How to activate eSIM on your iPhone

In order to activate your iPhone eSIM, we need to change a few of your iPhone settings. You’ll go to “Settings” and then select “Cellular” or “Network” (with a little green signal icon).

Settings > Cellular (or Network)

Now it’s time to choose your newly-installed eSIM. Your iPhone named it something automatically during installation (maybe “Travel” or “Secondary” or “Cellular Data”) but you can rename it.

Settings > Cellular > Select your eSIM

It’s a good idea to give your eSIM a custom name, or it can get confusing if you’re switching between eSIMs for multiple countries and regions. Tap “Cellular Plan Label” to give it a name.

Settings > Cellular > Your eSIM > Cellular Plan Label

We need your eSIM to be switched on and allowed to “roam.” This will only activate your data package if you’re already located in the correct country or region. By doing this when you’re still at home, you’ll be closer to an instant connection when you land in the correct country or region.

Settings > Cellular > Cellular Plans > Your eSIM > Turn Data Roaming “ON” and toggle Turn on This Line “ON”

Your eSIM APN (Access Point Name) was likely set up automatically when your eSIM was installed, but it’s still a good idea to check that it says “alosim” in the Name and APN fields.

Settings > Cellular > Your eSIM > Cellular Data Network > Make sure it says “alosim” in the Name field and “alosim” in the APN field

Since your regular phone number won’t be active while you’re travelling, now is a great time to make sure iMessage is connected to your Apple ID email address. Then you can still send and receive iMessages over Wi-Fi or data.

Settings > Messages > iMessage > Make sure your Apple ID email address is checked off for receiving and replying to messages, as well as starting new conversations

If you plan on making or accepting video calls with FaceTime, make sure FaceTime is connected to your Apple ID email address, too. Then you will be able to use FaceTime without your phone number.

Settings > FaceTime > Make sure your Apple ID email address is checked off

This setting tells your iPhone to start using your eSIM for all data as soon as you arrive in the correct country/region, and not to ever switch between your eSIM and your Primary data plan.

Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data > Select your eSIM and make sure “Allow Cellular Data Switching” stays “OFF”

If you don’t want to use your regular phone number for a while (to avoid calling and texting fees while travelling internationally), toggle your Primary SIM off so it can’t be used for calling or texting.

Settings > Cellular > Cellular Plans > Primary > Toggle “Turn On This Line” off

Your iPhone eSIM data package should automatically be active because it’s able to connect to a local network. If you log into your aloSIM account and tap on your eSIM, it should show a green “ACTIVE” bar. If not, tap the blue “ACTIVATE” button below.

Log into aloSIM > Tap your eSIM > See if it says “ACTIVE”

Depending on your device and your physical location, your eSIM might take up to 15 minutes to connect to a local supported network. After completing the above steps, please make sure Airplane Mode is off and that you’re not on Wi-Fi. Wait a few minutes to see if your eSIM will connect. You can test this by opening an internet browser and doing a test search.

If you change your mind and decide you’d rather have access to your regular phone number while you’re away, please walk through these steps so your iPhone is set up to use eSIM for data while keeping your regular phone number available for calls and texts.

Review activation settings for keeping your phone number on

If you have completed the steps above, but your data doesn’t seem to be working yet, please contact aloSIM Technical Support via email (support@alosim.com), in-app chat, or live chat on aloSIM.com.

Need help? aloSIM’s Support team is available 24/7 if you have questions about any part of the iPhone eSIM activation process.