To install an eSIM on iPhone, connect to Wi-Fi, go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Use QR Code, and scan the code from your carrier or eSIM provider. You can also just point the iPhone’s Camera at the QR code and tap Cellular Plan Detected. On Android, go to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > Add SIM (Google Pixel) or Settings > Connections > SIM manager > Add eSIM (Samsung Galaxy) and scan the code. The eSIM activates when it connects to its network. For a travel eSIM that’s usually when you land and turn the line on, with that line selected for mobile data and Data Roaming on.
Your phone must support eSIM and be carrier-unlocked (or locked to the carrier whose eSIM you’re adding). iPhone XS, XR and later all support eSIM.
Install vs. activate: what’s the difference?
| Install (download) | Activate (connect) | |
|---|---|---|
| What happens | The eSIM profile is downloaded to the phone | The line registers on a mobile network |
| Connection needed | Wi-Fi or another internet connection | Network coverage (often at the destination for travel eSIMs) |
| Best timing for travel | Before you fly | Often on first connection abroad |
| Validity period | Usually does not start yet | Travel plans may start the validity clock |
- Installing (also called downloading or adding) puts the eSIM profile on your phone. It needs an internet connection, usually Wi-Fi, and you can only do it once per QR code with most providers.
- Activating is when the line registers on a mobile network and starts working. For a carrier line, this often happens within minutes. For a travel eSIM, many plans activate (and start their validity countdown) on the first connection to a supported network in the destination. Some start the clock at installation. Check your plan’s terms.
Best practice for travel: install the eSIM at home a day or two before you leave, keep it turned off or not selected for data, then switch to it when you land.
Before you install: checklist
- [ ] Compatible phone: check for an EID under Settings > General > About (iPhone) or Settings > About phone (Android). eSIM compatibility guide
- [ ] Unlocked phone: how to check if your phone is unlocked
- [ ] Wi-Fi connection (in some countries, eSIM-only iPhones can activate without Wi-Fi, but Wi-Fi is the safe default)
- [ ] QR code on a second screen or printed, or the provider’s app or link ready (how to get an eSIM QR code)
- [ ] Don’t delete the eSIM after installing. Most QR codes can’t be reused.
How to install an eSIM on iPhone
Steps checked against Apple’s current documentation for iOS 26 and iOS 27. Outside the US, Cellular may read Mobile Service or Mobile Data.
| Method | How it works |
|---|---|
| QR code | Scan with the Camera app or from Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Use QR Code |
| Link or Carrier Activation | Tap the provider link, or the Cellular Plan Ready notification |
| Provider app | The app installs the profile for you (common for travel eSIMs) |
| Manual details | Enter the SM-DP+ address and activation code by hand |
Option A: Install with a QR code (most travel eSIMs)
- Connect to Wi-Fi.
- Go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM (on some versions, Set Up Cellular or Add Cellular Plan).
- Tap Use QR Code and scan the code shown on another screen. - Quicker: open the Camera app, point it at the QR code and tap Cellular Plan Detected. - QR code is on the same iPhone? In iOS 17.4 and later, touch and hold the QR code in Mail or a browser and tap Add eSIM.
- Tap Continue, then Add Cellular Plan. Enter a confirmation code if the provider gave you one.
- Label the line, for example “Travel” or the country name, so you can tell it apart from your home number.
- Choose how to use the lines (default line for calls/iMessage, line for Cellular Data). With iOS 26 and later, a travel eSIM may ask whether you’ll use it at home or while traveling.
Option B: Install from a link or Carrier Activation
- Link: tap the eSIM link from your provider (iOS 17.4+), tap Allow on Activate New eSIM, then Continue.
- Carrier Activation: if your carrier assigned the eSIM to your iPhone, tap the Carrier Cellular Plan Ready to Be Installed notification (or find it in Settings), then tap Continue.
Option C: Install with the provider’s app
Many travel eSIM providers install the eSIM from inside their app. Tap Install in the app and approve the iOS prompts.
Option D: Enter the details manually
Go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM (or Add Cellular Plan) > Enter Details Manually, then type the SM-DP+ address and activation code from your provider exactly as given.
How to activate an eSIM on iPhone (and set it up for travel)
After installing, you need the line on, selected for data, and allowed to roam if you’re abroad:
- Turn the line on: Settings > Cellular > tap the eSIM > Turn On This Line.
- Make it your data line: Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data > select the eSIM. Turn off Allow Cellular Data Switching if you don’t want your home line to use data abroad.
- Turn on Data Roaming for the travel eSIM (Settings > Cellular > tap the eSIM > Data Roaming) if your provider says to. Most travel eSIMs need it, because they connect through partner networks.
- Decide what to do with your home line: keep it on for calls and texts (watch roaming charges with your carrier), or turn it off.
- Test: with Wi-Fi off, load a web page. For a carrier line, also make a call.
iOS 26 and later: when you arrive somewhere with a travel eSIM installed, you may get a Turn On Travel eSIM notification. Choose Travel eSIM Only or Travel eSIM and Current eSIM (data then goes over the travel eSIM), decide on Low Data Mode, and the travel eSIM activates. In some countries and regions, iPhone switches back to your home line automatically when you get home. If it doesn’t, see how to turn off an eSIM on iPhone.
iPhone eSIM stuck on “Activating”?
- Stay on Wi-Fi for a few minutes, then restart the iPhone.
- Check Settings > General > About for a carrier settings update prompt, and update iOS.
- For travel eSIMs: activation often completes only in the destination. “Activating” or “No Service” at home can be normal. Read the provider’s instructions.
- Still stuck: contact the carrier or provider. Don’t delete the eSIM. See what “eSIM not provisioned” means and eSIM not working.
How to install an eSIM on Android
Menu names vary by brand and Android version. Use Wi-Fi.
Google Pixel
- Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > Add SIM.
- Choose Download a SIM instead? (if shown), then Next.
- Scan the QR code. No code? Use the option to enter it manually.
- Follow the prompts, then choose which SIM to use for calls, SMS and mobile data.
Samsung Galaxy
- Settings > Connections > SIM manager > Add eSIM.
- Tap Scan QR code (or follow your carrier’s instructions).
- After installing, use SIM manager to set the eSIM as the mobile data SIM, then turn on Data roaming for travel if your provider says to.
More detail, including other brands: how to install an eSIM on Android and how to activate an eSIM on Android.
QR code, link, app or manual: which method?
| Method | When you’ll get it | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| QR code | Most travel eSIMs, many carriers | Scan from a second screen, or touch and hold on iPhone (iOS 17.4+). Usually single-use. |
| Link / Carrier Activation | Carriers and some providers | No scanning. Tap the link or the “plan ready” notification. |
| Provider app | Many travel eSIM apps | Simplest on the same phone. Keep the app for top-ups. |
| Manual (SM-DP+ + activation code) | Fallback when you can’t scan | Copy-paste to avoid typos. |
| Transfer | Moving your number to a new phone | See transfer an eSIM to a new iPhone or phone. |
eSIM won’t install or activate? Fixes
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| “Unable to complete cellular plan change” / install fails | Check Wi-Fi, restart, try again once. The code may already have been used. Ask the provider for a new one. |
| “This code is no longer valid” | The QR code was already used or it expired. Ask the provider to reissue it. |
| No Add eSIM option | Phone may not support eSIM, may be carrier-locked, or may be managed by an employer. Check compatibility. |
| Installed but No Service | Turn the line on, select it for data, turn Data Roaming on (travel eSIM), check you’re inside the plan’s coverage. Full fix list. |
| Data works on Wi-Fi only | Wrong line selected under Cellular Data / Mobile data, or Data Roaming is off. |
FAQ
How do I install an eSIM on iPhone?
Connect to Wi-Fi, go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Use QR Code and scan the QR code from your provider. Or scan it with the Camera app and tap Cellular Plan Detected. Then label the line and choose which line to use for cellular data.
How do I activate an eSIM on my iPhone?
After installing, go to Settings > Cellular, tap the eSIM and make sure Turn On This Line is on, select it under Cellular Data, and turn on Data Roaming if it’s a travel eSIM. It activates when it connects to its network. For travel eSIMs that’s usually at your destination.
How do I activate a travel eSIM on iPhone?
Install it before you leave. When you land, turn the travel line on, select it under Cellular Data and turn on Data Roaming for that line. With iOS 26 and later, you may get a Turn On Travel eSIM notification that does this for you.
How do I download an eSIM?
“Downloading” an eSIM means installing it. Scan the provider’s QR code, tap its link, use its app, or enter the SM-DP+ address and activation code in Settings over Wi-Fi.
Can I install an eSIM without Wi-Fi?
You need an internet connection to download the profile, normally Wi-Fi. In some countries and regions, eSIM-only iPhones can activate without Wi-Fi, but use Wi-Fi when you can.
Can I install an eSIM before I travel?
Yes, and you should. Install at home over Wi-Fi, then turn the line on and select it for data when you arrive. Check whether your plan’s validity starts at installation or at first connection.
Can I reuse an eSIM QR code?
Usually not. Most eSIM QR codes work only once. If you delete the eSIM, you’ll probably need the provider to issue a new code.
How do I install an eSIM on Android?
On Pixel: Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > Add SIM, then scan the QR code. On Samsung Galaxy: Settings > Connections > SIM manager > Add eSIM > Scan QR code. Then set the eSIM as the mobile data SIM.
What’s the difference between installing and activating an eSIM?
Installing downloads the eSIM profile to your phone. Activating is when the line connects to a network and starts working, which for travel eSIMs often happens only at the destination.
Related guides
- How to use an eSIM for travel
- How to get an eSIM
- Check your phone’s eSIM compatibility
- eSIM not working? Fixes in order
- How to check eSIM data usage
- Using a hotspot with an eSIM
- Best eSIM for international travel
Sources
- Apple Support: About eSIM on iPhone (QR code, Camera scan, touch-and-hold iOS 17.4+, carrier link, Carrier Activation, carrier app, Enter Details Manually; Wi-Fi requirement). https://support.apple.com/en-us/118669
- Apple Support: Use eSIM while traveling internationally with your iPhone (iOS 26 Turn On Travel eSIM). https://support.apple.com/en-us/118227
- Apple iPhone User Guide: Use Dual SIM on iPhone. https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/use-dual-sim-iph9c5776d3c/ios
- Samsung US: SIM cards for your Galaxy phone or tablet (Add eSIM, Scan QR code). https://www.samsung.com/us/support/answer/ANS10001619/
- Google Pixel Help: Transfer a SIM to a new phone / eSIM setup (Network & internet > SIMs > Add SIM). https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/16115951