How to Install an eSIM on Your Phone
Install your travel eSIM before you leave, while you still have stable Wi-Fi. This guide shows the practical steps for iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel and other Android phones, plus the settings to check before you use mobile data abroad.
Before You Start
Most installation problems happen because the phone is not compatible, the device is carrier-locked, or the setup is attempted without a reliable internet connection. Check these points first so the installation is clean.
Use Wi-Fi
Install the eSIM while connected to stable Wi-Fi. Your phone needs internet access to download the mobile profile.
Check compatibility
Confirm that your phone supports eSIM. If you are unsure, check for an EID number or use our compatibility guide.
Check carrier lock
Your phone should be unlocked. A locked phone may reject a travel data profile from another provider.
Do not delete it
Many travel profiles can only be installed once. Delete it only if the plan instructions or support team says it is safe.
Install an eSIM on iPhone
iPhone setup usually takes only a few minutes. The exact labels can vary by iOS version and region, but the flow is normally inside Cellular or Mobile Service settings.
Open cellular settings
Go to Settings and open Cellular or Mobile Service. Choose Add eSIM or Add Mobile Plan.
Scan the QR code
Use the camera view to scan the QR code from your order email or account page. If needed, choose manual entry.
Name the line
Label the new line as Travel, eSIM Club, or the destination name so you can recognize it later.
Choose data settings
Keep your primary SIM for calls if needed, and set the travel line as mobile data when you are ready to use the plan.
iPhone travel tip
Before you leave home, keep data roaming off on your primary SIM unless you intentionally want to use your home carrier abroad. When you arrive, select the travel line for mobile data and follow the plan activation instructions.
Install an eSIM on Android
Android menus vary by brand. Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel phones use different labels, but both normally let you add a mobile plan from network or SIM settings.
| Phone | Where to start | What to choose |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy | Settings → Connections → SIM manager | Add eSIM or Add mobile plan, then scan QR code |
| Google Pixel | Settings → Network & internet → SIMs | Add SIM, download a SIM, then scan QR code |
| Other Android phones | Settings → Network, Mobile network, or SIM settings | Look for Add eSIM, Download SIM, or Add mobile plan |
Manual installation
If QR scanning does not work, use the manual details from your order: SM-DP+ address and activation code.
After installation
Select the travel profile for mobile data and check whether data roaming should be enabled for that travel line.
Recommended Setup Timeline
Install the profile before departure, but activate mobile data according to your plan instructions. Some plans start when installed; others start when they connect to a supported network.
Before buying
Check phone compatibility, carrier lock status, destination, data amount and validity period.
Before departure
Install the mobile profile on Wi-Fi and save the setup email or account page offline.
During the flight
Leave airplane mode on. Do not change roaming settings until you land and are ready to connect.
After arrival
Select the travel line for mobile data, then test maps or browser access before leaving the airport.
During the trip
Track data usage and keep your main SIM roaming off unless you need calls or SMS from home.
If Your eSIM Does Not Work
Do not delete the profile immediately. Most connection problems are caused by the wrong data line, missing roaming setting, weak local signal, or the plan not being active yet.
Check the active data line
Make sure your phone is using the travel profile for mobile data, not your home SIM.
Check roaming on the travel line
Some travel data plans require data roaming to be enabled on the eSIM line only.
Restart the phone
A restart can help the device register on the local partner network after arrival.
Try network selection
If automatic selection fails, choose another available network listed in the plan details.
Confirm the plan has started
Check whether the plan is active, expired, out of data, or waiting to connect in the destination.
Contact support before deleting
Deleting an installed profile can make recovery harder, depending on the plan rules.
eSIM Installation FAQs
Should I install the eSIM before or after I arrive?
Install it before travel while you have reliable Wi-Fi. Activation timing depends on the plan, so read the instructions carefully before switching on mobile data abroad.
Can I install the same eSIM twice?
Many travel profiles are designed for one installation only. If you removed it by mistake, check your account or contact support before trying random setup steps.
Do I need to remove my physical SIM card?
Usually no. Most travelers keep their regular SIM in the phone and use the travel profile for mobile data.
Should data roaming be on or off?
Keep roaming off on your main SIM to avoid accidental charges. For the travel data line, follow the plan instructions because some plans require roaming on that line.
Why does my phone show no service after installation?
The plan may not connect until you are in the destination, or the phone may need a restart, correct data-line selection, or manual network selection.
Can I use hotspot after setup?
Hotspot depends on the selected plan and device settings. Check the plan details if you need to connect a laptop, tablet or another phone.
Install Your eSIM Before You Fly
Check compatibility, install the mobile profile on Wi-Fi, save the setup details, and travel with mobile data ready for your destination.