Before You Begin: 3 Checks
iPhone XR, XS, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, or 16 series running iOS 14.0 or newer.
Check Settings > General > About > Carrier Lock = "No SIM restrictions".
Install at home in the UK 24 hours before flight departure, not on patchy airport Wi-Fi.
Method 1: Install via QR Code (Recommended)
The fastest method if you can display the QR code on a laptop, tablet, printed sheet, or travel companion's phone:
Open Mobile Settings
Open Settings on your iPhone and tap Mobile Service (or Cellular depending on iOS region).
Add eSIM
Tap Add eSIM (or Add Mobile Plan). Tap Use QR Code.
Scan the QR Code
Point your iPhone camera at the QR code sent by your provider (Saily, Breeze SIM, Airalo, etc.). Wait 10–20 seconds while your iPhone contacts the server and downloads the profile.
Label Your Plan
When prompted to label the plan, select Travel or tap Custom and type "Turkey eSIM". Keep your primary physical SIM labelled "Primary".
Method 2: Manual SM-DP+ Entry (No Second Screen)
If you don't have a second screen to display the QR code, install manually using copy-and-paste:
- Go to
Settings > Mobile Service > Add eSIM > Use QR Code. - At the bottom of the camera viewfinder screen, tap "Enter Details Manually".
- Copy and paste the SM-DP+ Address from your provider confirmation email into the first field (e.g.
rsp.truphone.comorcust-005.prod.ondemandconnectivity.com). - Copy and paste the Activation Code into the second field. Leave the "Confirmation Code" field blank unless specified.
- Tap Next in the top right corner to complete profile installation.
Crucial iOS Settings (Prevent UK Roaming Fees)
During installation or after landing in Turkey, iOS will ask you to configure 4 key settings:
Default Line (Voice & SMS)
Set to: Primary (UK SIM)
Keeps your regular UK mobile number active for phone calls and receiving free incoming bank verification texts (2FA).
Mobile Data
Set to: Turkey eSIM (Travel)
Routes all apps, web browsing, maps, and video calls through your prepaid Turkey data package.
Allow Mobile Data Switching
CRITICAL: Toggle OFF
If left ON, your iPhone will switch data to your UK carrier whenever the Turkish signal drops, triggering daily £2.50 to £6.00 UK roaming charges!
iMessage & FaceTime
Set to: Primary (UK Number / Apple ID)
Ensures blue-bubble iMessages continue sending from your normal UK phone number across the Turkish data line.
Touchdown Checklist (Upon Landing in Turkey)
Once your plane touches down at Istanbul, Antalya, Bodrum, or Dalaman:
- Turn off Aeroplane Mode.
- Go to
Settings > Mobile Service, tap on your Turkey eSIM, and verify that Data Roaming is turned ON. - Tap on your Primary UK SIM and confirm that Data Roaming is turned OFF.
- Within 60 to 90 seconds, your iPhone status bar will show "Turkcell 4G" or "Türk Telekom LTE". You're online!
Related Mobile Guides for Turkey
Frequently Asked Questions: iPhone Turkey eSIM
Which iPhone models support eSIM for Turkey?
All iPhones starting from the iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR (released in 2018) through the iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 series (including Mini, Pro, Pro Max, and Plus variants), as well as iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd gen) support eSIM. Your iPhone must be network-unlocked (carrier-unlocked).
How do I check if my iPhone is unlocked for travel eSIMs?
Go to Settings > General > About. Scroll down to the "Carrier Lock" (or Network Provider Lock) line. If it says "No SIM restrictions", your iPhone is unlocked and ready to install any travel eSIM. If it says "SIM locked", contact your UK mobile provider (EE, Vodafone, O2, Three) to request a free unlock before flying.
What is the SM-DP+ address on iPhone?
The SM-DP+ (Subscription Manager Data Preparation) address is a secure remote server domain used by telecommunications carriers to deliver your eSIM profile cryptographically to your iPhone. If your QR code scanner fails, you can manually copy and paste the SM-DP+ address and Activation Code from your provider email.
Will installing a Turkey eSIM disrupt Apple iMessage and FaceTime?
No, provided you configure it properly. During setup, set your Primary UK SIM as your default line for iMessage and FaceTime. Apple will continue using your UK phone number or Apple ID email for blue-bubble iMessages and FaceTime calls, routing the data across your Turkish eSIM connection.
Why does iPhone say "Unable to Complete Cellular Plan Change"?
This error occurs when: 1) Your iPhone is connected to weak or captive Wi-Fi (such as an airport lounge); 2) The QR code was already scanned and installed on another phone; or 3) Your phone is carrier-locked. Connect to stable Wi-Fi and verify carrier status under Settings > General > About.