Installing Your eSIM (2024)

FAQs

Installing Your eSIM? ›

Upon purchasing a new eSIM plan or switching carriers, you receive a QR code from your service provider. To activate the eSIM, you open the device settings, scan the QR code using the camera, and it's installed instantly. The whole process takes just moments, eliminating the need for physical SIM swaps or store visits.

Using an eSIM for data on vacation? Great! You're going to love staying connected without roaming charges. Since you'll need a solid Wi-Fi (or data) connection to complete the eSIM installation process, we recommend installing your eSIM on your device 1-2 days prior to leaving on your trip.

Install in Advance: Install your eSIM 1-2 days before departing to ensure you're ready to connect upon arrival. Activate Data Roaming: Don't forget to activate data roaming in your device settings for the plan to work. Set as Default: Set the eSIM as the default in mobile data settings as soon as you land.

"The validity period starts at the installation": This means that your eSIM will activate instantly once installed, and hence, the validity period will start to run although you are not yet at the destination.

To activate your eSIM, you need a wireless carrier which provides you an eSIM profile as well as an eSIM data plan. To download your eSIM profile on your Android device, you may receive an “activation code” from an eSIM carrier. The activation code is in fact a download link.

Check your phone settings. If your eSIM has been installed, you will be able to see the eSIM listed in your device settings (in iOS, under 'Mobile Service'; and in Android, under your 'SIM manager'). As long as you see that your eSIM has been listed there, you know it is successfully installed.

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After installing your eSIM, you must also make the necessary adjustments for connecting as required on your eSIM installation page. On your device, go to Settings>Cellular or Settings>Mobile. Tap on your newly installed eSIM plan.

If you are using an eSIM and you need to change phones, you will have to contact your local phone provider to enquire how to transfer your eSIM, if that's even possible. While Android and iOS have eSIM transfer tools, not all carriers allow an eSIM transfer.

Yes, you will need a Wi-Fi (or data) connection to install your eSIM because it needs to be loaded onto your device.

How long does an eSIM take to activate? ›

The delivery and activation of an eSIM prepay plan is instantaneous. Once you have completed the ordering process and received your confirmation email, you can scan the QR code in the email to activate your eSIM. Your eSIM will be activated immediately and you can start using your new mobile phone plan right away.

Contact your carrier to move your phone number from your physical SIM to an eSIM using eSIM Carrier Activation or by scanning a QR code. Tap Convert Mobile Plan. Tap Convert to eSIM. Wait for your eSIM to activate.

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.".

Your device needs to be eSIM compatible and network unlocked. (see "What devices support eSIM?" + "How to check if my Android device supports eSIM?") You have a stable connection, preferably WiFi. (You need to download the eSIM properly to your device and a stable internet connection is a must.)