How to install an eSIM (like Holafly's) on your iPhone
To install an eSIM on your iPhone — whether it's Holafly's or any other provider's — you'll need the QR code or activation details sent to you by email and a Wi-Fi connection. From Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM, your iPhone scans the code, downloads the profile, and the line is ready for use.
The process is the same standard for almost any eSIM on the market because Apple defines it at the operating system level, not each provider separately. What changes from one brand to another is the email with the QR code, the name they suggest you give the line, and the terms of use (how long you have to activate it, what support channel they offer if something goes wrong). If you purchased your eSIM from Holafly, check your purchase confirmation email: the QR code or the link to generate it should be there, along with the brand's specific instructions.
In the following sections, you'll find the generic step-by-step process that works on any compatible iPhone, as well as the most common reasons why the option to install an eSIM simply doesn't appear on your device.
Detailed installation steps
Before you start, connect your iPhone to a Wi-Fi network (cellular data is not needed yet) and have the QR code or activation details handy on another device, such as your computer or your email open in a browser.
- Open Settings on your iPhone and go to Cellular (on some devices, it appears as "Mobile Data").
- Tap Add eSIM or Set Up Cellular, depending on the iOS version you have installed.
- Choose Use QR Code and point your camera at the code sent by your provider. If you can't scan it, select the manual entry option and type in the activation details (SM-DP+ address and code) one by one.
- Wait for the iPhone to download and verify the line profile. This can take anywhere from a few seconds to a couple of minutes, depending on your connection.
- Give the new line a name that helps you identify it later, for example, the destination and dates of your trip.
- Choose which line to use for cellular data while you're away: it's usually best to keep the travel eSIM active for data and disable roaming for your physical line to avoid charges from your regular carrier.
For full details with screenshots by iOS version, the guide how to install an eSIM covers the step-by-step process in more depth than this summary.
QR code or manual installation: which method to use
The iPhone supports two ways to install an eSIM profile: by scanning a QR code or by manually entering the activation details. Both methods achieve the same result, but it's useful to know when to use each.
| Method | What you need | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| QR Code | Another device displaying the code (email, PDF, or screenshot) and the iPhone camera | This is the fastest method when you can view the code on another screen |
| Manual Entry | SM-DP+ address and activation code, typed exactly as sent by the provider | When the QR code only exists digitally on the same iPhone where you want to install the eSIM and you cannot scan it with another camera |
| Transfer from another iPhone | Both devices updated and close to each other, with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi active | If you recently switched iPhones and the previous model still has the eSIM installed |
A detail that often causes confusion: if the QR code only exists digitally within the same iPhone where you want to install it, you won't be able to scan it with its own camera. In that case, ask the provider for the manual entry details or open the code on another device.
Which iPhone models are eSIM compatible
eSIM compatibility depends on the iPhone model and, in some cases, the country where the device was purchased: the same model may have a physical SIM tray version in one market and an eSIM-only version in another. Therefore, the most reliable way to find out is not to search for a generic list online, but to check directly on your own device.
To verify this, go to Settings > Cellular. If you see the option Add eSIM or Convert to eSIM, your iPhone is compatible and unlocked to use it. You can also dial *#06# from your phone: if an EID number appears in addition to the IMEI, the device supports eSIM. The EID is the unique identifier for your iPhone's eSIM chip, distinct from the IMEI of the physical device.
If your iPhone was purchased with a specific carrier plan, it may be locked to work only with that carrier, which prevents you from installing any external eSIM even if the hardware is compatible. This lock is managed by the carrier that sold the device, not Apple or the eSIM provider. You can check the list of devices and brands that usually work well with travel eSIMs in eSIM compatible phones.
Why the "Add eSIM" option isn't appearing
If you've gone to Settings > Cellular and don't see any option to add an eSIM, it's usually one of these reasons, and almost all of them can be resolved without needing to buy a new device.
| Probable Cause | How to confirm | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone is carrier-locked | Settings > General > About: look for "Carrier Lock" | Contact the carrier that sold the device to request unlocking |
| Model does not support eSIM | Dial *#06# and check if an EID number appears | You need a compatible device; there is no way to enable it via software |
| iOS is outdated | Settings > General > Software Update | Install the latest available version before trying again |
| You have reached the limit of saved eSIM profiles | Settings > Cellular: check how many lines you have saved | Delete an eSIM profile you no longer use to free up space |
| There is a management profile (MDM) or parental restriction active | Settings > General > VPN & Device Management | Check if the device belongs to an organization or has Screen Time restrictions |
If you've already ruled out the above causes and still can't install the eSIM, it's also worth checking the most common problems once the profile is already installed, covered in common eSIM problems.
Holafly, PuraSIM, and other brands: what to check before buying
When you search for "eSIM iPhone Holafly," it's likely you already have an eSIM from that brand or are comparing it with other options before deciding. In both cases, the most useful approach is not for us to tell you that one brand is better than another without proof, but to give you specific points worth confirming directly on each provider's website at the exact moment you're about to buy: how many countries the plan you're interested in covers, whether data is limited or subject to a fair usage policy, how much time you have from purchase to activate the eSIM, and through which channels you can ask for help if something goes wrong during your trip.
An eSIM is associated with your iPhone's EID, not your usual phone number or your Apple account. If you change devices before your trip, you will need to request a new activation code from the provider and install it again on the new iPhone, even if you had previously activated the eSIM on the other device.
This is a technical limitation of the eSIM system itself, not of a particular brand, and it applies equally whether your eSIM is from Holafly, PuraSIM, or any other provider. It's worth keeping in mind if you tend to change iPhones shortly before traveling.
To better understand how an eSIM differs from a physical card when comparing providers, you might find eSIM vs. physical SIM helpful.
What a PuraSIM eSIM specifically includes
If you end up comparing options and want to know what PuraSIM specifically offers, you can confirm this on the site today: coverage in more than 200 destinations, activation in approximately 1 minute once you install the profile and connect to the country's network, and a 180-day window from the time of purchase to activate it, so you can buy and install it calmly before your trip and activate it only when you land.
Support works via email and WhatsApp, available 24/7 in several languages, with no phone line: if you have a problem during your trip, that's the channel you can use to write at any time of day. You can review the available plans by destination directly in the international eSIM collection before deciding which one fits your itinerary.
If you've never used an eSIM and want to first understand what it is exactly before comparing brands, you might want to start with what an eSIM is.
Is it advisable to buy an eSIM-only iPhone for travel?
It depends on where and how often you travel. An iPhone without a physical SIM tray (eSIM only) has real advantages for frequent travelers: there's no card to lose or change at an airport, you can save multiple line profiles simultaneously and activate only the one you need depending on the country, and it's harder for someone to clone or physically remove your line if your device is stolen, because the profile is tied to the hardware.
The main drawback appears if you travel to a country where eSIM is not yet widespread among local operators, or if you need a physical line for some specific procedure that still requires it. For the most common use case — traveling with your usual number off or on minimal roaming and using data with a travel eSIM for everything else — an eSIM-only iPhone doesn't represent a real limitation today.
If your priority is simply to have reliable cellular data at your destination without relying on your carrier's roaming, you can read more about that comparison in eSIM vs. roaming before deciding what's best for your next trip.
Common errors when using eSIM during your trip
Even with the eSIM already installed, there are frequent oversights that make it seem like it "doesn't work" when in reality it's a misconfigured setting. The most common is leaving the physical line active for data instead of the eSIM: check in Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data which line is selected. Another is not activating data roaming specifically for the eSIM line, even if the line is correctly selected, which leaves it without signal outside your home country.
A practical tip: before writing to support about an activation problem, write down your iPhone's EID (Settings > General > About, or by dialing *#06#). This is the information that almost any technical support team will ask for to diagnose why an eSIM isn't activating or appearing, and having it ready from the first message avoids an extra round of back and forth.
Also check that airplane mode has not been accidentally activated after a flight, and that the iPhone's date and time are set to automatic: an unsynchronized date can cause the eSIM profile to fail when verifying against the country's network. If the problem persists after checking these points, it's advisable to review the more complete list of causes before writing to support.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to remove my iPhone's physical SIM to install an eSIM?
No. The eSIM and physical SIM card can coexist on the same iPhone; in fact, many models allow you to save several eSIMs, although you can only use one for cellular data at a time. Check the exact limit of saved lines in your device's Settings > Cellular.
Can I install the eSIM before traveling?
It depends on the provider and their terms. At PuraSIM, you have 180 days from purchase to activate it, so you can install the profile with Wi-Fi from home and have it ready, and activate it only when you arrive at your destination.
What happens if I lose or change my iPhone during my trip?
The eSIM remains associated with the device on which you installed it, so if you change iPhones, you'll need to request a new activation code from the provider and install it on the new device. Contact their support as soon as possible to manage this.
Does the eSIM replace my usual phone number?
Not necessarily. Most travel eSIMs are data-only, so your usual number remains the same for calls and text messages; the eSIM only provides internet connection at your destination.
Do I need Wi-Fi to scan the QR code?
Yes, you need it to download the eSIM profile for the first time. Once installed, it no longer depends on Wi-Fi: it works with the country's cellular network as long as you have coverage.
How do I know if my eSIM is still active while I'm traveling?
Go to Settings > Cellular and confirm that the correct line is selected for cellular data and that data roaming is activated for that line. If you don't see a signal, also check that airplane mode is off.
Can I have eSIMs from two different brands on the same iPhone?
Generally yes, as long as your model has available space to save more profiles; the limit depends on the device. What you won't be able to do on most models is use cellular data from two eSIMs at the same time: you have to choose one as the active data line.
What do I do if I have a problem with an eSIM I bought from another brand?
The first thing to do is contact that brand's support directly, because each provider manages its own deadlines, support channels, and refund policies. If you also want an alternative for your next trip, PuraSIM offers 24/7 support in several languages via email and WhatsApp.
Conclusion: what to do with your eSIM before your trip
If you've already purchased your eSIM from Holafly, all you need to do is follow the installation steps in this article, confirm that your iPhone is compatible from Settings > Cellular, and activate it within the timeframe indicated by that brand in its own confirmation email. Most installation problems are resolved by checking for carrier lock, iOS version, and the selected data line.
If you haven't bought an eSIM yet and are comparing options for your next trip, check each site, with the current date, for coverage, activation time, and support channels before deciding. At PuraSIM, these destination plans give you coverage in more than 200 destinations, activation in approximately 1 minute, and 24/7 support via email and WhatsApp throughout your trip. To put together your complete connectivity itinerary before you leave, you might also find the definitive eSIM guide for travel helpful.
