Docs / Installation
How to Install on iPhone
Step-by-step guide to getting your Roamly eSIM installed and ready to go — it takes under a minute.
You've bought your plan, now it's time to get it on your phone. We recommend doing this at home before you travel, while you're connected to Wi-Fi. You don't need to activate the eSIM yet — just install it so it's ready when you land.
Before you start — Make sure you're connected to Wi-Fi and that your iPhone supports eSIM. Not sure? Check our device compatibility guide.
Install via the Roamly portal
Go to My eSIMs
Log in to Roamly and navigate to My eSIMs. Tap on the eSIM you'd like to install, then tap "Add to iPhone".
Alternatively, you can scan the QR code shown on your eSIM detail page using your iPhone's camera. See the QR code method below.
Accept the warning to confirm you understand that an eSIM can only be installed on one device.
Install your data plan
Your iPhone will take you to Settings and show an "Add eSIM" prompt. This means the eSIM profile has been detected and is ready to install.
You may also see a prompt letting you know that your EID (a unique identifier built into your device's eSIM chip) will be shared with Roamly to activate your eSIM.
Tap Continue to begin the installation.
Choose your plan type
Once the eSIM profile has been downloaded, your iPhone will ask what type of plan you have. As Roamly provides data-only plans, select Data Only.
Installation complete
Your iPhone will confirm that the eSIM has been installed successfully.
You're all set!
Your Roamly eSIM is now installed. You'll see it listed under Settings > Mobile Data on your iPhone.
Don't turn it on yet — keep your eSIM toggled off until you arrive at your destination. Most plans start their validity period when you first connect to a network abroad.
Before you leave
We recommend preparing your phone before you head to the airport:
Go to Settings > Mobile and tap on your primary (home) plan.
Turn Data Roaming off on your home plan to avoid unexpected charges.
When you're ready to board, switch on Airplane Mode.
Alternative: QR code method
If you'd prefer to install using a QR code, or want to install the eSIM on a different iPhone:
Display the QR code
Log in to Roamly, go to My eSIMs, and tap on your eSIM. Tap "Show QR Code" to display it on screen.
Scan the QR code
On the iPhone you'd like to install the eSIM on, go to Settings > Mobile Data > Add eSIM > Use QR Code.
Point your camera at the QR code displayed on the other screen.
Complete the setup
Follow the same on-screen prompts as above — select Data Only when asked, and choose your Roamly eSIM for mobile data.
When you arrive at your destination
Find your travel eSIM
Go to Settings > Mobile and find your Roamly travel eSIM.
Turn on your travel line
Tap Turn On This Line to enable your Roamly eSIM.
Then scroll down and turn on Data Roaming. Don't worry — enabling data roaming on your Roamly eSIM simply allows it to connect to local networks at your destination. Your data is included in your plan, so there are no extra charges.
Switch your mobile data
Go to Settings > Mobile Data and select your Roamly travel eSIM as the active data line.
You're connected!
Your iPhone will connect to a local network automatically. You should see a signal within a few seconds — you're good to go!
When you get home
Switch back to your primary line
Go to Settings > Mobile Data and select your primary (home) plan as the active data line.
Turn off your travel eSIM
Go to Settings > Mobile, tap on your Roamly eSIM, and tap Turn Off This Line. You can leave it installed in case you travel to the same destination again, or remove it if you're done with it.
Warning: If you remove (delete) the eSIM from your device, it cannot be reinstalled. Only remove it if you're sure you no longer need it.
Tips
Install before you travel — Download your eSIM while you're on Wi-Fi at home. You can activate it when you land.
Don't delete your eSIM — If you remove it from your device, it cannot be reinstalled. Contact support if this happens accidentally.
Need help? — Reach out via live chat, email, or phone and we'll get you sorted.
Was this helpful?