Install eSIM on iPhone
Complete step-by-step guide to install your steveSIM eSIM on iPhone and iOS devices. Follow these 13 easy steps to get connected in minutes.
Setup Progress
Before You Start
What You'll Need:
- iPhone XS/XR or newer with iOS 12.1+
- Stable internet connection (WiFi or cellular)
- Your steveSIM activation email
- 5-10 minutes of time
Important Notes:
- Your iPhone must be unlocked (not carrier locked)
- Keep your device connected to WiFi during setup
- Don't close the setup process once started
- steveSIM is data-only - no voice calls or SMS included
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
Follow these detailed instructions to install your eSIM on iPhone
Open the eSIM Email
Launch your email app and open the message from noreply@stevesim.com titled 'Your eSIM is Ready!'
Find the email containing your eSIM activation instructions. Look for the section with iPhone installation instructions and click on 'Install eSIM on iPhone'.
Tip
If you can't find the email, check your spam folder and search for 'stevesim.com'
Allow eSIM Activation
When the system alert appears asking 'Activate New eSIM', tap 'Allow'
iOS will show a security prompt: 'Activate New eSIM. Allow this if you requested a new eSIM from your network provider...' You must tap 'Allow' to continue with the installation process.
Important
Only tap 'Allow' if you requested this eSIM from steveSIM. This ensures security of your device.
Start eSIM Activation
On the full-screen activation prompt, tap 'Continue' to begin the setup process
You'll see a full-screen prompt showing 'Your new eSIM from [Provider] is ready to activate' with a Continue button. This confirms your eSIM profile is ready for installation.
Tip
Make sure you have a stable internet connection before proceeding.
Disable Existing Line (If Required)
If you have multiple SIM cards, you may need to turn off an existing line before continuing
iOS may require you to disable an existing mobile line to make room for your new eSIM. Select which line to turn off (e.g., 'Turn Off Verizon' or 'Turn Off Swisscom') and tap Continue.
Important
Disabling a line will temporarily stop service on that SIM. You can re-enable it later in Settings.
Complete Installation
Wait for the installation to complete, then tap 'Done' when you see the confirmation screen
iOS will download and install your eSIM profile. Once complete, you'll see 'Mobile Plan Setup Complete — Your [Provider] eSIM is now active on this iPhone.' Tap 'Done' to finish.
Tip
The installation process may take a few minutes. Don't close the setup screen during this time.
Label Your Mobile Plans
Choose labels for each of your mobile plans to easily identify them
iOS will ask you to set labels for your mobile plans. You can choose from suggested labels or create custom ones. This helps you distinguish between different plans when making calls or using data.
Tip
Use descriptive names like 'Personal', 'Work', or 'Travel' to easily identify each plan.
Set Custom Label (Optional)
If you want a custom label, enter your preferred name (e.g., 'steveSIM') and tap 'Done'
For a personalized experience, you can enter a custom label for your steveSIM plan. Simply type your preferred name in the text field and tap 'Done' or 'Continue'.
Select Default Line
Choose which line to use as your default for calls and SMS, then tap 'Continue'
iOS will ask you to select your default line for voice calls and text messages. Since steveSIM is data-only, keep your existing plan as default for calls/SMS. This can be changed later in Settings.
Tip
steveSIM is data-only, so use your existing plan for calls and SMS.
Verify eSIM Installation
Check your Mobile Service settings to confirm your steveSIM appears in the SIM list
Go to Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Service) to verify your installation. You should see your new steveSIM listed with data usage stats. This confirms the eSIM was installed successfully.
Tip
Your eSIM should show as active with network information displayed.
Configure iMessage & FaceTime
Set up iMessage and FaceTime to work with your existing line
iOS will prompt you to configure iMessage and FaceTime. Since steveSIM is data-only, keep using your existing phone number for these services. You can enable both lines if desired.
Tip
steveSIM provides data only, so use your existing number for iMessage and FaceTime.
Configure Mobile Data
Set steveSIM as your preferred mobile data line and configure data switching settings
Choose steveSIM as your default mobile data line. You can also enable 'Allow Cellular Data Switching' to automatically switch between lines for better coverage when traveling.
Tip
steveSIM is optimized for data, so set it as your primary data line for best performance.
Verify eSIM Installation
Check your Mobile Service settings to confirm your steveSIM data eSIM appears in the SIM list
Go to Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Service) to verify your installation. You should see your new steveSIM data eSIM listed with data usage stats. This confirms the eSIM was installed successfully.
Tip
Your steveSIM data eSIM should show as active with network information displayed.
Enable Data Roaming (Required)
Enable Data Roaming in your steveSIM data plan settings to connect to international networks
Go to your steveSIM data plan details in Settings > Cellular and toggle 'Data Roaming' on. This is required for steveSIM to work since it connects to international partner networks.
Tip
steveSIM requires roaming to be enabled to connect to international networks and provide data service.
Having Issues?
Common Issues:
"Cellular Plan Cannot Be Added"?
Check if your iPhone is carrier-unlocked and restart the device
Setup process doesn't start?
Ensure you have a stable internet connection and try again
eSIM not showing in settings?
Restart your iPhone and check Settings > Cellular again
Need Help?
Need Help with Other Devices?
We have guides for all eSIM-compatible devices