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How to install holiday.com’s eSIM on iOS

Updated

Welcome to your holiday.com setup! Since we exclusively offer eSIMs, you won't need to worry about getting or swapping physical SIM cards anymore.

Before we get started, it's helpful to understand the two steps to getting connected:

  • Installation (The Download): Saving the digital eSIM profile to your phone. We recommend doing this before you travel while you have a stable Wi-Fi connection. Don't worry, this does not start your plan's timer!
  • Activation (The Connection): Turning the eSIM on to connect to the local network once you arrive at your destination. This is when your data plan's/bundle’s timer officially begins.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to complete the first step and quickly install your holiday.com eSIM on an iPhone or iPad.

Before you start, make sure you have the following:

  1. An eSIM-compatible and carrier-unlocked iPhone or iPad.
  2. A stable internet connection.

NOTE: Once installed, your eSIM cannot be moved to a different device or reinstalled if removed/deleted.

Part 1: How to Install your eSIM

We highly recommend completing these steps before you leave for your trip. Ensure that you have a stable internet connection, as well. 

  1. Download the holiday.com app. Find the holiday.com eSIM app in the App Store, and click Get to download our app.
  2. Sign up/sign in using your preferred login method. You may choose Google's or Apple's secure login option, or log in through an ExpressVPN account.
  3. Once logged in, click on the Install eSIM button to initiate the installation.
  4. Once installed, a pop-up titled "Activate New eSIM" appears; kindly tap Allow.
  5. Once allowed, tap Continue to activate your eSIM, then tap Done once completed. Note: If you’re not yet at your destination, activation may show an error or get stuck.
  6. On the Data Plan Labels screen, tap Secondary, then enter your preferred label (e.g., holiday.com eSIM) to name your new eSIM. Tap Continue.
  7. On the Default Line screen, select your Primary line. This ensures you’ll receive calls and texts through your regular SIM. Tap Continue.
  8. If you see the iMessage & FaceTime screen, select your Primary line, then tap Continue.
  9. On the Cellular Data screen, if you wish to use your holiday.com eSIM for data immediately, select the holiday.com eSIM. To avoid extra roaming charges, keep Allow Cellular Data Switching toggled OFF. Tap Continue.

Part 2: How to Activate your eSIM

Complete the next steps only after arriving at your destination and entering your plan's coverage area. Doing so earlier may result in an error or early activation of your plan/bundle. 

  1. Once you have arrived at your destination, go to Settings > Cellular or Mobile Service. Under SIMs, tap your holiday.com eSIM and ensure Turn On This Line is toggled ON. 
  2. On the same screen, tap Cellular Data Network. In both the APN fields, enter globaldata. Keep the other fields blank or as is.
  3. Go back to the holiday.com eSIM page and then toggle Data Roaming ON. 
  4. Go back to the Cellular page, tap on the Cellular Data option, and select the holiday.com eSIM. Your device should automatically connect to a supported network at a supported destination for your chosen data plan.

Common eSIM installation issues that you may run into: 

  • Device gets stuck on "Activating..." or fails setup due to a poor Wi-Fi connection or active VPN.
  • Receive a "Code Already Used" error because the QR code was already scanned or installed in the background.
  • Encounter a storage limit error
  • Installation fails, or takes too long to complete 

If you run into any of these issues while installing the eSIM, contact the support team through the help button in the holiday.com app or by sending an email to support@holiday.com.

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