travel.to
Apple · 2018 eSIM supported

How to install an eSIM on iPhone XS / XR.

The first iPhones to support eSIM. Still fully compatible with travel.to.

Get an eSIM for iPhone XS / XR Read the steps first
Install guide

6 steps. About 60 seconds.

  1. 01

    Open Settings on your iPhone

    Tap the Settings app (gray gear icon) from your home screen or App Library.

  2. 02

    Go to Cellular (or Mobile Data)

    Scroll to Cellular. On some regions iOS labels this Mobile Data instead.

  3. 03

    Tap Add eSIM

    Choose Add eSIM (older iOS calls this Add Cellular Plan).

  4. 04

    Choose Use QR Code

    Tap Use QR Code, then open the eSIM email from travel.to on another device and scan the QR.

  5. 05

    Label the line travel.to

    When iOS asks for a label, pick travel.to so you can tell it apart from your home SIM.

  6. 06

    Confirm and finish

    Confirm the default line settings. Your phone will activate the eSIM on landing — you don't need to do anything else until you reach your destination.

That's it. Your travel.to eSIM is installed but not yet active — it activates automatically when iPhone XS / XR reaches a partner carrier's network in your destination country.

Things specific to iPhone XS / XR

Notes worth knowing.

  • iOS 12.1 was the first version with eSIM support — make sure you're on a recent iOS.

iPhone XS / XR questions

Quick answers.

Yes. The first iPhones to support eSIM. Still fully compatible with travel.to.
Under two minutes from scanning the QR to a working data connection. The line activates when you reach your destination country and connect to a partner carrier's network.
Yes. The travel.to eSIM runs as a second line. Your home number stays on its physical SIM (or primary eSIM) and keeps receiving calls and SMS — including 2FA codes from banks.
The eSIM hardware works fine, but a carrier-locked phone may reject foreign eSIM profiles. Most carriers unlock automatically after 60–90 days of paid bills. Ask your carrier for an unlock if you're not sure.

Ready to install on iPhone XS / XR?

Pick a destination and we'll email the QR. 6 steps + a flight = online when you land.

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