How do I install eSIM on my iPhone or iPad?
When you're ready to install your new aloSIM eSIM on any compatible iOS device (iPhone or iPad), you'll have a few choices: QR code eSIM installation, Manual eSIM installation, and possibly even Automatic eSIM installation that will walk you through everything (depending on your device and operating system).
Automatic eSIM installation:
1. Open your aloSIM app, go to "My eSIMs.
2. Select the eSIM you want to install, and Select "Install Your eSIM."
3. Under the "Automatic" tab, tap the blue "Install Now" button
If your device asks you to set up mobile service by selecting "Transfer From Nearby Phone" or "Use QR Code," please select "Use QR Code" and follow the instructions for a QR code installation.
4. Follow the automated prompts to install your eSIM.
This may take a minute or two, as the eSIM is installed
5. You may be asked to choose your Default Line for calls and messages, as well as a Default Line for iMessage and FaceTime.
Select your Primary plan/phone number, even if you don't plan on using it while you're away, because aloSIM eSIMs do not come with phone numbers.
(If you plan on turning off your Primary plan while traveling, it's easy to adjust these settings later when you're ready to start iMessaging with your new eSIM.)
6. You may be asked to choose which plan to use for Cellular Data
If you're installing this eSIM for use later on, select your Primary plan for now.
If you're ready to start using aloSIM data immediately, choose aloSIM and make sure "Allow Cellular Data Switching" is OFF so your device relies only on aloSIM for roaming data.
If you're running the latest iOS, your APN should be set to "alosim" automatically. But if you're running an older iOS, here's how to set your APN to "alosim" manually:
- Go to "Settings" then "Cellular"
- Select your eSIM
- Then tap "Cellular Data Network"
- Make sure the APN is set to "alosim"
Read more about double-checking your APN settings.
Congratulations! Your eSIM has been successfully installed.
Remember that eSIMs can only be installed once, on a single device, and eSIMs should not be deleted even after your package expires (because you may want to top it up someday).
RECOMMENDED: How to give your eSIM a custom name
Your iPhone or iPad is probably going to name your eSIM 'Travel' or 'Secondary,' but renaming it will make it much easier to switch between SIMs, and always know you're using the correct one.
- Go to "Settings" then "Cellular"
- Under "SIMs" or "Cellular plans, select your eSIM
- Tap "Cellular Plan Label"
- Give your eSIM a name, like "France" or "Canada"
How to start using your aloSIM data:
Remember, you must be located in your data package's country/region in order to connect to a network. (So don't try to activate a vacation data package if you're still at home, because you won't be able to reach those networks yet.)
If you have previously used a carrier travel plan (daily flat rate for data, calling, and texting on vacation), please contact your carrier and make sure it will not automatically renew when you leave the country.
1. Open “Settings” on your iPhone or iPad
2. Go to "Cellular"
3. Under Cellular Plans, select your aloSIM data plan (or select "Add eSIM")
4. Make sure "Turn On This Line" is ON
5. Make sure "Data Roaming" is ON for your aloSIM plan so we can connect you to the best local network.
NOTE: If your iPhone or iPad has iOS 16.4 or newer installed, Data Roaming may not need to be toggled on in order for your data to flow.
6. If you have a Primary data plan from a regular provider, go to Cellular Plans, select your Primary data plan, and make sure "Data Roaming" is OFF so you don't rack up roaming charges on your monthly carrier bill.
If you have previously used a carrier travel plan (daily flat rate for data, calling, and texting on vacation), please contact your carrier and make sure it will not automatically renew when you leave the country.
7. Now it's time to make sure aloSIM will be your only source of data. Tap "Cellular Data"
8. Select your aloSIM data plan
9. If you have a Primary data plan, make sure "Allow Cellular Data Switching" is OFF so your device only uses your aloSIM data (and doesn't try to use your home plan)
10. Make sure you do NOT associate any phone numbers with your eSIM.
Keep your Default Voice Line set as your primary/regular SIM, even if you're not planning on keeping this SIM active while you travel.
That's it!
If you encounter an issue during the installation, please reach out (support@alosim.com) right away so we can help, and DO NOT DELETE your eSIM since eSIMs can only be installed once, on a single device, and eSIMs should not be deleted even after your package expires (because you may want to top it up someday).
Whenever you want to switch back to using your Primary data plan, just repeat steps 7-9 and choose "Primary" under Cellular Data instead.
Remember that if your device prompts you to update your carrier settings, it's important to agree.
If you tap "Not Now," your device may not correctly set your APN to "alosim" and you'd have to set your APN manually.
If you have any problems installing or activating your eSIM plan on your iPhone or iPad, please email support@alosim.com.
QR code eSIM installation:
1. Open your aloSIM app, go to "My eSIMs.
2. Select the eSIM you want to install, and Select "Install Your eSIM."
3. Share the QR code to another device (or open your account on alosim.com on another device) so you can scan it.
If your iPhone or iPad is running iOS 17 or newer, you can take a screenshot of your QR code. Then go to Settings > Cellular > Tap 'Add eSIM' > Tap 'Use QR Code' > Tap 'Open Photos' to select your screenshot.
4. Follow the automated prompts to install your eSIM.
This may take a minute or two, as the eSIM is installed
5. You may be asked to choose your Default Line for calls and messages, as well as a Default Line for iMessage and FaceTime.
Select your Primary plan/phone number, even if you don't plan on using it while you're away, because aloSIM eSIMs do not come with phone numbers.
(If you plan on turning off your Primary plan while traveling, it's easy to adjust these settings later when you're ready to start iMessaging with your new eSIM.)
6. You may be asked to choose which plan to use for Cellular Data
If you're installing this eSIM for use later on, select your Primary plan for now.
If you're ready to start using aloSIM data immediately, choose aloSIM and make sure "Allow Cellular Data Switching" is OFF so your device relies only on aloSIM for roaming data.
If you're running the latest iOS, your APN should be set to "alosim" automatically. But if you're running an older iOS, here's how to set your APN to "alosim" manually:
- Go to "Settings" then "Cellular"
- Select your eSIM
- Then tap "Cellular Data Network"
- Make sure the APN is set to "alosim"
Read more about double-checking your APN settings.
Congratulations! Your eSIM has been successfully installed.
Remember that eSIMs can only be installed once, on a single device, and eSIMs should not be deleted even after your package expires (because you may want to top it up someday).
RECOMMENDED: How to give your eSIM a custom name
Your iPhone or iPad is probably going to name your eSIM 'Travel' or 'Secondary,' but renaming it will make it much easier to switch between SIMs, and always know you're using the correct one.
- Go to "Settings" then "Cellular"
- Under "SIMs" or "Cellular plans, select your eSIM
- Tap "Cellular Plan Label"
- Give your eSIM a name, like "France" or "Canada"
How to start using your aloSIM data:
Remember, you must be located in your data package's country/region in order to connect to a network. (So don't try to activate a vacation data package if you're still at home, because you won't be able to reach those networks yet.)
If you have previously used a carrier travel plan (daily flat rate for data, calling, and texting on vacation), please contact your carrier and make sure it will not automatically renew when you leave the country.
1. Open “Settings” on your iPhone or iPad
2. Go to "Cellular"
3. Under Cellular Plans, select your aloSIM data plan (or select "Add eSIM")
4. Make sure "Turn On This Line" is ON (with Automatic installation, it already should be)
5. Make sure "Data Roaming" is ON for your aloSIM plan so we can connect you to the best local network.
NOTE: If your iPhone or iPad has iOS 16.4 or newer installed, Data Roaming may not need to be toggled on in order for your data to flow.
6. If you have a Primary data plan from a regular provider, go to Cellular Plans, select your Primary data plan, and make sure "Data Roaming" is OFF so you don't rack up roaming charges on your monthly carrier bill
7. Now it's time to make sure aloSIM will be your only source of data. Tap "Cellular Data"
8. Select your aloSIM data plan
9. If you have a Primary data plan, make sure "Allow Cellular Data Switching" is OFF so your device only uses your aloSIM data (and doesn't try to use your home plan)
10. Make sure you do NOT associate any phone numbers with your eSIM.
Keep your Default Voice Line set as your primary/regular SIM, even if you're not planning on keeping this SIM active while you travel.
That's it! By now, your eSIM should be installed.
If you encounter an issue during the installation, please reach out (support@alosim.com) right away so we can help, and DO NOT DELETE your eSIM since eSIMs can only be installed once, on a single device, and eSIMs should not be deleted even after your package expires (because you may want to top it up someday).
Whenever you want to switch back to using your Primary data plan, just repeat steps 7-9 and choose "Primary" under Cellular Data instead.
Remember that if your device prompts you to update your carrier settings, it's important to agree.
If you tap "Not Now," your device may not correctly set your APN to "alosim" and you'd have to set your APN manually.
If you have any problems installing or activating your eSIM plan on your iPhone or iPad, please email support@alosim.com.
If you'd rather in stall your eSIM manually, here's how to do that ...
Manual eSIM installation:
1. Open your aloSIM app, go to "My eSIMs.
2. Select the eSIM you want to install, and Select "Install Your eSIM."
3. Choose the manual installation option
4. Copy your eSIM's SM-DP address.
5. Go to your device's "Settings" then "Cellular," and select "Add a Cellular Plan" (or select "Add eSIM")
If your device asks you to set up mobile service by selecting "Transfer From Nearby Phone" or "Use QR Code," please select "Use QR Code" and then "Enter details manually."
6. Paste the SM-DP address you just copied from the aloSIM app into the first field
7. Return to the aloSIM app and copy the Activation Code
8. Paste the Activation Code into the second field
9. Follow the automated prompts to install your eSIM.
This may take a minute or two, as the eSIM is installed
10. You may be asked to choose your Default Line for calls and messages, as well as a Default Line for iMessage and FaceTime.
Select your Primary plan/phone number, even if you don't plan on using it while you're away, because aloSIM eSIMs do not come with phone numbers.
(If you plan on turning off your Primary plan while traveling, it's easy to adjust these settings later when you're ready to start iMessaging with your new eSIM.)
11. You may be asked to choose which plan to use for Cellular Data
If you're installing this eSIM for use later on, select your Primary plan for now.
If you're ready to start using aloSIM data immediately, choose aloSIM and make sure "Allow Cellular Data Switching" is OFF so your device relies only on aloSIM for roaming data.
If you're running the latest iOS, your APN should be set to "alosim" automatically. But if you're running an older iOS, here's how to set your APN to "alosim" manually:
- Go to "Settings" then "Cellular"
- Select your eSIM
- Then tap "Cellular Data Network"
- Make sure the APN is set to "alosim"
Read more about double-checking your APN settings.
Your manual installation is now complete! 😊
Remember that eSIMs can only be installed once, on a single device, and eSIMs should not be deleted even after your package expires (because you may want to top it up someday).
RECOMMENDED: How to give your eSIM a custom name
Your iPhone or iPad is probably going to name your eSIM 'Travel' or 'Secondary,' but renaming it will make it much easier to switch between SIMs, and always know you're using the correct one.
- Go to "Settings" then "Cellular"
- Under "SIMs" or "Cellular plans, select your eSIM
- Tap "Cellular Plan Label"
- Give your eSIM a name, like "France" or "Canada"
How to start using your aloSIM data:
Remember, you must be located in your data package's country/region in order to connect to a network. (So don't try to activate a vacation data package if you're still at home, because you won't be able to reach those networks yet.)
If you have previously used a carrier travel plan (daily flat rate for data, calling, and texting on vacation), please contact your carrier and make sure it will not automatically renew when you leave the country.
1. Open “Settings” on your iPhone or iPad
2. Go to "Cellular"
3. Under Cellular Plans, select your aloSIM data plan (or select "Add eSIM")
4. Make sure "Turn On This Line" is ON
5. Make sure "Data Roaming" is ON for your aloSIM plan so we can connect you to the best local network.
NOTE: If your iPhone or iPad has iOS 16.4 or newer installed, Data Roaming may not need to be toggled on in order for your data to flow.
6. If you have a Primary data plan from a regular provider, go to Cellular Plans, select your Primary data plan, and make sure "Data Roaming" is OFF so you don't rack up roaming charges on your monthly carrier bill
7. Now it's time to make sure aloSIM will be your only source of data. Tap "Cellular Data"
8. Select your aloSIM data plan
9. If you have a Primary data plan, make sure "Allow Cellular Data Switching" is OFF so your device only uses your aloSIM data (and doesn't try to use your home plan)
10. Make sure you do NOT associate any phone numbers with your eSIM.
Keep your Default Voice Line set as your primary/regular SIM, even if you're not planning on keeping this SIM active while you travel.
That's it! By now, your eSIM should be installed.
If you encounter an issue during the installation, please reach out (support@alosim.com) right away so we can help, and DO NOT DELETE your eSIM since eSIMs can only be installed once, on a single device, and eSIMs should not be deleted even after your package expires (because you may want to top it up someday).
Whenever you want to switch back to using your Primary data plan, just repeat steps 7-9 and choose "Primary" under Cellular Data instead.
Remember that if your device prompts you to update your carrier settings, it's important to agree.
If you tap "Not Now," your device may not correctly set your APN to "alosim" and you'd have to set your APN manually.
If you have any problems installing or activating your eSIM plan on your iPhone or iPad, please email support@alosim.com.