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How to Setup the Roamless eSIM on iOS 18 and earlier

Step-by-step walk-through on how to install and setup your Roamless eSIM for mobile data usage for iOS 18 and earlier

Updated this week

You can install your Roamless eSIM in 3 different ways:


Before you begin:

  • Make sure you're on a steady WiFi connection

  • Make sure device's "Airplane Mode" is turned OFF
    ​(the eSIM needs to connect to a cellular network to complete activation)


Step 1: Create an Account & Sign In to your Roamless App

  1. Download the Roamless app from the App Store

  2. Create an account (using your email, Google SSO, AppleID or Facebook login) and sign in


Step 2: Install your Roamless eSIM

  1. Open the Roamless app

  2. Click on "Install eSIM" on the homepage (or navigate to the "Data" tab and click on "Install eSIM")

  3. Click on "Install Now"

  4. Click "Allow" in the popup

  5. Wait for 10-15 seconds > Click "Continue"

  6. Your eSIM will start activating. Your eSIM will then connect to the cellular network (This will take 1-1.5 minutes)


Step 3: Label your Roamless eSIM & Configure iOS Default Settings

  1. In the window that comes up (Cellular Plan Labels), click on the field at the bottom that says "Label for your Roamless Plan"

  2. Click on Custom Label > type Roamless > Click "Done" > Click "Continue"

  3. (If prompted) Select Primary for Default Line > Click "Continue"

  4. (If prompted) Select Primary for iMessage & Facetime > Click "Continue"

  5. Select Primary for Cellular Data > Click "Continue"


Step 4: Turn OFF Data Roaming for your Regular SIM

To avoid accidental data roaming charges by your regular mobile operator, we strongly recommend turning off "data roaming" for your regular SIM card

  1. Go to Device Settings > Cellular > scroll down to SIMs > find your regular SIM card (it will have your phone number underneath) > Click on it

  2. Scroll down to "Data Roaming" > Turn Data Roaming OFF for your regular SIM

  3. Click "Back"

Alternatively:

  • You can turn your regular (Primary) SIM off completely and only use Roamless eSIM during your travels

  • Please note that if you turn off your regular SIM card, you won't be able to receive any calls or SMS on your regular phone number

  • Whatsapp, iMessage, Facetime, Facebook Messenger and other apps will keep working as long as you have mobile data connectivity with your Roamless eSIM (or with WiFi)


Step 5: Configure your Roamless eSIM Settings

  1. Go to Device Settings > Cellular > scroll down to SIMs > click on Roamless
    ​(note: If you have not labeled your Roamless eSIM as "Roamless", you may see a different label, but if you click into it, you will see "Roamless" at the top)

  2. Click on Data Mode > select Low Data Mode

  3. Go back to the previous screen

  4. Scroll down to "Data Roaming" > Turn Data Roaming ON for Roamless eSIM

  5. Go back to Device Settings

  • Roamless eSIM is a global eSIM, so for iOS 18.4 and earlier, it needs to have "Data Roaming" turned ON. For iOS 18.5 and later, the Roamless eSIM works everywhere regardless of this setting

  • Low Data Mode ensures your Roamless eSIM is not used for iOS background tasks like OS updates, conserving your data usage


Step 6: Select your Roamless eSIM to start using it for data

Once you have the above settings in place, you can start using your Roamless eSIM for cellular/mobile data:

  1. Go to Device Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data

  2. Select Roamless from the list


You're all set. You device will use your Roamless eSIM for data connectivity as long as Roamless eSIM is selected for Cellular Data.

When you're back home, simply select your Regular SIM for Cellular Data (and turn off your Roamless eSIM until you travel again).


Step 7: (Recommended) Turn off iCloud Cellular Backup

We strongly recommend turning off Cellular Backup option for iCloud to avoid unexpected, heavy cellular data usage.

  1. Go to Device Settings > Apple Account, iCloud+ > iCloud > iCloud Backup

  2. Turn OFF "Back Up Over Cellular"


You can also download the step-by-step visual guides below:

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