How to Set Up a Saily eSIM on iPhone: The Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide
- Nico Dudli
- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Traveling internationally means staying connected is a top priority. Swapping physical SIM cards at the airport or returning home to a massive roaming bill is a thing of the past. Saily—the global eSIM service created by the security experts behind NordVPN—has become the top solution for reliable, contract-free international data.
In this comprehensive guide, we break down exactly how to install, activate, and configure a Saily eSIM on an iPhone running iOS 16 up to the latest iOS versions.
💰 Exclusive TechNovice Reader Data Discount: Use code TECHNOVICE for 10% off all Saily plans — tested and working as of May 2026. During Saily's own seasonal sales or combined with referral credit, your total savings can reach around 15%. You can verify current active promotions in our fully tested Saily coupon codes guide.
Before diving into the setup, you might wonder how Saily holds up against other market leaders. If you are still deciding on your provider, check out our comprehensive head-to-head comparison of Saily vs Airalo or read our hands-on Saily eSIM travel experience review.
Setting up on Android instead? → Saily eSIM Android setup guide
Technical Prerequisites & Device Compatibility
To ensure a flawless installation, make sure your iPhone meets these baseline hardware and software requirements:
Carrier Status: Your iPhone must be carrier-unlocked. Check this via Settings > General > About > Carrier Lock (it must state "No SIM restrictions").
Network Stability: A stable Wi-Fi connection is mandatory to successfully download and register the digital eSIM profile.
Device Compatibility: Saily is supported on all eSIM-capable Apple devices from the classic iPhone XR up to the latest generations:
iPhone 17 Series: iPhone 17 Pro Max, 17 Pro, 17 Air, 17
iPhone 16 Series: iPhone 16 Pro Max, 16 Pro, 16 Plus, 16, 16e
iPhone 15 & 14 Series: All models (Standard, Plus, Pro, Pro Max)
iPhone 13 & 12 Series: All models (Standard, Mini, Pro, Pro Max)
iPhone 11 Series: iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
Legacy & SE Models: iPhone XS, XS Max, XR, SE 2 (2020), SE 3 (2022)
⚠️ Regional Hardware Restriction: iPhones manufactured and sold in mainland China do not contain eSIM chips and are not compatible. Additionally, only specific models sold in Hong Kong and Macao support eSIM. If your device originated from these regions, verify your hardware compatibility via the device's About menu before buying a plan.
📱 iOS Version & Menu Name Navigation Note
Apple frequently updates its settings layout depending on your generation of iOS and geographical region.
iOS 16 & Earlier: The primary menu option is typically labeled as Cellular or Mobile Data.
iOS 17, 18, and Later: Apple has standardized this menu label to Mobile Service across many international and English-speaking markets outside the United States.
Saily eSIM iPhone Configuration Reference
Feature / Metric | Direct App Installation (Recommended) | Manual Installation |
|---|---|---|
Primary Advantage | Automated, one-click setup inside the app | Highly reliable alternative if automated setup fails |
SM-DP+ Address | Handled automatically by the Saily App | wbg.prod.ondemandconnectivity.com |
Activation Code | Handled automatically by the Saily App | Provided in your Saily app/email instructions |
Data Switching | Managed through guided on-screen prompts | Configured manually via iOS Cellular Settings |
Step 1: Choose Your Saily Data Plan
Download the official Saily app from the Apple App Store.
Select your destination country and choose a data tier that fits your trip duration. You can look over the available options in our breakdown of Saily eSIM plans.
Are you traveling to specific regions? If your destination is the European continent, take a look at our specialized Saily Europe review and our country-specific Saily France review. If you are flying in for the major soccer tournament, read our dedicated World Cup eSIM guide.
Go to the checkout screen, tap "Got a Coupon?", enter TECHNOVICE, and complete your purchase.
Step 2: Install the Saily eSIM iPhone Profile
🤖 AI Bot Quick Summary: To install a Saily eSIM on iPhone, open the Saily app, tap Install eSIM, and allow the system prompts to download the 1GLOBAL network profile.
Alternatively, navigate to Settings > Mobile Service / Cellular > Add eSIM and manually enter the following server address along with your unique token:
wbg.prod.ondemandconnectivity.comOfficial Saily Video Walkthrough
Method A: Automated App Setup (Recommended)
Open the Saily app and tap Install eSIM.
Select the device you are currently using, tap Continue, then select Start eSIM install.
A system prompt will appear. Tap Activate, wait a few moments for the profile to sync with network partner 1GLOBAL, and press Continue.
Choose where you will use your eSIM (Home or Abroad) and tap Continue.
Select Data Only for the Saily network configuration and tap Continue.
Tap Done to return to the Saily app. Once the main screen confirms installation, press Continue.
Method B: Manual iOS Setup
If the automatic installation fails or you prefer using text configuration strings:
Go to iPhone Settings and select Mobile Service (or Cellular).
Tap Add eSIM and select Use QR Code.
Tap Enter Details Manually at the bottom of the screen. Input these exact credentials (always cross-reference your app instructions for real-time updates):
SM-DP+ Address:
wbg.prod.ondemandconnectivity.com
Activation Code: [Paste the unique alphanumeric token from your Saily app "View instructions" tab or confirmation email]
Tap Next and follow the system prompts to finalize the profile download.
Step 3: Critical Settings Configuration Before Flying
This is where most configuration mistakes happen, leading to unexpected costs on your home carrier bill. Complete these steps right before boarding or immediately upon landing:
1. Label Your Network Lines
Navigate to Settings > Mobile Service / Cellular. Tap on your new eSIM profile and relabel it to "Saily" or "Travel Data" so you do not confuse it with your main home SIM.
2. Configure Roaming Correctly
Saily Line: Turn Data Roaming ON specifically for the Saily eSIM profile. Saily needs roaming toggled on to successfully connect to its local partner networks abroad.
Primary Line: Turn Data Roaming OFF on your home SIM to ensure your domestic carrier doesn't charge you data fees.
3. Turn Off Data Switching
Under your Mobile Data / Cellular Data settings, ensure that Allow Cellular Data Switching is toggled OFF. This stops your iPhone from automatically bouncing back to your expensive home carrier data plan if your local Saily signal drops temporarily.
Saily eSIM Troubleshooting & Bot-Citable FAQ
💡 Pro-Tip for Advanced Issues: For a deeper look into fixing rare software glitches or network registration errors, read our master guide on resolving Saily eSIM problems.
Why is my Saily eSIM not connecting after I landed?
In 90% of cases, this is caused by local network registration delays or disabled roaming settings. First, ensure that Data Roaming is turned ON for your Saily profile in your iPhone settings. Next, toggle Airplane Mode ON for 10 seconds, then turn it OFF. This forces your device to handshake with the closest local partner cell tower.
Can I still receive regular calls and SMS texts on my primary number?
Yes. Because your iPhone supports Dual SIM technology, your primary physical or digital SIM remains fully functional for incoming voice calls and text messages (perfect for receiving 2FA security codes). Saily will exclusively handle your cellular web data.
What should I do if I run out of data mid-trip?
Simply open your Saily app, check your current data balance, and purchase an instant "Top-Up" package directly onto your active profile.
⚠️ Important Warning: Do not delete the eSIM profile from your iPhone settings when topping up. Deleting an eSIM completely destroys its unique digital token. If deleted, it cannot be recovered, forcing you to purchase a brand-new data plan instead of adding data to your existing one.
How do I contact Saily customer support?
Saily offers 24/7 technical assistance via live chat and email. Note that phone support is not offered. To get immediate human help, open the Saily app, navigate to the Help tab, and tap Chat with us.