To set up an eSIM: go to Settings, tap Cellular or Mobile Data, tap Add eSIM, then scan the QR code from your provider. The process takes under 5 minutes on Wi-Fi. Always activate at home before travel so data is ready the moment you land.
What Is an eSIM?
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card built into your phone's hardware. Instead of inserting a plastic card, you download a carrier profile from a QR code or app. The profile tells your phone which network to connect to.
Most modern phones support multiple eSIM profiles stored at once, with one active at a time. You can store a domestic plan and a travel plan on the same device and switch between them in Settings.
No SIM swap
Activate a foreign network without removing your physical SIM. Your home number stays active in dual-SIM mode.
Instant activation
Download and activate in under 10 minutes from anywhere with Wi-Fi. No post office, no carrier store visit.
Switch plans easily
Toggle between eSIM profiles in Settings. Switch back to your home plan when you return without re-inserting anything.
Which Phones Support eSIM?
eSIM support is now standard on flagship phones released after 2020. Some carrier variants and budget devices still lack it. Check this table before purchasing an eSIM plan.
| Brand / Model range | eSIM supported from | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone | iPhone XS / XR (2018) | iPhone 14 and later are eSIM-only in the US (no physical SIM slot). Carrier-locked units may be restricted. |
| iPhone SE | iPhone SE 2nd gen (2020) | Supports eSIM alongside the physical SIM slot. |
| Google Pixel | Pixel 4 (2019) | All Pixel 4 and later models support eSIM. Pixel 7a and later support dual eSIM. |
| Samsung Galaxy S | Galaxy S20 (2020) | Not all regions. US, UK, and EU Galaxy S models include eSIM. Some Asian market variants do not. |
| Samsung Galaxy Z | Galaxy Z Fold 3 / Z Flip 3 (2021) | eSIM supported across all Z series from 2021 onward. |
| Samsung Galaxy A | Galaxy A54 (2023) | Mid-range Galaxy A series added eSIM from the A54. Older A-series models require a physical SIM. |
| OnePlus | OnePlus 11 (2023) | Limited eSIM support across the range. Check the specific model before purchasing. |
| Motorola | Moto G 5G (2020) | Select models only. Motorola Edge and Razr lines include eSIM. Budget Moto G models vary. |
To confirm eSIM support on your specific device, go to Settings and search for "eSIM" or "Add eSIM". If the option appears, your device supports it. You can also dial *#06# to see your EID number. An EID indicates your device has an eSIM chip.
How to Set Up an eSIM on iPhone
Start by purchasing your eSIM 1-30 days before departure. Then install the profile the night before your flight. This process works on iPhone XS and later running iOS 16 or later. The full setup takes 5 to 10 minutes with a stable Wi-Fi connection.
- 1
Buy your eSIM 1-30 days before your trip
Purchase your travel eSIM plan from HelloRoam or another provider before you leave home. You can buy 1 to 30 days in advance. The QR code arrives by email within minutes. Do not wait until the airport.
- 2
Open Settings and go to Cellular
Open the Settings app on your iPhone. Tap "Cellular" (called "Mobile Data" in some regions). You will see your current physical SIM listed here, along with any existing eSIM plans.
- 3
Tap Add eSIM or Add Data Plan
Tap "Add eSIM" at the top of the screen. On older iOS versions, this option may appear as "Add Data Plan" or "Add Cellular Plan". Both lead to the same setup screen.
- 4
Scan the QR code
Point your camera at the QR code provided by your eSIM provider. Providers like HelloRoam send the code by email within 2 minutes of purchase. Hold the phone steady until it detects the code automatically.
- 5
Tap Add Cellular Plan
After scanning, iOS shows details about the eSIM plan. Tap "Add Cellular Plan" to confirm. The download takes 15 to 60 seconds depending on your Wi-Fi speed.
- 6
Label your eSIM
iOS asks you to label the plan. Choose a clear name like "Travel Europe" or the country name. This label appears in your status bar and settings, so pick something you will recognize.
- 7
Set the data line
Choose which line to use for cellular data. Select your new eSIM if you want to use it for data abroad. You can switch this at any time in Settings under Cellular. Keep your physical SIM as the default for calls and texts if you want to remain reachable on your home number.
How to Set Up an eSIM on Android
Android setup is similar to iPhone but the menu labels differ by manufacturer. The steps below use Samsung Galaxy as the reference. Pixel and other Android phones follow the same logic with slightly different menu names.
- 1
Open Settings and go to Network and Internet
Open Settings on your Android phone. The path varies by manufacturer: Samsung uses "Connections" then "SIM Manager". Pixel uses "Network and Internet" then "SIMs". Huawei uses "Wireless and Networks" then "Mobile Network".
- 2
Tap Add SIM or Download SIM
Look for "Add SIM", "Download SIM", or "Add eSIM" depending on your device. On Samsung, this appears as "Add mobile plan". Tap it to begin the setup process.
- 3
Scan the QR code or enter activation code
Use your camera to scan the QR code from your eSIM provider. Some Android devices also accept a manual activation code if you cannot scan the QR. Enter the code exactly as shown, including any hyphens.
- 4
Confirm download and wait
Tap "Download" or "Activate" to start the eSIM installation. This takes 30 to 120 seconds. Do not close the Settings app or turn off Wi-Fi during this step.
- 5
Set the new eSIM as your data line
Once installed, go to "SIM Manager" or the equivalent menu. Set the eSIM as your preferred line for mobile data. Your physical SIM can remain active for calls and SMS if you want to keep your home number accessible.
Setting Your eSIM as the Active Data Line
Installing the eSIM does not automatically route data through it. You must set it as the active data line in Settings. This is the step most people miss.
Set eSIM as data line before arrival
Switch the data line to your travel eSIM while still on Wi-Fi at home. Confirm the setting saved correctly. Your phone is then ready to connect the moment you land.
Keep physical SIM active for calls
In dual-SIM mode, set your physical SIM as the line for calls and SMS. You stay reachable on your home number while data runs through the cheaper eSIM plan.
Do not disable your physical SIM entirely
Disabling your home SIM stops incoming calls and texts on your home number. Unless you want this, leave your physical SIM active in standby mode.
Do not activate an eSIM on arrival with no Wi-Fi
eSIM activation requires a Wi-Fi connection. Arriving with an unactivated eSIM and no local data leaves you without any connection. Activate before you fly.
eSIM Troubleshooting: 8 Common Problems and Fixes
Most eSIM issues have straightforward fixes. Work through this table before contacting your provider.
QR code scan fails
Why: Poor lighting, screen glare, or damaged QR code image
Fix: Use the manual activation code instead. Most providers include this with the QR code. Go to the eSIM activation screen and choose "Enter details manually".
QR code shows as already used
Why: Each QR code can only be scanned once. A previous scan attempt may have registered even if setup did not complete.
Fix: Contact your eSIM provider to request a replacement QR code. This is common and most providers issue a replacement within minutes.
Download stuck at 0%
Why: Weak Wi-Fi signal or firewall blocking the carrier provisioning server
Fix: Switch to a different Wi-Fi network. Mobile carrier provisioning servers can be blocked by some hotel and airport networks. Use a home network or mobile hotspot if possible.
eSIM installed but no signal
Why: Data line not set to eSIM, or eSIM not yet active in the destination country
Fix: Check that the eSIM is selected as your data line in Settings. Also check whether your eSIM activates on first use in the destination country rather than at point of purchase. Read your provider's terms.
Device says eSIM not supported
Why: Phone model does not support eSIM, or device is carrier-locked
Fix: Check the compatibility table below. Older phones and some carrier-locked devices do not support eSIM. Contact your carrier to check if your device is locked.
Cannot find eSIM option in Settings
Why: Software update required, or carrier variant of the phone with eSIM disabled
Fix: Update your phone to the latest OS version. Some carrier-sold variants of otherwise eSIM-capable phones have the feature disabled at the hardware or software level.
eSIM deleted after factory reset
Why: Factory reset removes all eSIM profiles from the device
Fix: Contact your eSIM provider for a replacement activation code. Always back up your eSIM details before performing a factory reset.
Data works but calls do not
Why: eSIM set as data line only; calls still routing through physical SIM
Fix: This is expected behavior in dual-SIM mode. Your eSIM handles data and your physical SIM handles calls. No fix needed unless you want to route calls through the eSIM as well.
Troubleshooting by Phone Model
Some eSIM issues are specific to your phone model. The fixes below address the most common problems reported for each device family in 2026.
iPhone 15 and iPhone 16
iPhone 15 and 16 models sold in the US have no physical SIM tray. All cellular plans must be installed as eSIM profiles. If you see "Cannot Add Cellular Plan" after scanning a QR code, restart your iPhone and try again on a different Wi-Fi network. Some users report that toggling Airplane Mode on and off clears the provisioning error. Apple recommends updating to the latest iOS version before adding any new eSIM profile.
Samsung Galaxy S24 and S25
Samsung uses "SIM Manager" under Connections in Settings. On the Galaxy S24 and S25, the eSIM option sometimes does not appear until you update to the latest One UI version. If the QR scanner inside SIM Manager fails to detect the code, use the "Enter activation code manually" option instead. Galaxy S25 models support two simultaneous eSIM profiles, so you can store both a home plan and a travel plan without a physical SIM.
Google Pixel 9
The Pixel 9 supports dual eSIM without a physical SIM slot. Go to Settings, then Network and Internet, then SIMs, then "Add SIM" to start the process. A common issue on Pixel 9 is the "SIM manager has stopped" error during activation. Clearing the cache for the SIM Manager app (Settings, Apps, SIM Manager, Clear cache) resolves this in most cases. Google also provides a built-in eSIM transfer tool when migrating from an older Pixel.
When to Activate: Before or After Arrival?
Always activate your eSIM before departure. There is no upside to waiting, and several risks if you wait until you land.
| Factor | Activate before departure | Activate on arrival |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi availability | Reliable home Wi-Fi | Depends on airport or hotel Wi-Fi |
| Troubleshooting support | Full access to support via phone or browser | Limited if you have no data connection |
| Data on landing | Immediate. Data active as soon as your plane lands. | Delayed. Need Wi-Fi to activate first. |
| Stress level | Low. Done at home before travel. | Higher. Tired from travel, unfamiliar environment. |
| Plan start date | Some plans start on first use, not purchase. Check your provider. | Timer may start from purchase, not activation. |
Check whether your eSIM plan starts from the date of purchase or the date of first data use. Plans that start on first use are better for travelers who activate early. Plans that start on purchase date are only worth activating right before you fly.
eSIM Setup FAQ
Can I keep my existing phone number when using an eSIM?
Do I need Wi-Fi to activate an eSIM?
What happens if my eSIM QR code expires?
Can I switch between my eSIM and physical SIM?
Does every eSIM work in every country?
Find an eSIM for your destination
Compare eSIM providers by country, price, and data allowance. Or read our guide on data roaming costs to see how much you save versus a carrier pass.
Country SIM Card Guides
Detailed SIM card and eSIM guides for popular destinations.