Last updated March 2026

How to Activate Your eSIM — Step by Step

Before you start

Make sure:

  • Your phone is eSIM compatible (check here)
  • Your phone is carrier-unlocked (contact your home carrier if unsure)
  • You have a Wi-Fi connection (needed to download the eSIM profile)
  • You have the QR code from your purchase confirmation email

Activate on iPhone

  1. Open Settings → Cellular (or Mobile Data)
  2. Tap Add eSIM (or Add Cellular Plan)
  3. Tap Use QR Code
  4. Point your camera at the QR code in your email
  5. Tap Continue and confirm the plan details
  6. Label the plan (e.g. “Travel Data”) and tap Done

Your eSIM is now installed. To activate it when you land:

  1. Go to Settings → Cellular
  2. Tap your travel eSIM
  3. Toggle Turn On This Line to on
  4. Set it as your Default Line for data (keep your home SIM for calls)

Activate on Android (Samsung, Pixel, etc.)

Samsung Galaxy:

  1. Open Settings → Connections → SIM card manager
  2. Tap Add mobile plan
  3. Tap Scan QR code and scan your eSIM QR code
  4. Follow the prompts to confirm and download

Google Pixel:

  1. Open Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs
  2. Tap Add SIM (or the + button)
  3. Tap Download a SIM instead?
  4. Scan your QR code

To activate on arrival:

  1. Go to SIM card manager (Samsung) or SIMs (Pixel)
  2. Enable your travel eSIM
  3. Set it as preferred for mobile data

Tips

  • Download before you fly — you need Wi-Fi to install the eSIM profile
  • Keep home SIM enabled for calls — only switch data to your travel eSIM
  • Check validity — your plan validity starts from first data use, not from purchase
  • Hotspot is supported on most plans — check the plan description before buying

Troubleshooting

QR code not scanning? — Try increasing screen brightness on the device showing the code, or request a manual activation code from support.

“SIM not supported” error? — Your phone may be carrier-locked. Contact your home carrier to unlock it.

No data after activation? — Make sure your travel eSIM is set as the default data line in Settings, and toggle airplane mode off/on to force a network reconnect.