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, this guide will show you 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:

Check that your iPhone is unlocked and compatible with eSIM.
eSIM compatibility on iPhone 17 models can vary depending on the region and mobile carrier, so it’s a good idea to check before your trip.
Make sure you have a strong Wi-Fi connection.
Keep your QR code or manual code handy (sent by email after purchase). You’ll need it when you add your eSIM to iPhone.
This guide only works with iOS 26. If you’re still using an earlier version, don’t worry, you can follow the steps in our general iPhone installation and activation guide.
Install your regional or global eSIM no earlier than 1 day before your trip to avoid automatic activation. If it starts too soon, your plan could begin running before you actually need it.
Manual codes aren't links. Copy them exactly into the designated field, with no extra spaces.
Not all installation methods work the same. If one fails, simply try another to set up your eSIM.
Only activate your Holafly eSIM once you’ve arrived at your destination. Until then, just keep it turned off.

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 Service → 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 Service → Select Add eSIM → Use QR Code

Tap 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 to avoid early activation → Tap Continue → On the screen Which type of plan do you have?, choose Data Only to access internet (no SMS, no calls) → Tap Continue → On the screen Turn On Travel eSIM, select Travel eSIM Only to use the eSIM exclusively during your trip → Tap Continue → To finalize the setup, tap “Turn On Low Data Mode” on the Low Data Mode screen. This pauses automatic updates and background activity.

Important: Sometimes your Holafly eSIM activates or turns on right after installation, before you reach your destination. If it does, just turn it off immediately and switch it back on once you arrive, so you don’t lose any days from your plan.

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

Once you arrive at your destination, the last step is to activate your eSIM. If you activate it too early, your data plan will start running and you could lose a few days of use. So, if you’re already in the country where you’ll be using it, just follow these steps to activate your eSIM on iPhone and start enjoying your mobile data right away.

Go to Settings → Mobile Service → Turn off your personal SIMs or other eSIMs by switching off the button labeled “Turn On This Line” → Go back to Mobile Service → Tap on the Holafly eSIM (it may appear as Travel-Holafly or the custom name you chose)

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

Make sure “Turn On This Line” is enabled → Activate Data Roaming → If this is your first time activating the feature, and you see a prompt about Data Roaming, just tap Turn On Data Roaming. Holafly never charges extra for roaming or any other fees after your purchase → Return to Mobile Service → Tap Mobile Data or Cellular Data and select the Holafly eSIM as your data line → Finally, check that “Allow Mobile Data Switching” is turned off, so your iPhone doesn’t switch between lines automatically.

To keep in mind

Depending on where you buy it, different iPhone 17 models may be eSIM-only or include both eSIM and a physical SIM slot. Either way, you can store up to eight eSIMs and keep two active at the same time, making it easy to switch carriers or set up local and international plans while traveling.
Apple also released the iPhone Air this year, 2025, which is fully eSIM-only in all regions.
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.
iOS may assign the same default name (Travel – Holafly) to multiple eSIMs, even if one already exists. The newest eSIM always appears at the bottom of your Mobile Service list, so to keep things clear, just rename each eSIM after installation.

Troubleshooting tips

Sometimes your iPhone might not connect right away after activating data roaming. Don’t worry, it’s easy to fix!

1. First, try switching the network operator manually by following the steps below.

Go to Settings → Tap on Mobile Service → 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.