How to Set Up an eSIM: Step-by-Step Guide for iPhone and Android

You’ve bought an eSIM line and you’re holding a QR code. Good news: setup is even easier than inserting a physical card and usually takes just a few minutes. In this guide we install an eSIM on iPhone, Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel using the official steps, then explain the settings to configure afterwards and the one critical step almost everyone misses on travel eSIMs (data roaming).

Before You Start

Have three things ready before you begin:

• A compatible phone: make sure your device supports eSIM. If you’re unsure, run the 30-second check in our does my phone support eSIM guide.
• An internet connection: the eSIM profile is downloaded over the internet, so you need WiFi (or an existing data connection).
• The QR code or activation details: the QR code your provider sent (on screen or printed) or the manual-entry details.

Tip: if the QR code is on your phone’s screen, the easiest approach is to open it on another device and scan it with your phone’s camera. If you only have one device, use the “manual entry” method below.

Setting Up an eSIM on iPhone

Apple’s official steps are:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Go to Cellular (or Mobile Data).
3. Tap “Add eSIM” or “Set Up Cellular.”
4. Choose “Use QR Code” and scan your provider’s QR code with the camera.
5. Follow the onscreen instructions. If you’re asked for a confirmation/activation code, enter the number your provider gave you.

Alternative (camera): if the QR code is printed, scan it directly with the Camera app and tap the “Cellular Plan Detected” notification. On iOS 17.4 and later, if the QR code appears in an email or browser, you can tap and hold it and tap “Add eSIM.”

Alternative (manual entry): if your provider sent an SM-DP+ address and activation code, go to Settings → Cellular → Add Cellular Plan → “Enter Details Manually” at the bottom of the screen.

Setting Up an eSIM on Samsung Galaxy

Samsung’s official steps:

1. Make sure your phone is connected to WiFi or a mobile data network.
2. Go to Settings → Connections → SIM manager.
3. Tap “Add eSIM.”
4. Tap “Scan QR code” and scan your provider’s QR code.
5. After the profile is added, restart the device to apply it.

Setting Up an eSIM on Google Pixel

Google’s official steps (Android 11 and up):

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Go to Network & internet → SIMs → Add SIM → “Set up an eSIM.”
3. Follow the onscreen instructions; scan your provider’s QR code if prompted.

Note: on other Android brands (Motorola, Oppo, Xiaomi, etc.) the menu names may differ slightly; the general path is Settings → SIM / Mobile network → Add eSIM / Download SIM.

After Setup: Configuring the Line

Once the profile is downloaded, your phone asks a few preferences. Setting these correctly matters, especially with two lines:

• Give it a label: name the line “Travel,” “Work,” etc. so you can tell them apart easily.
• Choose the default line: decide which number is used for calls and messages.
• Choose the data line: pick which line mobile data uses — set this to the new eSIM while travelling.

Important: Turn On Data Roaming for a Travel eSIM

This is the most-skipped step and the number-one reason behind “my eSIM isn’t working.” A travel eSIM operates over local networks in your destination, which the phone technically treats as a “roaming” connection. So Data Roaming must be ON for that eSIM line. Turning it on does not incur extra charges — your plan is designed for exactly this use.

• iPhone: Settings → Cellular → [select the eSIM line] → turn on Data Roaming.
• Android: Settings → Network & internet / Connections → SIMs → [select the eSIM line] → turn on Roaming.

To avoid a surprise roaming bill on your home number, the safest setup is to turn off data on your domestic line and use the eSIM data only.

Quick Checklist If the eSIM Won’t Connect

• Is Data Roaming on for the travel eSIM line? (most common cause)
• Is the correct line selected for mobile data?
• Is Airplane Mode off, and did you restart the phone once?
• Are you in coverage, and has your plan started?

Warning: don’t delete the eSIM profile you installed. Most QR codes are single-use; if you delete it, you may not be able to reinstall from the same code.

Setting Up with Telsimo

With Telsimo you pick a plan for your country or region, pay, and receive your QR code instantly — no waiting for a card. Then you follow the steps in this guide and connect within a few minutes. To understand the technology from the ground up, see our what is an eSIM and how does it work guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does eSIM setup take?

With the QR code ready, setup usually takes a few minutes. An internet connection is needed for the download.

Can I set up an eSIM without internet?

You need WiFi or an existing data connection for the initial download. Once downloaded, the line works normally with no separate internet required.

My eSIM doesn’t work the moment I land — why?

The most likely cause is that Data Roaming is off for that eSIM line. Turn it on with the steps above and make sure the eSIM is selected as the mobile data line.

I can’t scan the QR code — is there another way?

Yes. On both iPhone and Android you can type the details your provider sent (SM-DP+ address and activation code) using the “manual entry” option.