How To Activate an eSIM From Anywhere (2024)

If you travel often and are frustrated by daily roaming fees, an eSIM could be your next travel hack. An eSIM allows you to connect to the internet in hundreds of countries and regions worldwide simply by activating a prepaid data plan. Here’s how to activate an eSIM anywhere and everywhere you travel.

1. Choose an eSIM Plan

If your phone is unlocked and eSIM-capable, you’re on track to try your first eSIM. Unlike a physical SIM card, an eSIM is built into your device, and getting connected is as easy as purchasing, downloading, and activating an eSIM plan.

Airalo offers eSIM plans for hundreds of countries and regions around the world (we even have a global plan if you’re off on an extended adventure!). Here’s how to choose your plan:

Go to our website or download the Airalo app (available on the App Store and Google Play Store)
Select your destination (rememberyou can choose a country, regional, or global plan)
Choose a plan with the amount of data and length of time thatsuits your travel plans

2. Install Your eSIM

Connecting has never been so easy. One of the perks of choosing Airalo is selecting how and when you install your eSIM. The best part: There’s no need to rely on your carrier to activate it for you!

Here are three ways to install your Airalo eSIM:

Direct Installation

If you’re in transit or packing, you might not have time to fiddle with your phone’s technical settings. This method allows you to install your eSIM at the push of a (few) buttons.

Install your eSIM on an iPhone:

Open the Airalo app on your phone.
Go to My eSIMs.
Navigate to the eSIM you want to install and tapDetails.
TapView Instructions.
Tap Direct.
TapInstall eSIM.
TapNextto move through the step-by-step guide.
TapContinuetwice and wait a few minutes for your eSIM to activate.
TapDone.
Add aCellular/Mobile Plan Labelto the newly installed eSIM.
TapSecondary.
EnterAiraloor your preferred label.
TapDone.
TapContinue.
Select yourPrimary linefor calls and text messages.
TapContinue.
Select yourPrimary linefor iMessage & FaceTime.
TapContinue.
Select yourAiralo eSIMfor Cellular/Mobile Data.
Ensure that Allow Cellular Data Switching isturned off.
TapContinue.
After completing these steps, the installation page will close.

Install your eSIM on an Android device:

Open the Airalo app on your phone.
Go to My eSIMs.
Navigate to the eSIM you want to install and tapDetails.
TapView Instructions.
Tap Direct.
TapInstall eSIM.
TapAllow and wait a few minutes for your eSIM to activate.
After completing these steps, you will see a confirmation that the eSIM is successfully installed.

QR Code Installation

You can also use a QR code to install your eSIM. Here's how to do it on an iPhone and Android device.

First, access your QR code:

Open the Airalo app.
TapMy eSIMsand select the eSIM you want to install.
Tap theDetailsbutton.
Tap View Instructions.
SelectQR Codeas your installation method.
TapShare QR Code,then tapSave Image.

Install your eSIM on an iPhone:

Manual Installation

Have a break and want to enter your activation manually? Here’s how:

First, access your SM-DP+ address and activation code:

Open the Airalo app.
TapMy eSIMsand select the eSIM you want to install.
Tap theDetailsbutton.
Tap View Instructions.
SelectManualas your installation method.
You'll see your SM-DP+ address and an activation code.

Install your eSIM on an iPhone:

Go to your mobile device'sSettings.
TapCellular or Mobile.
TapAdd eSIM.
TapUse QR Code.
TapEnter Details Manually.
From the Airalo app, copy theSM-DP+ Addressand paste it into the SM-DP+ Address field.
Then, copy and paste theActivation CodeandConfirmation Code(if prompted).
TapNext.
TapContinuetwice and wait a few minutes for your eSIM to activate.
TapDone.
Add aCellular/Mobile Plan Labelto the newly installed eSIM.
TapSecondary.
EnterAiraloor your preferred label.
TapDone.
TapContinue.
Select yourPrimary linefor calls and text messages.
TapContinue.
Select yourPrimary linefor iMessage & FaceTime.
TapContinue.
Select yourAiralo eSIMfor Cellular/Mobile Data.
Ensure that Allow Cellular Data Switching isturned off.
TapContinue.
After completing these steps, the installation page will close.

Install your eSIM on an Android device:

Swipe down and tapSettings.
TapConnections.
TapSIM manager.
TapAdd eSIM.
TapScan QR code.
TapEnter activation code.
From the Airalo app, copy theActivation Codeand paste it into the Activation Code field.
TapDone.
TapAdd.
Wait a few minutes for your eSIM to activate.
After completing these steps, the installation page will close.

3. Connect to the Internet

You’re ready to connect to the internet! Depending on the eSIM, your data plan will activate as soon as you install it or once you connect to a new network at your destination. You can review your eSIM’s activation policy to see which applies to you.

When you arrive at your destination, go to your phone’s settings and follow these steps to access your eSIM data.

Here's how to access your data on an iPhone:

Go toSettings.
TapCellular or Mobile.
Tap youreSIM.
Ensure that the eSIM is enabled. If not, toggleTurn On This Line.
Check if you need to enableData Roamingon your device by opening the Airalo app and viewing youreSIM instructions.
ToggleData RoamingON or OFF.
Go toCellular or Mobile Settings.
TapCellular or Mobile Dataand select your eSIM.
Your eSIM should automatically connect to a supported mobile network.

Here's how to access your data on an Android device:

TapMobile data.
Select youreSIM.
Check if you need to enableData Roamingby opening the Airalo app and viewing youreSIM instructions.
Go back toConnections.
TapMobile networks.
ToggleData RoamingON or OFF.
Your eSIM should automatically connect to a supported mobile network.

Troubleshooting

If you have trouble connecting or getting a signal, try the following:

Turn roaming on or off (view your eSIM instructions to see if data roaming should be turned on or off for your eSIM).
See if you need to update your APN settings (if you do, your installation instructions will include a step-by-step guide).
Restart your phone.

The Benefits of an Airalo eSIM Plan

You’re all set! Now, you can connect with ease no matter where in the world your travels take you. Here are a few more benefits of using an Airalo eSIM on your next trip:

Connect within moments of arrival
Download a plan right to your phone (no need to switch physical SIM cards or find a local vendor)
Get the amount of data you pay for and top up as you go
Store multiple eSIMs on your phone (making it even easier to switch between destinations)
Say goodbye to expensive roaming fees

Where are you off to next? Stay connected with an eSIM from Airalo.

How To Activate an eSIM From Anywhere (2024)

FAQs

Can I activate eSIM remotely? ›

Gone are the days of needing to visit a physical store or contacting your mobile network provider to make changes to your plan. With remote eSIM, you can simply access the eSIM activation portal, create an account, and select the eSIM plan that best suits your needs.

Read On ›

Can I activate eSIM from abroad? ›

With the Tello eSIM, you can activate the service even if you are currently in another country. To do so, first install the eSIM on your device, then you'll need to enable Wi-Fi calling on your phone after installing the eSIM.

Discover More Details ›

How do I manually activate eSIM? ›

To activate eSIM on Google Android, follow these steps:

Go to [Settings] – [Network & Internet] – Tap the + icon next to Mobile Network.
Tap on [Download a SIM instead] – [Next] and tap “Need help?”
Tap on [Enter Data Manually]
Enter your activation code by copying and pasting it into the appropriate field.

Mar 20, 2023

How to set up eSIM when travelling? ›

Activating an eSIM for travel is even easier than activating/deactivating a physical SIM card. Usually, you'll need to contact your travel plan carrier and get a QR code. Scan this into your phone to activate the eSIM.

See Details ›

Do I have to call my carrier to activate eSIM? ›

With eSIM Carrier Activation, your carrier can assign an eSIM to your iPhone digitally at the time of purchase, or if you call your carrier for an eSIM after setup.

Find Out More ›

Can I activate eSIM from another device? ›

Also, since you already have an eSIM and are only looking to switch the eSIM from one device to another, all you have to do is upload your eSIM to another phone. Here are the steps: From your new smartphone, send an SMS with the text: eSIM <> registered email ID and send the message to the number 121.

Tell Me More ›

Can I activate my eSIM before Travelling? ›

Install Before Travel and Activate Upon Arrival: Installing your eSIM before you travel and activating it upon arrival is the best strategy for staying connected. This approach ensures immediate connectivity and avoids roaming charges.

Show Me More ›

Can I have eSIM from a different country? ›

Local eSIMs work in one country. Regional eSIMs work in multiple countries within a region. And global eSIMs work in multiple countries around the world. The one you choose will depend on where you travel.

Explore More ›

Can I activate T-Mobile eSIM outside the US? ›

You must be located in the US when activating service. To activate your eSIM on another wireless provider or manage eSIM settings, check out our Tutorials.

Can you activate eSIM without a QR code? ›

Other eSIM activation methods

Some carriers may send you a link instead of a QR code to download your eSIM. On your iPhone with iOS 17.4 or later, tap the link to set up your eSIM. When the Activate New eSIM notification appears, tap Allow. Tap Continue at the bottom of the screen.

Show Me More ›

Why is eSIM not activating? ›

Sometimes, an eSIM can get stuck activating on an iOS device. This usually happens when you have installed an eSIM but haven't yet arrived at your destination country/region. You can rest easy knowing that the eSIM is fully installed, even if it displays "activating" or "activation failure.".

Read The Full Story ›

What are the disadvantages of an eSIM? ›

Limited device compatibility

This limitation can restrict your options if you're not using the latest smartphones and technology. Even if a phone has an eSIM card, that doesn't mean it'll work with every network. At least in the US, you'll find that only the most popular phones are supported by most carriers.

See Details ›

Do I need to turn off airplane mode to activate eSIM? ›

If you were flying, then now it's time to toggle Airplane Mode off. Otherwise, you will not be able to use your new eSIM card for data. Don't be nervous about this, because you've already turned off Data Roaming on your Primary SIM (or disabled it entirely), so it can't rack up roaming charges.

Get More Info Here ›

Do I need to turn on roaming for eSIM? ›

When you're using aloSIM, your eSIM should have roaming "ON." That's because you want aloSIM to make sure you're connected to great local networks wherever you're traveling.

How do I activate my eSIM if I lost my phone? ›

Select the phone number, go to the 'SIM Card' tab, and then click on 'Replace/Transfer SIM Card'. During your request, choose the option 'eSIM'. You will then immediately receive an email with the necessary instructions to activate it. Do you want to find or block your phone?

How can I activate eSIM on my iPhone without physical SIM? ›

Follow these steps:

On your iPhone, go to Settings > Mobile Data.
Tap Convert to eSIM. If you can't see Convert to eSIM, your network provider doesn't support this option. ...
Tap Convert Mobile Data Plan.
Tap Convert to eSIM.
Wait for your eSIM to activate. ...
Remove the physical SIM from your iPhone.

View Details ›

How to activate eSIM without old phone? ›

If you don't have access to your current iPhone, contact your carrier to transfer your eSIM. While you're setting up your iPhone, if you're asked to transfer your SIM, follow the onscreen instructions to transfer your physical SIM or eSIM.

How do I activate eSIM for someone else? ›

If you are buying your eSIM for your friend that you are traveling with, all you have to do is to forward the QR code to your friend's email, and get your friend to install that eSIM on their device using the QR code!

Learn More ›