How it works

Setting up eSIM on iPhone (XR/XS and newer)

iPhones from the XR/XS generation onward (2018+) support eSIM. U.S. iPhone 14 and newer models are eSIM-only. Here’s how to install your eSIM profile:

Method 1: Scan QR code (recommended)

1. Open Settings
   

   Tap the Settings app on your home screen.

2. Navigate to Cellular
   

   Tap Cellular (or Mobile Data in some regions).

3. Add eSIM
   

   Tap Add Cellular Plan or Add eSIM. Your camera will activate to scan a QR code.

4. Scan the QR code
   

   Position your phone camera over the QR code provided by your eSIM provider. It should be recognized automatically within a few seconds.

5. Add cellular plan
   

   Once detected, tap Add Cellular Plan at the bottom of the screen. The eSIM profile will download over Wi-Fi.

6. Label your eSIM
   

   Give your new plan a recognizable name like “Travel – Japan” or “Holafly Europe.” This helps you identify it later if you have multiple plans.

7. Choose default line
   

   Select which line you want to use for cellular data. For travel, you’ll typically choose the new eSIM for data and keep your home SIM for calls.

8. Complete setup
   

   Tap Continue through the remaining prompts. Your eSIM is now installed and ready to activate.

Method 2: Manual entry

If you have activation details instead of a QR code, or if the camera won’t scan properly:

1. Follow steps 1-3 above to reach the QR code scanner
2. Tap Enter Details Manually at the bottom
3. Enter the SM-DP+ Address and Activation Code provided by your eSIM provider
4. Tap Next and follow the remaining prompts

Method 3: eSIM Quick Transfer (iOS 16+)

If you’re upgrading to a new iPhone and have iOS 16 or later, you can transfer your eSIM from your old device:

1. During setup of your new iPhone, choose Transfer from iPhone
2. Follow the prompts to transfer your eSIM along with other data
3. Alternatively, go to Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM and choose Transfer from Nearby iPhone

Setting up eSIM on Android

The exact steps for Android vary by manufacturer and Android version, but the general process is similar across devices. These instructions work for most Android 9+ devices:

General Android setup

1. Open Settings
   

   Tap the Settings app in your app drawer.

2. Navigate to Network settings
   

   Look for Network & Internet, Connections, or SIM card manager(varies by manufacturer).

3. Access SIM settings
   

   Tap SIMs, Mobile Network, or SIM card manager.

4. Add eSIM
   

   Look for Add mobile plan, Add eSIM, or a + icon. Some devices may say Download a SIM instead.

5. Scan QR code
   

   Select Scan QR code and position your camera over the code provided by your eSIM provider.

6. Download profile
   

   Tap Add or Download to install the eSIM profile. This requires a Wi-Fi connection.

7. Enable the eSIM
   

   Once downloaded, toggle the eSIM on if it isn’t enabled automatically. You may need to restart your device.

8. Set as mobile data
   

   Go back to SIM settings and set your new eSIM as the preferred line for Mobile data.

Setting up eSIM on Samsung Galaxy

Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer (plus select Galaxy Z Fold/Flip models) support eSIM. Samsung’s One UI interface has a slightly different layout:

1. Open Settings
   

   Tap the Settings app.

2. Go to Connections
   

   Tap Connections near the top of Settings.

3. Select SIM card manager
   

   Tap SIM card manager (or SIM manager).

4. Add mobile plan
   

   Tap Add mobile plan or Add eSIM.

5. Scan QR code
   

   Choose Scan QR code from service provider and scan your eSIM QR code.

6. Add the plan
   

   Tap Add to download the profile. Wait for it to complete.

7. Enable and configure
   

   Toggle the eSIM on, give it a name, and set it as your preferred data line in SIM card manager.

Setting up eSIM on Google Pixel

Google Pixel devices (Pixel 3 and newer) have excellent eSIM support. Pixel 7 and newer also support converting your physical SIM to eSIM:

Installing a new eSIM

1. Open Settings
   

   Tap Settings from your app drawer.

2. Go to Network & internet
   

   Tap Network & internet.

3. Select SIMs
   

   Tap the + icon next to “SIMs” or tap Add more.

4. Download a SIM
   

   Choose Download a SIM instead?

5. Scan QR code
   

   Tap Next and scan your eSIM QR code.

6. Download and enable
   

   Tap Download, wait for the profile to install, then tap Done.

7. Set preferences
   

   Choose which SIM to use for mobile data, calls, and SMS in your SIM settings.

Converting physical SIM to eSIM (Pixel 7+)

Pixel 7 and newer models can convert your existing physical SIM to an eSIM, freeing up the SIM slot:

1. Go to Settings → Network & internet → SIMs
2. Select your physical SIM and tap Convert to eSIM
3. Follow the prompts to complete the conversion (requires carrier support)
4. Once complete, you can remove the physical SIM card

Activating your eSIM and configuring settings

After installing your eSIM profile, you need to configure when and how it’s used. This is especially important for travelers managing both a home SIM and travel eSIM:

When to activate

Most travel eSIM plans start their validity period when you first turn them on, not when you install them. Best practices:

• Install before your trip while you have reliable Wi-Fi at home
• Keep the eSIM turned off until you reach your destination
• Activate when you land by toggling it on in your settings
• Turn off data roaming on your home SIM to avoid roaming charges

Dual SIM configuration

If you’re using both your home SIM and a travel eSIM, configure your device to use each for different purposes:

Data roaming settings

Some eSIM providers require data roaming to be enabled even though you’re using a local network profile. Check your provider’s instructions:

• iPhone: Settings → Cellular → [Your eSIM] → Data Roaming (toggle on if required)
• Android: Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → [Your eSIM] → Roaming (toggle on if required)