How to Install and Activate eSIM on iPhone and Android

Installing and activating an eSIM on your iPhone or Android phone allows you to connect to mobile networks without inserting a physical SIM card. To install an eSIM, connect your compatible smartphone to Wi-Fi, open its cellular settings, and scan the QR code provided by your eSIM provider. Once installed, select the eSIM for mobile data and follow the activation instructions.

This comprehensive guide explains how to install an eSIM on iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, and Google Pixel devices. You'll also learn how to activate your travel eSIM, configure data roaming, and troubleshoot common connection problems.

01What Is an eSIM and How Does It Work?

An eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a digital SIM technology that allows compatible devices to connect to mobile networks without requiring a removable SIM card.

Instead of inserting a physical SIM, you download a mobile operator profile directly onto your smartphone. This profile contains the information required to authenticate your device with supported cellular networks.

For a detailed explanation of the technology, read our complete guide to what an eSIM is and how it works .

Travel eSIMs are particularly useful for international trips. You can purchase a compatible mobile data package before departure and prepare your connection for your destination.

02What Do You Need Before Installing an eSIM?

Before beginning the installation process, make sure you meet the following requirements.

1. An eSIM-Compatible Smartphone

Your phone must support eSIM technology. Many modern iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, and Google Pixel models include this functionality.

However, compatibility may vary depending on the device model, country of purchase, and carrier restrictions.

Not sure whether your smartphone supports eSIM? Visit the osim.live eSIM-compatible devices page to check your phone before purchasing a plan.

2. An Unlocked Phone

Your smartphone should be unlocked for use with other mobile operators. A carrier-locked device may prevent you from installing or using a travel eSIM.

On an iPhone, navigate to Settings > General > About and check the Carrier Lock information.

3. A Stable Internet Connection

Most eSIM installations require an internet connection to download the mobile operator profile.

Using a reliable Wi-Fi connection is recommended, especially when installing a travel eSIM before departure.

4. An eSIM Plan and Installation Details

You need an eSIM package that supports your destination. Depending on the provider, installation details may include a QR code, manual activation information, or an application-based installation method.

03How to Install an eSIM on iPhone

Installing an eSIM on a compatible iPhone is usually straightforward. Apple supports several installation methods, including QR codes and manual activation.

Method 1: Install an eSIM Using a QR Code

1. Connect your iPhone to a stable Wi-Fi network.
2. Open the Settings application.
3. Select Cellular or Mobile Data.
4. Tap Add eSIM.
5. Choose Use QR Code.
6. Scan the QR code supplied by your eSIM provider.
7. Follow the on-screen installation instructions.
8. Wait for the eSIM profile to finish downloading.
9. Assign a label such as "Travel" to your new eSIM.

Once installation is complete, your new eSIM should appear in your iPhone's cellular settings.

If you purchased your travel eSIM through osim.live, open the My eSIMs section of your account to access the available installation information.

Method 2: Install an eSIM Manually

If QR code installation is unavailable, some providers allow manual installation using activation details.

1. Open Settings > Cellular.
2. Select Add eSIM.
3. Choose the QR code installation option.
4. Tap Enter Details Manually, if available.
5. Enter the information supplied by your provider.
6. Follow the instructions to complete installation.

Manual installation may require an SM-DP+ address and activation code. Never share these details with unauthorized individuals.

Method 3: Install an eSIM from an Email

On supported iOS versions, you may be able to install an eSIM directly from a QR code displayed in an email or browser.

On iOS 17.4 and later, supported QR codes can be selected by touching and holding the displayed image. If the option appears, choose Add eSIM and follow the instructions.

04How to Activate an eSIM on iPhone

After installation, configure your iPhone to use the new eSIM for mobile data.

1. Open Settings > Cellular.
2. Select your installed travel eSIM.
3. Make sure the line is enabled.
4. Return to the Cellular Data settings.
5. Select your travel eSIM as the mobile data line.
6. Enable Data Roaming on the travel eSIM if required.

If you want to avoid unexpected charges from your regular carrier, disable data roaming on your primary SIM and review the Cellular Data Switching setting.

Your eSIM should connect when the plan is active and you are within a supported network's coverage area.

05How to Install an eSIM on Samsung Galaxy

Samsung Galaxy devices with eSIM support allow users to install digital SIM profiles through the SIM Manager settings.

The exact menu names may vary depending on your Galaxy model and One UI version.

Samsung Galaxy eSIM Installation Steps

1. Connect your Samsung phone to Wi-Fi.
2. Open Settings.
3. Select Connections.
4. Open SIM Manager.
5. Tap Add eSIM.
6. Select the option to scan a QR code.
7. Scan the QR code provided by your eSIM provider.
8. Follow the on-screen instructions.
9. Wait for the installation to finish.

How to Activate an eSIM on Samsung

1. Open Settings > Connections.
2. Select SIM Manager.
3. Enable your newly installed travel eSIM.
4. Choose the travel eSIM for mobile data.
5. Open the relevant mobile network settings.
6. Enable data roaming if required by your provider.

After completing these steps, your Samsung phone should attempt to connect to a supported mobile network.

06How to Install an eSIM on Google Pixel

Google Pixel smartphones support digital SIM installation through Android's network settings.

Compatibility and menu options depend on your Pixel model, Android version, and mobile operator.

Google Pixel eSIM Installation Steps

1. Connect your Pixel phone to Wi-Fi.
2. Open Settings.
3. Select Network & Internet.
4. Open SIMs.
5. Tap Add SIM.
6. Choose the option to set up an eSIM.
7. Scan your provider's QR code if requested.
8. Follow the instructions to complete installation.

How to Activate an eSIM on Google Pixel

1. Open Settings > Network & Internet.
2. Select SIMs.
3. Choose your installed travel eSIM.
4. Enable the SIM if necessary.
5. Select it as your preferred mobile data connection.
6. Enable roaming if required by your provider.

Once the eSIM is active, your Pixel should connect to an available supported network at your destination.

07eSIM Installation vs. Activation: What's the Difference?

Installation and activation are related processes, but they are not always identical.

For example, some travel eSIM packages start their validity period when the profile is installed. Others begin when the device first connects to a supported network.

Always review your package's activation conditions before installing it.

08When Should You Install a Travel eSIM?

For many travelers, installing an eSIM before departure is convenient because a reliable Wi-Fi connection is usually available.

However, the ideal installation time depends on the package's validity rules.

If your plan begins immediately upon installation, consider installing it closer to your departure date.

If activation begins upon the first supported network connection, advance installation may be more convenient.

09How to Use Your eSIM After Arriving Abroad

After arriving at your destination, enable your travel eSIM and select it for mobile data.

For example, if you're traveling to Berlin, Munich, or Frankfurt, you can explore available Germany travel eSIM packages before departure.

Once you arrive, follow these steps:

1. Disable Airplane Mode.
2. Open your phone's mobile network settings.
3. Enable your travel eSIM.
4. Select the travel eSIM for mobile data.
5. Enable data roaming on that line if required.
6. Wait for your phone to connect to a supported network.

To confirm your connection works, temporarily disable Wi-Fi and open a website.

For additional information about managing mobile data while traveling, read our step-by-step guide to using an eSIM .

10Common eSIM Installation and Activation Problems

eSIM QR Code Is Not Working

Make sure your internet connection is stable and the QR code is clearly visible.

Some QR codes support only one installation. If the code has already been used, contact your provider before attempting another installation.

eSIM Is Installed but Has No Internet

Check that your eSIM is enabled, selected for mobile data, and valid in your destination.

If required, enable data roaming on the travel eSIM. You can also toggle Airplane Mode to refresh your network connection.

eSIM Cannot Connect to a Network

Confirm that your package covers your destination and your device is carrier-unlocked.

If automatic network selection fails, follow your provider's instructions for manually selecting a supported operator.

eSIM Was Accidentally Deleted

Deleting an eSIM removes its installed profile. Reinstallation depends on the provider's policy.

Do not assume that your original QR code can be reused. Contact your provider before attempting another installation.

If you experience additional setup problems, visit the osim.live Help Center for installation guidance and support information.

11Get Connected Abroad with osim.live

Preparing your mobile internet connection before an international trip can make traveling more convenient.

With osim.live, you can explore prepaid travel eSIM packages for destinations around the world.

Choose a package based on your destination, travel duration, and expected data usage.

Before purchasing, confirm that your phone supports eSIM and review the package's coverage and activation conditions.

Ready for your next trip? Explore travel eSIM packages on osim.live and prepare your mobile connection before departure.

12Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I install an eSIM on my phone?

Connect your compatible smartphone to Wi-Fi, open its cellular settings, select Add eSIM, and scan your provider's QR code. Follow the instructions to complete installation.

2. How long does eSIM activation take?

Installation may finish within a few minutes, but activation time varies by provider, network availability, and package conditions. Some travel eSIMs require arrival at a supported destination.

3. Can I install an eSIM before traveling?

Yes. Many travel eSIMs can be installed before departure. Check whether the validity period begins at installation or upon the first supported network connection.

4. Do I need to remove my physical SIM?

No. Compatible dual SIM smartphones can often use a physical SIM and an eSIM together. The number of simultaneously active lines depends on your device.

5. Should I enable data roaming for my travel eSIM?

Some travel eSIM packages require data roaming to connect through partner networks. Follow your provider's instructions and check your primary SIM settings separately.

6. Can I activate the same eSIM on two phones?

Generally, a single eSIM profile cannot be installed and used on two devices simultaneously. Transfer and reinstallation policies depend on the provider.