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
- Open Settings → Cellular (or Mobile Data)
- Tap Add eSIM (or Add Cellular Plan)
- Tap Use QR Code
- Point your camera at the QR code in your email
- Tap Continue and confirm the plan details
- Label the plan (e.g. “Travel Data”) and tap Done
Your eSIM is now installed. To activate it when you land:
- Go to Settings → Cellular
- Tap your travel eSIM
- Toggle Turn On This Line to on
- Set it as your Default Line for data (keep your home SIM for calls)
Activate on Android (Samsung, Pixel, etc.)
Samsung Galaxy:
- Open Settings → Connections → SIM card manager
- Tap Add mobile plan
- Tap Scan QR code and scan your eSIM QR code
- Follow the prompts to confirm and download
Google Pixel:
- Open Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs
- Tap Add SIM (or the + button)
- Tap Download a SIM instead?
- Scan your QR code
To activate on arrival:
- Go to SIM card manager (Samsung) or SIMs (Pixel)
- Enable your travel eSIM
- 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.