With iOS 26, Apple introduced an easier, more streamlined eSIM installation experience for travel eSIMs. Your device now automatically labels your eSIM correctly as "Roamless" during activation. Setup process is shorter. And it is easier to automate Home vs. Abroad SIM/eSIM preference if you wish.
You can read more about the changes on Apple's website here.
You can install your Roamless eSIM in 3 different ways:
Recommended: One-Click Installation (from inside the app)
Using a QR code (you can get the QR code from inside the app)
Using manual activation code (you can get the activation code from inside the app)
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
Download the Roamless app from the App Store
Create an account (using your email, Google SSO, AppleID or Facebook login) and sign in
Step 2: Install your Roamless eSIM
Open the Roamless app
Click on "Install eSIM" on the homepage (or navigate to the "Data" tab and click on "Install eSIM")
Click on "Install Now"
Click "Allow" in the popup
Wait for 10-15 seconds > Click "Continue"
Your eSIM will start activating. Your eSIM will then connect to the cellular network (This will take 1-1.5 minutes)
In the next screen "Where will you use this eSIM", select "Abroad" > click "Continue"
For "Which type of plan do you have", select "Data Only" > click "Continue" > and then "Done"
You will see your Roamless eSIM added to your device, but turned off. You will need to turn on the Roamless eSIM, and select it for Cellular Data to start using it. (See Steps 3, 4 and 5 below).
Note: Even though iOS labels it as a Travel eSIM, you can always use your Roamless eSIM at your home country once you turn it on & select it for data usage on your device settings like usual.
Step 3: 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
Go to Device Settings > Cellular > scroll down to SIMs > find your regular SIM card (it will have your phone number underneath) > Click on it
Scroll down to "Data Roaming" > Turn Data Roaming OFF for your regular SIM
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 4: Configure your Roamless eSIM Settings
Go to Device Settings > Cellular > scroll down to SIMs > click on Roamless
Turn the Roamless eSIM ON (if it's off)
Click on Data Mode > select Low Data Mode
Go back to Device Settings
Low Data Mode ensures your Roamless eSIM is not used for iOS background tasks like OS updates, conserving your data usage
Step 5: 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:
Go to Device Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data
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 6: (Recommended) Turn off iCloud Cellular Backup
We strongly recommend turning off Cellular Backup option for iCloud to avoid unexpected, heavy cellular data usage.
Go to Device Settings > Apple Account, iCloud+ > iCloud > iCloud Backup
Turn OFF "Back Up Over Cellular"