Apple released its latest iOS 26 on September 15, 2025.
They’ve introduced a host of new features, including improved battery performance, the new Liquid Glass design, advanced camera tools, AutoMix, lock screen reminders, spatial scenes, and much more.
For travelers, the standout feature is the eSIM auto switch. With this iOS 26 update, your iPhone automatically uses your travel eSIM when you go abroad and switches back to your home line when you return.
This makes staying connected while traveling simpler than ever.
Curious how it works and why it matters?
Keep reading!
How iOS 26 eSIM Auto-Switching Works
Remember the old days of international travel? You’d either pay huge roaming fees or spend time at the airport hunting for a local SIM card.
Even with travel eSIMs, you still had to remember to switch lines before and after your trip manually.
iOS 26 solves this with the eSIM auto-switch, making the process seamless.
Here’s how it works:
1. Install a Travel eSIM at Home
Once you’re done packing your suitcase, it’s time to take care of your connectivity via a travel eSIM.
A travel eSIM is a digital SIM that provides international data for one or more destinations for a particular period of time.
Here’s how to get Started
When you’re at home:
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Purchase a travel eSIM for your destination.
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Download it on your iPhone and activate it.
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Follow one of the activation methods above (Scan a QR code, Long-Press a QR code, or Enter details manually) to finish eSIM activation.
2. Complete the New iOS 26 Travel eSIM Setup
After eSIM activation, your iPhone might show a prompt and ask you to select where you’ll use your travel eSIM.
You’ll get options to select whether this travel eSIM is for “home” (a long-term permanent domestic plan) or “abroad” (an international travel plan).
Select “Abroad” as travel eSIMs are used when traveling in another country.
Then, you’ll get options to determine the “Type of Plan” you have for your travel eSIM.
It can be “Data-Only” (Calling and texting are not allowed, but the internet works) or “Voice and Data” (Call, text, and use the internet).
Select “Data Only” as most travel eSIMs provide international data only.
Once done, your travel eSIM will be officially set up, and your iPhone now knows that this travel eSIM should be used when you’re abroad and only for data.
3. Travel eSIM Auto-Switching
Once you arrive at your destination, your iPhone will detect your location and automatically pick your default voice line (Home SIM/eSIM) and data line (Travel eSIM).
However, you might also receive a notification to Turn On Travel eSIM.
Tap on the notification and select either Travel eSIM only or Travel eSIM and Current SIM.
Travel eSIM only
This option turns off your Primary (Home line) and uses the Travel (Travel eSIM) solely for mobile data.
Calls and SMS will not work, but FaceTime and iMessages will continue to work on your home number without additional cost.
This will allow you to stay connected while avoiding up to 90% roaming charges.
Travel eSIM and Current eSIM
This option keeps both lines active. Your travel eSIM handles mobile data, while your home line, “Primary,” handles calls and texts (roaming charges may apply).
PRO Tip: Keep data roaming off for your Primary (to save on roaming), and use Wi-Fi calls for calling, if you need to make urgent calls (depends on carrier). FaceTime and iMessages will continue to work on your home number even when it's off.
If you're using dual SIM and want to make a regular call, open the phone app and select a contact, select the option next to default, and select the “Primary” line.
If you want to manually select your data line, you can go to: Settings > Cellular or Mobile Service > Cellular Data or Mobile Data > Select the line you want to use.
Once you select either Travel eSIM only or Travel eSIM and Current eSIM, you’ll be asked if you want to keep your data usage low. Turn on the Low Data mode.
That’s it. Your iPhone will use your lines as per your preference.
4. Returning Home after Travel
When your trip ends and you return to your home, with iOS 26, your iPhone will automatically turn off your travel eSIM and turn on your home line.
If you do not get a notification that the travel eSIM has been turned off:
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Go to Settings > Cellular or Mobile Service
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Make sure Turn On this Line is enabled for Primary (home line)
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Turn off the travel eSIM
NOTE: The eSIM auto-switch feature is supported on iPhones running iOS 26. Ensure your device is updated to the latest iOS version to utilize this functionality. Availability may vary depending on your eSIM provider, country, and region.
Why does iOS 26 eSIM Auto-Switch Matter?
In the past, you had to remember to switch off your home line and turn on your travel eSIM whenever you went abroad.
Forgetting even once could mean a painful roaming bill.
With iOS 26, your iPhone does this for you. Set up your travel eSIM once, and it will automatically activate when you’re abroad and switch back to your home line when you return.
Also, even if you’re using just a travel eSIM for data, iMessage and FaceTime still work with your home number, so friends and family can reach you without extra cost.
Related: Is iPhone 17 eSIM only? Complete Guide
Final Thoughts
With iOS 26’s eSIM auto-switch, your iPhone can automatically manage your lines abroad and at home—but you’ll need to install a travel eSIM.
ConnectedYou eSIMs make this effortless. Once set up, our travel eSIM works seamlessly with your iPhone, keeping you connected across the globe, without any extra steps, so you can focus on your trip, not your phone.
Get your ConnectedYou travel eSIM now and experience worry-free international connectivity with iOS 26.
Don’t miss out! Equip your iPhone today for seamless travel and total peace of mind.
