How to Install an eSIM on iPhone: A Step-by-Step Guide

What Is an eSIM and Why Should iPhone Users Care?

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card built directly into your iPhone. Instead of inserting a physical SIM card, you download a travel data plan onto your phone using a QR code. This means you can have a local data plan for any country you visit without swapping SIM cards or visiting a telco store.

For travellers, eSIMs are a game changer. You keep your Singapore number active for calls and messages while your eSIM handles all your data abroad. And with providers like Steady eSIM, getting set up takes under 5 minutes.

Which iPhones Support eSIM?

The following iPhone models support eSIM:

• iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR (2018)
• iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max (2019)
• iPhone SE (2nd generation and later)
• iPhone 12 series (2020)
• iPhone 13 series (2021)
• iPhone 14 series (2022)
• iPhone 15 series (2023)
• iPhone 16 series (2024)

Important: Your iPhone must be carrier-unlocked to use an international eSIM. If you bought your iPhone through a Singapore telco on a contract, check with your carrier to confirm it is unlocked.

Step-by-Step: How to Install an eSIM on iPhone

Step 1: Purchase Your eSIM Plan

Go to steadyesim.com and choose your destination. Select the data plan that suits your trip. Pay by card, PayNow, or GrabPay. You will receive your eSIM QR code on screen and by email within 2 minutes of purchase.

Step 2: Open iPhone Settings

On your iPhone, go to Settings, then tap Cellular (or Mobile Data on some iOS versions).

Step 3: Tap Add eSIM

Scroll down and tap Add eSIM. On iPhone 14 and later running iOS 16 or above, you may see Add Mobile Plan instead. Tap that.

Step 4: Scan the QR Code

Tap Use QR Code and hold your iPhone camera up to the Steady eSIM QR code (on your screen or printed from your email). Your iPhone will scan it automatically.

Step 5: Confirm and Label Your eSIM

A confirmation screen will appear. Tap Add Cellular Plan. You may be asked to give this line a label. We recommend naming it after your destination, for example Japan or Malaysia, so you can easily identify it when switching between lines.

Step 6: Set Your Data Line

After installation, go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data and select your Steady eSIM line as the active data source. Keep your Singapore SIM as your default line for calls and SMS.

Step 7: Enable Data Roaming

Make sure data roaming is turned on for your Steady eSIM line. Go to Settings > Cellular, tap on your Steady eSIM line, and toggle Data Roaming to on. This is essential for the eSIM to connect once you land abroad.

What to Do When You Arrive at Your Destination

Your Steady eSIM is pre-installed and ready to activate. When you land:

• Turn off Airplane Mode.
• Your Steady eSIM will connect automatically to the local network.
• If it does not connect immediately, go to Settings > Cellular and confirm Steady eSIM is set as your data line with data roaming enabled.
• You should see the local carrier name appear in your status bar within a few minutes.

Common Issues and How to Fix Them

QR Code Will Not Scan

Make sure your screen brightness is turned up fully. Try adjusting the distance between your iPhone camera and the QR code. If scanning still fails, Steady eSIM also sends the QR code by email, so you can open it on another device and scan from there.

eSIM Installed but No Data

Check that data roaming is enabled for the Steady eSIM line and that it is selected as your active data line under Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data.

Cannot Find Add eSIM Option

If you cannot see the Add eSIM option, your iPhone may be carrier-locked. Contact your Singapore telco to request an unlock before travelling.