Install an eSIM at home in five minutes: step-by-step for iPhone and Android, plus what to do the moment you land.
Installing an eSIM is a five-minute job best done at home on Wi-Fi, not in an arrivals hall. The steps below are the same for almost every phone; the labels differ slightly between iPhone and Android.
Planning the trip? See all our travel eSIM data plans and prices before you buy a plan.
Before you start
- Your phone must be eSIM capable and carrier unlocked.
- Have the QR code or activation details open on a second screen, or printed.
- Be on a stable Wi-Fi network - the profile has to download.
- Know whether your plan starts counting on installation or on first connection; if it starts on installation, install it the day you fly, not the week before.
iPhone: install at home
- Open Settings, then Cellular.
- Tap Add eSIM, then Use QR Code, and scan the code you were sent.
- Label the new line so you can recognise it later - for example Travel.
- Choose to keep your own line as the primary line for calls and messages.
- Leave the new line switched off until you arrive.
Android: install at home
- Open Settings, then Connections, then SIM Manager.
- Tap Add eSIM and scan the QR code.
- Name the profile, for example Travel.
- Set your own SIM as the default for calls and SMS.
- Leave the travel profile switched off until you arrive.
After you land
- Turn the travel line on.
- Set it as the line for mobile data.
- Turn data roaming on for that line only.
- Leave Allow Cellular Data Switching off on iPhone, so the phone does not quietly fall back to your home line.
See the full list of regions covered on our coverage page.
The eSIM setup in short
- Install on Wi-Fi, before you fly, with the travel line switched off.
- Label the line so later settings screens are obvious.
- On landing: switch the travel line on, make it the data line, enable roaming for it only.
- Never delete a profile to 'fix' an error - ask the provider first.
Frequently asked questions
Should I install the eSIM before or after I land?
Before, on Wi-Fi. Installation needs an internet connection, and airport Wi-Fi is the least reliable place to depend on.
Will installing early use up my plan's days?
That depends on the plan. Some count from installation, some from first connection in a covered region. If yours counts from installation, install it the day you fly.
Do I need to switch off my normal SIM?
No. Keep it on for calls and one-time codes, and simply direct mobile data to the travel line.
Why does my phone still show no data after I land?
In most cases data roaming is still off for the travel line, or the line is not set as the data line. Check both before assuming a network problem.
Can I move an installed eSIM to a new phone?
Usually no. Once installed, a profile is tied to that device. Treat installation as a one-way step and confirm your phone supports eSIM first.