eSIM Guide

Install. Activate. Connect.

Your complete guide to setting up your eSIM before your trip.

5 min
Installation time
200+
Countries covered
Instant
Delivery
24/7
Support

Before you start.

Make sure you have everything ready for a smooth installation.

Stable WiFi

You'll need an internet connection to download your eSIM profile.

Compatible Device

iPhone XS or newer, or a recent Android with eSIM support.

QR Code Ready

Have your QR code on another device or printed out.

iPhone Installation

Works on iPhone XS, XR, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and newer

01

Open Settings

Go to Settings → Mobile Data (or Cellular) → Add eSIM or Add Data Plan.

Settings → Mobile Data
02

Scan QR Code

Select 'Use QR Code' and scan the code we sent to your email using your camera.

Use QR Code
03

Label Your Plan

Give your new eSIM a name like 'Travel Data' or 'Airalo Australia' for easy identification.

Name your eSIM
04

Choose Default Line

Select 'Primary' for calls/texts. Choose your new eSIM for mobile data.

Primary for calls
05

Configure iMessage

Keep 'Primary' selected for iMessage and FaceTime to use your regular number.

Keep Primary
06

Set Mobile Data

Select your new eSIM and turn OFF 'Allow Mobile Data Switching' to avoid roaming charges.

Turn OFF switching

Android Installation

Works on Samsung Galaxy S20+, Google Pixel 3+, and other eSIM-compatible Android devices

01

Open Settings

Go to Settings → Connections → SIM Manager (or Network & Internet → SIMs on Pixel).

Settings → Connections
02

Add eSIM

Tap 'Add eSIM' or 'Add mobile plan'. Select 'Scan carrier QR code'.

Add eSIM
03

Scan QR Code

Point your camera at the QR code we sent to your email. Wait for it to process.

Scan the code
04

Download Profile

Your phone will download the eSIM profile. This may take a minute.

Wait for download
05

Enable eSIM

Once downloaded, enable the eSIM. You may need to restart your phone.

Enable & restart
06

Set for Data

Go back to SIM Manager and set your new eSIM as the data SIM.

Set as data SIM

Activate at your destination.

Your eSIM is installed but not active yet. Here's how to turn it on when you arrive.

1

Turn on Data Roaming

Go to Settings → Mobile Data → Select your eSIM → Enable Data Roaming

2

Check Signal

Look for signal bars in your status bar. It may take a minute to connect.

3

You're Connected!

Open Safari or Chrome to verify. Your data plan is now active.

Pro tips.

Get the most out of your eSIM experience.

Install before your trip

We recommend installing your eSIM at least 24 hours before departure while you have stable WiFi. This way you can troubleshoot any issues before you travel.

Don't delete your eSIM

Once deleted, your eSIM cannot be reinstalled. The QR code is single-use only. If you need to remove it temporarily, disable it instead.

Keep your primary SIM active

Your home SIM can stay in your phone. Use it for calls and texts while your eSIM handles data. Just make sure your primary SIM's data roaming is off.

Trusted providers.

We partner with industry-leading eSIM providers for reliable connectivity.

Airalo

World's first eSIM store. Instant connectivity for international students and tourists in 200+ countries.

200+ CountriesInstant Delivery24/7 Support

Ready to connect?

Browse our eSIM plans and stay connected wherever you go.

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