Please check the following items in order to guarantee that you are able to successfully install and set up your eSIM:
- Your device is eSIM compatible and network unlocked. (see "What devices support eSIM?"+"How do I check if my iOS device supports eSIM?")
- You have a stable connection, preferably WiFi. (You need to download the eSIM properly to your device and a stable internet connection is a must.)
Where can I find the eSIM installation instructions in the Airalo app?
You can find all the instructions to install your eSIM by doing the following.
- Open the Airalo app.
- Go to My eSIMs and select your eSIM.
- Go to the section "Ready to use your eSIM?"
- Select Install or share.
Why can't I find the installation instructions after I install my eSIM?
When Airalo detects your eSIM is installed, the instructions to add the eSIM may no longer be visible in the app — you will see the "How to connect" section instead so you can connect to a network and use your eSIM.
If you need to reference the installation instructions for any reason, you can reference the installation instructions PDF attached to your order confirmation or eSIM delivered email.
How to prepare before installing an eSIM?
- Log in to your Airalo account
- Go to My eSIMs
- Select the eSIM you want to install
- Open the installation instructions. Depending on your app version, you may see:
- Ready to use your eSIM> Install or Share > View other options > QR code installation or Manual instructions
- Choose your preferred installation method: Direct, QR Code, or Manual
For connection settings, open the same eSIM and look under Ready to use your eSIM > Connect to a network > How to connect.
How to install an eSIM manually on an iOS device
See also: How do I install an Airalo eSIM manually on my iOS device?
- Open Settings
- Tap Cellular (or Mobile Data)
- Tap Add Cellular Plan (or Add Mobile Data Plan)
- Tap Enter Details Manually and enter:
- SM-DP+ Address
- Activation Code
- Confirmation Code (if provided)
- Choose a label for your eSIM
- On the Default Line page, select your eSIM for data only
- Confirm that your eSIM appears under Cellular Plans (or Mobile Data Plans)
*If your eSIM supports calls and texts besides data, you can select it as your default voice line.
How to install an eSIM via QR code on an iOS device
See also: How do I install an Airalo eSIM via a QR Code on my iOS device?
- Open Settings
- Tap Cellular (or Mobile Data)
- Tap Add Cellular Plan (or Add Mobile Data Plan)
- Scan the QR code from your eSIM details in the Airalo app (you can use a printed copy or another device to display it)
- If prompted, enter the 4-digit confirmation code (skip if not provided)
- Choose a label for your eSIM
- On the Default Line page, select your eSIM for data only
- Confirm that your eSIM appears under Cellular Plans (or Mobile Data Plans)
*If your eSIM supports calls and texts besides data, you can select it as your default voice line.
How to connect to mobile data with your eSIM (QR code or manual method)
See also: How do I change my APN settings?
- Open Settings > Cellular (or Settings > Mobile Data)
- Tap your newly installed eSIM plan
- Toggle Turn On This Line and enable Data Roaming
- On the same page, tap Cellular Data Network (or Mobile Data Network) and enter the APN if required (you can find APN details in your eSIM instructions in the Airalo app)
- Go back to Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data)
- Select your eSIM for Cellular Data (or Mobile Data)
- Turn Allow Cellular Data Switching OFF to avoid charges on your other line
- In your eSIM settings, select the supported network
What happens after installation
Once installed and connected, your eSIM should appear under your device’s Cellular Plans (or Mobile Data Plans) and automatically connect to a supported mobile network
If you need more assistance, please contact our support team, and we'll be happy to help.

