How to Activate an eSIM on iPhone (iOS 16, 17 & 18)

Every iPhone from the XR and XS onward supports eSIM, except models sold in mainland China. The whole activation takes a few minutes on Wi-Fi.

Installed but no internet: four connection checks

At your destination, confirm the plan covers your location and has data and validity remaining. Keep the eSIM installed while troubleshooting.

Enable Data Roaming for the Wanderly eSIM and select it for mobile data. Keep data roaming off for your home SIM.
If the current network gives you trouble, turn off automatic network selection and try another network listed for your plan. Allow a minute for each connection attempt.
Temporarily turn off other SIMs/eSIMs in SIM settings, leaving Wanderly enabled. This pauses calls and texts on those lines; turn them back on after testing. Do not delete any eSIM.
Restart your phone, then turn Wi-Fi off briefly to test mobile data at your destination.

Try a supported network listed in your plan details. If no networks are shown, ask Wanderly support which to choose.

iPhone: Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Service) > Wanderly eSIM > Network Selection > turn Automatic off.
Samsung: Settings > Connections > Mobile networks > Network operators > turn Select automatically off for the travel line.
Pixel: Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > Wanderly eSIM > turn Automatically select network off. Menu names vary by phone.

Connect to Wi-Fi and turn off any VPN.
Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM.
Tap Use QR Code and scan the code from your order email, or tap Enter Details Manually to type the SM-DP+ address and activation code.
Wait for the download to finish, then label the plan "Travel".
Choose your default voice line (keep your home number) and your data line.

Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data > select the travel eSIM.
Tap the travel line and turn on Data Roaming.
Turn off Allow Cellular Data Switching so the phone cannot use your home line for data.
Toggle airplane mode on and off to register on the local network.

"Unable to Add Cellular Plan": switch networks, disable VPN, and try again; if it repeats, ask for a reissued profile.
No data after landing: roaming off, or the wrong line selected for data.
PDP authentication failure: see the dedicated guide for the six causes.

iPhone XR, XS and every model since, plus SE 2nd generation and later — excluding devices sold in mainland China.

Yes, as long as your primary line stays active on the phone.

No. Dual SIM lets your physical SIM handle calls while the eSIM carries data.

Choosing a plan first?