eSIM installation guide
A travel eSIM installs in a couple of minutes from a QR code, with no SIM card to swap and no app to download. Set it up before you travel, then switch it on when you land. Here's the whole process, start to finish.
Before you start
Check your phone supports eSIM
Most phones from 2018 on qualify, and they need to be carrier-unlocked. Look yours up with the compatibility checker, or dial *#06#: if an EID is listed, you're good to go.
Find your QR code
Your QR code is on your order page and in your confirmation email, ready the moment your payment clears. Open it on a second screen so you can scan it with the phone you're installing to.
Install on Wi-Fi, before you go
Install over a stable Wi-Fi connection, ideally at home before your trip. You can install now and wait to switch the eSIM on until you arrive; most plans only start counting down once you connect at your destination.
How to install your eSIM
iPhone
- While connected to Wi-Fi, go to Settings → Cellular (or Mobile Data) → Add eSIM (or Add Mobile Plan).
- Choose Use QR Code and scan your QR code. If you are viewing your order on this iPhone, you can instead tap Install on iPhone (iOS 17.4 or later).
- Follow the prompts to add the plan, then label the new line (for example, “Travel”) so it is easy to find.
- At your destination, turn on the Travel line, select it under Cellular Data, turn off Allow Cellular Data Switching, then turn on that line’s Data Roaming.
Android
- While connected to Wi-Fi, open your SIM settings. On Pixel: Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → Add SIM → Set up an eSIM. On Samsung: Settings → Connections → SIM manager → Add eSIM or Add mobile plan.
- Choose the option to scan a QR code, then scan and download the eSIM. If you are viewing your order on the phone, Install on Android may open the installer on supported devices; use the QR code or manual details if it does not.
- At your destination, enable the Travel eSIM and choose it for Mobile data.
- In the Travel eSIM’s settings, turn on Data roaming. Keep roaming off on your home SIM.
Travel eSIMs usually need Data Roaming switched on to connect. Turn it on only for the Travel eSIM, and keep roaming off on your regular SIM to avoid home-carrier data charges. Follow any different roaming or activation instruction shown on your order.
Not connecting?
Nine times out of ten it's Data Roaming left off on the eSIM line; turning it on is safe and only uses your prepaid data. For that fix and every other one, work through our help & troubleshooting guide.
Travelling to Turkey, Uzbekistan, Georgia or Japan? A few plans there need one extra APN setting; the country-specific steps cover it.
eSIM installation questions
Can I install my eSIM before I travel?
Yes. Install it at home on Wi-Fi, then switch it on once you land. Most plans only start counting down when the eSIM first connects at your destination, so installing early costs you nothing.
How long does it take to install an eSIM?
A couple of minutes. You scan one QR code (or tap the install link on your order), give the line a name, and you're done. There's no app to download.
Can I install an eSIM without scanning a QR code?
Yes. If you can't scan the code, your order page also lists the manual details (the SM-DP+ address and activation code) that you can type in by hand instead.
Why won't my eSIM connect after I install it?
Nine times out of ten, Data Roaming is switched off on the eSIM line. Turning it on is safe and only uses your prepaid data.
Can I reinstall an eSIM or move it to another phone?
An eSIM QR code installs once and stays on that phone. If you remove it you usually can't reinstall it, and topping up means buying a new plan, which you can do anytime.