How to install an eSIM on iPhone and Android: one tap, QR code or manual entry
Installing a travel eSIM takes a couple of minutes on Wi-Fi: one tap in your phone’s browser, a QR code, or an address and code typed in. Step by step for iPhone and Android, what to choose when the phone asks, and what to do when you land.
Words like EID, SM-DP+ and APN explained: eSIM terms
Where the install code is
Minutes after paying it is on the order page and in My cards, and it is emailed to you. Each card there has three tabs: Quick, QR code and Manual.
Before you start
- Check the phone can take an eSIM: dial *#06#, and an EID line means it can.
- Connect to Wi-Fi: the eSIM downloads over the internet.
- Each eSIM only needs to be installed once. Do not reinstall one that is already installed (you will see "Unable to activate"), and do not delete it: once deleted it usually cannot be installed again.
- A mainland-China iPhone Air or 17e will not install it while in mainland China: install after you arrive, with Location Services on. It holds at most two eSIMs; with two already, delete one first
Three ways to install
- Quick: tap Install now on the card in My cards, opened in Safari or your phone’s own browser. Opened inside another app’s browser (WeChat, say), use the QR code or manual entry instead.
- QR code: in Settings on the phone you are installing on, tap Add eSIM and choose to use a QR code. Only one phone? Save the QR code image first, then pick it from your photos.
- Manual: In your phone's eSIM setup, choose manual entry. Some devices ask for the SM-DP+ address and activation code separately; others accept the full install code pasted in one go.
On iPhone
- Open Settings → Cellular / Mobile Data → Add eSIM
- Choose Use QR Code and scan the code on the QR code tab (one phone only? save the image first and pick it from Photos), or choose Enter Details Manually and use the SM-DP+ address and activation code on the Manual tab
- After installing, iPhone asks four questions in a row. Choose:
- Line label: "Travel"
- Default line: your home number (Primary), so calls and texts still use it
- iMessage & FaceTime: your home number
- Cellular data: "Travel" (still at home? keep your home number and switch when you land), and turn off "Allow Cellular Data Switching"
On Android
- Open Settings → Network & internet / Mobile network → SIM manager
- Choose Add eSIM / Download a SIM / Scan carrier QR code
- Scan the QR code, or choose manual entry and enter the activation code. Menu paths vary by manufacturer
- After installing, select this eSIM for mobile data and turn on data roaming
After installing
- iPhone: Open Settings → Cellular, tap the "Travel" eSIM and turn on Data Roaming. When you arrive, switch Cellular Data to "Travel".
- Android: Open Settings → Mobile network / SIM manager, tap this eSIM and turn on roaming. When you arrive, switch mobile data to this eSIM.
If it does not connect
- Make sure mobile data is using this eSIM and data roaming is on
- If the card shows access point (APN) details, enter them in the phone’s mobile network settings and restart the network.
- Test again after you arrive; some plans do not connect at your departure location
- Do not delete the installed eSIM. Once deleted, the same setup usually cannot be installed again
Questions
How do I install an eSIM on my phone?
Three ways: one tap in Safari or your phone’s own browser, scanning the QR code, or entering the SM-DP+ address and activation code by hand. On iPhone: Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM. On Android: Settings → Network & internet (or Mobile network) → SIM manager → Add eSIM.
Where is my eSIM QR code?
On the order page and in My cards, minutes after paying, and in your email. Installing on the same phone? Save the image and pick it from your photos.
What do I choose when my iPhone asks about lines?
Label it “Travel”; keep your home number as the default line and for iMessage and FaceTime; use “Travel” for cellular data once you land, with Allow Cellular Data Switching off.
Can I scan an eSIM QR code again, or install the same eSIM twice?
No: each code installs its eSIM once, on one phone. Do not delete it after installing; it usually cannot be installed again.
Can I install the eSIM before I travel?
Yes: install it at home over Wi-Fi and turn on its data roaming when you land. Most plans start counting from the first connection there. Mainland-China models such as the iPhone Air are the exception: install those on arrival.
How long does an eSIM take to activate?
Installing takes a minute or two, online. It activates when it first joins a network at your destination: turn on its data roaming after landing and it usually connects within a few minutes. Most plans start counting from that first connection.
Can I use my home SIM and the eSIM together? Which one does data?
Yes, both stay on: the home line for calls and texts, the travel eSIM for data. Pick the eSIM for data in Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data on iPhone, or the default mobile data setting under SIM manager (Dual SIM) on Android, and leave data roaming off on the home line.