How to Set Up an eSIM on iPhone 17 and Others with iOS 26?

Setting up an eSIM is a simple and fast process that works the same way for all iPhones from the 11 onward running iOS 26. So, whether you’ve updated to the new iOS 26 or you’re using the new iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, or iPhone 17 Air, an international eSIM from Holafly gives you a reliable way to stay connected abroad, without the high roaming fees or setup hassles.

In this guide, you’ll discover how to install and activate your eSIM on iPhone, plus get practical tips to fix common errors, so you can travel with peace of mind the moment you land.

Get ready: your eSIM checklist

Before you start, make sure your iPhone with iOS 26 is ready. A quick check now will save you time later:

How to install your eSIM on iPhone 17 (and other iPhones with iOS 26)

There are three simple ways to install an eSIM on your iPhone. You can add your eSIM to iPhone with a QR code, by manual entry, or by using the Holafly app. Let’s walk through each method step by step.

Install your eSIM on iPhone 17 with a QR code (and Other iPhones with iOS 26)

• Go to Settings → Tap Mobile Services → Select Add eSIM → Use QR Code → Scan QR code → Point your camera at the QR code to begin installation → Tap Continue when the “Activate eSIM” screen appears (this step advances the setup, but won’t activate the eSIM yet) → Continue with the setup.

Manually install your eSIM on iPhone 17 (and other iPhones with iOS 26)

• Go to Settings → Tap Mobile Services → Select Add eSIM → Use QR Code 

• Scan QR code → Enter Details Manually → Copy and paste the SM-DP address and Activation Code you found in your email (These are not links, but rather codes to be entered in the designated space) → Next → Tap Continue when the “Activate eSIM” screen appears (this step advances the setup, but won’t activate the eSIM yet) →  Continue with the setup.

Configure your eSIM on iPhone 17 (and other iPhones with iOS 26)

• On the screen titled Where will you use this eSIM?, select Abroad to indicate you're using the eSIM while traveling internationally → Tap Continue → On the screen Which type of plan do you need?, choose Data Only to access internet and messaging (no voice calls) → Tap Continue → On the screen Turn On Travel eSIM, select Travel eSIM Only to use the eSIM exclusively during your trip → Tap Continue → Your Holafly eSIM doesn’t generate roaming charges, so you can safely skip Data Mode → Tap Not Now, then Continue to finish setup.

How to activate your iPhone 17 eSIM (and other iPhones with iOS 26)

Once you’ve installed your eSIM, the last step is activation. If you’re traveling abroad, remember that your eSIM will only work once you arrive at your destination. Follow these steps to activate your eSIM on iPhone and start using mobile data right away:

• Go to Settings → Mobile Services → Turn off your personal SIMs or other eSIMs by switching off “Turn On This Line” → Go back to Cellular or Mobile Data.

• Tap on the Holafly eSIM (it may appear as Travel, Business, Secondary, or the custom name you chose during setup) → Make sure “Turn On This Line” is enabled → Activate Data Roaming → Return to Cellular or Mobile Data → Tap Cellular Data and select the Holafly eSIM as your data line → Finally, check that “Allow Cellular Data Switching” is turned off so your iPhone doesn’t switch between lines automatically.

To keep in mind

• Manual codes aren't links. Copy them exactly into the designated field, with no extra spaces.
• To avoid unexpected roaming charges on your primary line, make sure you select your Holafly eSIM for mobile data and turn off your main SIM card once you land.

Troubleshooting tips

Sometimes your iPhone may not connect right away after you activate data roaming. Don’t worry! This is easy to fix. Just follow these steps to get your eSIM working again:

• Go to Settings → Tap on Mobile Services→ Select Holafly Line → Then Network Selection → Disable Automatic network selection and wait for available operators to load → Try one by one all the operators that you see on your screen → Choose the one that generates the best signal for you → Try to connect it again.