eSIM Setup & Activation
How to Install an eSIM on iPhone
Installing a cruise eSIM on your iPhone is a simple process that usually takes just a few minutes.
With an eSIM, you can stay connected during your cruise without swapping physical SIM cards or relying entirely on expensive cruise ship Wi-Fi.
You can install your cruise eSIM before departure, so everything is ready when your trip begins. Installing an eSIM doesn't necessarily activate your data plan immediately, as activation, in most cases, happens when your eSIM connects to the supported network.
In this guide, we'll explain how to install an eSIM on your iPhone step by step, configure the correct settings, and prepare for your cruise.
Buy cruise eSIM online.
How to Install an eSIM on iPhone for a Cruise (Quick Answer)
To install a cruise eSIM on your iPhone, follow these steps:
Purchase a cruise eSIM plan and get your installation QR code.
Open Settings → Cellular (or Mobile Data) → Add eSIM.
Select Use QR Code and scan the code provided by your eSIM provider. Alternatively, install the eSIM through your provider's app by following its instructions.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
Label your new plan "Cruise eSIM" to distinguish it from your regular SIM.
Configure your cellular data and roaming settings: Select your cruise eSIM for mobile data, enable Data Roaming for the cruise eSIM (if required by your provider), and turn off Data Roaming for your regular SIM to avoid unexpected charges. Enable Low Data Mode to reduce data usage and turn off Allow Cellular Data Switching to prevent your iPhone from using your regular SIM for internet access.
You can install your cruise eSIM before departure, but installation doesn't necessarily activate your plan.
Activation, in most cases, happens when your eSIM connects to the supported network.
Install the eSIM before the trip as installation requires a reliable internet connection.
What Do You Need Before Installing a Cruise eSIM on iPhone?
Before installing a cruise eSIM on your iPhone, make sure your device is compatible and you have everything needed to complete the setup. Preparing in advance can help you avoid installation problems, especially if you're planning to set up your eSIM shortly before boarding.
Here's what you'll need:
An eSIM-compatible iPhone. Your iPhone must support eSIM technology.
An unlocked iPhone. Your device should be carrier-unlocked to use an eSIM from another provider.
A stable internet connection. You'll need Wi-Fi or mobile data to download and install the eSIM profile. It's best to do it at home, before the trip, as ship's Wi-Fi is not free.
A purchased cruise eSIM plan. Choose a plan that covers your cruise destinations and includes maritime connectivity if you need internet access at sea.
A QR code or installation details. Your eSIM provider will supply the information needed to install your plan.
An updated iOS version. Update your iPhone to the latest compatible iOS version before departure to help avoid compatibility issues.
Which iPhone Supports eSIM Technology?
Most iPhones released since 2018 support eSIM technology, starting with the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR. Newer models, including the iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, and later generations, also support eSIM, although availability depends on the country or region where the device was purchased.
Some iPhones sold in mainland China and certain other markets have different SIM configurations and may not support eSIM.
To check whether your iPhone supports eSIM:
Open Settings.
Select General → About.
Scroll down and look for EID (Embedded Identity Document).
If an EID number appears, your iPhone has built-in eSIM capability.
Or: open Settings → Cellular (or Mobile Service) and look for the "Add eSIM" option. If you see this option, your iPhone supports eSIM.
Keep in mind that eSIM compatibility alone doesn't guarantee that your phone will work with every cruise eSIM provider. Your device must also be unlocked and compatible with the networks used by your chosen plan.
Which iPhones are eSIM compatible? See here: Which Phones Support eSIM for Cruise
How to Check If Your iPhone Is Carrier-Unlocked
A carrier-locked iPhone may only accept SIM cards and eSIMs from a specific mobile operator.
To install a cruise eSIM from another provider, your iPhone generally needs to be carrier-unlocked.
You can check your iPhone's carrier lock status in a few steps:
Open Settings on your iPhone.
Tap General.
Select About.
Scroll down to Carrier Lock / Network Provider Lock.
Look for the message "No SIM restrictions."
If you see "No SIM restrictions," your iPhone is unlocked and should allow you to install an eSIM from another provider.
If your iPhone is carrier-locked, contact your mobile operator to ask about unlocking it before your cruise.
Installing a third-party cruise eSIM on a locked iPhone may not be possible, even if the device supports eSIM technology.
How to Install an eSIM on iPhone: Step-by-Step Guide
Installing a cruise eSIM on your iPhone is straightforward and usually takes just a few minutes.
Follow these six steps to complete the installation and prepare your phone for your cruise.
Step 1: Purchase Your Cruise eSIM
Start by choosing a cruise eSIM plan that matches your travel needs.
Visit our website and select your cruise line.
Choose your ship.
Select a data package based on how much internet you expect to use.
Make sure the plan covers the duration of your cruise.
Once your purchase is complete, you'll receive an email containing an activation link and code.
Step 2: Download the GigSky App
Download the GigSky app from the App Store on your iPhone.
Open the app and follow the instructions to get started.
Open the activation link from your confirmation email and enter the provided code in the GigSky app to redeem your purchased cruise eSIM plan.
Step 3: Open the GigSky App and Start eSIM Installation
Select the option to install or set up your eSIM in the GigSky app.
Follow the on-screen instructions until the eSIM has been added to your iPhone.
Confirm that you want to add the new cellular plan.
Step 4: Complete the eSIM Installation
Your iPhone will now download and install the cruise eSIM profile.
This usually takes a few minutes, depending on your internet connection. Keep your iPhone connected to the internet and avoid interrupting the installation.
Once completed, your new eSIM should appear in your iPhone's cellular settings.
How to check your installed eSIM? Open Settings → Cellular and confirm that your GigSky eSIM appears in the SIM list.
Step 5: Label Your New eSIM
Give your new eSIM a recognizable name, such as "Cruise eSIM."
You can do this by opening Settings → Cellular → Your New eSIM → Cellular Plan Label.
This makes it easier to distinguish your cruise eSIM from your regular SIM when managing calls, messages, and mobile data.
Step 6: Configure Your Cellular Data Settings
Before using your cruise eSIM, check these important settings:
Cellular Data: Select your cruise eSIM when you're ready to use it for internet access.
Default Voice Line: Keep your regular SIM selected if you want to receive calls and SMS.
Allow Cellular Data Switching: Turn this off to prevent your iPhone from switching to your home SIM for mobile data.
Data Roaming (Cruise eSIM): Turn it on if required by your provider.
Data Roaming (Home SIM): Turn data roaming off to reduce the risk of unexpected roaming charges.
Important: You can install your cruise eSIM before departure, but it's best to keep the new line turned off until you're ready to use it.
Your eSIM is activated when it connects to a supported network.
Read more: How to Buy an eSIM for Cruise
Should You Install Your Cruise eSIM Before Boarding?
Yes, we recommend installing your cruise eSIM before boarding, preferably at home or at your hotel while you have a stable Wi-Fi connection.
Installing an eSIM requires internet access, so it's best not to wait until you're already at sea. Cruise ship Wi-Fi can be expensive or unreliable, making installation more difficult.
By installing your eSIM in advance, you can make sure everything is set up correctly and your iPhone is ready to connect when your cruise begins.
Does Installing an eSIM Activate It Immediately?
Not necessarily. Installing an eSIM doesn't always mean your data plan starts immediately. The activation process depends on your eSIM provider.
Some eSIM plans activate upon installation, while others start when you manually activate them or connect to a supported network for the first time.
Our cruise eSIM plans activate when they first connect to a supported network. This means you can install your eSIM before departure without automatically starting your plan's validity period.
However, if your plan includes coverage in your current location, connecting to a local network could activate it earlier than intended.
To avoid this, we recommend keeping your cruise eSIM turned off after installation until you're ready to use it.
Read more: How to Activate Your eSIM Before Boarding?
How to Use Your Cruise eSIM and Regular SIM Together on iPhone
Most modern iPhones support Dual SIM functionality, allowing you to use your regular SIM and cruise eSIM on the same device.
This means you can keep your regular phone number for calls and SMS while using your cruise eSIM for mobile data, without physically swapping SIM cards.
Keep Your Regular Number for Calls and SMS
To keep your regular phone number active, open Settings → Cellular → Default Voice Line and select your home SIM.
This allows you to continue receiving calls and text messages on your regular number, provided your home carrier has network coverage.
However, remember that calls and SMS through your regular SIM may incur roaming charges, especially when connected to maritime networks at sea. Turning off data roaming does not prevent charges for calls and texts.
Use Your Cruise eSIM for Mobile Data
To use your cruise eSIM for internet access:
Open Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data.
Select your Cruise eSIM as the preferred data line.
Turn off Allow Cellular Data Switching to prevent your iPhone from automatically switching to your regular SIM for mobile data.
Enable Data Roaming for your cruise eSIM if required by your provider.
Keep Data Roaming disabled on your home SIM to reduce the risk of unexpected charges.
You can also enable Low Data Mode for your cruise eSIM to reduce background data usage and make your data allowance last longer.
For more detailed instructions, read our guide: How to Use Your Regular SIM and Cruise eSIM Together.
What to Do If Your Cruise eSIM Isn't Working on iPhone
If your cruise eSIM isn't working on your iPhone, don't worry. Most installation and connection problems can be fixed by checking a few settings.
Here are the most common issues and how to resolve them:
eSIM won't install: Make sure your iPhone supports eSIM, is carrier-unlocked, and has a stable internet connection.
QR code isn't working: Check that you're using the correct QR code and that it hasn't already been used or expired. Contact your provider if necessary.
eSIM shows "No Service": Your ship may be outside the supported coverage area. Check that your eSIM is enabled and wait until a compatible network becomes available.
eSIM is installed but there's no internet: Make sure your cruise eSIM is selected for cellular data and Data Roaming is enabled if required by your provider.
iPhone keeps switching to your regular SIM: Open Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data and disable Allow Cellular Data Switching.
Slow internet connection: Maritime network speeds can vary depending on your location, network availability, and the number of connected users.
eSIM stops working during your cruise: Check whether your data allowance has been used up, your plan has expired, or your ship has moved outside the coverage area.
Incorrect APN settings: Some providers require specific APN settings. Check your provider's instructions before making changes.
Important: Don't delete your cruise eSIM as a troubleshooting step unless your provider instructs you to. Some eSIM profiles cannot be reinstalled using the same QR code.
Read more: eSIM Not Working? Here's How to Fix It
Featured photo by Brijesh H from Pexels
