To install an eSIM on iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM, scan the QR code from your order, and label the new line "Travel". On iOS 17.4 or later you can skip the QR code and tap the one-tap install link instead. On Android, open Settings > Network & internet (Pixel) or Connections > SIM manager (Samsung) and add an eSIM the same way.
Key takeaways
- Install a travel eSIM at home over Wi-Fi a day or two before you fly; most eSIM Turista plans start on first connection at the destination, not at installation.
- Your phone must support eSIM and be carrier-unlocked. Dial
*#06#and look for an EID number. - iPhone users on iOS 17.4 or later get a one-tap install link, so no second screen is needed to scan the QR code.
- After landing, switch mobile data to the travel eSIM and turn on data roaming for that line.
- Do not delete the eSIM after installing it; a QR code can usually be installed only once.
- eSIM Turistas are data only, so your main SIM keeps working for calls and SMS.
Before you start
Your phone must support eSIM (dial *#06# and look for an EID) and be carrier-unlocked; ask your carrier if you are unsure. Connect to stable Wi-Fi, because the eSIM profile downloads over the internet.
Your QR code appears on the order page right after the payment is confirmed and arrives by email within about a minute. If you have not bought a plan yet, you can pay by card, Apple Pay, Google Pay or crypto; for crypto, see how to buy an eSIM with crypto.
How to install an eSIM on iPhone
Option 1: one-tap install link (iOS 17.4 and later)
- Open the order email or order page on the iPhone you want to use.
- Tap the install link.
- Follow the prompts and tap Continue until the eSIM is added.
- Label the line, for example "Travel", and keep your main line as the default for calls and iMessage.
Option 2: scan the QR code
- Open the QR code on another screen, such as a laptop, or print it.
- On the iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data) > Add eSIM.
- Choose Use QR Code and scan it.
- Tap Continue, wait for activation, and label the new line.
- When asked about the default line for cellular data, keep your home line for now if you are still at home.
How to activate an eSIM on Android
Samsung Galaxy
- Go to Settings > Connections > SIM manager.
- Tap Add eSIM (or Add mobile plan).
- Choose Scan QR code from service provider and scan the code.
- Confirm and wait for the eSIM to download.
- Rename the line "Travel" so it is easy to find later.
Google Pixel
- Go to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs.
- Tap Add SIM or Download a SIM instead?
- Scan the QR code and tap Download or Activate.
- Keep your home SIM as the default for calls and SMS.
Manual entry: SM-DP+ address and activation code
If the camera will not read the QR code, you can enter the details by hand. Your order shows an SM-DP+ address and an activation code.
- iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Use QR Code > Enter Details Manually.
- Samsung: SIM manager > Add eSIM > Scan QR code > Enter activation code.
- Pixel: Add SIM > scan screen > Need help? > Enter it manually.
Copy the values exactly. A missing character or extra space is the most common reason manual entry fails.
When to install a travel eSIM vs when to switch it on
Install and switch on are two separate steps.
| Step | When | Where | What you do |
|---|---|---|---|
| Install | 1–2 days before the trip | At home, on Wi-Fi | Scan the QR code or tap the install link, label the line |
| Keep off | Until you land | Home | Leave mobile data on your home line |
| Switch on | After landing | Destination | Set mobile data to the travel eSIM and turn on its data roaming |
| Check usage | During the trip | Anywhere | See remaining data and buy top-ups in My eSIMs |
Because most plans start on first connection at the destination, installing early does not use up your validity.
Turn on data roaming for the eSIM
This is the step most people miss. A travel eSIM connects to local partner networks, so your phone treats it as roaming.
- iPhone: Settings > Cellular > tap the travel line > turn on Data Roaming. Then set Cellular Data to the travel line.
- Samsung: Settings > Connections > Mobile networks > Data roaming on for the travel SIM, and choose it under SIM manager > Mobile data.
- Pixel: Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > travel SIM > Roaming on, and turn on Mobile data for it.
To avoid charges from your home carrier, turn off data roaming on your home line. Your home line can stay on for calls and SMS.
Troubleshooting: eSIM QR code not working or no signal
| Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| No signal or no internet after landing | Data roaming is off on the travel eSIM | Turn on Data Roaming for the travel line |
| Connected, but no data | Mobile data is still set to your home line | Select the travel eSIM for mobile data |
| Signal bars, but pages do not load | APN not set automatically | Open the travel line's mobile network settings and check the APN; if it is empty, contact support for the correct value |
| QR code does not scan | Low screen brightness, glare or a screenshot of a screenshot | Increase brightness, use a second device, or enter the details manually |
| "Cannot add eSIM" or "Unable to complete" | No internet connection or phone is carrier-locked | Connect to Wi-Fi, check the lock with your carrier |
| "eSIM already in use" | The code was already installed on this or another phone | Do not reinstall; contact support with your order number |
If nothing helps, restart the phone and toggle airplane mode on and off once. That forces the phone to search for networks again.
Don't delete the eSIM
Deleting an eSIM from your phone removes the profile, and a QR code can usually be installed only once. If you want to stop using it, turn the line off instead of deleting it. Keep it installed until the trip is over and the plan has expired. If you still have data left and need more, you can top up the same eSIM up to 9 times from My eSIMs, as long as it has not expired.
Ready for your trip
Once the eSIM is installed, you only need to switch it on when you land. If you are still choosing a plan, see our guides to the best eSIM for Turkey, the best eSIM for Europe and the China eSIM that works without a VPN. For a broader view, compare eSIM vs roaming vs a local SIM.
FAQ
When should I install a travel eSIM?
Install it at home over Wi-Fi one or two days before you fly. Most eSIM Turista plans start on first connection at the destination, so early installation does not use up validity.
Why does my eSIM have no internet abroad?
Usually data roaming is off on the travel line or mobile data is still set to your home SIM. Turn on data roaming for the eSIM and select it for mobile data.
What should I do if the eSIM QR code is not working?
Increase screen brightness, scan from a second device, or enter the SM-DP+ address and activation code manually. Make sure the phone is on Wi-Fi and carrier-unlocked.
Can I use WhatsApp and calls on my main number with a travel eSIM?
Yes. eSIM Turistas are data only, so your main SIM can stay on for calls and SMS, while WhatsApp keeps using your existing account over the eSIM's data.
Can I delete the eSIM and reinstall it later?
You should not. A QR code can usually be installed only once, so turn the line off instead of deleting it.
