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Install eSIMfo via QR Code on iPhone & iPad | Complete iOS Setup Guide

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Official iOS Method

Install eSIMfo via QR Code on iPhone & iPad

The most reliable method for iOS—scan and activate in under 3 minutes

Works on All iPhones
2-3 Minutes Setup
No Typing Needed

Prepare Your eSIMfo QR Code

✅ Get QR Code from App or Web ✅ Save or Display on Second Device

Before installing your eSIMfo eSIM on your iPhone or iPad, you need to access your QR code. You can view it from either the eSIMfo mobile app or web dashboard. Choose the method that works best for you.

Method A: Access QR Code via eSIMfo Mobile App

  1. Open the eSIMfo app and log in to your account
  2. Tap My eSIMs in the bottom navigation
  3. Select the eSIM plan you want to install
  4. Tap View details
  5. Choose one of these paths:
    • Path A: Tap View Installation Instructions → QR Code
    • Path B: Tap How to use your eSIM → How to install the eSIM → QR Code
  6. Your QR code will be displayed on screen

💡 Pro Tip: Use the app's Share or Save button to send the QR code to another device or save it to your Photos app for easier scanning.

Method B: Access QR Code via Web Dashboard

  1. Visit esimfo.com/my-esims on any device
  2. Log in with your email and password
  3. Click on your eSIM plan from the list
  4. Click View Installation Instructions
  5. Select the QR Code tab to display your code

🖥️ Second Device Recommended: For easiest installation, display the QR code on a computer, tablet, or second phone. Alternatively, you can save a screenshot to your iPhone's Photos and scan from there.

Choose Your QR Code Scanning Method

✅ Option 1: Display on Second Device (Recommended)

Open your QR code on a computer, tablet, or second phone. During installation, your iPhone/iPad camera will scan the QR code directly from the other device's screen. This is the fastest and easiest method.

✅ Option 2: Save Screenshot to Photos

Take a screenshot of the QR code on your iPhone/iPad (press Side + Volume Up buttons). Save it to Photos. During installation, you can select the screenshot from your Photos library instead of scanning with camera.

Note: iOS 17+ required for this method

✅ Option 3: Print QR Code

Print the QR code on paper. This traditional method works well but is less convenient for travelers. Ensure the printed QR code is clear and high-quality for successful scanning.

Install eSIM via QR Code on iPhone/iPad

Now that you have your QR code ready, follow these 7 simple steps to install your eSIMfo eSIM on your iOS device. The entire process takes about 2-3 minutes.

Open Settings on Your Device

Launch the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad. You can find it on your home screen (grey icon with gears).

Navigate to Cellular/Mobile Data

In Settings, tap Cellular (on iPhone) or Mobile Data (on iPad/international devices).

💡 Can't Find It? On some iOS versions, it may be labeled differently. Look for "Mobile Network" or "Cellular Data" near the top of Settings.

Select Add eSIM

Tap Add eSIM. On some devices, this may appear as:

  • Add Cellular Plan (iOS 14-16)
  • Add Mobile Data Plan (iPad)
  • Set Up Cellular (if no SIM installed yet)

Choose "Use QR Code"

Tap Use QR Code to open the QR code scanner. Your device's camera will activate.

⚠️ Other Options Visible? You may see "Use QR Code" alongside "Enter Details Manually." Make sure to select Use QR Code for this installation method.

Scan or Select Your QR Code Critical Step

Now you have two scanning options:

🎯 Option A: Scan with Camera (Second Device Method)

  1. Point your iPhone/iPad camera at the QR code on the other device
  2. Hold steady and center the QR code in the frame
  3. Keep device 6-12 inches away for best focus
  4. Wait 2-3 seconds for automatic detection

📸 Option B: Select from Photos (Screenshot Method)

  1. Look for "Choose from Photos" or photo icon in the scanner
  2. Tap it to open your Photos library
  3. Select your QR code screenshot
  4. iOS will automatically detect and process the QR code

Tap Continue Twice

After QR code detection, iOS will show eSIM details:

  1. Review the carrier information and plan details
  2. Tap Continue to confirm
  3. Tap Continue again when prompted

📱 What You'll See: The screen will display your eSIM provider name (eSIMfo), data allowance, and validity period. Verify these details match your purchased plan.

Wait for Activation, Then Tap Done

Your iPhone/iPad will now download and activate your eSIM:

  • ⏱️ Installation time: 1-3 minutes (requires stable internet)
  • 📥 Progress indicator: "Activating..." message appears
  • ✅ Success notification: "Cellular Plan Added" or similar
  • 🎯 Final step: Tap Done to complete installation

✅ Installation Complete!

Your eSIMfo eSIM is now installed. Next, you'll need to label it and configure dual SIM settings in the following section.

Configure Dual SIM Settings

After installation, iOS will guide you through dual SIM configuration. These settings determine which line to use for calls, texts, iMessage, FaceTime, and mobile data. Follow these steps to set up your eSIMfo eSIM correctly.

Step 1: Choose a Label for Your eSIM

iOS will prompt you to name your eSIM for easy identification. Choose a label that makes sense:

✅ Recommended: "eSIMfo", "Travel", "Secondary", or your destination (e.g., "Europe Trip")

💡 Pro Tip: Choose a label that clearly distinguishes your eSIMfo eSIM from your primary line for easier management

  1. On the "Label" screen, select a preset label or tap Custom Label
  2. Enter your preferred name (e.g., "eSIMfo")
  3. Tap Continue to proceed

Step 2: Select Default Line for Calls & SMS

Choose which line to use for phone calls and text messages:

✅ Most Common Setup:

  • Select your Primary/Physical SIM for calls and SMS
  • This keeps your regular phone number active for voice calls and texts

⚠️ Important: Most eSIMfo plans are data-only and don't support calls/SMS. Select your primary line unless your eSIMfo plan specifically includes voice services.

Step 3: Select Default Line for iMessage & FaceTime

Choose which line to use for iMessage and FaceTime:

✅ Recommended Setting:

  • Select your Primary line (same as calls/SMS)
  • This keeps your Apple ID services linked to your regular number

Note: You can change these settings later in Settings → Messages → Send & Receive and Settings → FaceTime if needed.

Step 4: Select eSIMfo for Cellular/Mobile Data Most Important

This is the critical step for using your eSIMfo data plan. Choose which SIM to use for mobile data/internet:

✅ Correct Configuration:

  • Select your eSIMfo eSIM (the label you just created)
  • This ensures all your internet traffic uses the eSIMfo data plan
  • Your primary SIM remains active for calls and texts

📱 What This Means: All apps, Safari, email, and other internet services will now use your eSIMfo eSIM data instead of your primary carrier's data.

Step 5: Turn OFF "Allow Cellular Data Switching"

This setting appears on the final configuration screen. Make sure it's turned OFF:

⚠️ Critical Setting:

  • Ensure the toggle for "Allow Cellular Data Switching" is OFF (grey)
  • If it's ON, your device may switch to your primary SIM's data
  • This prevents unexpected roaming charges on your primary carrier

💡 Why Turn This OFF? When disabled, your iPhone will only use your selected eSIMfo eSIM for data, preventing accidental usage of your primary carrier's roaming data (which can be expensive).

Enable Mobile Data & Configure Roaming

After completing dual SIM setup, you need to enable your eSIM line and configure data roaming to start using your eSIMfo data plan. Follow these final steps to get connected.

Step 1: Access Your eSIM Settings

  1. Open Settings on your iPhone/iPad
  2. Tap Cellular or Mobile Data
  3. Tap on your eSIMfo eSIM plan (the label you created earlier)

💡 Finding Your eSIM: You'll see a list of all your cellular plans. Look for the label you assigned (e.g., "eSIMfo", "Travel", etc.). It will show as a separate line from your primary SIM.

Step 2: Enable "Turn On This Line"

Make sure your eSIM line is activated:

  1. Look for the "Turn On This Line" toggle at the top
  2. If it's OFF (grey), toggle it ON (green)
  3. Your eSIM will become active and ready to use

✅ Already Enabled? If the toggle is already green, your eSIM line is active. Proceed to the next step to configure data roaming.

Step 3: Turn ON Data Roaming (If Required)

Most international eSIMfo plans require data roaming to be enabled. Don't worry—this won't cause extra charges!

  1. Scroll down in your eSIM settings
  2. Find Data Roaming toggle
  3. Turn it ON (green)
  4. Confirm any security warnings that appear

⚠️ Important: Check Your Plan Requirements

Always verify roaming requirements in your eSIMfo app connection instructions. Some regional plans don't need roaming, while international plans typically do. Your prepaid data already includes roaming—no surprise charges!

📍 Where to Check: Open the eSIMfo app → My eSIMs → Your eSIM → View Details → How to connect. Look for specific roaming requirements for your destination.

Step 4: Verify Mobile Data Selection

Double-check that your eSIMfo eSIM is selected for mobile data:

  1. Go back to Settings → Cellular/Mobile Data
  2. Tap Cellular Data or Mobile Data at the top
  3. Verify your eSIMfo eSIM is selected (checkmark visible)
  4. If not selected, tap your eSIMfo eSIM to choose it

✅ Final Check: Your eSIMfo eSIM should have a checkmark next to it under "Cellular Data." This confirms all internet traffic will use your eSIM plan.

Your eSIM Should Now Connect Automatically

After completing these steps, your iPhone/iPad will automatically connect to a supported mobile network. Verify your connection:

  • ✅ Signal bars appear in status bar (4G/LTE/5G indicator)
  • ✅ Carrier name displays at top of screen
  • ✅ Data connection active (you can browse web, use apps)
  • ✅ eSIM label visible in Control Center cellular section
  • ✅ Internet works — test by loading Safari or opening an app

⏱️ Connection Time: Network registration typically takes 30-90 seconds after enabling. If no connection appears after 5 minutes, restart your device or toggle Airplane Mode ON/OFF to force reconnection.

Alternative eSIM Installation Methods for iOS

While QR code scanning is the most common method for iOS, eSIMfo offers other installation options if you can't access a QR code or prefer different methods.

Direct Installation via eSIMfo App

Best for: One-tap installation directly from the eSIMfo mobile app without QR codes or manual codes.

  • ✓ Fastest method — under 90 seconds
  • ✓ No second device needed
  • ✓ Fully automated — no scanning or typing
  • ✓ Perfect for on-the-go installation
View Direct Installation Guide

Manual Installation with Activation Code

Best for: When you can't scan QR codes or prefer entering activation details manually.

  • ✓ No QR code needed — type activation code directly
  • ✓ Works without camera
  • ✓ Single device — no second device required
  • ✗ Requires careful typing — codes are long
View Manual Installation Guide

Common QR Code Installation Issues

Quick solutions for the most frequent iOS eSIM problems

QR Code Won't Scan or Camera Not Detecting

Common causes and solutions:

  • Poor lighting: Move to brighter area or increase screen brightness on device showing QR
  • QR code too small: Display QR code at full screen size
  • Wrong distance: Hold device 6-12 inches from QR code
  • Camera focus issue: Clean camera lens, tap screen to refocus
  • iOS 17+: Try "Choose from Photos" to select screenshot instead
  • Use manual installation as alternative

"Cellular Plan Cannot Be Added" Error

Resolution steps:

  1. Verify your iPhone/iPad is carrier-unlocked
  2. Check iOS version is 12.1 or later (Settings → General → About)
  3. Ensure QR code hasn't been used already on another device
  4. Restart device and try installation again
  5. Check if eSIM storage is full (Settings → Cellular → delete old eSIMs)
  6. Contact eSIMfo support for new QR code

Installation Stuck at "Activating..."

If activation exceeds 10 minutes:

  1. Verify you have stable Wi-Fi or 4G/5G connection
  2. Cancel installation if possible
  3. Restart your iPhone/iPad completely
  4. Go to Settings → Cellular to check if eSIM partially installed
  5. If yes, delete the incomplete eSIM and start over
  6. Try installation again with stable Wi-Fi connection

eSIM Installed But No Data Connection

Connection troubleshooting checklist:

  • ✓ Verify "Turn On This Line" is enabled for your eSIM
  • ✓ Check Data Roaming is ON (if required by your plan)
  • ✓ Confirm your eSIMfo eSIM is selected for Cellular Data
  • ✓ Ensure you're in a coverage area for your plan
  • ✓ Toggle Airplane Mode ON/OFF to force reconnection
  • ✓ Restart device completely
  • ✓ Check plan hasn't expired or run out of data in eSIMfo app

Frequently Asked Questions

Which iPhones and iPads support QR code eSIM installation?

QR code eSIM installation works on all eSIM-compatible Apple devices including iPhone XS, XR and all newer models (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 series), iPad Pro (3rd gen+), iPad Air (3rd gen+), iPad (7th gen+), and iPad mini (5th gen+). Your device must run iOS/iPadOS 12.1 or later and be carrier-unlocked. Check our iOS compatibility guide for your specific model.

Can I scan a QR code from a screenshot on the same iPhone?

Yes, on iOS 17 and later! Take a screenshot of your eSIMfo QR code, then during installation tap "Choose from Photos" in the QR scanner to select your screenshot. On iOS 16 and earlier, you'll need to display the QR code on a second device (computer, tablet, or another phone) and scan it with your iPhone's camera.

Do I need to turn on data roaming for my eSIMfo eSIM?

It depends on your specific plan. Most eSIMfo international and travel plans require data roaming to be enabled to function properly. Don't worry—you won't incur roaming charges because your eSIMfo data is prepaid and operates through local networks. Always check your plan-specific connection instructions in the eSIMfo app under "How to connect" for definitive roaming requirements.

Can I use my primary SIM and eSIMfo eSIM at the same time?

Yes! iPhones with dual SIM capability let you use both simultaneously. Your primary SIM handles calls and texts while your eSIMfo eSIM provides mobile data. This setup is perfect for travelers who want to keep their home number active for calls while using affordable local data. Make sure to select your eSIMfo eSIM for "Cellular Data" and turn OFF "Allow Cellular Data Switching" to prevent using your primary carrier's expensive roaming data.

How long does QR code eSIM installation take on iPhone?

Complete eSIMfo eSIM installation via QR code typically takes 2-3 minutes on iPhone with stable internet. This includes QR scanning (10 seconds), profile download (1-2 minutes), dual SIM configuration (30-60 seconds), and network registration (30 seconds). The actual eSIM download usually completes within 1-2 minutes after scanning the QR code. Wi-Fi connection is recommended for faster installation.

What does "Allow Cellular Data Switching" mean and should I enable it?

You should keep this OFF! "Allow Cellular Data Switching" lets iOS automatically switch between your SIMs for better coverage. When disabled, your iPhone will only use your selected eSIMfo eSIM for data, preventing accidental usage of your primary carrier's expensive roaming data. This is especially important when traveling internationally. Only enable it if you specifically want iOS to switch to your primary SIM when your eSIM has weak signal.

Need Help with iOS eSIM Installation?

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