Installing a travel eSIM takes about two minutes and one QR code. This guide walks you through it on both iPhone and Android, plus the settings that make sure you’re using your data plan — and not racking up roaming on your home SIM.
Tip: do the install while you’re on Wi-Fi, ideally before you travel. You’ll only need to flip data on when you land.
Before you start
- Your phone supports eSIM and is carrier-unlocked. Check your device here.
- You’ve bought a plan and received the QR code by email. Browse plans if you haven’t yet.
- You have a Wi-Fi or internet connection for the install step.
How to install an eSIM on iPhone
- Open Settings → Mobile Service (or Cellular) → Add eSIM.
- Choose Use QR Code and scan the QR code from your email.
- Follow the prompts to add the plan, and give it a label like “Travel”.
- Set the travel eSIM as your mobile data line.
- Turn on Data Roaming for the eSIM line (this is required for it to work abroad).
- Turn off mobile data on your primary line to avoid home-carrier roaming charges.
How to install an eSIM on Android
(Steps vary slightly by brand — Samsung, Google Pixel, etc. — but the flow is the same.)
- Open Settings → Connections / Network & internet → SIMs → Add eSIM / Add a plan.
- Choose to scan the QR code from your email.
- Confirm and download the plan.
- Set the travel eSIM as your mobile data SIM.
- Enable Data Roaming for the eSIM.
- Turn off mobile data on your primary SIM.
Troubleshooting
- No data after landing? Check that data roaming is ON for the eSIM line and that it’s selected as your data SIM.
- QR code won’t scan? Make sure you’re on Wi-Fi, and try entering the details manually if your email includes them.
- Still stuck? Our team replies on WhatsApp — a real person, not a bot.
More answers are in our FAQs.
That’s it
Once installed, your eSIM stays on your phone — just enable it when you travel. Browse eSIM plans →