eSIM Installation Guide
From purchase to connected — takes under 5 minutes.
1. Buy a plan
Choose a plan on e-sim.co and purchase on the provider's site
2. Scan QR code
Scan the QR code you receive by email in your phone settings
3. Arrive & connect
Your eSIM activates automatically when you land
Before You Start
Make sure you have the following:
- eSIM-compatible device — Most phones released after 2018 support eSIM. Check Settings > About > eSIM or Digital SIM.
- Carrier-unlocked phone — Your phone must be unlocked to use a foreign provider's plan. Contact your carrier to unlock if needed.
- Wi-Fi connection — You need internet access to download the eSIM profile. Do this before you travel.
- Valid email address — Your QR code is sent to the email used at purchase. Keep it accessible.
Installing on iPhone
Purchase your plan
Find your destination on e-sim.co, click View Deal, and complete the purchase on the provider's website. You'll receive a QR code by email.
Open iPhone Settings
Go to Settings → Mobile Data (or Cellular) → Add eSIM.
Scan the QR code
Tap 'Use QR Code' and scan the QR code from your email. If you're on the same device, tap 'Enter Details Manually' and type the activation code instead.
Confirm the plan details
Your iPhone will display the plan details. Tap 'Continue' and then 'Add Mobile Plan' to confirm.
Label your eSIM
Give the eSIM a label like 'Travel' to distinguish it from your primary line.
Set data preferences
Go to Settings → Mobile Data → select your travel eSIM as the data line. Enable 'Data Roaming' for the eSIM. Keep your home SIM for calls/texts.
Arrive and connect
Your eSIM will connect automatically when you land. Pull down the Control Centre to confirm you have signal on the eSIM line.
Installing on Android
Purchase your plan
Find your destination on e-sim.co, click View Deal, and complete the purchase on the provider's website. You'll receive a QR code by email.
Open phone Settings
Go to Settings → Connections (or Network & Internet) → SIM Manager → Add eSIM (or Mobile Plans).
Scan the QR code
Select 'Scan QR code from service provider'. Point your camera at the QR code in your email. If activating on the same device, use another device to display the QR code or enter the activation code manually.
Confirm and download
Your phone will download the eSIM profile. This typically takes 15–60 seconds. Tap 'Activate' when prompted.
Set the eSIM as your data line
Go to Settings → SIM Manager → Mobile Data → select the travel eSIM. Enable data roaming for that SIM.
Arrive and connect
Your eSIM will connect to a local network when you arrive. You can check the active network in your notification bar.
Pro Tips
Install before you fly
You only need Wi-Fi to download the eSIM. Install it at home so you're connected the moment you land.
Screenshot the QR code
Keep a backup screenshot of your QR code before scanning, just in case you need provider support.
Keep your home SIM active
Leave your physical SIM in for calls and texts. Use the travel eSIM just for data.
Check roaming is enabled
Data roaming must be turned on for the eSIM line — even though you're using a local plan, it still counts as roaming on that line.
Use Wi-Fi for large downloads
Stream, browse, and navigate freely — but save big downloads (apps, updates) for hotel Wi-Fi to preserve your data allowance.
Top up before you run out
Most providers let you buy a new plan before your current one expires. Check the provider app to monitor usage.
Troubleshooting
eSIM shows 'No Service'
Toggle airplane mode off and on. Check that data roaming is enabled for the eSIM line. Wait 2–3 minutes after landing — network registration can take time.
QR code says 'already used' or 'invalid'
Contact the provider's support. Each QR code is single-use. If you accidentally deleted the eSIM after installing, the provider may be able to issue a replacement (varies by provider).
eSIM installed but no data
Go to Settings and confirm the travel eSIM is set as the active data line. Ensure data roaming is on. Some providers require an APN setting — check your confirmation email for instructions.
Phone says eSIM not supported
Your device may be locked to your home carrier. Contact them to request an unlock. Some budget Android phones do not have eSIM hardware even if newer — check your exact model's specifications.
Ready to compare plans?
Search your destination to see all available eSIM options.