iPhone eSIM Setup — iOS 26 & 27
Follow these steps to install and configure your Roaming Kiwi eSIM on an iPhone running iOS 26 or iOS 27.
Before You Start
- Connect to Wi-Fi. Your iPhone needs an internet connection to download the eSIM profile.
- Check your iOS version. Go to Settings → General → About to confirm you are running iOS 26 or later. If you are on iOS 17.4–18, use the iOS 17.4–18 guide instead.
- Have your order email ready. Your Roaming Kiwi order confirmation contains the activation link and QR code you will need.
- Your iPhone must be carrier-unlocked. If your phone is locked to a specific carrier, contact them to unlock it before using a third-party eSIM.
Step 1 — Install Your eSIM
Option A: One-Tap Install (recommended)
This is the fastest way to install your eSIM. Your Roaming Kiwi order confirmation email contains an activation link.
- 1
On your iPhone, open the order confirmation email from Roaming Kiwi.
- 2
Tap the Install eSIM link.
- 3
When the “Activate eSIM” notification appears, tap Allow.
- 4
Tap Continue, then tap Done.
Option B: Scan QR Code
If you prefer, you can scan the QR code from your order email instead.
- 1
Open the Camera app and point it at the QR code from your order email.
- 2
Tap the “Mobile Plan Detected” notification that appears.
- 3
Tap Add eSIM, then tap Continue and Add Mobile Plan.
Alternative method (from Settings): Open Settings → Mobile Service → Add eSIM → Use QR Code, then point the camera at your QR code.
Step 2 — Label Your New eSIM
After installation, your iPhone will ask you to label the new line. We recommend naming it “Travel” or “Roaming Kiwi” so it is easy to identify. Your existing SIM will typically be labelled “Primary” or “Personal”.
Step 3 — Enable Data Roaming
Data roaming must be turned on for your Roaming Kiwi eSIM to work overseas.
- 1
Open Settings.
- 2
Tap Mobile Service.
- 3
Tap your Roaming Kiwi line (the label you chose in Step 2).
- 4
Toggle Data Roaming to on.
Step 4 — Set APN (if required)
Most Roaming Kiwi eSIMs configure the APN automatically. You probably do not need to do anything here. If you are not getting data after completing the other steps, set it manually:
- 1
Open Settings → Mobile Service.
- 2
Tap your Roaming Kiwi line.
- 3
Tap Mobile Data Network.
- 4
In the APN field, enter the APN from your order confirmation email. Leave all other fields blank.
If you do not see “Mobile Data Network”, the APN has been configured automatically and no action is needed.
Step 5 — Select Your Data SIM
Tell your iPhone to use the Roaming Kiwi eSIM for mobile data.
- 1
Open Settings → Mobile Service.
- 2
Tap Mobile Data (this selects which line handles data).
- 3
Select your Roaming Kiwi line.
- 4
Turn off the “Allow Mobile Data Switching” toggle. This prevents your iPhone from falling back to your home SIM's data.
Step 6 — Turn Off Your Home SIM
To avoid unexpected roaming charges from your home provider while overseas, turn off your home SIM entirely.
- 1
Open Settings → Mobile Service.
- 2
Tap your primary SIM.
- 3
Toggle “Turn On This Line” to off.
Important: With your home SIM turned off you will not receive calls or texts on your home number. Remember to turn it back on when you return home.
Troubleshooting
“No Service” after installing the eSIM
Make sure Data Roaming is on (Step 3) and the Roaming Kiwi line is selected for data (Step 5). Try toggling Aeroplane Mode on and off, or restart your iPhone.
Activation link does not work
Make sure you are opening the link on the iPhone where you want to install the eSIM, not on a computer. Check you are running iOS 17.4 or later. Try the QR code method instead.
QR code will not scan
Increase the screen brightness on the device displaying the QR code. Alternatively, go to Settings → Mobile Service → Add eSIM → Enter Details Manually and type in the SM-DP+ address and activation code from your order email.
Slow or no data connection
Check the APN settings (Step 4). Restart your iPhone. You can check your remaining data balance at roamingkiwi.nz/usage.
Still getting charges from home provider
Your home SIM may still be active. Go back to Step 6 and make sure the line is fully turned off.
Supported iPhone Models
All of these models support eSIM and run iOS 27.
| Model | SIM Configuration |
|---|---|
| iPhone 18 Pro / 18 Pro Max | eSIM + nano-SIM (US and other eSIM-only markets: eSIM only) |
| iPhone Duo | eSIM only (worldwide — no SIM tray) |
| iPhone Air | eSIM only (worldwide — no SIM tray) |
| iPhone 17 / 17 Pro / 17 Pro Max | eSIM + nano-SIM (US: eSIM only) |
| iPhone 17e | eSIM + nano-SIM (US: eSIM only) |
| iPhone 16 / 16 Plus / 16 Pro / 16 Pro Max | eSIM + nano-SIM (US: eSIM only) |
| iPhone 16e | eSIM + nano-SIM (US: eSIM only) |
| iPhone 15 / 15 Plus / 15 Pro / 15 Pro Max | eSIM + nano-SIM (US: eSIM only) |
| iPhone 14 / 14 Plus / 14 Pro / 14 Pro Max | eSIM + nano-SIM (US: eSIM only) |
| iPhone 13 / 13 mini / 13 Pro / 13 Pro Max | Dual eSIM + nano-SIM |
| iPhone 12 / 12 mini / 12 Pro / 12 Pro Max | eSIM + nano-SIM |
| iPhone 11 / 11 Pro / 11 Pro Max | eSIM + nano-SIM |
| iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation) | Dual eSIM + nano-SIM |