You bought an eSIM data plan. Now what?
Good news: installing it takes about 2 minutes. Here's exactly how to do it on every major phone.
Before you start
You need three things:
- A phone that supports eSIM
- A WiFi connection (just for the initial download)
- Your QR code (from the email you received after purchase)
Installing on iPhone (iOS 17+)
Step 1: Open Settings → Cellular (or Mobile Data)
Step 2: Tap "Add eSIM" or "Add Cellular Plan"
Step 3: Tap "Use QR Code"
Step 4: Point your camera at the QR code from your email. If you're reading the email on the same phone, take a screenshot first, then tap "Enter Details Manually" and paste the activation code.
Step 5: Tap "Add Cellular Plan"
Step 6: Label it (we suggest "Travel Data" or the country name)
Step 7: For "Default Line," keep your regular SIM as default for calls. Set the eSIM as default for "Cellular Data"
Step 8: Make sure "Data Roaming" is turned ON for the eSIM line
Done. You'll see signal bars appear when you arrive at your destination.
Installing on Samsung Galaxy
Step 1: Open Settings → Connections → SIM Manager
Step 2: Tap "Add eSIM"
Step 3: Tap "Scan QR code from service provider"
Step 4: Scan the QR code
Step 5: Tap "Add" when the carrier plan appears
Step 6: Wait for the profile to download (15-30 seconds)
Step 7: Go back to SIM Manager and set the eSIM for "Mobile data"
Step 8: Enable "Data roaming" for the eSIM
Installing on Google Pixel
Step 1: Open Settings → Network & internet → SIMs
Step 2: Tap "+ Add" or "Download a SIM"
Step 3: Tap "Next" → "Scan QR code"
Step 4: Scan the QR code
Step 5: Wait for download, tap "Done"
Step 6: Enable the eSIM and set it for data
Troubleshooting
"No eSIM option in settings" Your phone might not support eSIM. Check our compatible phones list. Some carrier-locked phones have eSIM disabled — contact your carrier to unlock it.
"Unable to add cellular plan" Make sure you have a stable WiFi connection. Try restarting your phone and scanning again.
"QR code not working" Try entering the activation code manually instead of scanning. The code looks like a long URL starting with LPA:1$...
"eSIM installed but no data" Check three things: (1) Data roaming is ON for the eSIM line, (2) The eSIM is set as the data line, (3) You're in the destination country — most travel eSIMs only activate at the destination.
"Can I install before my trip?" Yes, that's the recommended approach. Install at home on WiFi. The eSIM won't use data until you arrive at your destination and it connects to the local network.
Pro tips
Install before you fly. Don't wait until you land. Install on your home WiFi so it's ready when you arrive.
Label your eSIM clearly. "Japan Trip" or "Europe Data" — you'll thank yourself if you have multiple eSIMs stored.
Don't delete your eSIM too early. Some phones can only re-install an eSIM a limited number of times. Keep it active until you're sure you won't need it again.
Turn off your home carrier's data roaming. You want data to flow through the eSIM, not through your expensive home plan. Keep your home SIM active for calls and texts only.
New to eSIM? Start here: What Is an eSIM?
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