How to Install an eSIM on iPhone and Android (2026 Guide)

How to Install an eSIM on iPhone and Android (2026 Guide)

To install a travel eSIM, scan the QR code from your phone's network settings while on Wi-Fi, label the new line, and turn on data roaming for it when you arrive. The whole process takes a few minutes. Install before you travel so you do not need a connection abroad to scan the code. New to eSIMs? Start with what is an eSIM.

Before you start

• Check your phone is eSIM-compatible and unlocked. See which phones support eSIM.
• Have your QR code ready. After you buy a plan on the Simnity store, it arrives by email and in your dashboard.
• Be on Wi-Fi, ideally before your trip, because downloading the profile needs a connection.

How to install an eSIM on iPhone

Open Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data). Tap Add eSIM or Add Cellular Plan, choose Use QR Code, and scan the code from your dashboard or email. Label the plan, for example "Travel", so you can tell it apart from your main line. Keep your primary line as the default for calls and texts, and set the travel eSIM for Cellular Data. When you arrive, turn on Data Roaming for the travel line; this only uses the eSIM's local allowance, not your home carrier. Apple's official eSIM guide has model-specific notes.

How to install an eSIM on Android

Steps vary slightly by brand, but the flow is the same. Open Settings > Network & internet > SIMs (or Connections on Samsung). Tap Add eSIM or the plus next to SIMs, choose Scan QR code, and follow the prompts to download and enable the eSIM. Name the line, keep your main SIM for calls, set the eSIM for mobile data, and enable data roaming for it on arrival. Google's Android eSIM help covers brand differences.

After you land

Turn on the eSIM line and its data roaming. If data does not start automatically, toggle Airplane mode on and off, or restart the phone. You can switch your data line back to your home SIM at any time in settings, which is handy for two-factor codes that arrive by SMS.

Common problems and fixes

• No data after arrival: confirm the eSIM line is on, roaming is enabled for that line, and it is the selected data line.
• QR will not scan: raise screen brightness, or enter the details manually from your dashboard.
• "Cannot add cellular plan": the eSIM may already be installed once, or the phone is carrier locked.

For a full troubleshooting walkthrough, see eSIM not working. Ready to go? Pick your destination on the Simnity store, or jump straight to a guide like Japan eSIM plans.