Install an eSIM on iPhone

Before you start

Connect your iPhone to reliable Wi-Fi and open your 1Locol order email on the phone where you want to install the eSIM. The email also includes a QR code and manual activation details as fallbacks. Treat every installation method as private account information and do not post or forward it.

Confirm that your iPhone supports eSIM and is unlocked. In Settings, open General, then About. An EID indicates eSIM hardware; “No SIM restrictions” beside Network Provider Lock means the phone is unlocked. Model and market differences exist, so confirm with Apple or your original network provider when either item is missing.

• Update to the latest iOS version available for your device.
• Read the selected plan’s activation rule before installing it.
• Keep your normal SIM active if you still need calls or verification texts.
• Do not delete an installed eSIM unless support specifically tells you to.

Quick install from your order email

On iOS 17.4 or later, the quickest method is the iOS install button in your 1Locol order email. Open the email on the iPhone that will use the eSIM; opening the button on a laptop or a different phone will not install it on the intended device.

1. 1Connect the destination iPhone to Wi-Fi and open the 1Locol order email.
2. 2Under “Quick install via mobile phone”, tap iOS (17.4+).
3. 3Allow the link to open Apple’s eSIM setup flow.
4. 4Review the mobile plan, tap Continue or Add eSIM, and follow the system prompts.
5. 5Return to Mobile Service or Cellular settings, label the line and configure it for travel data.

QR code and manual-entry fallbacks

1. 1Open the Camera app and scan the QR code supplied with your order.
2. 2Tap the Mobile Plan Detected notification, then tap Continue.
3. 3Review the plan and tap Add eSIM or Add Mobile Plan.
4. 4If the QR code is in Mail or a browser on the same iPhone, iOS 17.4 or later may let you touch and hold the code, then choose Add eSIM.
5. 5If scanning is unavailable, go to Settings, Mobile Service or Cellular, Add eSIM, then use the manual details from your private installation page.

Configure your two lines

Give the new line a clear label such as “1Locol Travel”. Keep your usual line as the default for calls and messages if you want to retain your normal number. Choose the travel eSIM for Cellular Data or Mobile Data.

• Turn off Cellular Data Switching unless you deliberately want the iPhone to fall back to your home line for data.
• Open the travel line and enable Data Roaming when the plan requires roaming on partner networks.
• Disable data roaming on your home line to reduce the chance of home-provider roaming charges.
• Apps such as iMessage and FaceTime can continue to use your usual identity while their internet traffic uses the travel eSIM.

Connect on arrival

1. 1Open Settings, then Mobile Service or Cellular, and turn on the travel line.
2. 2Confirm that the travel eSIM is selected for mobile data and that Data Roaming is on for that line.
3. 3Turn Airplane Mode on for about ten seconds, then turn it off.
4. 4Allow a few minutes for the phone to register on a supported network, then open a webpage with Wi-Fi switched off.