Activating an eSIM on iPhone takes just a few minutes and is done entirely from the Settings app — no store visit, no physical card, no waiting. Buy your eSIM package from Traveloka before you travel, and you'll be connected to a local network the moment you land.

This guide covers everything you need: what an eSIM is and why it's worth using, how to prepare your iPhone, the six activation steps, how to transfer to a new device, and how to remove old profiles you no longer need.

An eSIM is a digital chip built directly into your iPhone at the point of manufacture, replacing the need for a physical SIM card. Instead of inserting a card manually, you activate an eSIM by scanning a QR code or downloading an operator profile through your device settings. Apple has supported eSIM since the iPhone XS, and the iPhone 14 lineup in select markets moved to eSIM-only with no physical SIM slot at all.

The entire activation process happens digitally without any tools required. There's no SIM ejector pin to find, no tiny card to keep track of, and no risk of losing it mid-trip. Everything is handled through the Settings app in a matter of minutes, from anywhere, at any time before or during your travels.

iPhone supports storing multiple eSIM profiles on a single device simultaneously. This means you can keep your home number active while running a local data plan at your destination at the same time. Switching between profiles takes just a tap in the Cellular settings — no physical swap required at any point.

Without a physical SIM slot, iPhone has a more sealed design that is more resistant to dust and moisture. The operator profile is stored securely within the device chip and cannot be physically removed or stolen the way a SIM card can. If your iPhone is lost or stolen, the eSIM profile can also be remotely deactivated to prevent unauthorised use.

Start planning your international trip now — find the best-value flights on Traveloka and pair them with your eSIM package before departure so your connection is ready from day one.

Before starting the activation process, run through the following checks to make sure everything goes smoothly.

First, confirm your iPhone model supports eSIM. All iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR models onwards are compatible. Also check that your device is not carrier-locked — some iPhones purchased through carrier instalment plans are restricted to that carrier's network only, which would prevent adding a different operator's eSIM profile.

Second, ensure you have an internet connection available during activation, either via Wi-Fi or an already-active data plan. Finally, have your QR activation code ready — this is sent to your email after purchasing an eSIM package on Traveloka and is required during the activation steps below.

Follow these six steps to activate your eSIM on iPhone, from opening Settings through to confirming a successful connection.

Open the Settings app on your iPhone. Make sure your device is connected to the internet via Wi-Fi or an active mobile data plan before you begin. Keep the screen unlocked and ensure the battery has enough charge to complete the full process without interruption.

Inside Settings, scroll down and tap Cellular or Mobile Data depending on your region. This screen displays all SIM and eSIM profiles currently stored on your device. From here you can manage all active and saved operator profiles on your iPhone.

Tap Add eSIM at the bottom of the Cellular screen. On iPhone 14 models and later that use eSIM only, this option appears prominently near the top of the page. On older models that still support a physical SIM, the Add eSIM option appears below the list of already-saved SIM profiles.

iPhone will offer a few activation methods: scan a QR code, enter details manually, or transfer from a nearby iPhone. Choose Use QR Code if you have received a QR activation code from Traveloka via email after your purchase. Point your iPhone camera at the QR code and hold steady until the system reads it successfully.

Once the QR code is scanned, your iPhone will display the operator profile details about to be added, including the provider name and package information. Review the details and tap Continue to confirm. The profile download happens automatically and typically completes within a few seconds to one minute.

After the profile is added, go back to Settings > Cellular and confirm the new eSIM profile appears in your list with an active status. Try loading a webpage or making a quick call to verify the connection is working correctly. Your iPhone is now ready to use the eSIM at your destination from the moment you arrive.

While you're getting your connectivity sorted, make sure accommodation is locked in too — browse hotels across your destinations on Traveloka for competitive rates and a wide range of options to suit every budget.

If you're upgrading to a new iPhone, your existing eSIM profile needs to be transferred rather than automatically carried over as a physical SIM card would be. The easiest method is Apple's Quick Start feature during the new iPhone setup process, which can transfer eSIM profiles directly from your old iPhone to the new one in a single step.

If Quick Start is unavailable or the initial setup has already been completed, contact your eSIM provider directly to request a profile transfer to the new device. For eSIM packages purchased through Traveloka, reach out to Traveloka customer support for transfer guidance specific to your provider. Deactivate the eSIM profile on your old iPhone before activating it on the new one, as most providers only allow one active device per eSIM profile at any given time.

Removing unused eSIM profiles keeps your Cellular settings tidy and prevents unexpected charges from operator plans that remain technically active. Go to Settings > Cellular, select the eSIM profile you want to remove, scroll to the bottom, then tap Remove Cellular Plan.

Keep in mind that once deleted, an eSIM profile generally cannot be restored to the same device. If there's any chance you'll need the package again in the future, consider disabling the profile temporarily rather than deleting it outright.

Getting the most out of your eSIM on an international trip comes down to a few practical habits. Activate your eSIM package before departure rather than after arrival, so navigation and information lookup work immediately from the moment you land without needing to find Wi-Fi first.

Choose a total data quota plan if your trip is longer than three days — it typically works out cheaper than a daily plan for extended stays. Use iPhone's dual SIM feature to separate your international data and home number: set the eSIM as your primary data line while keeping your local SIM active for calls and SMS. Monitor your data usage periodically through Settings > Cellular to avoid running out mid-trip.

Browse and purchase eSIM packages for your next trip through the activities section on Traveloka, with options covering dozens of destinations across Asia and Europe.

Traveloka carries eSIM packages from trusted providers to keep you connected across a wide range of destinations. Here are the top picks currently available, organised by region.

For travellers visiting Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand in one trip, the Billion Connect eSIM package offers excellent flexibility starting from Rp30,566. Data options range from 1 GB per day up to 30 GB total, making it easy to match the plan to your trip length and usage habits. One activation covers all three countries with no need to purchase separate eSIMs at each destination. Check for available Traveloka promotions before checkout to get the best price on your chosen plan.

For travel across Europe, GoHub's 4G eSIM covers 33 countries under a single package starting from Rp81,220. It's the most efficient option for travellers exploring multiple European countries on one trip, removing the need to switch eSIMs at every border. A single activation gives you network access across the full coverage area for the duration of your plan.

Traveloka is Southeast Asia's leading travel platform, trusted by over 100 million users across the region. Everything you need for an international trip is available in one app: flights, hotels, activities, eSIM, car rental, and travel insurance — all bookable in a few taps.

Round out your travel plans with an airport transfer and a car rental for seamless ground transport from the moment you land. Pay with your preferred local payment method — bank transfer, e-wallet, or credit card — for a smooth checkout experience every time.

Download the Traveloka app today and take the effort out of planning your next trip. Rated among the top travel apps on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store in Southeast Asia, Traveloka is the one-stop platform millions of travellers rely on every day.