Installing an eSIM on your phone
From placing your order to getting online, one step at a time.
Setting up an eSIM is quick: buy your plan, open the confirmation email and scan its QR code through your phone's settings. Do it at home over Wi-Fi before your trip, then switch the plan on once you arrive, so you have signal the moment you land.
All it takes is a compatible phone and a Wi-Fi connection, and the whole thing lasts a few minutes. Here are the steps.
Before you start
- Check your phone offers eSIM, for example an Add eSIM entry in the Mobile Data settings
- Check the handset is not carrier-locked
- Be on a Wi-Fi network
- Keep your confirmation email, which holds the QR code, within reach
Install an eSIM on iPhone
iPhone XS, XR and every model from the 11 to the 17 or later
- 1
Open Settings
Open Settings, tap Mobile Data, then Add eSIM (older iOS versions label it Add Cellular Plan).
- 2
Scan the QR code
Pick "Use QR Code", then aim the camera at the code shown in your confirmation email.
- 3
Confirm the eSIM plan
Press "Continue", followed by "Add Cellular Plan". Installation of the profile takes a few seconds.
- 4
Label the plan
Name it something like "Travel eSIM" or "Holiday" so it is easy to spot later.
- 5
Turn on data roaming
Under Mobile Data in Settings, choose your eSIM plan and enable "Data Roaming". The eSIM plan should also be the line assigned to mobile data.
eSIM on a Samsung Galaxy
From the Galaxy S20 up, including Z Flip and Z Fold phones
- 1
Open Settings
Open Settings, then Connections, then SIM manager, and tap Add eSIM.
- 2
Scan the QR code
Pick "Scan carrier QR code" and read the code from the email we sent you.
- 3
Add the profile
Accept the prompt and the profile downloads and switches on without further action.
- 4
Turn on data roaming
Inside Mobile networks (under Connections in Settings), enable "Data roaming" for the eSIM.
eSIM on a Google Pixel
Pixel 3 and later
- 1
Open Settings
Open Settings, then Network & internet, then SIMs, and tap Add eSIM.
- 2
Scan the QR code
Select "Use a QR code instead", then point the camera at it.
- 3
Confirm and activate
Go along with the prompts, after which the profile downloads and the eSIM turns on.
- 4
Turn on data roaming
Back in SIMs, select the eSIM and enable "Roaming".
Installing an eSIM on your device
iPhone (iOS)
iPhone XS through iPhone 16 and 16 Pro
Add eSIM is found under Mobile Data in Settings; scan your QR code there. Since iOS 17 an eSIM can also be moved over from an older iPhone. Lastly, enable roaming on the travel eSIM line.
Samsung Galaxy (Android)
Galaxy S20 up to S25, Z Flip and Z Fold
Under Connections in Settings, open SIM manager and choose Add eSIM, then scan the QR code. Make the travel eSIM your data line and enable roaming.
Google Pixel (Android)
Pixel 3 through Pixel 8 and 9
Under Network & internet in Settings, open SIMs and choose Add eSIM, then scan the QR code. Pick the eSIM for mobile data and enable roaming.
Making it all go smoothly
- Set it up on Wi-Fi ahead of departure rather than rushing at the airport
- Label the plan with your destination to spot it quickly
- Switch roaming off for your primary SIM, which avoids unexpected bills
- Once you land, confirm the eSIM has connected by itself
Having problems with the installation?
Frequently asked questions
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