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
- Go to Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM.
- Choose Use QR Code and scan your QR code, or tap Install on iPhone on your order (iOS 17.4+).
- Label the new line (e.g. "Travel") so it's easy to find.
- At your destination: turn the line on, select it under Cellular Data, and switch on its Data Roaming.
Android
- Go to Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → Add eSIM (Samsung: Connections → SIM manager → Add eSIM).
- Scan your QR code and download the eSIM, or tap Install on Android on your order.
- At your destination: enable the eSIM and set it as your mobile data SIM.
- Switch on the eSIM's data roaming.
Roaming on the travel eSIM is required and safe: it's how travel eSIMs connect, and only your prepaid data is used. Keep roaming off on your regular SIM to avoid charges from your home carrier.
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.
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.