Open Settings
Open the Settings app on your iPhone Air.
Step-by-step guide
How do I activate an eSIM on iPhone Air?
Setting up an eSIM takes most travelers under three minutes. Follow the steps below and your eSIMFOX plan will be ready before you board.
Before you start
Before you install your eSIM
Stable internet connection
Installation downloads the eSIM profile, so connect to Wi-Fi or reliable mobile data first. Installing calmly at home beats airport Wi-Fi.
Unlocked, compatible device
Your iPhone Air must be carrier-unlocked to use a travel eSIM. If you bought it on a contract, check the carrier-lock status in your settings.
QR code or activation details ready
You'll find the QR code and the manual activation details in your eSIMFOX confirmation email and in your dashboard.
Don't delete the eSIM afterwards
Your eSIM is reusable. Keep it installed after your trip and simply top it up for the next destination — a deleted eSIM cannot be reinstalled with the same QR code.
Open "Cellular"
Tap the Cellular menu item (called Mobile Service in some regions).
Go to "Add eSIM"
Select Add eSIM.
Choose "Other Options"
Tap Other Options at the bottom.
Open "Use QR Code"
Select Use QR Code to start the scanner.
Scan the QR code from our email
Point the camera at the eSIMFOX QR code from your confirmation email or dashboard.
Got a "Cannot add eSIM" error? The eSIM is usually installed anyway. Continue from step 15 — it's often named "Secondary", "Business" or "Travel".
Continue with the activation
Tap Continue and keep your internet connection on.
The eSIM activates automatically
Wait a few moments while your iPhone Air completes the activation.
Installation complete
You'll see a confirmation — the eSIM is now on your phone.
Rename your eSIM (the "label")
Tap the label field to give your new eSIM a clear name.
Name it "eSIMFOX"
We recommend the name eSIMFOX so you can always tell it apart from your main line.
For calls, choose "Primary"
When asked for your default line for calls, keep your Primary line.
"Primary" for iMessage & FaceTime too
Keep Primary selected for iMessage and FaceTime — they stay on your usual number.
For mobile data, choose "eSIMFOX"
Select your eSIMFOX line for mobile data. Allow Mobile Data Switching must be OFF.
Important: if data switching stays on, your iPhone Air may quietly use your home SIM and rack up roaming charges.
Open the eSIM tab
Under Mobile Data the eSIM should now be selected as the line. Then open the eSIM tab — usually listed under your phone number.
Turn on Data Roaming
Switch Data Roaming on for the eSIM. Travel eSIMs need it — it doesn't cost extra.
Most common mistake: roaming off. If you land and have no internet, check this toggle first.
Switch data mode to "Allow 5G"
In Voice & Data, choose Allow 5G for the fastest connection.
Don't see this option? That's fine — just continue to the next step.
Your eSIMFOX is now active
That's it! Under Roaming (current period) you can check your data usage any time. The plan starts on first connection in your destination.
Open Settings
Open the Settings app on your iPhone Air.
Open "Cellular"
Tap the Cellular menu item (called Mobile Service in some regions).
Go to "Add eSIM"
Select Add eSIM.
Choose "Other Options"
Tap Other Options at the bottom.
Open "Use QR Code"
Select Use QR Code — the manual option is behind the scanner screen.
Go to "Enter Details Manually"
Tap Enter Details Manually at the bottom of the scanner.
Enter the activation details
Type the SM-DP+ address and activation code from our email — without https://.
Tip: copy-paste the details from the email to avoid typos.
Continue with the activation
Tap Continue and keep your internet connection on.
The eSIM activates automatically
Wait a few moments while your iPhone Air completes the activation.
Installation complete
You'll see a confirmation — the eSIM is now on your phone.
Rename your eSIM (the "label")
Tap the label field to give your new eSIM a clear name.
Name it "eSIMFOX"
We recommend the name eSIMFOX so you can always tell it apart from your main line.
For calls, choose "Primary"
When asked for your default line for calls, keep your Primary line.
"Primary" for iMessage & FaceTime too
Keep Primary selected for iMessage and FaceTime — they stay on your usual number.
For mobile data, choose "eSIMFOX"
Select your eSIMFOX line for mobile data. Allow Mobile Data Switching must be OFF.
Important: if data switching stays on, your iPhone Air may quietly use your home SIM and rack up roaming charges.
Open the eSIM tab
Under Mobile Data the eSIM should now be selected as the line. Then open the eSIM tab — usually listed under your phone number.
Turn on Data Roaming
Switch Data Roaming on for the eSIM. Travel eSIMs need it — it doesn't cost extra.
Most common mistake: roaming off. If you land and have no internet, check this toggle first.
Switch data mode to "Allow 5G"
In Voice & Data, choose Allow 5G for the fastest connection.
Don't see this option? That's fine — just continue to the next step.
Your eSIMFOX is now active
That's it! Under Roaming (current period) you can check your data usage any time. The plan starts on first connection in your destination.
New & fastest: since iOS 17.4 you can install your eSIM with a single tap — no QR code or manual entry needed.
Open the eSIMFOX app
Open the eSIMFOX app on your iPhone Air and go to the My eSIM tab.
Tap "Install eSIM"
Tap the Install eSIM button. Your iPhone Air opens the eSIM setup automatically.
Confirm "Add eSIM"
Follow the on-screen steps to complete the installation.
The eSIM activates automatically
Wait a few moments while your iPhone Air completes the activation.
Installation complete
You'll see a confirmation — the eSIM is now on your phone.
Rename your eSIM (the "label")
Tap the label field to give your new eSIM a clear name.
Name it "eSIMFOX"
We recommend the name eSIMFOX so you can always tell it apart from your main line.
For calls, choose "Primary"
When asked for your default line for calls, keep your Primary line.
"Primary" for iMessage & FaceTime too
Keep Primary selected for iMessage and FaceTime — they stay on your usual number.
For mobile data, choose "eSIMFOX"
Select your eSIMFOX line for mobile data. Allow Mobile Data Switching must be OFF.
Important: if data switching stays on, your iPhone Air may quietly use your home SIM and rack up roaming charges.
Open the eSIM tab
Under Mobile Data the eSIM should now be selected as the line. Then open the eSIM tab — usually listed under your phone number.
Turn on Data Roaming
Switch Data Roaming on for the eSIM. Travel eSIMs need it — it doesn't cost extra.
Most common mistake: roaming off. If you land and have no internet, check this toggle first.
Switch data mode to "Allow 5G"
In Voice & Data, choose Allow 5G for the fastest connection.
Don't see this option? That's fine — just continue to the next step.
Your eSIMFOX is now active
That's it! Under Roaming (current period) you can check your data usage any time. The plan starts on first connection in your destination.
Good to know
eSIM installation vs. activation
Installation adds the eSIM profile to your iPhone Air — that's what the steps above do, and you can do it at home before you travel.
Your data package doesn't start at installation. The plan's validity begins the first time the eSIM connects to a network in your destination.
To get online after landing, make sure the eSIM is selected for mobile data and data roaming is switched on for the eSIM line — then your phone connects automatically.
After installing your eSIM: settings that matter
Small settings that make the difference between "it just works" and a support ticket.
Plan starts on first connection
Validity begins when the eSIM first connects in your destination — not when you install.
Set the eSIM as your data line
Mobile data must run through the eSIMFOX line, or you'll use your home plan.
Turn on data roaming
Required for the eSIM. It never triggers roaming fees on our plans.
Keep your normal SIM for calls
Both lines stay active — receive calls and texts on your usual number.
Hotspot is supported
Share your eSIM data with a laptop or travel companions.
Don't delete the eSIM
It's reusable — keep it installed and just top up for your next trip.
Troubleshooting
eSIM not working?
Nine fixes that solve almost every eSIM issue — most take under a minute.
QR code cannot be scanned
- Increase screen brightness on the device showing the QR.
- Make sure the whole code fits in the camera frame.
- Still failing? Use manual activation — enter the SM-DP+ address and activation code from your email instead.
- A QR code can only be scanned once. If it was already used, the eSIM is installed — check your SIM list.
Activation code not accepted
- Copy-paste the SM-DP+ address and activation code from the email instead of typing them.
- Enter the address without
https://and without spaces. - Make sure the code hasn't already been used — an eSIM can only be installed once.
- Still stuck? Contact support and we'll check the eSIM status for you.
eSIM installed but no internet
- Check Data Roaming is ON for the eSIM line — the #1 cause.
- Confirm the eSIM is selected for Mobile Data.
- Toggle Airplane Mode on for 10 seconds, then off.
- Restart your phone — it forces a fresh network registration.
The wrong SIM is being used for data
Open your SIM settings and set the eSIMFOX line as the Mobile Data line. On iPhone: Settings → Mobile Service → Mobile Data. On Android: Settings → Connections / Network → SIM manager → Mobile data.
Data roaming is off
Turn it on — for the eSIM line only. Travel eSIMs operate as roaming lines by design; enabling it does not create extra charges on your eSIMFOX plan. Leave roaming off on your home SIM to avoid its fees.
No signal or "No network found"
- Make sure you're in the destination your plan covers — most plans have no service at home.
- Confirm the eSIM line is turned on in settings.
- Try manual network selection and pick a supported operator.
- Restart the phone after selecting.
Automatic network selection picks the wrong network
If automatic selection picks a network your plan doesn't support: Settings → Mobile Service → [your eSIM] → Network Selection (iPhone) or Settings → Connections → Mobile networks → Network operators (Android). Turn off automatic and choose an operator listed on your plan page. Near land borders your phone may also latch onto a network from the neighboring country — select an operator from your plan's country manually and switch back to automatic when you move away from the border.
Phone switches back to the physical SIM
Disable automatic data switching. On iPhone: Settings → Mobile Service → Mobile Data → Allow Mobile Data Switching → OFF. On Android, disable Switch mobile data automatically in SIM settings. Otherwise your phone may silently use your expensive home line.
The eSIM was accidentally deleted
A deleted eSIM cannot be reinstalled with the same QR code — deletion is permanent on the phone side. Contact our support: we'll check the status of your plan and help you get connected again. To avoid this, keep the eSIM installed even between trips.
Destination-specific notes
- TurkeyInstall before landing. Local networks can block access to activation servers — complete installation before you arrive.
- BordersTry manual network selection. Near land borders your phone may pick a network from the wrong country.
- CoverageCheck your plan's region. Some plans work only in the purchased destination or region — data won't flow elsewhere.
FAQ
eSIM activation questions
How do I install an eSIM on iPhone Air?
Open Settings, choose "Add eSIM" (or "Add mobile plan"), scan the QR code from your eSIMFOX email, then enable the eSIM for mobile data and turn on data roaming. The full steps are above.
Can I install the eSIM before traveling?
Yes — and we recommend it. Installing at home over Wi-Fi is calmer than at an airport, and your plan doesn't start until the eSIM first connects in your destination. For some destinations (like Turkey) installing before arrival is required.
When does my data package start?
Your plan's validity period begins the first time the eSIM connects to a network in your destination — not at purchase, and not at installation.
Do I need to enable data roaming?
Yes, for the eSIM line. Travel eSIMs work as roaming lines by design — enabling it doesn't add charges to your eSIMFOX plan. Keep roaming off on your home SIM.
Can I use my physical SIM and the eSIM together?
Yes. Both lines stay active: use the eSIM for data and keep your normal SIM for calls and texts on your usual number. Just make sure mobile data runs through the eSIM.
Can I share internet via hotspot?
Yes — hotspot and tethering are supported on eSIMFOX plans. Share your connection with laptops, tablets, or travel companions; shared data counts against your plan.
What should I do if the eSIM has no internet?
Check three things: data roaming is on for the eSIM, the eSIM is selected as your mobile data line, and you're in your plan's coverage area. Then toggle Airplane Mode or restart.
Can I reinstall an eSIM after deleting it?
No — deleting removes the eSIM from your phone permanently and the same QR code can't be used again. Keep it installed even after your trip: it's reusable, and you can simply top up for your next destination. If it was deleted by accident, contact our support.
Still need help?
Real humans, around the clock. Send us a screenshot of your SIM settings and we'll usually spot the issue in minutes.
Or check: All device activation guides · Device compatibility list · Your eSIMFOX dashboard · General installation help