iPhone XR eSIM: how to install and activate it

The iPhone XR supports eSIM technology, as it was among the first Apple devices to introduce digital SIM capabilities alongside the iPhone XS and XS Max. This feature allows you to use a digital cellular plan without needing a physical nano-SIM and can be set up in 5 minutes directly from your device settings.

The eSIM can be installed by scanning the QR code or entering the activation details manually, and then activated by selecting the line for mobile data. Below are the steps to get started with an eSIM on your iPhone XR.

What you need to use eSIM on an iPhone XR

Before installing an eSIM on an iPhone XR, it’s helpful to confirm the basics to ensure the setup goes smoothly.

An iPhone XR with eSIM support. Most models include eSIM, except devices manufactured for China, Hong Kong, or Macau.
An unlocked iPhone. The device must be unlocked to add an eSIM from another carrier.
Your eSIM details are ready. This can be a QR code or the manual activation information provided by your carrier.
A stable Wi-Fi connection and enough battery. Keep your iPhone charged or connected to power during the eSIM setup.

How to install an eSIM on iPhone XR

Installing an eSIM on an iPhone XR can be done in two universal ways, depending on the information provided by your carrier. These methods work on iPhone XR and similar models running iOS 18 or earlier. If you’re using a travel eSIM, it’s recommended to install it a day before your trip so it’s ready to use as soon as you arrive.

Note: Other installation options, such as installing through a carrier app (like Holafly) or tapping a QR code from an email, are also available on iOS 17.4 and later. You can find those steps in the general iPhone eSIM guide.

Install an eSIM on iPhone XR using a QR code

Go to Settings → Cellular or Mobile Data → Add eSIM → Use QR Code → Scan the QR code provided by your carrier → Tap Continue when the “Activate eSIM” screen appears (this step moves the setup forward but does not activate the eSIM yet) → Continue with the on-screen setup until it finishes.

Install an eSIM on iPhone XR by entering the details manually

Go to Settings → Cellular or Mobile Data → Add eSIM → Use QR Code → Tap Enter Details Manually → Copy and paste the SM-DP address and activation code exactly as provided by your carrier → Tap Next → Tap Continue when the “Activate eSIM” screen appears → Complete the setup on screen.

Complete the eSIM setup on iPhone XR

After the installation finishes, iOS will guide you through a short configuration to confirm that your iPhone XR eSIM is properly added to the device. This step sets preferences for calls, messages, and data, but the eSIM is not active yet.

Note: these configuration steps apply to iPhone XR and similar models running iOS 18 or earlier. On newer iOS versions, menu names and setup options may appear differently.

When the Cellular Setup Complete screen appears, tap Done → Assign a name to your new eSIM line and tap Continue → Choose your Default Line for calls and messages, Select Continue → Select Primary to keep using your main number for iMessage and FaceTime, tap Continue → Set the eSIM as your Cellular Data line.

If you have any more questions about how to install your eSIM on iPhone through Holafly APP, QR code, or manual codes, these videos explain everything in a simple and quick way. Don't miss it!

Video about how to Install eSIM on iPhone with Holafly App

Video about how to Install eSIM on iPhone with QR code

Video about how to manually Install eSIM on iPhone

How to activate an eSIM on iPhone XR

Once the eSIM is installed and configured, the final step is activation. Activating an eSIM on iPhone XR only requires turning the line on and selecting it for mobile data from your device settings.

For local plans, the eSIM activates immediately after you turn it on.
For travel eSIMs, activation is completed by enabling Data Roaming once you arrive at your destination.

Go to Settings → Cellular or Mobile Data → Turn off your physical SIM or other lines to avoid conflicts → Go back to Cellular.

Select your Travel eSIM → Make sure Turn On This Line is enabled → Turn on Data Roaming (only required for travel eSIMs) → Tap Cellular Data and select the eSIM as your data line → Confirm that Allow Cellular Data Switching is turned off.

To keep in mind

Here are a few practical details about how eSIM works on iPhone XR:

The iPhone XR supports Dual SIM, which allows you to keep a physical SIM and an eSIM active at the same time. However, only one line can be selected for mobile data.
After turning the eSIM on, it may take a short moment for the connection to become available, especially with travel eSIMs that activate once the device connects to a supported network.
Mobile data availability can also depend on having the correct APN settings, which are usually added automatically by the carrier.