Before you start (2 minutes)
- Confirm your phone supports eSIM — search "eSIM" or "Add eSIM" in Settings; if the option exists, you're good. You can also look it up in the model database.
- Confirm your phone is unlocked — carrier-locked phones can't install another provider's eSIM. Ask your carrier to unlock first.
- Connect to stable WiFi — installation downloads a profile; small file, but the connection must not drop.
- Have your install details ready — the QR code from the seller's email, or the SM-DP+ address + activation code.
iPhone steps
Path: Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM (iOS 16 and later; older versions call it "Add Cellular Plan")
- Open Settings → Cellular and tap Add eSIM.
- Choose Use QR Code and scan the code from your seller. With text-only details, choose Enter Details Manually and fill in the SM-DP+ address and activation code.
- Tap through the prompts and wait for the profile to download (usually under a minute).
- Name the line (e.g. "Japan data") so you can tell multiple eSIMs apart later.
- Choose defaults: set Cellular Data to this eSIM; keep calls/texts on your original number.
Tip: iOS 17 and later support one-tap install — tapping the seller's install link jumps straight into the installer, no scanning needed.
Samsung steps
Path: Settings → Connections → SIM manager → Add eSIM (One UI 5 and later)
- Open Settings → Connections → SIM manager and tap Add eSIM.
- Choose Scan QR code, or Enter activation code to type it manually.
- Wait for the download, then name the SIM when prompted.
- In SIM manager, set Mobile data to this eSIM.
Pixel steps
Path: Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → Add SIM
- Open Settings → Network & internet and tap the add (+) next to SIMs.
- Choose Download a SIM instead (or "Use QR code"), then scan or enter manually.
- Once downloaded, enable it and switch Mobile data to this eSIM on the same screen.
Other Android phones
International versions of Huawei, Xiaomi, OPPO, vivo and Honor follow the same idea: Settings → Mobile network / SIM → Add eSIM. Fastest way: type "eSIM" in the Settings search box — if the option shows up, the phone supports it.
Note: China-market versions of these brands mostly don't support eSIM (regulatory reasons) — check your exact model before buying.
After install: 3 must-do settings
- Switch mobile data to the eSIM: Cellular/Mobile Data → select the newly installed eSIM.
- Turn on Data Roaming on the eSIM: travel eSIMs connect via roaming — no signal without this switch. This is where most first-timers get stuck.
- Turn off data roaming on your home SIM (or disable its data entirely): avoids surprise roaming charges. Calls and texts can stay on; only data needs to go.
Once a browser loads normally, you're set. Install and test before departure — some eSIMs pick up a roaming signal at home for verification; if not, don't panic, it usually connects automatically after landing.
No signal or no data after install? See the troubleshooting checklist — fix it by symptom.
FAQ
- Do I need internet to install an eSIM?
Yes. Installation downloads the profile from the carrier's server, so finish it on WiFi — ideally at home before departure, not at the airport after landing. - What if QR code scanning fails?
Check three things: stable WiFi, a complete and well-focused QR code, and an up-to-date OS. Otherwise use manual entry — the "enter manually" option with SM-DP+ address and activation code gives the identical result. - No signal after installing?
Check in order: the eSIM line is enabled; mobile data is switched to it; data roaming is on for it; restart the phone. Still nothing — ask the seller to confirm the plan is activated. - How early can I install?
1–2 days before departure on WiFi is ideal. Most plans count validity from first network activation, so early install wastes no days. Check the product page — a few count from purchase date. - How many eSIMs can one phone store?
Most recent phones store 5–8 or more, with 1–2 active at once. For multi-country trips, install them all upfront and enable the right one per country. - I deleted my eSIM by accident. Can I recover it?
Usually not. QR codes are mostly single-use — you'll need a new code from the seller (some reissue free, some require repurchase). Don't delete an eSIM you haven't finished using. - How do I switch which SIM uses data?
iPhone: Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data. Samsung: SIM manager. Pixel: Network & internet → SIMs. When using a travel eSIM abroad, turn off data roaming on your home SIM to avoid charges.