How to Activate an eSIM: Step-by-Step Guide for iPhone & Android (2026)

Activating an eSIM takes less than 5 minutes on any compatible phone. You scan a QR code (or enter an activation code manually), give the profile a label, set it as your data line, and you’re online. This guide walks you through the exact steps for iPhone, Samsung, Google Pixel, and other Android devices — plus how to handle the most common activation problems.

If you’re not sure what an eSIM actually is, start with our What Is an eSIM? explainer first, then come back here.

Before You Start: The eSIM Activation Checklist

Before touching any settings, make sure you have these four things sorted:

1. A compatible phone. Not every phone supports eSIM. You need at least:

• iPhone: XS, XR, or any model released after 2018
• Samsung: Galaxy S20 or newer, Galaxy Z Flip/Fold series
• Google Pixel: Pixel 3a or newer (including Pixel 7, 8, and 9 series)
• Other Android: OnePlus 12+, Xiaomi 13+, Motorola Razr series, OPPO Find X5+

To quickly check, go to Settings > Cellular (iPhone) or Settings > Connections > SIM manager (Samsung) and look for an “Add eSIM” option. If it’s there, you’re good.

2. A stable internet connection. Your phone needs to download the eSIM profile, which is a small data package (usually under 1MB). WiFi is the most reliable option. You can also use mobile data from your physical SIM.

3. An unlocked phone (for travel eSIMs). If you bought your phone through a carrier, it may be SIM-locked. A locked phone might accept eSIMs only from the original carrier. Contact your carrier to confirm your device is unlocked before purchasing a travel eSIM.

4. A purchased eSIM plan. You’ll need the QR code or activation details from your eSIM provider. If you haven’t picked a provider yet, check out our Best eSIM Providers comparison — we’ve tested the top options across 15+ countries.

Browse Airalo eSIM Plans

How to Activate an eSIM on iPhone

Apple has made eSIM setup progressively smoother with each iOS version. These steps work for iOS 17 and iOS 18 on iPhone XS and newer models.

Method 1: QR Code Activation (Most Common)

This is the method you’ll use with travel eSIM providers like Airalo , Holafly , and Saily .

Step 1: Open your eSIM settings. Go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM. On iOS 18, this may also appear as Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan.

Step 2: Select “Use QR Code.” Your iPhone will open the camera to scan a QR code. If you see a “Transfer from Nearby iPhone” option, skip it — that’s for transferring an existing carrier eSIM between devices.

Step 3: Scan the QR code. Display the QR code on another device (laptop, tablet, or a printed sheet). Hold your iPhone steady until it recognizes the code. You’ll see a prompt that says “Cellular Plan Detected.”

Step 4: Tap “Continue” to add the plan. Your iPhone will download the eSIM profile. This takes 10 to 30 seconds over WiFi.

Step 5: Label your new line. iPhone will ask you to label this eSIM. We recommend descriptive names like “Thailand Data” or “Europe Travel” rather than the default “Secondary.” This makes it easy to identify when you have multiple eSIMs installed.

Step 6: Set your data line. Choose whether this eSIM should be your default data line. For travel eSIMs, select the new eSIM as your primary data line. Keep your physical SIM as the default for calls and messages.

Step 7: Enable data roaming. Go to Settings > Cellular, tap your new eSIM line, and toggle on Data Roaming. This is essential for travel eSIMs — without it, you won’t get a data connection abroad.

Step 8: Verify the connection. Look at the top of your screen. You should see signal bars or “5G”/“LTE” next to your new line. Open a browser and load a webpage to confirm data is working.

Method 2: Manual Activation

If the QR code won’t scan (common when it’s on-screen with poor contrast), you can enter the details manually.

Step 1: Go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Use QR Code.

Step 2: Tap “Enter Details Manually” at the bottom of the scanning screen.

Step 3: Enter the SM-DP+ Address and Activation Code provided by your eSIM provider. These are long strings of characters — copy and paste them if possible to avoid typos.

Step 4: Follow the same steps (5 through 8) as the QR code method above to label the line, set it as your data line, and enable data roaming.

Method 3: eSIM Carrier Activation (iOS 18+)

Some carriers now support automatic eSIM activation where you simply sign into your carrier account through Settings. This is typically used for activating a primary carrier eSIM — not travel eSIMs. If your carrier supports this, you’ll see the option under Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Choose a carrier.

How to Activate an eSIM on Samsung Galaxy

Samsung’s eSIM activation has improved significantly with One UI 6.x. These steps work for Galaxy S20 and newer, including the S24 and S25 series, plus Galaxy Z Flip and Z Fold devices.

Method 1: QR Code Activation

Step 1: Open SIM Manager. Go to Settings > Connections > SIM Manager. On some models, this is Settings > Connections > SIM card manager.

Step 2: Tap “Add eSIM.” You’ll see options for how to add the eSIM profile.

Step 3: Select “Scan QR code from service provider.” The camera viewfinder will open. Some Samsung phones show this as “Scan carrier QR code.”

Step 4: Scan the QR code. Hold your phone about 6 to 8 inches from the QR code on another screen. Samsung’s scanner can sometimes be finicky — make sure the code is displayed at full brightness and there’s no glare.

Step 5: Confirm the download. Tap “Confirm” or “Add” when prompted. The eSIM profile will download in 10 to 30 seconds.

Step 6: Name the plan. Rename the eSIM to something descriptive. Samsung lets you choose a custom name and even an icon. We suggest labeling travel eSIMs by destination and provider — for example, “Airalo Japan.”

Step 7: Set as mobile data line. Return to SIM Manager and under “Mobile data”, select your new eSIM. Keep your physical SIM set for calls and texts.

Step 8: Turn on data roaming. Go to Settings > Connections > Mobile networks, select the eSIM line, and enable Data roaming. Samsung sometimes buries this setting, so make sure you’re looking at the right SIM profile.

Method 2: Manual Activation

Step 1: Go to Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > Add eSIM.

Step 2: Instead of scanning a QR code, tap “Enter activation code” (or “Input activation code” on some models).

Step 3: Enter the SM-DP+ address in the first field and the Activation code in the second field. Your eSIM provider sends both of these with your purchase confirmation.

Step 4: Tap “Connect” and wait for the profile to download. Then follow steps 6 through 8 from the QR code method above.

How to Activate an eSIM on Google Pixel

Google Pixel phones have had eSIM support since the Pixel 2 (carrier-specific) and broad eSIM support since the Pixel 3a. These instructions work for Pixel 3a through Pixel 9 Pro running Android 14 or 15.

Step 1: Open SIM settings. Go to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs. On Android 15, this may appear as Settings > Network & internet > Mobile network.

Step 2: Tap “Add” or the ”+” icon. You’ll see a prompt asking how you want to add the SIM.

Step 3: Select “Download a SIM instead?” If you see “Don’t have a SIM card?”, tap that. Then select “Download a SIM instead” or “Use eSIM”.

Step 4: Choose “Scan a QR code.” The camera will open. Alternatively, you can tap “Need help?” and then “Enter code manually” if you prefer to type the activation details.

Step 5: Scan the QR code. Point the camera at the code. Pixel phones are generally fast and reliable at scanning eSIM QR codes.

Step 6: Confirm the download. Tap “Download” or “Confirm” when prompted. Wait for the profile to install. You may see a brief notification that the eSIM is being activated.

Step 7: Enable the eSIM. After installation, go back to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs and make sure the new eSIM is toggled on. Set it as your preferred data SIM.

Step 8: Enable data roaming. Tap on the eSIM profile and toggle on Roaming. Without this, travel eSIMs won’t connect to local networks abroad.

How to Activate an eSIM on Other Android Phones

If you have a OnePlus, Xiaomi, Motorola, OPPO, or another Android phone with eSIM support, the process is similar to Google Pixel but the menu paths differ slightly.

General Android eSIM Activation Steps

Step 1: Find your SIM settings. Look under Settings > Network & internet > SIM cards or Settings > Mobile network > SIM management. The exact path varies by manufacturer and Android version.

Step 2: Select “Add eSIM” or “Download SIM.” Most Android phones surface this option near the SIM management area. If you don’t see it, try searching “eSIM” in the Settings search bar.

Step 3: Scan the QR code or enter details manually. The interface will offer a QR code scanner and a manual entry option. Use whichever is most convenient.

Step 4: Confirm and download the profile. Accept the download prompt. The eSIM profile will install within 30 seconds on most devices.

Step 5: Set as data line and enable roaming. After installation, navigate back to your SIM settings. Set the eSIM as your mobile data SIM and enable data roaming.

Brand-Specific Menu Paths

Brand	Settings Path
OnePlus	Settings > Mobile Network > SIM & network > Add SIM > Use eSIM
Xiaomi	Settings > Mobile Network > SIM cards & mobile networks > Add eSIM
Motorola	Settings > Network & internet > Mobile network > eSIM setup
OPPO	Settings > SIM Card & Mobile Data > SIM management > Add eSIM
Nothing Phone	Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > Add SIM > Download a SIM

If your manufacturer isn’t listed, the process still follows the same general pattern. Look for any option mentioning “eSIM,” “download SIM,” or “add cellular plan” in your network settings.

Activating Travel eSIMs: Airalo, Holafly, and Saily

Travel eSIM providers have streamlined the activation process through their apps. While the underlying technology is the same QR code or manual activation we covered above, the experience is slightly different depending on the provider.

Airalo

Airalo is the most popular travel eSIM provider, and their activation process is one of the smoothest we’ve tested.

1. Purchase your plan in the Airalo app or website. Choose your destination, data amount, and validity period.
2. Go to “My eSIMs” in the app. Your new eSIM will appear with an “Install” button.
3. Tap “Install” and choose your method — QR code or direct installation (the app can install directly on iOS without scanning).
4. Follow your phone’s prompts to complete the setup.
5. Activate later. Airalo lets you install the profile now but start the data plan later. The validity period begins when you first connect to a network at your destination — not when you install.

This “install now, activate later” approach is ideal for travel. We recommend installing your Airalo eSIM a day or two before your trip while you still have reliable WiFi.

For a deeper look, check our full Airalo Review.

Get an Airalo eSIM

Holafly

Holafly offers unlimited data plans and a similarly app-driven activation process.

1. Purchase your plan on the Holafly website or app. Select your destination and duration.
2. Check your email. Holafly sends the QR code and manual activation details to your email.
3. Open the Holafly app and go to “My eSIMs.” Tap “Install.”
4. Scan the QR code or use the direct install option.
5. Set the eSIM as your data line and enable roaming.

One important difference with Holafly: your data plan validity typically starts from the moment you activate, not from first use. So we recommend activating on your travel day rather than days in advance.

Read our detailed Holafly Review for the full breakdown.

Saily

Saily is made by the team behind NordVPN, and their activation process emphasizes simplicity.

1. Download the Saily app and create an account (or sign in with your NordVPN credentials).
2. Purchase a data plan for your destination.
3. Tap “Install eSIM” in the app. Saily handles the QR code step automatically on supported devices.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete installation.
5. Enable roaming when prompted.

Like Airalo, Saily plans typically activate on first network connection at your destination, giving you flexibility to install in advance.

When to Activate: Before vs. During Travel

Timing	Best For	Providers
Install at home, activate on arrival	Maximum peace of mind	Airalo, Saily, Nomad eSIM
Install and activate on travel day	Unlimited data plans (validity starts immediately)	Holafly
Install on arrival	Only if you forgot to prepare	Any provider (but you need WiFi or existing data)

Our recommendation: Always install the eSIM before you leave. There’s no downside to having the profile ready on your phone, and it means you’ll have data the moment you land. We can’t count how many times this has saved us from hunting for airport WiFi.

Managing Multiple eSIM Profiles

One of the biggest advantages of eSIM technology is running multiple cellular profiles on a single device. Here’s how to manage them efficiently.

Setting Up Dual SIM (Physical + eSIM)

The most common setup for travelers is:

• Physical SIM: Your home carrier for calls, texts, and your regular phone number
• eSIM: A travel data plan for internet abroad

To configure this on iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular and you’ll see both lines listed. Tap “Cellular Data” and select your travel eSIM. Under “Default Voice Line”, keep your physical SIM selected.

On Samsung, go to Settings > Connections > SIM Manager. Set “Mobile data” to the eSIM and “Calls” and “Messages” to your physical SIM.

Switching Between eSIM Profiles

If you travel to multiple countries, you might have several eSIM profiles installed. Switching between them is straightforward:

iPhone: Go to Settings > Cellular, tap the eSIM you want to use, and toggle it on. Then set it as your cellular data line. iOS lets you store up to 8 eSIM profiles on iPhone 13 and newer.

Android: Go to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs (or equivalent), enable the profile you want, and set it as the data SIM.

Pro tip: Disable eSIM profiles you’re not using. Having multiple active profiles can drain battery faster and occasionally cause network conflicts.

Deleting Old eSIM Profiles

When a travel eSIM plan expires and you’re done with it, remove the profile to keep things tidy:

• iPhone: Settings > Cellular > tap the eSIM > Remove Cellular Plan
• Samsung: Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > tap the eSIM > Remove
• Pixel: Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > tap the eSIM > Delete

Be aware that deleting an eSIM profile is permanent for most travel eSIMs. You would need to purchase a new plan and go through activation again. Some providers like Airalo do allow re-installation if you contact support.

Troubleshooting Common eSIM Activation Issues

Even with the simplified activation process, things can occasionally go wrong. Here are the most common problems and their solutions.

”eSIM Not Supported” Error

Cause: Your phone either doesn’t have eSIM hardware or the feature is disabled.

Fixes:

• Verify your phone model is eSIM-compatible (see our checklist above)
• Update your phone’s operating system to the latest version
• Contact your carrier — some carriers disable eSIM on locked devices
• On Samsung, check if the eSIM option is hidden under Settings > Connections > SIM Manager (it may not appear if your firmware is a carrier-specific build)

“Cannot Activate eSIM” or “Activation Error”

Cause: The eSIM profile failed to download or the carrier rejected the activation.

Fixes:

• Check your internet connection — switch to a different WiFi network or use mobile data
• Make sure you’re scanning the correct QR code (some providers send multiple codes for different devices)
• Try the manual activation method instead of QR code scanning
• Verify the QR code hasn’t expired — most travel eSIM QR codes expire after 30 to 90 days
• Contact your eSIM provider’s support. Airalo has 24/7 in-app chat support that can resolve most activation issues quickly

”No Service” or “No Data Connection” After Activation

Cause: The eSIM is installed but not properly configured.

Fixes:

1. Enable data roaming. This is the number one cause. Go to your cellular settings, tap the eSIM line, and turn on Data Roaming.
2. Set the eSIM as your data line. Make sure it’s selected as the primary source for mobile data.
3. Toggle airplane mode. Turn airplane mode on, wait 10 seconds, then turn it off. This forces the phone to re-register on the network.
4. Restart your phone. A simple restart resolves most transient connection issues.
5. Check network selection. Go to your eSIM’s network settings and switch from “Automatic” to manually selecting a carrier, then switch back to “Automatic.”
6. Check APN settings. Some eSIM providers require specific APN (Access Point Name) settings. Check your provider’s support documentation.

QR Code Won’t Scan

Cause: Poor image quality, screen glare, or camera issues.

Fixes:

• Increase brightness to maximum on the screen displaying the QR code
• Make sure the QR code fills most of the camera viewfinder
• Clean your phone’s camera lens
• Try scanning from a printed copy instead of a screen
• Use the manual activation method — every provider gives you the SM-DP+ address and activation code alongside the QR code

”eSIM Already Installed” Error

Cause: You’ve already scanned this QR code and the profile exists on your device.

Fixes:

• Check Settings > Cellular (iPhone) or Settings > Connections > SIM Manager (Samsung) — the eSIM may already be there but disabled
• If you deleted and are trying to reinstall, most travel eSIM QR codes are single-use. Contact your provider for a new activation code
• Airalo allows re-installation through their app’s support chat

Slow Speeds After Activation

Cause: Network congestion, throttling, or wrong network selection.

Fixes:

• Check which network your eSIM is connected to (Settings > Cellular > eSIM line > Network Selection). Some travel eSIMs connect to slower partner networks by default
• Try manually selecting a different available carrier
• Move to an area with better coverage — eSIMs use the same towers as local SIMs, so indoor or rural coverage may be limited
• If you’re on a provider with data caps, verify you haven’t hit your limit

What About eSIM-Only Phones?

Some newer phones have dropped the physical SIM slot entirely. The iPhone 14 and later (US models), iPhone 16e, and some Android flagships are eSIM-only. If you have one of these devices:

• You can still use multiple eSIMs. The process is exactly the same as described above. The phone just stores all profiles as eSIMs instead of having a physical SIM option.
• You may already have a primary eSIM. Your home carrier is likely already set up as an eSIM. Adding a travel eSIM is simply adding a second (or third) profile.
• Dual eSIM is automatic. Since there’s no physical SIM to manage, your phone handles dual eSIM natively. Select which eSIM handles data and which handles calls.

Next Steps

Now that you know how to activate an eSIM, here’s where to go from here:

• Need an eSIM provider? Check our Best eSIM Providers 2026 comparison
• Heading to Europe? See our Best eSIM for Europe guide
• Considering Airalo? Read our detailed Airalo Review
• Not sure what eSIM is? Start with What Is an eSIM?

eSIM technology has genuinely changed how we stay connected while traveling. No more hunting for SIM card shops at the airport, no more incompatible SIM sizes, and no more getting ripped off by roaming charges. Once you’ve activated your first travel eSIM, you’ll never go back to the old way.

Get Started with Airalo