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How to install an eSIM on iPhone and Android
Step-by-step eSIM installation on iPhone and Android: scan the QR code, set up the line and turn on data roaming when you land.
See plans and buy →The QR code arrives by email a few minutes after payment. Install it before you leave, while you're on Wi-Fi.
Before you start
- Connect to Wi-Fi: the eSIM profile downloads from the internet during setup.
- Your phone must support eSIM and be carrier-unlocked.
- Open the QR code on another screen or print it; you'll scan it with the phone's own camera.
Choose your phone
Go to Settings → Cellular (Mobile Data on some models) and tap Add eSIM.
Choose Use QR Code and point the camera at the QR code from your email.
Give the new line a label, for example "Travel", so you can tell it apart from your main line.
Keep your main line as the default line (for calls and iMessage). Choose "Travel" for Cellular Data.
Leave Allow Cellular Data Switching off so your main line doesn't use data abroad.
When you land: Settings → Cellular → Travel → turn on Data Roaming. You'll be online within seconds.
Samsung: Settings → Connections → SIM manager → Add eSIM. Pixel: Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → Add SIM.
Choose Scan QR code, scan the code from your email and wait for the download to finish.
Turn the new line on and give it a name like "Travel".
Pick the eSIM line for mobile data; calls and SMS stay on your main line.
When you land: open the eSIM line in SIM manager (SIMs on Pixel) and turn on Roaming.
Menu names vary slightly by brand, model and language.
Install without scanning a QR code
- One tap on iPhone: open the QR email on the iPhone itself and tap the install link; the eSIM screen opens directly.
- Manual install: on iPhone, Add eSIM → Use QR Code → Enter Details Manually; on Android, the "Need help" or "Enter code" option on the QR screen. Type the SM-DP+ address and activation code from your email.
Important
- The QR code works only once. Don't delete the eSIM after installing it; the same code can't be installed again.
- Install while on Wi-Fi, ideally before you leave.
- Your main line stays on: calls and SMS keep coming and your WhatsApp number doesn't change.
Troubleshooting
It's installed but there's no internet
Make sure the eSIM is your mobile data line and data roaming is on for it. Turn airplane mode on for 10 seconds, then off. Still nothing? Check the eSIM line's APN (iPhone: Cellular → Travel → Cellular Data Network; Android: Access Point Names) and set it to globaldata.
"This code is no longer valid"
It means the QR code has already been used. Check your eSIM list first: if the line is there, setup is complete. If it isn't, or you deleted the eSIM, write to us and we'll sort it out.
My phone is carrier-locked
A locked phone can't add or use another carrier's eSIM. The carrier you bought it from has to unlock it; check this before buying a plan.
There's no "Add eSIM" option
Your phone may not support eSIM. Dial *#06#: if you see an EID, eSIM is supported.
FAQ
When should I install the eSIM?
Before you leave, while on Wi-Fi. On arrival just turn on data roaming for the eSIM line.
Should I delete the eSIM when my plan runs out?
No. You can add a new plan to the same eSIM from My eSIMs; no new QR code needed.
Can I use one eSIM on two phones?
No, each QR code installs once on one phone. Buy one plan per person.
Will my number or WhatsApp change?
No. The eSIM is data only; your main line stays on, so calls and WhatsApp keep your number.
"This code is no longer valid"
It means the QR code has already been used. Check your eSIM list first: if the line is there, setup is complete. If it isn't, or you deleted the eSIM, write to us and we'll sort it out.
Ready?
Pick your plan, or open My eSIMs to see your remaining data and top up the same eSIM.