How to Activate an eSIM

Step-by-step guide for iPhone, Samsung, and Android

Activating an eSIM takes about 5 minutes. The exact steps depend on your phone, but the process is similar across all devices: scan a QR code, confirm, and connect.

Before You Start

  • Make sure your phone supports eSIM (check our compatible phones list)
  • Connect to Wi-Fi — you need internet to download the eSIM profile
  • Have your QR code ready (from your eSIM provider's email or app)
  • If you're activating a travel eSIM, you can do this before your trip

On iPhone

1

Open Settings

Go to Settings > Mobile Data (or Cellular) > Add eSIM.

2

Choose how to add

Select "Use QR Code" and point your camera at the QR code from your provider. Some providers also support direct app installation.

3

Confirm the plan

Your iPhone will show the plan details. Tap "Add Mobile Plan" to confirm.

4

Label your plan

Choose a label like "Travel" or "Business" to identify this eSIM. This helps when you have multiple plans.

5

Set your defaults

Choose which plan to use for calls, texts, and data. You can change this anytime in Settings.

On Samsung Galaxy

1

Open Settings

Go to Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > Add eSIM.

2

Scan the QR code

Select "Scan QR code from service provider" and point your camera at the code.

3

Download the profile

Your phone will download and install the eSIM profile. This usually takes 1-2 minutes.

4

Activate

Toggle the new eSIM on in SIM Manager. Choose whether to use it for calls, texts, or data.

On Google Pixel & Other Android

1

Open Settings

Go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Add (or the + icon).

2

Download the eSIM

Select "Download a SIM instead" and scan the QR code.

3

Confirm and activate

Review the plan details and confirm. The eSIM will download and activate automatically.

4

Configure

Choose your data and calling preferences if you have multiple SIMs.

Troubleshooting

  • QR code won't scan? Try entering the activation details manually. Your provider should give you an SM-DP+ address and activation code.
  • "eSIM could not be activated"? Check your internet connection. Try switching from Wi-Fi to mobile data (or vice versa) and scan again.
  • Phone says "no eSIM available"? Your phone may not support eSIM, or it may be carrier-locked. Contact your carrier to check.
  • Already used this QR code? Most eSIM QR codes can only be used once. If you've already installed this profile, check your SIM settings — it might just be toggled off.

Key Takeaway

The process is simple: scan, confirm, connect. If you can download an app, you can activate an eSIM.

Frequently Asked Questions

You need some form of internet connection to download the eSIM profile. If you don't have Wi-Fi, you can use your existing mobile data connection. Once the eSIM is downloaded, it works independently.

Usually 2-5 minutes. The download itself takes about 1 minute; the rest is just following the on-screen prompts. Some travel eSIMs activate instantly when you arrive at your destination.

Yes, and you should. Download and install the eSIM before your trip while you have Wi-Fi. Most travel eSIMs only start your data plan when you first connect to a network in your destination country.

Generally no. Most QR codes are single-use — once the profile is installed, the code is consumed. Keep your eSIM profile on your phone rather than deleting and reinstalling it. Some providers allow re-downloading from their app.