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How to install on iPhone

Before you start

  • Make sure your iPhone is eSIM-compatible (iPhone XS or later, including SE 3rd gen).
  • Connect to Wi-Fi.
  • Install before you travel, at home. The eSIM stays off until you land.

Before your trip

  1. In the Guac app, go to Open the eSIM > Install > Install Now. Your iPhone walks you through setup. On iOS 26 and later, when it asks, choose Abroad and then Data Only. On iOS 17 and 18 it asks for a label instead: choose Travel. For everything else, keep your own number.
  2. Turn off roaming on your own number, so your carrier can't charge you for roaming when you land: go to Settings > Cellular, tap your own number and turn off Data Roaming.

Installing from Guac hands the profile straight to iOS, so there is nothing to type and no QR code to scan. It needs iOS 17.4 or later. On iOS 17.0 to 17.3, update your iPhone first, or add the eSIM by hand with the details below.

If the in-app install does not finish

The QR code and the manual details live under Open the eSIM > Install > Other ways to install > QR Code > Manual Entry. Add them on the device under Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Use QR Code, then Enter Details Manually if you are typing them in.

When you land

  1. Turn off Airplane Mode.
  2. Go to Settings > Cellular and tap your Guac eSIM. It's the line you added, usually called Travel, or the name you gave it.
  3. Turn on Turn On This Line and Data Roaming. The eSIM can't connect without roaming, and on Guac it costs nothing.
  4. Go back to Settings > Cellular, tap Cellular Data and choose your Guac eSIM.

Only one line on your iPhone? Data Roaming is under Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options.

Your eSIM will connect to a local network automatically.

Back home

Your iPhone may switch back by itself. If it doesn't, choose your own number under Cellular Data, then turn the Guac eSIM off.

Troubleshooting

If data is not working after you land, try:

  • Check that Turn On This Line and Data Roaming are both on for the eSIM, and that it's chosen under Cellular Data.
  • Toggle Airplane Mode on and off.
  • Restart your phone.