How to Set Up UPeSIM on iPhone for Europe (iOS 26 Guide)

Planning a trip to Europe and want to avoid roaming charges? This guide shows you exactly how to set up a UPeSIM eSIM on your iPhone before you fly. The process takes under two minutes and works on all eSIM-compatible iPhones running iOS 26 or later.

Before You Start

Make sure you have:

An eSIM-compatible iPhone (iPhone XS or later)
iOS 26 installed (Settings → General → Software Update)
A UPeSIM Europe plan purchased on upesim.com or in the UPeSIM app
Your QR code ready (sent by email or visible in the app)
A Wi-Fi or mobile connection to complete activation

Step-by-Step — How to Install UPeSIM on iPhone

Purchase your Europe plan — Go to upesim.com or open the UPeSIM app, select your Europe plan and complete payment. You will receive a QR code instantly by email and in the app.
Open iPhone Settings — Tap the Settings icon on your home screen.
Go to Mobile Service — Tap Mobile Service (or Cellular on some regions). On iOS 26, this is found directly on the main Settings screen.
Tap Add eSIM — Scroll down and tap Add eSIM. You may also see Add Mobile Plan depending on your carrier.
Select Use QR Code — Tap Use QR Code. Your camera will open automatically.
Scan the UPeSIM QR code — Hold your iPhone camera over the QR code received by email or shown in the UPeSIM app. The code is detected automatically.
Confirm the activation — A confirmation screen appears showing UPeSIM as the new plan. Tap Add Mobile Plan to confirm.
Name your new line — When prompted, give your eSIM a name such as Europe or UPeSIM to identify it easily.
Set UPeSIM as your data line — Go to Settings → Mobile Service → Mobile Data and select UPeSIM as your default data line for your trip.
Keep your primary SIM for calls — Your physical SIM stays active for calls and texts. Only data is routed through UPeSIM during your trip.

[screenshot: Settings main screen iOS 26]

[screenshot: Mobile Service screen with Add eSIM button]

[screenshot: QR code scanner screen]

[screenshot: Confirmation screen showing UPeSIM plan]

[screenshot: Line selection screen with UPeSIM named]

Which iPhones Support eSIM?

All of the following models support eSIM and are compatible with UPeSIM:

iPhone XR, XS, XS Max (2018)
iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max (2019)
iPhone SE 2020
iPhone 12, 12 Mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max (2020)
iPhone 13, 13 Mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max (2021)
iPhone SE 2022
iPhone 14, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max (2022)
iPhone 15, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max (2023)
iPhone 16, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max, 16e (2024)
iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, 17 Air, 17e (2025)

If your iPhone is locked to a carrier, contact your operator to unlock it before attempting eSIM activation.

Which European Countries Does UPeSIM Cover?

UPeSIM Europe plans cover all major European destinations including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, Portugal, Greece, Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Croatia, and more. Check the full list of covered countries on the UPeSIM website.

Tips for Using Your eSIM in Europe

Activate before departure — Your eSIM is ready the moment you land.
Enable Data Roaming — Go to Settings → Mobile Service → UPeSIM line → Data Roaming and make sure it is turned on.
Use Low Data Mode if needed — Settings → Mobile Service → UPeSIM → Low Data Mode helps conserve your plan on slower connections.
Hotspot is included — All UPeSIM Europe plans support mobile hotspot. Go to Settings → Personal Hotspot and select UPeSIM as your hotspot connection.

24/7 Support

If you encounter any issue during setup, UPeSIM's support team is available 24/7 with an average response time of under 15 minutes via the UPeSIM app or upesim.com.

Frequently Asked Questions — iPhone eSIM Setup for Europe

Which iPhones support eSIM for Europe travel? All iPhones from the iPhone XR (2018) onwards support eSIM, including the iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17 series in all variants.

How do I install a UPeSIM eSIM on my iPhone? Go to Settings → Mobile Service → Add eSIM → Use QR Code, then scan the QR code you received from UPeSIM by email or in the UPeSIM app.

Does UPeSIM work on iOS 26? Yes. UPeSIM is fully compatible with iOS 26. The installation steps are the same as on earlier iOS versions, with the Mobile Service menu found on the main Settings screen.

Can I keep my regular number while using UPeSIM in Europe? Yes. Your physical SIM stays active for calls and texts. UPeSIM handles data only. You can receive calls and messages on your regular number throughout your trip.

Do I need to activate Data Roaming for UPeSIM to work? Yes. Go to Settings → Mobile Service → tap your UPeSIM line → and enable Data Roaming. Without this, your eSIM will not connect to local networks abroad.

Can I use my iPhone as a hotspot with UPeSIM in Europe? Yes. Hotspot and tethering are included on all UPeSIM Europe plans. Enable it via Settings → Personal Hotspot and select UPeSIM as the active line.

What if my QR code does not scan? Make sure you are in a well-lit area and holding the camera steady. Alternatively, you can enter the activation code manually by tapping Enter Details Manually on the QR code scanner screen.

Can I reuse my UPeSIM eSIM for another trip? Each UPeSIM QR code is single-use. For your next trip, purchase a new plan and you will receive a new QR code. You do not need to delete the old eSIM profile unless your device reaches its eSIM storage limit.