How to Install an eSIM on iPhone and Android

Installing an eSIM takes under five minutes on both iPhone and Android. Open your phone's settings, scan the QR code from your eSIM provider, and the data plan activates automatically. No physical SIM card, no tools, and no visit to a mobile shop required.

This guide walks you through the exact steps for both platforms, with tips for avoiding common setup issues.

Before You Start

Make sure you have the following ready:

• A compatible phone — check our eSIM compatibility guide if unsure
• An unlocked device — your phone must be carrier-unlocked to use a third-party eSIM
• A WiFi connection — you need internet to download the eSIM profile (you cannot use the eSIM itself to download its own profile)
• Your QR code — provided by your eSIM provider after purchase (via email or in your account)

How to Install eSIM on iPhone

Step 1: Open eSIM Settings

Go to Settings → Mobile Data (or Cellular) → Add eSIM

On iOS 16 and later, you may also see Set Up Mobile Service or Add Mobile Plan.

Step 2: Scan the QR Code

1. Tap Use QR Code
2. Point your camera at the QR code provided by your eSIM provider
3. Your iPhone will detect the eSIM profile automatically

If you received the QR code on the same device, take a screenshot and use Enter Details Manually — you can type or paste the activation details (SM-DP+ address and activation code) instead of scanning.

Step 3: Confirm and Label

1. Your iPhone shows a preview of the plan — tap Continue
2. Choose a label for this eSIM (e.g., "Travel Data" or "Spain Trip") — this helps you identify it later
3. Tap Done

Step 4: Configure Data Settings

1. Go to Settings → Mobile Data
2. Under Mobile Data, select your new eSIM as the data source
3. You can keep your physical SIM for calls and SMS

Tip: If you are setting up the eSIM before your trip, you can install it now and enable it when you arrive at your destination.

Step 5: Verify It Works

Once at your destination (or if the plan is already active):

1. Check the status bar — you should see a signal indicator for the eSIM
2. Open a browser and load any webpage
3. If connected, your eSIM is working correctly

How to Install eSIM on Android

The exact menu names vary by manufacturer, but the process is similar across Samsung, Google Pixel, and other Android phones.

Samsung Galaxy

Step 1: Open SIM Manager

Go to Settings → Connections → SIM Manager → Add eSIM

Step 2: Scan QR Code

1. Tap Scan QR code from service provider
2. Point your camera at the QR code
3. Wait for the profile to download (this takes 30–60 seconds)

Step 3: Activate

1. The downloaded eSIM appears in your SIM Manager
2. Toggle it on to activate
3. When prompted, choose it as your Mobile data SIM

Google Pixel

Step 1: Open SIM Settings

Go to Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → Add SIM (or Download SIM)

Step 2: Scan and Download

1. Tap Download a SIM instead? (if shown)
2. Scan the QR code or tap Need help? → Enter it manually to paste the activation code
3. Wait for the download to complete

Step 3: Activate

1. Toggle the new eSIM on
2. Set it as your data SIM when prompted

Other Android Phones (Xiaomi, Oppo, Motorola)

The path is usually: Settings → SIM cards & mobile networks → Add SIM or Add eSIM

Look for options like "Download SIM" or "Scan QR code". The process follows the same scan → download → activate pattern.

Setting Up Dual SIM (eSIM + Physical SIM)

Most travellers keep their home SIM for calls and use the eSIM for data. Here is how to configure this:

On iPhone

1. Go to Settings → Mobile Data
2. Set Mobile Data to your eSIM (the travel plan)
3. Set Default Voice Line to your physical SIM (home number)
4. Optionally, enable Allow Mobile Data Switching for fallback

On Android

1. Go to Settings → SIM Manager (Samsung) or Network & Internet → SIMs (Pixel)
2. Set Mobile data to the eSIM
3. Set Calls and SMS to your physical SIM

This way, incoming calls reach your home number while all data goes through the affordable local eSIM.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

"eSIM cannot be added" or "Invalid QR code"

• Ensure your phone is carrier-unlocked
• Check that you are scanning the correct QR code (not a receipt or order confirmation)
• Verify your device is connected to WiFi
• Try entering the activation details manually instead of scanning

eSIM installed but no data connection

• Make sure the eSIM is set as your data SIM in settings
• Toggle airplane mode on and off to force a network reconnect
• Check that data roaming is enabled for the eSIM line (Settings → Mobile Data → your eSIM → Data Roaming)
• Restart your phone

Slow or unstable connection

• Check your remaining data balance with your eSIM provider
• Try manually selecting a different network: Settings → Mobile Data → your eSIM → Network Selection → switch from Automatic to Manual
• Move to an area with better coverage

QR code already used

Each QR code can typically only be scanned once. If you accidentally deleted the eSIM profile, contact your provider for a replacement code.

When to Install Your eSIM

You have two options:

1. Before your trip — install at home over WiFi, then activate when you land. This is the recommended approach, as you will have connectivity immediately upon arrival.

2. At your destination — install after landing using airport WiFi. This works but means a brief period without data while you find a WiFi connection.

For popular destinations like Spain, Turkey, or Thailand, pre-installation ensures you have maps, translation apps, and messaging ready from the moment you step off the plane.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install an eSIM without WiFi?

No. You need an internet connection to download the eSIM profile. Use your home WiFi before departure or airport WiFi at your destination. Once installed, the eSIM uses mobile data independently.

Can I install multiple eSIMs on the same phone?

Yes. Most phones can store multiple eSIM profiles — iPhones support 8–10, and most Android devices support at least 5. You can switch between them as needed for different trips.

Do I need to remove the eSIM after my trip?

No, but you can. Keeping the profile stored does not cost anything or affect your phone's performance. If you plan to revisit the same destination, having the profile ready can save time.

Can I transfer my eSIM to a new phone?

Generally, no. eSIM profiles are tied to the device they were downloaded to. If you switch phones, you will need a new QR code from your provider. Contact them before switching to arrange a transfer.

What if I set up the eSIM but it does not activate?

Some eSIM plans activate only when you arrive at the destination and your phone connects to a local network. If your plan shows as installed but not active, wait until you reach your destination and ensure data roaming is enabled for the eSIM line.

Not sure which plan to get? Learn how to choose the right eSIM data plan for your trip.