eSIM data in 175+ countries

How to install eSIM on your iPhone or iPad

Put a digital SIM on your iPhone or iPad
Get instant mobile data in 170+ countries

Using an iPhone eSIM from aloSIM on an upcoming trip means you’ll have instant prepaid data while travelling internationally, with no roaming charges.

When do I install my eSIM on my iPhone?

 

We recommended you install your eSIM while you have a strong Wi-Fi or data connection to avoid installation errors.

 

If you’ve bought an eSIM data package to use on an international trip, it’s a good idea to install your eSIM while you’re still at home so you can make sure it’s installed correctly before you travel internationally.

 

But you can also install your eSIM when you’re already travelling internationally and you want to begin using eSIM data right away.

How to use a travel eSIM card on vacation

Will my data package activate as soon as I install my eSIM on my iPhone?

 

If you’ve bought an eSIM data package for another country and you’re installing your eSIM while you’re still at home, then your iPhone won’t be able to reach those international networks and your data package will not activate.

 

If you’ve bought an eSIM data package for the country you’re currently in, and you’re installing your eSIM while your iPhone runs the latest iOS software, your data package may activate immediately during installation. (Read more)

How to install eSIM on your iPhone

Can I watch eSIM installation video instructions instead?

 

Sure! If you’d rather watch an eSIM installation video to see how to install your eSIM on an iPhone or iPad, you can head right over to our YouTube channel and see each step described in video format.

 

WATCH THE VIDEO

iPhone eSIM installation video

How to install eSIM on your iPhone

Once you’ve purchased a eSIM data package from aloSIM, you need to install your eSIM (digital SIM card) on your iPhone so it’s there when you need it.

 

It’s recommended to install your eSIM while you have a strong Wi-Fi or data connection, so you can do this while you’re still at home (prior to travelling).

Open your aloSIM app and select the eSIM you want to install
STEP 1

Open aloSIM and choose your eSIM

Open your aloSIM app and log in (or log into your account on your iPhone by visiting alosim.com). Then select “My eSIMs” in the bottom menu, select the eSIM you wish to install, and select “Install Your eSIM.”

 

Log into aloSIM > My eSIMs > Select your eSIM > Select “Install your eSIM”

Install your iPhone eSIM using aloSIM's automatic method
STEP 2

Choose an eSIM installation method

As an iPhone user, you will probably see three eSIM installation methods: Automatic, QR code, and Manual. We recommend selecting “Automatic” if it’s available for your iPhone, since it’s the fastest and easiest method.

 

Tap the blue “Install Now” button (or view these instructions for QR code installation or manual installation)

Follow the on-screen prompts during aloSIM's Automatic eSIM installation for iOS
STEP 3

Tap the "Continue" prompts

Your iPhone will tell you that aloSIM would like to activate an eSIM on your iPhone, and you’ll tap “Continue.” Then you’ll see a nearly identical screen saying an eSIM from aloSIM is ready to be activated on your iPhone, and you’ll tap “Continue.” You may also see a third prompt saying you can continue using your iPhone while your eSIM is activating, and you’ll tap “Continue” again.

 

Tap “Continue” to approve the eSIM installation

Your Default Line is always your Primary SIM when using an eSIM for data because eSIMs don't come with phone numbers
STEP 4

Always select your Primary SIM as your iPhone's Default Line

Choose your iPhone’s Primary SIM if you’re asked to choose a Default Line to make phone calls or send messages because eSIMs don’t come with phone numbers. Even if you don’t plan on using your phone number while you’re travelling internationally, it still must remain your Default Line.

 

If asked, choose your Primary SIM as your Default Line

Choose your Primary SIM for iMessage and FaceTime during iPhone eSIM installation
STEP 5

Always select your Primary SIM for iMessage & FaceTime

Even if you don’t plan on using your phone number while you’re travelling internationally, choose your Primary SIM for iMessage & FaceTime. (During the eSIM activation process, we’ll show you how to make sure iMessage and FaceTime are connected to your Apple ID so they work with or without your phone number.)

 

If asked, choose your Primary SIM for iMessage & FaceTime

Choose your Primary SIM as your iPhone's Cellular Data source for now
STEP 6

If you're still at home, choose your Primary SIM as your iPhone's Cellular Data source

If you’re prompted to choose a default line for Cellular Data, that means your iPhone has more than one possible data source. If you’re still at home, choose your Primary SIM for now. If you’re already travelling and ready to use your eSIM for data immediately, choose your new eSIM.

 

If you’re still at home, choose your Primary SIM

If you’re already travelling, choose your eSIM

aloSIM Your eSIM has now been successfully installed
STEP 7

Now you'll be returned to the aloSIM app

If your eSIM installation has worked correctly, you should be returned to the aloSIM app and see a message that says “Your eSIM has now been successfully installed.”

 

Your eSIM is now officially part of your iPhone, just like a physical SIM card. (Except this one can’t be lost or damaged, and you can keep it in there forever eSIMs never expire.)

Your eSIM data package will only auto-activate if you're already located in the correct country and running the latest iOS software
STEP 8

Your data package will only automatically activate under certain conditions

Your eSIM data package will only auto-activate and show as “ACTIVE” if you’re already located in the correct country and your iPhone is running the latest iOS software.

 

If you’re not yet in the correct country (or not running the latest iOS), the installation process has been completed, and you will be able to activate your eSIM data package when you’re ready.

Contact aloSIM Technical Support
STEP 9

Need help? We're always here!

If you have completed the steps above, but your eSIM did not install correctly, 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.

Should I use my phone number for international calling and texting?
STEP 10

Ready to use your new data?

Now that your eSIM has been successfully installed, you can begin setting up your iPhone to use your prepaid data package. There are steps you can complete now, even if you’re not quite ready to use your data.

 

I’ll be using eSIM data with my regular phone number ON

I’ll be using eSIM data with my regular phone number OFF

Need prepaid data for your iPhone?

aloSIM has eSIM data packages for 170+ countries

Buy iPhone eSIMs

Questions about using eSIM with your iPhone?

Our friendly aloSIM Technical Support team is available 24/7 via email (support@alosim.com) and live chat.