Install & activate your eSIM on iPhone
Device Compatibility
- Not all iPhone devices are eSIM-compatible.
- The easiest way to check is to dial *#06# in your phone's dialer app (NOT WhatsApp or other messaging apps).
- If a 32-digit number labeled EID appears, your device likely supports eSIM.
Carrier-Unlocked
- Your iPhone must be carrier-unlocked.
- Go to Settings → General → About, then find Carrier or Network provider lock.
- No SIM restrictions: Your iPhone is unlocked.
- SIM locked: Your iPhone is restricted to one carrier until it's unlocked.
Installing vs. Activating
- Installing your eSIM doesn't use data or start your plan, it just gets the line ready on your phone.
- Your plan starts when the eSIM first connects to a network at your destination.
- You can install it as soon as you get your QR code — even days before you travel.
QR Code Installation
- Each QR code is valid for a single scan only.
- If your device does not support scanning a saved photo, display the QR code on a second device or screen.
- Use a stable internet connection throughout the installation.
- Do not remove the eSIM after installation, as it cannot be installed again.
Manual Installation
- Do not remove the eSIM after installation, as it cannot be installed again.
- Manual installation details can only be used once.
- Use a stable internet connection throughout the installation.
Install your eSIM using the QR code in two ways: long-press it directly from your email (iOS 17.4+), or scan it through Settings on any iOS version.
Method 1: Long-press the QR code (iOS 17.4+, fastest)
Open your order email
Open the confirmation email on the iPhone you'll actually be using.
Hold down the QR code
Touch and hold the QR code image until a menu appears.
Select Add eSIM
Choose Add eSIM from the pop-up menu.
Confirm with Activate
When the "Activate Your eSIM" prompt appears, tap Activate.
Tap Continue
This just advances the setup — your plan isn't live yet.
Method 2: Scan QR Code (Recommended via Settings to avoid errors)
Make sure you scan the QR code with the phone you'll be using for the eSIM. You can display the QR code on another device, such as a computer or another phone, and scan it with your phone.
Open Settings
Go to Settings → Cellular (some models show Mobile Service).
Add a new eSIM
From the Cellular screen, tap the option "Add eSIM".
Choose the QR option
Tap "Use QR Code".
Get ready to scan
Tap "Scan QR Code" to open your camera.
Line up your camera
Hold your iPhone so the camera can read the QR code from your email.
Tap Continue
The eSIM still isn't active.
Complete the remaining setup based on your iPhone's iOS version:
Finishing up on iOS 26
Confirm and continue
Tap Continue, choose Abroad, then Continue again.
Pick Data Only
Select Data Only → Continue.
Choose Travel eSIM Only
Select Travel eSIM Only → Continue.
Turn on Low Data Mode
Tap Turn On Low Data Mode to wrap up. Next: Activate
Finishing up on iOS 18 and earlier
Confirm the plan was added
A "Cellular Plan Complete" (or similar) pop-up appears — tap Done.
Name your eSIM
Give it a label you'll recognize later, like "Hulbit Italy," then tap Continue.
Choose your Default Line
Pick your regular number to handle calls and texts by default, then tap Continue.
Keep iMessage/FaceTime on your main number
Select your number so those stay tied to your usual line, then tap Continue.
Point Cellular Data to the new eSIM
Select your newly added eSIM as your Cellular Data line, then tap Continue.
Can't scan the QR code? You can install your eSIM manually using the SM-DP+ address and Activation Code from your email. The SM-DP+ address is not a link, enter it directly in your iPhone's eSIM settings. Follow the steps below.
Open Mobile Service
Go to Settings → Mobile Service (or Cellular).
Start a manual entry
Tap Add eSIM → Use QR Code, then choose Enter Details Manually at the bottom.
Paste in your details
Enter the SM-DP+ address and activation code exactly as they appear in your email.
Finish and name it
Tap Next, then Continue, and give the plan a name you'll recognize.
Complete the remaining setup based on your iPhone's iOS version:
Finishing up on iOS 26
Confirm and continue
Tap Continue, choose Abroad, then Continue again.
Pick Data Only
Select Data Only → Continue.
Choose Travel eSIM Only
Select Travel eSIM Only → Continue.
Turn on Low Data Mode
Tap Turn On Low Data Mode to wrap up. Next: Activate
Finishing up on iOS 18 and earlier
Confirm the plan was added
A "Cellular Plan Complete" (or similar) pop-up appears — tap Done.
Name your eSIM
Give it a label you'll recognize later, like "Hulbit Italy," then tap Continue.
Choose your Default Line
Pick your regular number to handle calls and texts by default, then tap Continue.
Keep iMessage/FaceTime on your main number
Select your number so those stay tied to your usual line, then tap Continue.
Point Cellular Data to the new eSIM
Select your newly added eSIM as your Cellular Data line, then tap Continue.
Don't see your exact model? The steps are nearly identical on most eSIM-ready phones — pick the closest one.
Activate & start using it
Once you land at your destination, you'll need to turn off your current SIM or eSIM lines, and turn on your new eSIM for data. The steps below walk you through it in order.
Turn off your other line first
Go to Settings → Cellular (or Mobile Service) → select your personal SIM or existing eSIM → toggle OFF the option "Turn On This Line".
Select your new eSIM
Go back to Cellular, then tap into the new travel eSIM (it may show a custom name).
Turn that line on
Make sure the option "Turn On This Line" is switched ON for it.
Enable Data Roaming
Turn on Data Roaming for the new line, confirming the prompt if one appears.
Set it as your data line
Go back to Cellular, tap Cellular Data (or Mobile Data), and select the new eSIM.
Turn off Allow Cellular Data Switching
Prevents your iPhone from silently falling back to the old line.
Stay reachable after you switch off your personal line
Once you turn off your personal SIM or eSIM, calls and texts on that number won't come through anymore. Use WhatsApp, Telegram, or iMessage over your new eSIM's data to stay reachable. They work over any network, anywhere.
Tips for a smooth trip
Error during install? Check first
If you see "eSIM cannot be added" or "code is no longer valid," the eSIM likely installed successfully. Go to your eSIM settings (Cellular on iPhone, or SIM Manager / Network & internet → SIMs on Android) and look for your new line before retrying — don't delete it.
Save your QR code for offline access
Screenshot the QR code or download the confirmation email before you leave home. If you land with no Wi-Fi, you'll still have it on hand to scan or enter manually.
Install before you fly
Add the eSIM at home on Wi-Fi, then switch it on when you land — no airport scramble.
You keep your number
Your personal SIM stays active as normal for calls and texts until you land. The eSIM only takes over mobile data, you'll switch your personal line off once you activate.
Test it before you rely on it
Once you've activated and turned on Data roaming, send a quick message or load a map before you head out. A fast check now beats troubleshooting mid-trip.
FAQ & quick fixes
Install it before you travel while you're on Wi-Fi, then activate it (turn the line on and enable data roaming) when you arrive at your destination.
Try scanning the QR code using a second device's camera while you set it up on your phone. If that doesn't work, use the Manual instructions above for your device.
This almost always means your eSIM actually installed successfully on the first try, and your phone just threw a false alarm. Before trying anything else, go to your eSIM settings (Cellular on iPhone, or SIM Manager / Network & internet → SIMs on Android) and check if your new line is already listed at the bottom, usually with a custom name. If it's there, you're set. Don't delete the eSIM to try to fix it — since your details are single-use, removing it means we'd need to reissue a new one.
Make sure the eSIM is turned on, set as your mobile-data line, and that Data roaming is on. Then restart your phone. That resolves the vast majority of cases. Still nothing? Open your eSIM's network settings, turn off Automatic network selection, and manually choose the local network from the list.
The QR code is single-use and tied to one device. If you need it reissued for a new phone, contact our support team and we'll help.
Yes, you can keep your number. Before you travel, leave your personal SIM active as normal for calls and texts. Once you land and switch on your Hulbit eSIM for data, you'll turn that personal line off. From there, use WhatsApp, Telegram, or iMessage over the eSIM to stay reachable.
Usually it configures automatically. If data still doesn't work after a restart, set the APN name to Hulbit and restart again.
Still need a hand?
Our support team is available 24/7 in multiple languages — we usually reply within minutes.