How to install an eSIM on iPhone and Android

Pre-flight checklist

Before you install, confirm these four things:

• Your phone supports eSIM. Compatible models: iPhone XR and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer, and most 2022+ Android flagships.
• Your phone is not carrier-locked. Carrier-locked phones may block third-party eSIM profiles. Contact your carrier to confirm your phone is SIM-free.
• You have a WiFi connection. The eSIM profile downloads over the internet. You need WiFi or mobile data during installation.
• You have your QR code ready. After purchasing an eSIM plan, the provider sends a QR code via email or displays it in their app.

iPhone installation (iOS 17+)

1. Open Settings and tap Cellular (or Mobile Data).
2. Tap Add eSIM (or Add Cellular Plan on older iOS versions).
3. Select Use QR Code. Point your camera at the QR code from your eSIM provider.
4. Your phone downloads the carrier profile. This takes 30 seconds to 2 minutes.
5. Tap Done. The eSIM appears as a second line in your Cellular settings.
6. Label the eSIM (e.g., "Travel Data") to distinguish it from your carrier line.
7. Set the eSIM as your default data line: Cellular > Cellular Data > select the eSIM.

On iPhone 14 US models and newer (eSIM-only, no physical SIM slot), the process is the same. Your carrier profile is already on one eSIM slot, and the travel eSIM goes on the second.

Android installation (Google Pixel)

1. Open Settings and tap Network & internet.
2. Tap SIMs, then tap Add SIM (or the + icon).
3. Select Download a SIM instead? at the bottom of the screen.
4. Tap Next, then scan the QR code from your eSIM provider.
5. Wait for the profile to download (30 seconds to 2 minutes).
6. Tap Done. Go back to SIMs and enable the new eSIM for mobile data.

Android installation (Samsung Galaxy)

1. Open Settings and tap Connections.
2. Tap SIM manager (or SIM card manager).
3. Tap Add eSIM under the eSIM section.
4. Select Scan QR code from service provider.
5. Point your camera at the QR code. The profile downloads automatically.
6. Tap Confirm and set the eSIM as your mobile data SIM.

iPhone 15 and iPhone 16: eSIM on US models with no SIM tray

Starting with iPhone 14, all US-sold iPhones have no physical SIM tray. Your carrier plan runs on one eSIM slot. Your travel eSIM goes on the second slot. Apple supports up to 8 eSIM profiles stored on iPhone 15 and iPhone 16, with 2 active at the same time.

The installation process is the same: Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Use QR Code. The only difference is that you cannot fall back to a physical SIM if something goes wrong. Make sure you install the travel eSIM at home on WiFi before your trip. If you need to remove a stored eSIM to make room, go to Settings > Cellular, select the profile, and tap Delete eSIM.

iPhones sold outside the US (Europe, Asia, Australia) still have a physical SIM tray alongside eSIM. On these models, you can run a physical SIM + eSIM, or two eSIMs with the tray empty.

Samsung Galaxy S24 and S25: eSIM installation

Samsung Galaxy S24 and S25 support eSIM alongside a physical nano-SIM. Samsung uses a different menu path than Google Pixel:

1. Open Settings and tap Connections.
2. Tap SIM manager.
3. Tap Add eSIM.
4. Select Scan QR code from service provider.
5. Point your camera at the QR code. The profile downloads in 30 to 90 seconds.
6. Tap Confirm. Set the new eSIM as your mobile data line.

Samsung phones allow up to 5 stored eSIM profiles with 1 active at a time (plus the physical SIM). To switch between stored profiles, go to Settings > Connections > SIM manager and toggle the profile you want.

Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 9: eSIM installation

Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 support eSIM with a straightforward menu. Pixel 9 is eSIM-only (no SIM tray) in the US, similar to recent iPhones.

1. Open Settings and tap Network & internet.
2. Tap SIMs.
3. Tap Add SIM (or the + icon).
4. Tap Download a SIM instead?
5. Scan the QR code from your eSIM provider.
6. Wait for the download (30 seconds to 2 minutes). Tap Done.

Pixel phones also support eSIM activation through the provider's app. If Airalo, Holafly, Saily, or Nomad offer in-app activation, the app writes the eSIM profile directly without a QR code scan.

After installation: configure dual SIM

With both your carrier SIM and travel eSIM active, your phone runs in dual SIM mode. Set the travel eSIM as the default for cellular data so all internet traffic goes through it. Keep your carrier SIM as default for calls and messages so your home number stays reachable.

Turn off data roaming on your carrier SIM. This prevents your carrier from charging roaming fees while your eSIM handles all data. Traveling in Europe? Read our EU roaming guide to understand how EU roaming rules still apply alongside your eSIM.

Troubleshooting common issues

QR code does not scan

Open the QR code on a different device (laptop or tablet) and scan it with your phone. You cannot scan a QR code displayed on the same phone that needs to install it. Most providers also offer a manual activation code you can type in. In the Airalo app, you can also tap "Install Manually" and paste the SM-DP+ address and activation code directly into your phone's cellular settings.

"eSIM not activating" or "No service" after install

This is the most common eSIM issue. Try these steps in order:

1. Check that you have a WiFi or data connection. The eSIM profile needs to finish downloading.
2. Restart your phone. A reboot forces the modem to re-register the eSIM profile.
3. Go to Settings > Cellular and confirm the eSIM line is toggled on and set as the data line.
4. Check if the eSIM activates only at the destination. Some providers delay activation until your phone connects to a tower in the covered country.
5. Verify the APN settings. Some eSIMs require a specific APN. Check your provider's email or app for APN instructions.
6. If none of the above works, delete the eSIM profile and re-scan the QR code. Contact your provider for a replacement code if the original has expired.

QR code expired

Most eSIM QR codes are valid for 30 to 90 days after purchase. If your QR code has expired, contact your provider for a new one. Airalo reissues codes through in-app chat. Holafly reissues through their 24/7 live chat. Saily and Nomad handle replacements via email (expect 12 to 48 hours).

Phone says eSIM is not supported

Carrier-locked phones may block eSIM installation. Contact your carrier to remove the lock. On iPhone, go to Settings > General > About. If you see "No SIM restrictions," your phone is SIM-free. On Samsung, dial *#06# and check for an EID number. If no EID appears, your phone model may not support eSIM.

How long does eSIM installation take on each phone

We timed the installation process on current-generation phones using an Airalo Japan eSIM over home WiFi. Here are the results:

Times measured on home WiFi (100 Mbps). Slower connections may take up to 5 minutes. Tested June 2026.

eSIM vs carrier roaming: why install an eSIM instead

The reason to install a travel eSIM is the price difference. Here is the cost comparison for a 7-day trip:

• AT&T International Day Pass: $70 (7 x $10/day)
• Verizon TravelPass: $70 (7 x $10/day)
• T-Mobile Go5G Pass: $35-105 ($5-15/day depending on tier)
• Travel eSIM (5 GB): $4-15 total for the same week

The eSIM connects to the same local towers your carrier would use for roaming. AT&T roaming in Japan runs on SoftBank towers. An Airalo eSIM in Japan also runs on SoftBank towers. The network is identical; the price is 78% to 94% lower.

For a couple traveling together, two carrier daily passes cost $140 per week. Two travel eSIMs cost $8 to $30 per week. The savings cover a meal at a good restaurant. See all carrier roaming rates compared for the full breakdown.

Which eSIM provider to choose

All four major providers use the same QR code installation process. The choice comes down to coverage, pricing, and data type. See our ranked comparison of all 4 providers to find the right one for your trip.

New to eSIM? Read our eSIM vs physical SIM comparison to understand the differences. Or learn about data roaming costs to see why travelers are switching to eSIM.

Ready to install? Find eSIM plans for: Japan · France · Thailand

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to install an eSIM?

Most eSIM installations take under two minutes. You scan a QR code in your phone's cellular settings, the profile downloads in 30-60 seconds, and you toggle the data line on. The entire process works over WiFi before you leave home.

Can I install an eSIM without WiFi?

You need an internet connection to download the eSIM profile. WiFi is the most reliable option, but mobile data on your existing SIM works too. Install before your trip while you have a stable connection.

What happens if my eSIM QR code doesn't work?

First, make sure you're scanning with your phone's camera app or cellular settings — not a general QR reader. If the code still fails, check that your phone model supports eSIM and that your carrier hasn't locked eSIM functionality. Contact the eSIM provider's support for a replacement code.

Can I use an eSIM and my regular SIM at the same time?

Yes. Modern phones run both lines simultaneously. Keep your home SIM for calls and texts, and route data through the eSIM. Switch between them in Settings under Cellular or Mobile Data.

Related guides

• EU roaming guide: what the rules mean for your trip
• How to use WhatsApp abroad without roaming charges
• How to turn off data roaming on iPhone and Android
• Best eSIM for travel: all 4 providers ranked