How to Set Up eSIM on iPhone: Step-by-Step Guide (2026)

You can set up a Rivio eSIM on any iPhone XS or newer in under two minutes — no physical SIM required. This guide covers all four installation methods (QR code scan, direct URL, manual entry, and eSIM transfer from another iPhone), plus troubleshooting for the most common iPhone eSIM issues.

Which iPhones Support eSIM?

Apple introduced eSIM support starting with the iPhone XS in 2018, and every iPhone released since then includes eSIM capability. iPhone 14 (US models) and newer are eSIM-only with no physical SIM tray.

Full iPhone eSIM Compatibility List

iPhone Model	eSIM Support	Physical SIM	Notes
iPhone 16 / 16 Pro / 16 Pro Max	Dual eSIM	Nano-SIM (international) / None (US)	Latest model, full 5G SA
iPhone 15 / 15 Pro / 15 Pro Max	Dual eSIM	Nano-SIM (international) / None (US)	USB-C, 5G
iPhone 14 / 14 Pro / 14 Pro Max	Dual eSIM	None (US) / Nano-SIM (international)	First eSIM-only in US
iPhone 13 / 13 Pro / 13 mini	Dual eSIM	Nano-SIM	First dual eSIM support
iPhone 12 / 12 Pro / 12 mini	Single eSIM	Nano-SIM	5G support
iPhone 11 / 11 Pro / 11 Pro Max	Single eSIM	Nano-SIM	4G LTE
iPhone XS / XS Max / XR	Single eSIM	Nano-SIM	First eSIM iPhones
iPhone SE (3rd gen, 2022)	Single eSIM	Nano-SIM	Budget eSIM option
iPhone SE (2nd gen), X, 8 and older	No eSIM	Nano-SIM	Not supported

Important: iPhones purchased in mainland China do not support eSIM due to regulatory restrictions. Hong Kong and Macao models support eSIM from iPhone 13 onwards.

For a complete list of all eSIM-compatible devices beyond iPhone, see our compatible devices guide.

Method 1: Set Up eSIM Using QR Code (Recommended)

This is the fastest and most common method. After adding balance in the Rivio app, start the eSIM installation and use the QR code provided there.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Open Settings on your iPhone
2. Tap Cellular (or Mobile Data in some regions)
3. Tap Add eSIM (or Add Cellular Plan on older iOS versions)
4. Select Use QR Code
5. Point your camera at the QR code provided by Rivio
6. Your iPhone will detect the eSIM profile automatically
7. Tap Continue when prompted
8. Wait for the profile to download (usually 15-30 seconds)
9. Tap Done — your eSIM profile is now installed

Pro tip: You can also scan the QR code from a photo. If Rivio sent the QR code via email, save the image to your Photos, then select “Open from Photos” on the QR scanning screen.

After Installation

Once installed, you need to configure your cellular settings:

1. Go to Settings > Cellular
2. You will see two lines listed (your physical SIM and the new eSIM)
3. Tap the Rivio eSIM line
4. Enable Turn On This Line
5. Enable Data Roaming (essential for international travel)
6. Go back and tap Cellular Data
7. Select your Rivio eSIM as the data line

Method 2: Manual eSIM Setup

If you cannot scan a QR code, you can enter the eSIM details manually.

1. Go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM
2. Tap Enter Details Manually
3. Enter the SM-DP+ Address provided by Rivio (looks like: smdp.example.com)
4. Enter the Activation Code (a long alphanumeric string)
5. If provided, enter the Confirmation Code
6. Tap Next and wait for the profile to download
7. Follow the same post-installation steps as Method 1

Method 3: eSIM Carrier Activation (iOS 16+)

Starting with iOS 16, some carriers and profiles support eSIM installation without a QR code. This option may not appear for every Rivio setup.

1. Open the Rivio app on your iPhone
2. Choose one of the balance amounts shown in the app and complete the top-up
3. If “Carrier eSIM Available” appears during setup, tap the notification
4. Follow the prompts to complete profile installation
5. If no notification appears, use the QR-code or manual method instead

Availability depends on the profile, device and carrier support shown during the in-app flow.

Method 4: Move to a New iPhone

Apple’s device-to-device eSIM transfer does not work with every carrier profile. Before deleting or attempting to move a Rivio profile, contact in-app support for the correct account-specific steps. If support asks you to reinstall, use the current QR code or manual details shown in the app on the new device, and remove the old profile only after receiving that guidance.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

”Cannot Add eSIM” Error

• Check carrier lock: If your iPhone was purchased through a carrier contract, it may be carrier-locked. Contact your carrier to request an unlock.
• Check iOS version: eSIM setup requires iOS 12.1 or later. Update to the latest iOS version.
• Check region: Some iPhone models sold in mainland China do not support eSIM.

eSIM Installed but No Data Connection

1. Confirm that your Rivio account has available balance
2. Select Rivio eSIM as the Cellular Data line
3. Enable Data Roaming only on the Rivio line: Settings > Cellular > [Rivio eSIM] > Data Roaming
4. Confirm that you are within supported partner coverage
5. Toggle Airplane Mode and restart your iPhone if needed

Slow Data Speeds

• Move to an area with better signal (check the signal bars for your eSIM line)
• Disable Low Data Mode: Settings > Cellular > [eSIM line] > Low Data Mode > Off
• If available, manually select a different network: Settings > Cellular > [eSIM line] > Network Selection > turn off Automatic

eSIM Not Connecting After Landing

After landing, check the connection in this order:

1. Check your available balance in the Rivio app
2. Select Rivio eSIM as the Cellular Data line
3. Enable Data Roaming only on the Rivio line
4. Within supported partner coverage, allow a few minutes for network registration
5. If needed, toggle Airplane Mode and restart your iPhone

If the issue persists, contact Rivio support — our team is available 24/7.

eSIM Management Tips for Travelers

Before Your Trip

• Choose one of the balance amounts shown in the Rivio app and complete payment
• Install the eSIM profile before departure over reliable Wi-Fi
• Label the Rivio line clearly and check its data-line and roaming settings (Settings > Cellular > [eSIM line])

During Your Trip

• Monitor your data usage: Settings > Cellular > scroll down to see per-line usage
• Use Wi-Fi when available to conserve your data balance
• Keep your home SIM line active for receiving calls and SMS, but disable its data to avoid roaming charges

After Your Trip

• Do not delete the Rivio eSIM profile unless support directs you to do so
• Unused account balance does not expire and remains available for a later trip
• Before your next trip, check your balance and, if needed, choose one of the top-up options shown in the app

iPhone eSIM Limits

iPhone Generation	Max eSIM Profiles Stored	Max Active Lines
iPhone XS–12 series	8-10 profiles	1 eSIM + 1 physical
iPhone 13–14 series	8-10 profiles	2 eSIM (or 1 eSIM + 1 physical)
iPhone 15–16 series	8-10 profiles	2 eSIM (or 1 eSIM + 1 physical)

You can store multiple eSIM profiles but only have two lines active at once. Switch between stored profiles in Settings > Cellular without re-downloading.

eSIM Security on iPhone

One common concern among travelers is whether eSIM is secure. The answer is yes — eSIM profiles are stored on a tamper-resistant chip called eUICC (embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card), which is physically soldered to your iPhone’s logic board. Unlike a removable physical SIM that can be swapped or cloned, your eSIM profile cannot be extracted without destroying the hardware.

According to Apple’s platform security guide, eSIM provisioning uses mutual authentication between your device and the carrier’s SM-DP+ server. The profile is encrypted during download and can only be decrypted by the specific eUICC it was intended for. This is the same security architecture used by Apple Pay and Face ID — your travel data connectivity is protected by the same standards as your financial transactions.

Additionally, if your iPhone is lost or stolen, your eSIM profile is protected by your device passcode, Face ID, or Touch ID. A thief cannot access or transfer your eSIM without your biometric authentication.

Have questions about eSIM in general? Read our complete eSIM guide for the basics, explore the FAQ for quick answers, or see how Rivio compares to other eSIM providers.