Installing your eSIM

Quick answer

Open Settings on the phone, choose Add eSIM (iPhone) or Add eSIM / Download a SIM (Android), then scan the QR code from your delivery email using a second screen. A phone cannot scan its own screen.

Install at home on Wi-Fi before you travel. The eSIM installs now but stays inactive, so nothing is used until you arrive.

Phase 1: install at home, on Wi-Fi

  1. Scan the QR code from your delivery email. Put it on a second screen, because a phone cannot scan its own display.
  2. Label the lines. Keep your own SIM as Primary, and name ours Secondary or Travel.
  3. Keep the travel line switched OFF. It cannot use anything while it is off.

Phase 2: after you land

  1. Turn the Uncle Sim eSIM line ON.
  2. Set it as the line used for mobile data.
  3. TurnData RoamingON inside that line's own settings. This is the step most people miss.
  4. LeaveAllow Cellular Data SwitchingOFF so data does not fall back to your home SIM.

iPhone

Settings->Cellular->your Uncle Sim eSIM->Data Roamingon.

Android

Settings->Connections->Mobile networks->Data roamingon.

If you see a "code no longer valid" message,the eSIM has already been installed once. Do not keep retrying. Contact us and we will sort it out.

Questions we get asked

Do I need to change my SIM card?

No. The eSIM sits alongside your normal SIM. Keep your own number for calls and messages.

Should I install before or after I fly?

Before, while you have Wi-Fi. The plan does not start until it connects to a network at your destination.

Can I install the eSIM on a second phone?

No. An eSIM can only be installed once and cannot be transferred to another device.

Installed but still no internet? Seewhat to check next.