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How to Install eSIM on iPhone and Android

Installing an eSIM takes 2-3 minutes — scan a QR code and a few taps in Settings. This guide walks through the steps for iPhone and Android, what to prepare, and what to do if eSIM won't install.

Last updated: 2026-05-31

Installing an eSIM takes 2-3 minutes and requires no SIM ejector tool or store visit. All you need is an eSIM-compatible phone, a QR code from your carrier (delivered by email after purchase), and Wi-Fi or mobile internet to download the profile. This guide walks through how to install eSIM on iPhone and Android — Pixel, Samsung Galaxy, and others.

What you need before installing eSIM

  1. An eSIM-compatible phone. iPhone XS or newer (2018+), Pixel 3 or newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 or newer, recent OnePlus, Sony Xperia, Huawei. Full list of compatible devices.
  2. A free eSIM slot. Modern iPhones and Androids can store multiple eSIM profiles simultaneously (8+ on recent models). If you already have eSIMs installed, check for free space.
  3. Wi-Fi or mobile internet. Downloading the eSIM profile requires any internet source. You can install at home before traveling — activation will kick in automatically later.
  4. QR code. Delivered by email after eSIM purchase. Open the email on another device (computer, tablet, second phone) to scan from the screen.

How to install eSIM on iPhone

iPhone XS, XR, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 (all Pro/Plus/Max variants) support eSIM. iPhone 14 and newer in the US are eSIM-only (no physical SIM tray).

Steps:

  1. Open Settings on iPhone.
  2. Go to Cellular (or Mobile Data).
  3. Tap Add eSIM.
  4. Select Use QR Code.
  5. Point the camera at the QR code in the email (displayed on computer or another phone). iPhone scans automatically.
  6. If camera doesn’t work — select Enter Details Manually and type SM-DP+ address and activation code from the email.
  7. iPhone downloads the profile in 30-60 seconds.
  8. Label the line — name by country/purpose: “USA Travel”, “Belarus”, “Work” etc. Helps avoid confusion if you have 2+ eSIMs.
  9. Set the eSIM as “Default for Cellular Data” if you want to use it for internet.
  10. Enable “Data Roaming” on this line (mandatory for travel eSIM).

eSIM is installed. Activation starts automatically when the phone first connects to the carrier’s network.

How to install eSIM on Android (Pixel)

Google Pixel 3 and newer support eSIM.

Steps for Pixel:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Go to Network & internet → SIMs.
  3. Tap + (add SIM).
  4. Select Download a SIM instead.
  5. Point camera at QR code or enter SM-DP+ details manually.
  6. Pixel downloads the profile in 30-60 seconds.
  7. Label the line and activate.

Detailed guide: Install eSIM on Pixel.

How to install eSIM on Samsung Galaxy

Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer (Note 20+, Z Fold, Z Flip) support eSIM.

Steps:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Go to Connections → SIM card manager.
  3. Tap Add mobile plan.
  4. Select Scan carrier QR code.
  5. Point camera at QR code.
  6. Confirm addition, label the line.

Detailed guide: Install eSIM on Samsung Galaxy.

When to install eSIM

Recommended — before leaving home. Install the profile on home Wi-Fi to avoid hunting for a network on arrival. Activation (start of plan countdown) only kicks in when the phone first connects to the carrier’s network — usually on arrival in the destination country.

Possible — on the plane via in-flight Wi-Fi. If installation at home didn’t work, many airlines offer Wi-Fi during flight. Sufficient for installing the QR profile.

Less convenient — at destination airport. Airport Wi-Fi is often slow or requires registration. eSIM profile install requires a reliable connection for 30-60 seconds.

What to do if eSIM won’t install

“Invalid QR code” or “Could not activate”: - Check Wi-Fi/mobile internet on phone - Restart phone and try again - Wait 5-10 minutes — sometimes carrier sync has a delay - If activation code was already used — contact carrier for new QR

“Maximum number of eSIMs on device”: - Delete old unused eSIM profiles in Settings → Cellular → select profile → Remove eSIM

iPhone won’t scan QR code: - Improve lighting - Open QR on large screen (computer, tablet) - Use “Enter Details Manually” with SM-DP+ address from email

More: - eSIM not connecting - eSIM QR code not working - eSIM APN settings

FAQ

Can I install eSIM on an old iPhone? Only iPhone XS, XR, and newer (2018+). Older iPhones (X, 8, 7, 6 and earlier) don’t support eSIM.

How many eSIMs can I install on iPhone at once? Modern iPhones (XS+) store 8+ eSIM profiles. Two lines active simultaneously (Dual SIM mode) — typically one physical SIM + one eSIM, or two eSIMs on iPhone 14+ US edition (eSIM-only).

Can I install eSIM before buying a plan? No. First buy the eSIM plan from a carrier, receive QR code by email, then install QR on the phone.

What if I install eSIM on multiple phones at once? QR code is one-time — after first install, can’t be reused. To transfer eSIM to a new phone, use the eSIM Transfer feature with your carrier.

Does installing eSIM remove the physical SIM? No. eSIM works in parallel with the physical SIM (Dual SIM mode). Your home number on physical SIM stays active for calls and SMS, while eSIM is used for data.

Do I need internet on the phone to install eSIM? Yes, Wi-Fi or working mobile data. The eSIM profile downloads from carrier servers over the internet. If your phone has no connection, connect to any Wi-Fi.

Installed eSIM — what next? If using now — activation starts automatically when connecting to the carrier’s network. If travel eSIM and trip is in a week — leave it installed; profile doesn’t “burn” until activated.

Can I install eSIM on Apple Watch? Yes, via the Watch app on iPhone. More: eSIM for Apple Watch.

What to do with QR code after install? Save the email with QR — may be needed for re-install if transferring eSIM to a new phone or after factory reset. Don’t share QR with others — it’s an access key to your plan.

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