Activating an eSIM might feel daunting the first time, but it’s actually a simple process that takes under 5 minutes. This guide walks you through it step by step, whether you have an iPhone, Samsung, Google Pixel or any other compatible smartphone.
What is an eSIM and why use it?
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a virtual SIM built into your phone. Unlike a physical SIM, it’s activated by scanning a QR code. This technology has several advantages for travellers.
Benefits of eSIM for travellers
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Simplicity | Activation in minutes, no store visit |
| Dual SIM | Keep your home number active |
| Savings | 70–90% cheaper than roaming |
| Instant | Connected as soon as you land |
| Security | No handling of tiny cards |
Check your phone is compatible
Before you start, make sure your smartphone supports eSIM. Most phones released after 2018 are compatible.
Compatible phones by brand
| Brand | Compatible models |
|---|---|
| Apple | iPhone XS (2018) and all later models |
| Samsung | Galaxy S20+, Z Fold/Flip range, Galaxy A54 5G |
| Pixel 3 (2018) and all later models | |
| Xiaomi | 13 and 14 series |
| Oppo | Find X3 Pro and recent models |
| Motorola | Razr, Edge 40+ |
How to check on your device
On iPhone: Open Settings, then General, then About. Look for EID. If it appears, your iPhone is compatible.
On Android: Open Settings, then Connections (or Network), then SIM manager. Look for Add eSIM.
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Check carrier unlock
Your phone must be unlocked (carrier-free) to use an eSIM from another provider. This step is essential.
Check unlock on iPhone
Open Settings, then General, then About. Look for Carrier Lock. If you see "No SIM restrictions" or "Unlocked", your iPhone can accept any eSIM.
Check unlock on Android
The most reliable way: insert a SIM from another carrier. If the phone accepts it and can make calls, it’s unlocked.
How to get your phone unlocked
| Carrier | Delay | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Orange | 3 days | Free after 3 months |
| SFR | 3 days | Free after 3 months |
| Bouygues | 3 days | Free after 3 months |
| Free | Already unlocked | — |
Unlocking is free with major French carriers. Contact customer service or request it from your online account.
Activation on iPhone
Activating an eSIM on iPhone follows a standard process. Allow 5 minutes and a stable Wi‑Fi connection.
Prerequisites
Before you start, make sure you have:
- A stable Wi‑Fi connection
- The QR code received by email after purchase
- An iPhone with iOS 12.1 or later (ideally iOS 16+)
- An unlocked iPhone
Step-by-step activation
Step 1: Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
Step 2: Tap Cellular (or "Mobile Data" depending on your iOS version).
Step 3: Select Add Cellular Plan or Add eSIM.
Step 4: Choose Scan QR Code.
Step 5: Point your iPhone’s camera at the QR code from your email. The iPhone detects it automatically within a few seconds.
Step 6: Wait for the profile to download (30 seconds to 2 minutes depending on your connection).
Step 7: Name the line so you can recognise it easily, e.g. "Japan trip" or "Thailand eSIM".
Step 8: Set preferences: keep your main SIM for calls and SMS, select the eSIM for cellular data.
Crucial final step
Go to Settings → Cellular → [Your eSIM plan] → Data Roaming: Turn ON
Without this, the eSIM won’t work abroad.
Activation on Android (Samsung, Pixel)
The steps vary slightly by manufacturer, but the idea is the same.
Activation on Samsung (Galaxy S20+, Z Fold/Flip)
Step 1: Open Settings, then Connections, then SIM manager.
Step 2: Tap Add mobile plan.
Step 3: Select Scan carrier QR code.
Step 4: Scan the QR code from your email.
Step 5: Follow the on-screen instructions and enable roaming in network settings.
Activation on Google Pixel
Step 1: Open Settings, then Network & internet, then SIMs.
Step 2: Tap the + to add a new SIM.
Step 3: Select Download a SIM.
Step 4: Scan the QR code to finish activation.
Recommended setup for travel
| Setting | Physical SIM | Travel eSIM |
|---|---|---|
| Calls | Yes (primary) | No |
| SMS | Yes (primary) | No |
| Mobile data | No | Yes (primary) |
| Roaming | No | On |
Manual activation without QR code
Sometimes the QR code scan fails. eSIM providers then offer manual activation.
What you need
Your confirmation email contains two important codes:
- SM-DP+ address: the activation server (e.g. smdp.io)
- Activation code: the unique ID for your plan
Manual procedure on iPhone
When adding a plan, instead of scanning, choose "Enter details manually". Then enter the SM-DP+ address and activation code from your email.
Manual procedure on Android
When adding a plan, select "Enter activation code" and enter the details from your email.
Common issues and fixes
Despite the simple process, some users run into problems. Here are solutions to the most frequent issues.
Quick diagnostic table
| Symptom | Likely cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| "Unable to activate" | Connection or lock | Check Wi‑Fi + unlock |
| QR code not recognised | Lighting, size | Zoom in, improve light |
| No signal | Roaming off | Turn on roaming |
| "Invalid plan" | QR already used | Contact support |
| Slow connection | Wrong network | Check carrier |
"Unable to activate cellular plan"
This usually means a connection or carrier lock issue. First check that Wi‑Fi works. If it persists, contact your carrier to confirm the phone is unlocked.
QR code not recognised
Possible causes: poor lighting, dirty screen, QR too small, corrupted image.
Solutions: Zoom in on the QR in your email, improve lighting, clean the screen and camera. As a last resort, use manual activation.
No signal after activation
Checklist:
- Is data roaming turned on for the eSIM?
- Is the eSIM selected for cellular data?
- Try turning Airplane mode on then off?
- Restart the phone?
Tips for a smooth activation
From many activations, these practices help avoid problems.
Before you travel
Activate the day before: on your home Wi‑Fi you have time to fix any issue. Best recommendation.
Keep the email: some providers allow multiple scans of the same QR code, useful if you change phones.
Check validity: most eSIMs start their validity on first connection, not at purchase. You can buy in advance.
While travelling
Monitor usage via the provider’s app or phone settings.
Have a buffer: top-up plans let you add data if needed.
Use Wi‑Fi when you can: hotels, restaurants and airports often offer free Wi‑Fi.
Next steps
Now that you know how to activate an eSIM, pick the right plan for your destination.
Compare eSIMs by destination →
Last updated: January 2026. This guide is updated regularly for the latest iOS and Android versions.
Developer and digital nomad, I lived between Canada and the United States before continuing to explore the world. After struggling with internet connectivity abroad one too many times, I created eSIM Planet to compare plans clearly and honestly. Every article is carefully written and reviewed to save you time and money.
