About 8 min Updated August 25, 2026Checked against current Apple, Google and Samsung supportActivation timing depends on the provider
The short version
Use reliable Wi-Fi and follow the activation instructions supplied with your plan. On iPhone, start at Settings › Cellular › Add eSIM. On Galaxy, use Settings › Connections › SIM manager › Add eSIM. On Pixel, use Settings › Network & internet › SIMs › Add SIM › Set up an eSIM.
Check compatibility, account restrictions and the provider's activation rules before downloading the profile.
Pre-flight checklist0 of 4 done
Use reliable Wi-Fi. Apple asks you to connect to Wi-Fi or a hotspot, and Google and Samsung download the profile during setup. Keep the connection active until the phone confirms completion.
Your phone, step by step
These paths match the current manufacturer support pages. Carrier and regional software can add a confirmation screen.
Open Settings, then CellularApple may label the top-level item Mobile Data depending on the region.Tap Add eSIMIf the phone has no active line, Apple may show Set Up Cellular.Choose the method supplied by the providerOptions can include a QR code, carrier activation, a carrier link, a carrier app, manual entry or a supported transfer.Follow the confirmation screensFor a QR code, scan it with Camera. On iOS 17.4 or later, Apple also supports touching and holding a QR code shown in the default email app or browser, then tapping Add eSIM.Choose which line handles mobile dataOpen Settings › Cellular › Cellular Data and select the travel line when the provider says the plan is ready.
Manual entry. Apple documents Settings › Cellular or Mobile Data › Add Cellular Plan › Enter Details Manually. Use only the values supplied by your provider.
Open Settings, then ConnectionsThis is the Samsung menu that also contains Wi-Fi and mobile-network controls.Tap SIM managerSamsung uses this screen to enable, disable and select physical SIM and eSIM lines.Tap Add eSIMThe available choices depend on the device, software version and carrier.For a provider QR code, tap Scan QR codeScan the code and follow the prompts. Samsung currently advises restarting the device after the profile is applied.Select the correct primary or data SIMReturn to SIM manager. Samsung lets you choose the default connection for calls, messages and data.
Carrier discovery and transfer. Samsung can also find a carrier plan or transfer a supported SIM. These options appear only when the device and carrier support them.
Open Settings, then Network & internetGoogle places SIM and mobile-network controls in this menu.Tap SIMs, then Add SIMIf a carrier assigned the eSIM during initial setup, the phone may detect it automatically.Tap Set up an eSIMGoogle notes that the exact process can vary slightly by operator.Follow the carrier setup promptsSelect the provider or scan the supplied code when asked, then wait for the phone to finish the download.Choose the default data SIMOpen Settings › Network & internet › SIMs, turn on Mobile data and choose the intended SIM under the data preference.
Current Google wording. Older articles may show Download a SIM instead?. Google's current support path is Add SIM › Set up an eSIM.
Android manufacturers use different menus. Search the Settings app for eSIM, Add SIM or SIM manager, then compare the result with the support page for your exact phone model and region.
Check the exact model firstA phone family can include regional variants with different eSIM support.Search inside SettingsOpen the result that belongs to SIM or mobile-network settings.Use the provider's supplied methodScan the QR code, open the activation link, use the provider app or enter the activation details only when offered by the phone.Confirm the data line after installationDo not assume the newly added eSIM automatically became the mobile-data SIM.
No eSIM menu? Do not force a path copied from another brand. Confirm support with the manufacturer and carrier before buying or rescanning a code.
QR code, link, app or manual entry
Use the method provided with your order. A different method may not be enabled for that provider.
01
QR code
Display the code clearly or, on a supported iPhone, touch and hold it in the default email app or browser. Samsung directs you to Scan QR code from Add eSIM.
02
Carrier link or app
Open the supplied link or provider app on the phone. Approve the operating-system prompt only when the provider and plan details match your order.
03
Manual details
Enter the SM-DP+ address, activation code and confirmation code exactly as supplied. Do not invent a missing value.
Before rescanning or deleting anything, contact the provider. Download and reinstall limits are controlled by the provider, so a retry that works for one company can invalidate another company's profile.
Configure the line after installation
Installation adds the profile. You still need to select the right line and follow the plan's roaming instructions.
Check
Travel eSIM line
Make sure the installed line is enabled when the provider says it should be active.
Select
Mobile-data SIM
Choose the travel eSIM for data. Keep the home line for calls or texts only if that is what you want.
Provider rule
Data roaming
Turn roaming on for the travel line only when the provider requires it. Apple and Google both note that carrier rules and possible charges vary.
Review
Automatic data switching
Turn it off if you do not want the phone to fall back to another SIM for data. This may affect data during calls on some phones.
Protect the home line. Review its roaming and mobile-data settings before departure. Keeping both lines active can preserve calls and texts, but the home carrier can still charge for supported roaming activity.
When the install does not work
Start with the setting most likely to block the current step. Do not delete the profile as a first fix.
The profile installed, but mobile data does not work
Confirm the travel line is enabled and selected as the mobile-data SIM. Then follow the provider's roaming and APN instructions. Check that the plan is active, has remaining data and covers the current destination.
The QR code does not scan
Increase its size and contrast, or use the provider's link, app or manual details. On iPhone with iOS 17.4 or later, touch and hold a QR code shown in the default email app or browser, then tap Add eSIM.
The phone says it cannot add or activate the plan
Check the internet connection, carrier lock, exact device compatibility and whether the provider still considers the activation details valid. Use the provider's support channel before another attempt.
Add eSIM is missing
Confirm the exact phone model, sales region and carrier status with the manufacturer. A menu copied from another phone is not proof that the hardware or carrier supports eSIM.
Calls or texts use the wrong line
Open the dual-SIM preferences and select the intended default for calls and messages. Most travel plans on this site should be treated as data plans unless the provider record explicitly says otherwise.
The eSIM was deleted
Do not reuse the old QR code unless the provider confirms it is allowed. Ask whether the profile can be reissued or downloaded again.
Installation questions
Should I install my travel eSIM before I fly?
Check the provider instructions first. Some plans can be installed early, while others start a validity period during installation or activation. Install over reliable Wi-Fi at the time your provider recommends.
Do I need Wi-Fi to install an eSIM?
Usually. Apple, Google and Samsung direct you through an online profile download. Some carrier-assisted methods can behave differently, so follow the instructions supplied with your plan.
Will adding a travel eSIM remove my normal SIM?
Adding a second line does not normally remove your existing SIM. Keep your home line selected for calls or texts if you need it, and choose the travel eSIM for mobile data. Device and carrier support can limit how many lines remain active.
Can I use the same QR code on two phones?
Do not assume that you can. Activation codes and downloaded profiles are controlled by the provider and may be limited to one device or one download. Ask the provider before rescanning or deleting a profile.
Why does the eSIM show no service before the trip?
A destination plan may not connect until you reach a supported country or network. Confirm the plan status and coverage in the provider account before treating no service at home as an installation failure.