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title: "Install an eSIM on iPhone: step by step guide | Gigapass"
description: "On iOS it's quick, and there are two screens where everybody hesitates. Which ones, what to choose on each, and how to set it up for your trip."
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# Installing an eSIM on iPhone: the steps and the names that confuse people

> On iOS it's quick, and there are two screens where everybody hesitates. Which ones, what to choose on each, and how to set it up for your trip.

[Home](https://getgigapass.com/en) › [Blog](https://getgigapass.com/en/blog) › Installing an eSIM on iPhone: the steps and the names that confuse people

How it works

On iOS it's quick, and there are two screens where everybody hesitates. Which ones, what to choose on each, and how to set it up for your trip.

**Bea Nogales** 10 Aug 2026 5 min Photo by John T on Unsplash

In this article › The steps › First confusing screen: the labels › Second: which line does what › And roaming

On iPhone the install takes two minutes, and there are two screens where almost everyone stops, because the options don't say what you'd expect.

## The steps

1. On wifi, go into Settings and then Mobile Data, which on some versions is called Mobile Service or Cellular.
2. Tap Add eSIM or Add Data Plan.
3. Choose to use a QR code, or to enter the details manually if you have it on that same phone.
4. Wait for the profile to download without leaving the screen.
5. Give it a label you'll recognise, like Travel.

## First confusing screen: the labels

iOS asks you to label your lines and suggests names like Primary, Secondary or Travel. It isn't decoration: that label is what you'll see when choosing which line to call or browse on, so make it clear.

## Second: which line does what

After installing, iOS asks which line to use for data, for calls and for messages. For a trip the answer is always the same.

| Question | Answer |
| --- | --- |
| Mobile Data | The travel eSIM |
| Default Voice Line | Your everyday line |
| iMessage and FaceTime | Your everyday line |
| Allow Mobile Data Switching | Off |

That last row is the one that prevents nasty surprises: with it switched on, your iPhone can jump to your everyday line for data without telling you.

The rest of the setup is in [your Spanish SIM and an eSIM at the same time](https://getgigapass.com/en/blog/use-sim-and-esim-at-the-same-time).

## And roaming

Go into the eSIM's line and switch on Data Roaming. It's the step missing most often when someone says their eSIM doesn't work: a travel plan runs on roaming by definition.

If your iPhone is one of the US models from the 14 onwards, it has no card tray, so your everyday line will have to be an eSIM as well.

Know where you're going?

Pick your destination, days and data. Install it before you leave and pay once.

[See destinations](https://getgigapass.com/en#destinos)

Bea NogalesDevices and compatibility

She has been repairing phones since before eSIMs existed. She explains what a handset does inside without it sounding like a manual.

## Frequently asked questions

**How do I install an eSIM on iPhone?**

On wifi, go to Settings, Mobile Data, Add eSIM, and either scan the code or enter the details by hand.

**Which line do I set for data?**

The travel eSIM, leaving your everyday line for calls and messages.

**What is Allow Mobile Data Switching?**

An option that lets your iPhone jump to the other line for data. It's worth switching off while you travel.

**Why won't it browse if it's installed?**

Most commonly because data roaming hasn't been switched on inside that line.

## Keep reading

- [How it works](https://getgigapass.com/en/blog/esim-apn-settings) | An eSIM's APN: what it is and when you have to touch it | 5 min
- [How it works](https://getgigapass.com/en/blog/esim-on-ipad) | eSIM on iPads and tablets: when it's worth it and how to install it | 5 min
- [How it works](https://getgigapass.com/en/blog/delete-an-esim) | Turning off, deleting or reinstalling an eSIM: three buttons that aren't the same | 5 min