure you have a stable WiFi connection with at least 5 Mbps download speed for optimal results. HelloRoam profiles activate instantly upon reaching your destination country.

Yes! Digital SIM works on iPad models released from 2018 onwards including iPad Pro 11-inch (all generations), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later), iPad Air (3rd generation and later), iPad (7th generation and later), and iPad mini (5th generation and later). Install your plan on iPad by going to Settings > Cellular Data > Add a New Plan, then scan the HelloRoam QR code or enter activation details manually. iPadOS 12.1 or later is required for support.

Delete your plan from iPhone by following these 4 steps: (1) Open Settings > Cellular, (2) Tap the line you want to remove (e.g., 'Travel' or 'Secondary'), (3) Select 'Remove Cellular Plan' at the bottom, (4) Confirm by tapping 'Remove' in the popup. WARNING: Once deleted, you cannot restore the same profile without purchasing a new one from HelloRoam. To temporarily disable without deleting, toggle 'Turn On This Line' to off instead.

Rename your plan on iPhone for easier identification: (1) Go to Settings > Cellular, (2) Tap the line you want to rename, (3) Tap 'Cellular Plan Label', (4) Choose from preset labels (Travel, Business, Personal, Primary, Secondary) or create a 'Custom Label' with any name up to 25 characters. Renaming helps distinguish multiple profiles when you have 2 or more active lines on iPhone 13 and newer models.

iPhone can store up to 8 digital profiles simultaneously starting from iPhone XS and newer models. However, you can only have 2 profiles active at the same time on iPhone 13, 14, 15, and 16 series (or 1 eSIM + 1 physical SIM on older models). Stored profiles remain in Settings > Cellular even when turned off, allowing you to switch between them for different countries without reinstalling. This is ideal for frequent travelers visiting multiple destinations.

Yes, you must enable Data Roaming for your HelloRoam plan to work on iPhone when traveling abroad. Go to Settings > Cellular > [Your Line] > toggle 'Data Roaming' to ON (green). This is SAFE because HelloRoam has fixed pricing with no overage charges—you'll never receive surprise bills. Keep Data Roaming OFF on your home carrier's physical SIM to avoid expensive roaming fees while using only your HelloRoam plan for data.

Select network manually for your iPhone plan by following these steps: (1) Go to Settings > Cellular > [Your Line], (2) Tap 'Network Selection', (3) Turn OFF 'Automatic' toggle, (4) Wait 10-30 seconds for available networks to appear, (5) Select your preferred network from the list (HelloRoam typically partners with 2-3 premium carriers per country). If you experience slow speeds, try switching to a different available network. Re-enable 'Automatic' to let iPhone choose the strongest signal.

Yes, your iPhone must be carrier-unlocked to install and use digital SIM from HelloRoam or any third-party provider. Check if your iPhone is unlocked: Settings > General > About > scroll to 'Carrier Lock' (should say 'No SIM restrictions'). If locked, contact your original carrier (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, etc.) to request an unlock—most carriers unlock iPhones after contract completion or full payment. Unlocking takes 24-72 hours and is free for eligible devices.

Set your plan as the primary line for cellular data on iPhone: (1) Open Settings > Cellular, (2) Tap 'Cellular Data' under the SIMs section, (3) Select your HelloRoam line, (4) Return to Settings > Cellular and tap 'Default Voice Line' to choose which line handles phone calls (you can keep your home SIM for calls while using your plan for data). This configuration lets you use cheap data abroad while maintaining your regular phone number for calls.

Yes! Transfer your plan between iPhones using Quick Transfer during iPhone setup (iPhone XS or newer, iOS 16+). When setting up your new iPhone, select 'Transfer from iPhone' and choose 'Transfer eSIMs' when prompted—both iPhones must be nearby with Bluetooth enabled. The transfer completes in 5-10 minutes. IMPORTANT: HelloRoam plans can only be installed on ONE device at a time. If Quick Transfer fails, contact HelloRoam support at support@helloroam.com to request profile transfer or purchase a new plan.

Reset network settings on iPhone to fix connectivity problems: (1) Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone, (2) Tap 'Reset' > 'Reset Network Settings', (3) Enter your passcode, (4) Confirm reset. WARNING: This erases all saved WiFi passwords, Bluetooth pairings, VPN settings, and cellular settings but does NOT delete your profiles. After reset, reconfigure Data Roaming (Settings > Cellular > [Your Line] > Data Roaming ON) and network selection to restore functionality.

Yes, you can use any VPN app (NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, etc.) with HelloRoam on iPhone without restrictions. Install your VPN app from the App Store, enable the VPN connection, then use your plan for cellular data as normal. VPN works seamlessly over your connection and encrypts all your data for enhanced security on public networks abroad. Some countries (China, UAE, Russia) restrict VPN usage—check local laws before traveling.

Yes, iMessage works perfectly with your plan on iPhone. When you have dual SIMs (physical + digital), you can choose which number to use for iMessage: Settings > Messages > Send & Receive > select your preferred phone number or email. HelloRoam provides data connectivity that allows iMessage to send/receive messages over internet (blue bubbles). Your iMessage identity remains linked to your Apple ID, so contacts see your usual number regardless of which SIM provides data.

No, iOS updates (including major versions like iOS 17 to iOS 18) do NOT delete or affect your installed profiles on iPhone. Your plans remain active and functional after software updates. However, after updating iOS, verify your cellular settings: Settings > Cellular > [Your Line] > ensure Data Roaming is still ON and the correct line is selected for Cellular Data. Occasionally, iOS updates reset network preferences requiring you to reconfigure these settings.

WiFi calling availability with HelloRoam depends on your home carrier's support for digital WiFi calling—it's controlled by your primary carrier, not HelloRoam. Most US carriers (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile) support WiFi calling on compatible iPhones. Enable WiFi calling: Settings > Cellular > [Your Line] > WiFi Calling > toggle ON. HelloRoam provides data connectivity but not voice calling services, so WiFi calling uses your primary carrier's system over HelloRoam's data connection.

Airplane mode disables ALL cellular connections including both physical SIM and digital plan on iPhone. To use your data in airplane mode: (1) Enable Airplane Mode from Control Center, (2) Go to Settings > WiFi and turn WiFi ON, (3) This keeps cellular radios off but allows WiFi connectivity. If you want to use only your plan without your home SIM, instead of airplane mode, go to Settings > Cellular and toggle OFF your home SIM line while keeping your HelloRoam line ON.

Check data usage on iPhone through Settings: (1) Open Settings > Cellular, (2) Scroll down to 'Cellular Data' section, (3) View usage per app under your line. iPhone shows data usage since last reset—tap 'Reset Statistics' to track new trip usage. For real-time usage tracking, HelloRoam provides a dashboard showing remaining data balance. Note: iPhone's built-in usage tracker may differ slightly from HelloRoam's server-side tracking due to system data and background processes.

Access cellular settings on iPhone by following this path: Settings > Cellular (or 'Mobile Data' in some regions). Here you'll find all controls: (1) Add new plan (Add Cellular Plan), (2) Manage existing lines (tap any line to configure), (3) Select default line for cellular data, (4) Set default line for voice calls, (5) Enable/disable Data Roaming per line, (6) Remove profiles. Additional network settings appear under Settings > Cellular > [Your Line] > Network Selection for manual carrier selection.

If your plan is not working on iPhone, try these 8 troubleshooting steps in order: (1) Verify Data Roaming is ON (Settings > Cellular > [Your Line] > Data Roaming), (2) Restart your iPhone, (3) Toggle line OFF then ON (Settings > Cellular > [Your Line] > Turn On This Line), (4) Select network manually (Settings > Cellular > [Your Line] > Network Selection > OFF Automatic > choose carrier), (5) Remove and reinstall profile, (6) Reset network settings (Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings), (7) Update to latest iOS version, (8) Contact HelloRoam support at support@helloroam.com with your order ID for activation assistance.

No, iPhone and Apple Watch use separate cellular profiles that cannot be shared. Apple Watch uses its own cellular plan (Family Setup or cellular plan paired with your iPhone) that requires a separate connection from your carrier. HelloRoam installed on your iPhone provides data connectivity to your iPhone only—it does not extend to Apple Watch. When traveling with cellular Apple Watch, you'll need both an iPhone plan from HelloRoam for your phone and check if your Apple Watch supports international roaming with your home carrier.

Check if your iPhone is compatible with these 3 methods: (1) MODEL CHECK: Go to Settings > General > About > look for 'Model Number' (A2484, A2889, etc.) and verify it's iPhone XS or newer released after September 2018, (2) SETTINGS CHECK: Go to Settings > Cellular—if you see 'Add Cellular Plan' or 'Add eSIM' option, your iPhone supports it, (3) PHYSICAL CHECK: iPhone 14 and newer US models have NO SIM tray (digital-only); international models have a nano-SIM tray plus digital support. Check carrier unlock status under Settings > General > About > Carrier Lock.

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Download HelloRoam eSIM app on Google Play - travel data plans
Get it on
Google Play
Download on the
App Store

Apple® marks are owned by Apple Inc. Google Play and its logo are trademarks of Google LLC.

PCI DSS compliant - secure eSIM payment processingSecure payment encryption for eSIM purchases

Secure payment guaranteed

Visa - accepted payment method for eSIM purchasesMastercard - accepted payment method for eSIM purchasesApple Pay - accepted payment method for eSIM purchasesPayPal - accepted payment method for eSIM purchasesAlipay - accepted payment method for eSIM purchasesGoogle Pay - accepted payment method for eSIM purchases
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