eSIM Installation & Activation
Get connected in minutes with our easy step-by-step guide for iPhone and Android devicesGet connected in minutes with our easy step-by-step guide for iPhone
One tap and you're connected
On iPhone (iOS 17.4 or newer) and Android 10+, open your order confirmation or My eSIMs page and tap the install button. Your phone's eSIM setup opens on its own, with no QR code to scan and no digging through Settings. Then switch on Data Roaming and you're online.On iPhone (iOS 17.4 or newer), open your order confirmation or My eSIMs page and tap the install button. Your iPhone's eSIM setup opens on its own, with no QR code to scan and no digging through Settings. Then switch on Data Roaming and you're online.
On an older device, or setting up from a different phone? Scan the QR code. The full step-by-step is below.
Before You Begin
When to Install
Install your eSIM a few hours before your trip. When you arrive, turn on data roaming for the eSIM and select it for mobile data.
Important
Ensure your device is network unlocked and eSIM compatible. Check compatibility
Things to Know
- On iPhone you can scan the QR code straight from the Camera app. On Android you must add it from your phone's eSIM settings - a camera or QR-reader app will not install it.On iPhone you can scan the QR code straight from the Camera app, then tap the “Mobile Plan Detected” notification that appears.
- Manual installation requires one code (Android) or two codes (iOS)Manual installation on iPhone requires two codes: the SM-DP+ address and the activation code
- QR codes have limited uses - if you remove the eSIM, you may not be able to reinstall it
Automatic Installation
Simply scan your QR code to install
(The QR code will be displayed after purchase and sent by email)
Manual Installation
Select your device type for step-by-step instructions
INSTALLATION
Tip: Have your QR code and/or manual installation codes from your email ready before starting.
Quick Method: On iPhone only, open the Camera app, scan the QR code and tap the eSIM notification that appears. Then skip to step 6.
Or follow these steps:
Go to Settings
Tap Mobile Service
Tap Add Data Plan or Add eSIM
Tap Use QR Code
Scan the QR code from your email
Can't scan the QR code? Use manual installation:
- •Tap Enter Details Manually
- •Enter the SM-DP+ address and Activation Code from your email
- •Click Next
After scanning or entering codes:
Your new data plan will appear. Click Continue and wait for identification
Click Done. Enter PIN if requested
Name your eSIM under "Label" and click Done
Select Primary for Default Line to keep your number for calls/messages
Select Primary for iMessage & FaceTime
Select your eSIMpass eSIM for Mobile Data. Disable "Allow Mobile Data Switching" to avoid roaming charges
Your iPhone may activate the plan immediately. To avoid using data before your trip, turn off roaming on all mobile data plans.
ACTIVATION
Note: Activation can only be done when you arrive at your destination.
Go to Settings
Tap Mobile Service
Select your eSIMpass eSIM from the list
Enable Turn On This Line
Verify your eSIMpass eSIM is selected as default for mobile/mobile data
Samsung
INSTALLATION
Tip: Have your QR code and/or manual installation code from your email ready.
Do not use the camera or a QR-scanner app
On Android, scanning the eSIM QR code with the camera or a QR-reader app will not install it - it normally just opens a web page, or does nothing at all. The eSIM can only be added from your phone's own settings, using the steps below.
Follow these steps:
Go to Settings
Tap Connections
Tap SIM manager
Under "eSIMs", tap +Add eSIM
Select Scan QR from service provider
Scan the QR code and wait for identification
Can't scan? Use manual installation:
- •Tap Enter activation code
- •Enter the manual installation code and click Continue
After scanning or entering code:
Tap Add. Enter PIN if requested
Tap your new plan and set a Name for it
ACTIVATION
Note: Activation can only be done at your destination.
Go to Settings → Connections → SIM manager
Under "Preferred SIMs", tap Mobile data
Select your eSIMpass eSIM for mobile data
Google Pixel
INSTALLATION
Tip: Have your QR code and/or manual installation code from your email ready.
Do not use the camera or a QR-scanner app
On Android, scanning the eSIM QR code with the camera or a QR-reader app will not install it - it normally just opens a web page, or does nothing at all. The eSIM can only be added from your phone's own settings, using the steps below.
Follow these steps:
Go to Settings
Tap Network & Internet
Tap the + icon next to your main plan
Tap Download a SIM instead?
When asked about using 2 SIMs, tap Yes
Tap Next
Scan the QR code and wait for identification
Can't scan? Use manual installation:
- •Scroll down and click Need help?
- •Tap Enter it Manually
- •Enter the code and click Continue
After scanning or entering code:
Tap Download. Enter PIN if requested
Tap your new plan and use the edit icon to set a Name
ACTIVATION
Note: Activation can only be done at your destination.
Go to Settings → Network & Internet → SIM
Select your eSIMpass eSIM
Enable Use SIM
Select your eSIMpass eSIM for data
If the installation fails
Almost every failed eSIM installation comes down to one of these four causes. Check them in order before contacting us.
You were offline during the installation
The eSIM profile is downloaded at the moment you install it, so your phone needs a working internet connection right then - Wi-Fi, or your existing mobile data. Connect first, then add the eSIM again.
Your phone has reached its eSIM profile limit
Phones can only store a limited number of eSIM profiles - typically 8 to 10 on iPhone and 5 to 7 on Samsung and Pixel. Once that limit is reached, new installations fail. Open your eSIM settings, delete profiles from past trips you no longer need, then install again.iPhones can only store a limited number of eSIM profiles - typically 8 to 10. Once that limit is reached, new installations fail. Open Settings > Mobile Service, delete profiles from past trips you no longer need, then install again.
Only delete old or expired profiles. Never delete the profile for your own home network line.
You scanned the QR code in the wrong app
On Android, camera and QR-reader apps cannot install an eSIM. Open your phone's eSIM settings first - on Samsung, Settings > Connections > SIM manager > Add eSIM; on Pixel, Settings > Network & Internet > + > Download a SIM instead? - and only scan the code once you are there.Scan the QR code with the Camera app while it is on screen, then tap the “Mobile Plan Detected” notification. A screenshot opened in Photos will not trigger it - if the code is already saved as an image, use Settings > Mobile Service > Add eSIM > Use QR Code, or enter the codes by hand.
The QR code has already been used
Each QR code installs one eSIM, on one device. If the profile was already installed - even on a device you later reset - the same code cannot be used again. Contact us with your order number and we will check its status.
Still stuck? Email [email protected] with your order number and the exact error message shown on your screen, and we will check the eSIM from our side.
How to Install Your eSIM
Watch our quick guide to scanning and activating your eSIM QR code.