iPhone Guide

How to Activate Taiwan eSIM on iPhone (Step by Step)

Published May 1, 2025 · 6 min read · Taiwan eSIM Blog

Quick answer

Go to Settings → Cellular → Add Cellular Plan → Use QR Code. Scan the QR code from your email. Done. Your eSIM is installed. Enable it when you land in Taiwan and your data plan starts automatically.

The full process takes under 3 minutes. Here's the exact path for every iPhone model.

Before you start — check compatibility

This guide works for:

iPhone X and older do not support eSIM. Check the full device list.

Important: You need a WiFi connection to scan and install the eSIM. Do this at home before your flight — your data plan won't start until you arrive in Taiwan.

Step-by-step: iPhone 15 / 14 / 13 / 12 (iOS 16+)

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
  2. Tap Cellular.
  3. Tap Add Cellular Plan.
  4. Select Use QR Code. Your camera opens.
  5. Open the eSIM email we sent you on another device (laptop or another phone), or print the QR code.
  6. Hold your iPhone camera over the QR code until it's recognized.
  7. Tap Continue on the popup notification.
  8. Give the plan a label — type "Taiwan" to keep things organized.
  9. Choose whether to use this eSIM for calls or data (select Primary or Secondary depending on your setup).
  10. Tap Done.

Your eSIM is now installed. You'll see it listed under Settings → Cellular.

Step-by-step: iPhone XS / XR (iOS 12.1+)

  1. Open Settings → Cellular.
  2. Tap Add Cellular Plan.
  3. Scan the QR code from your email.
  4. Follow on-screen prompts to confirm installation.

Same process — slightly different menu layout on older iOS versions.

Activating in Taiwan — the important part

Installing the eSIM is not the same as activating it. Your data plan starts when you first connect to the Taiwan network. Here's what to do when you land:

  1. Turn off Airplane Mode (or turn it on and off once you're in the terminal).
  2. Go to Settings → Cellular.
  3. Find the Taiwan eSIM you installed and make sure it's turned on.
  4. Tap Cellular Data and select your Taiwan eSIM as the data source.
  5. Wait 30–60 seconds — you should see the Taiwan carrier name appear in the top bar.
Tip for dual-SIM users: Keep your home SIM active for calls and set the Taiwan eSIM as your data line only. Go to Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data and select the Taiwan eSIM.

Common problems and fixes

The QR code isn't being recognized by my camera +
Make sure you're scanning the QR code in good lighting. Try zooming out slightly. If it still doesn't work, the QR code image may be too small — try opening the email on a laptop for a larger image.
It says "Add Cellular Plan" is grayed out +
Your iPhone may already have 2 eSIMs installed (the limit). Go to Settings → Cellular → your old eSIMs, and delete one you no longer use, then try again. Alternatively, your iPhone might be carrier-locked — contact your home carrier to unlock it.
I scanned the code but nothing happened +
Check if a banner or notification appeared at the top of your screen. Sometimes iOS shows a small notification when an eSIM is detected. Swipe down to check. If still nothing, restart your iPhone and try again.
I'm in Taiwan but not getting a signal +
Go to Settings → Cellular and confirm your Taiwan eSIM is set as the Cellular Data source. Also try turning Airplane Mode on and off to force a network search.

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