You have bought a travel eSIM, and now you are not sure what to do with it. You do not want to be stuck at the airport with no signal. Good news: you can set it up at home, in about five minutes.
An eSIM is a SIM built into your phone, so there is no small plastic card to swap. Installing one means adding a mobile plan to your phone by scanning a code. This guide shows you how, for both iPhone and Android.
How do I install an eSIM on my phone?
The short answer: connect to Wi-Fi, open your phone's mobile settings, choose to add an eSIM, and scan the QR code you were emailed. Then turn the eSIM on when you land. Do the install at home, because you need an internet connection to do it.
A QR code is the square black-and-white pattern your phone camera can read. After you buy a plan, you receive one by email. That code carries everything your phone needs to add the plan.
What to check before you start
A few quick checks save you trouble later. Each one takes under a minute.
- Your phone works with eSIM. Most iPhones from the XS onwards do, and so do many newer Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel phones. See the eSIM compatible device list to be sure.
- Your phone is unlocked. A locked phone only accepts plans from the company that sold it to you. Ask your home provider if you are unsure.
- You have Wi-Fi. Home or hotel Wi-Fi is best. Mobile data from your normal SIM can work too, but it may cost you.
- Your QR code is ready. Open the email on a laptop or a second device. You cannot scan a code that is on the same screen you are installing from, unless you use the manual option below.
Not sure if your phone qualifies? Our guide on how to check if your phone supports eSIM takes about two minutes.
How to install an eSIM on iPhone
These steps work on iPhones running a recent version of iOS. Menu names can change slightly between versions.
- Connect your iPhone to Wi-Fi.
- Open Settings.
- Tap Mobile Service. In some countries this is called Cellular.
- Tap Add eSIM.
- Tap Use QR Code.
- Point your camera at the QR code from your email.
- Tap Continue when your phone asks to add the plan.
- Wait until the plan finishes adding. This can take a minute or two.
- Give the plan a clear name, such as "Travel".
Your phone will then ask which line to use for calls, messages and data. Keep your normal line for calls and messages. Set the travel eSIM for mobile data only. If you want a closer look at this part, read our guide to setting an eSIM as your default line for data.
What if the QR code will not scan on iPhone?
Choose Enter Details Manually on the scan screen. Then type in the address and activation code that came with your email. Your phone does the same job from those details.
How to install an eSIM on Android
Android phones come from many makers, so the menus look a little different on each. The steps below match Google Pixel and most Samsung Galaxy phones.
- Connect your phone to Wi-Fi.
- Open Settings.
- Tap Connections on Samsung, or Network & internet on Pixel.
- Tap SIM manager on Samsung, or SIMs on Pixel.
- Tap Add eSIM. On some phones this is a plus (+) sign.
- Choose Scan QR code.
- Scan the code from your email.
- Follow the prompts to finish adding the plan.
If your phone cannot find the Add eSIM option, search "SIM" in the Settings search bar. Also check that your phone really supports eSIM, because some models sold in certain countries do not.
For picture-led instructions, see our eSIM installation guide.
Should I install my eSIM at home or when I land?
Install it at home. Adding the plan needs a steady internet connection. Home Wi-Fi is far more reliable than airport Wi-Fi after a long flight.
Installing is not the same as turning the plan on. Most travel eSIMs only start using data once your phone connects to a network in your destination. Check your plan details for the exact start rule. Our article on what happens to your eSIM plan when you land explains it in more detail.
| When you install | Good points | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| At home, days before | Stable Wi-Fi, time to fix problems, no stress | Keep the plan switched off until you land |
| At the departure airport | Still on familiar Wi-Fi | Crowded, rushed, and a missed step can cost you |
| After you land | Nothing to remember in advance | You need working Wi-Fi first, and it may be slow or locked |
How do I turn my eSIM on when I arrive?
Once you have landed, switch your travel eSIM on and point your data at it. Then switch off data on your home line, so your home provider does not charge you roaming fees. Roaming means using another country's network, which your home company often bills at high rates.
On iPhone
- Open Settings and tap Mobile Service.
- Tap your travel plan and switch Turn On This Line on.
- Go back and tap Mobile Data. Choose your travel plan.
- Tap your home line and switch Data Roaming off.
On Android
- Open Settings and go to the SIM menu.
- Switch your travel eSIM on.
- Set Mobile data to your travel eSIM.
- Open your travel eSIM settings and switch Roaming on. This lets it connect to the local network.
- Switch roaming off on your home line.
Roaming on the travel eSIM is normal and safe. It is how the plan reaches a local network. The charges you want to avoid come from roaming on your home line.
Common install problems and quick fixes
- "Unable to add eSIM": check your Wi-Fi, restart your phone, and try the QR code again.
- The QR code says it is already used: a QR code usually works for one install only. Do not delete the eSIM from your phone after adding it. If you do, contact support for help.
- No Add eSIM option: your phone may not support eSIM, or it may be locked to one provider.
- Installed, but no signal abroad: make sure the eSIM is switched on, data is set to it, and roaming is on for that line. Restart your phone if it still does not connect.
Still stuck? Our frequently asked questions page covers more cases, and the support team can help with anything left over.
A simple checklist before you fly
- Confirm your phone works with eSIM and is unlocked.
- Install the eSIM on Wi-Fi at home.
- Name the plan so you can find it quickly.
- Keep your home line for calls and messages.
- Save your QR code email, or take a screenshot of the details.
- Plan to switch roaming off on your home line when you land.
Ready to travel with data waiting for you
Installing an eSIM is simpler than it sounds. Scan the code at home, switch the plan on when you land, and you skip both the roaming bill and the hunt for a local SIM. If you have not chosen a plan yet, you can see all options on our eSIM plans page.
