Install your eSIM on iPhone

Eight steps, about two minutes. Do it before you fly, while you still have Wi-Fi.

What you need

An iPhone XR and XS, or newer. The minimum iOS version is set by your model, not by Halo, and the compatibility checker shows the exact one for yours
iOS 17.4 or later if you want to install in one tap from the link we send you. On earlier versions, scan the QR code instead
A Wi-Fi or mobile data connection. Your iPhone downloads the eSIM profile over it
Your Halo eSIM, from your order confirmation email or the purchase success page

Install the eSIM

Open Settings on your iPhone.
Tap Cellular (Mobile Data in some regions).
Tap Add eSIM.
Tap Use QR Code.
Point your camera at the Halo QR code.
When the carrier plan appears, tap Continue.
Wait for the profile to download. This takes 30 seconds to 2 minutes.
Tap Done when the installation completes.

Your new line now appears under Cellular in Settings. It will not show a signal until you land and the network picks you up, and that is normal.

No camera to hand, or reading this on the same iPhone? You can activate without scanning.

Choose your data line

If you already have a SIM or eSIM in the phone, your iPhone will ask how to use the new one. This is the part worth getting right.

When your iPhone asks you to label the new plan, choose Travel or a name you will recognise.
Set your usual line as the Default Voice Line, so calls and texts keep working as before.
Set the Halo eSIM as the line for Mobile Data.
Turn off Allow Mobile Data Switching. This is the step that stops your iPhone quietly falling back to your home line and running up roaming charges.

Settings > Cellular should now show your usual line for calls and the Halo line for data.

Before you fly

Install the day before you travel, while you are on a connection you trust. The eSIM activates by itself when you arrive and connect to a supported network, so there is nothing to do at the airport.

Keep your physical SIM in the phone. The Halo eSIM works alongside it, and you will want your usual number for texts.

If it does not work

Showing No Service after you land? Work through if your Halo eSIM is not connecting .
The QR code will not install? See if you cannot install your eSIM.
Not sure the phone supports eSIM at all? Run the compatibility checker.

Still stuck? Chat with Hal. Have your order number ready and it will be quicker.

The full reference version of this guide lives at install your Halo eSIM on iPhone.