Installing your eSIM
By SimSIM
By SimSIM
Install your eSIM — start here
Installing your eSIM takes under a minute, and most of these steps are done once. Choose your device type for the full step-by-step guide. - Install on iPhone — Covers iOS 26 and later, plus earlier versions - Install on Android — Samsung and other Android devices Before you start - Install before you travel. Downloading the profile requires an internet connection, so install at home while you have reliable Wi-Fi. - Confirm your device supports eSIM and is carrier-unlocked. See Device compatibility, or check your model against the full device list on our site. - Switch your data line only after you land — not before your flight. 📝 Note: Your eSIM will not be named "SimSIM" on your device. It appears under a local network's name at your destination — this is normal. The eSIM you just installed always appears at the bottom of the line list. Alternative installation methods If the standard install button doesn't work for your situation — for example, you're setting up a phone for someone else, or the camera on the target device isn't working — you can install using a QR code or by entering the details manually. - Install via QR code — Scan a QR code from your device settings — useful when setting up someone else's phone - Install manually — Enter the activation code by hand — when the camera on the target device isn't working After installation - Keep your primary line active for calls and SMS, but turn off its mobile data so you don't accumulate roaming charges from your own carrier. - Don't delete the eSIM while the plan is still valid. A deleted profile cannot be reinstalled from the app. - You can check your remaining data at any time under Managing data in the app. Frequently asked questions Where do I find the eSIM I installed? Every eSIM you install always appears at the bottom of the eSIM list on your device — so the eSIM you just installed will be the last one in the list, even though the name next to it is a local network's name rather than "SimSIM". I installed the eSIM but have no internet at my destination In most cases data roaming is switched off on the new line. Turn it on, and also confirm that the eSIM you set up is selected as your mobile data line. Will I still receive calls to my primary number? Yes. As long as your primary line stays active and set as the voice line, calls and SMS will continue to reach you as usual. Note that calls and messages abroad are billed by your own carrier, according to your plan's terms. Your SimSIM eSIM provides data only and does not affect those charges. Should I install before the flight or after landing? Install before your flight while you have stable Wi-Fi, since installation needs an internet connection. Switch your data line only once you arrive. Installation failed — what now? Confirm you have a stable internet connection, that your device supports eSIM, and that it is carrier-unlocked. If the problem persists, see Troubleshooting or contact support.
Install an eSIM on iPhone — step by step
This guide is for iOS 26 and later. If you're not sure which version you have, check Settings → General → About → Software Version — on an earlier version, see Install on earlier iOS versions. 📝 Note: Your eSIM will not be named "SimSIM" on your device — it appears under a local network's name at your destination, which is normal. The eSIM you just installed always appears at the bottom of the line list. More details. iOS 26 and later 1. Open My eSIMs in the app In the SimSIM app, go to My eSIMs and open the plan you purchased. A plan that hasn't been installed yet is marked as ready to install. If you bought several plans, make sure you pick the one for your current destination. 2. Tap the install button Tap Install eSIM. The app passes the profile straight to iOS — there's no QR code to scan and no codes to enter manually. 3. Approve adding the eSIM Your iPhone will ask permission to add a new eSIM. Approve it and wait for installation to finish. This takes a few minutes, and you can keep using your phone meanwhile. 4. Choose "Data Only" When asked what the line is for, choose Data Only. The new line then handles internet only, while your calls and messages continue through your regular number. 5. Finish the installation Tap Done. The eSIM is now installed on your device. 6. Turn on the new line Select the newly configured eSIM and turn the line on. Until you do, the line exists on the device but is inactive. 💡 Tip: The eSIM you just installed always appears at the bottom of the line list. 7. Confirm data roaming is enabled Go back to the previous screen, tap the eSIM you just enabled, and confirm Data Roaming is on. This is the step most people miss — without it the eSIM is installed but you'll have no internet at your destination. 8. After you land — switch your data line Once you arrive, go to Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data and select the eSIM you set up. From this point your browsing runs through the plan you purchased. If something isn't working The most common problem by far is data roaming being switched off on the new line. If you have no internet at your destination, check that first. For more checks see Troubleshooting, confirm your model is on the compatible device list, or see installing on Android if you're setting up a different device.
Install an eSIM on iPhone — earlier iOS versions
This guide is for iPhones on an iOS version earlier than 26. If you're not sure which version you have, check Settings → General → About → Software Version — on iOS 26 and later, see Install on iPhone. 📝 Note: Your eSIM will not be named "SimSIM" on your device — it appears under a local network's name at your destination, which is normal. The eSIM you just installed always appears at the bottom of the line list. More details. On earlier versions of iOS, some settings appear as a wizard during installation itself. The steps are similar to newer versions, but the screen order differs. 1. Open My eSIMs and tap install In the SimSIM app, go to My eSIMs, open your plan, and tap Install eSIM. 2. Approve adding the eSIM Approve the request and tap Continue if prompted. Installation takes a few minutes — don't close the screen partway through. 3. Default line — choose your primary line When asked which line should be the default, choose your primary line and tap Continue. This keeps calls and messages arriving on your usual number. 4. FaceTime and iMessage — choose your primary line Choose your primary line here too and tap Continue, so iMessage and FaceTime keep working from the number people know. 5. Cellular data — choose your primary line Choose your primary line here too and tap Continue. 6. Confirm data roaming is enabled Tap the eSIM you enabled and confirm Data Roaming is on. Without it you'll have no internet at your destination, even if installation succeeded. 💡 Tip: The eSIM you just installed always appears at the bottom of the line list. 7. After you land — switch your data line Once you arrive, tap Cellular Data and select the eSIM you set up. If something isn't working The most common problem by far is data roaming being switched off on the new line. If you have no internet at your destination, check that first. For more checks see Troubleshooting, confirm your model is on the compatible device list, or see installing on Android if you're setting up a different device.
Install an eSIM on Android — step by step
This guide is based on Samsung devices. On other Android phones the menu names may differ slightly, but the meaning is the same. 📝 Note: Your eSIM will not be named "SimSIM" on your device — it appears under a local network's name at your destination, which is normal. The eSIM you just installed always appears at the bottom of the line list. More details. Step by step 1. Open My eSIMs and tap install In the SimSIM app, go to My eSIMs, open the plan you purchased, and tap the install button. If you bought several plans, make sure you pick the one for your current destination. 2. Approve adding the eSIM Approve the request and tap Continue if prompted. Installation takes a few minutes and your device will show progress as a percentage. Don't close the screen partway through. 3. Turn on data roaming In your device settings tap Connections, then Mobile networks. On the page that opens, turn on Data roaming. This is the critical step — without it the eSIM is installed but won't connect to the network at your destination. 💡 Tip: The eSIM you just installed always appears at the bottom of the line list. 4. After you land — open the SIM manager Once you arrive, in device settings tap Connections and then SIM manager. This is where all the lines on your device are managed, including the eSIM you installed. 5. Choose your data line Tap Mobile data and select the eSIM you set up. From this point your browsing runs through the plan you purchased, while calls and messages continue through your primary line. 📝 Note: Android menu names vary between manufacturers. The path shown here is Samsung's. On other devices look for Network & internet, SIM cards, or Connections — the meaning is the same. If something isn't working The most common problem by far is data roaming being switched off on the new line. If you have no internet at your destination, check that first. For more checks see Troubleshooting, confirm your model is on the compatible device list, or see installing on iPhone if you're setting up a different device.
Install an eSIM via QR Code on iPhone or Android
Instead of tapping the install button in the SimSIM app, you can scan a QR code to add the eSIM to any iPhone or Android device. This is the standard eSIM installation method supported by all carriers — useful when setting up a phone for someone else, or if you prefer to go through your device settings directly. 📝 Note: An eSIM can only be installed on one device and cannot be shared or transferred to another phone. The QR code for your plan is available in the SimSIM app under My eSIMs → your plan → the three-dot menu → Show QR / Manual install. Installing for someone else Display the QR code on your screen and hand your phone to the other person — or hold it up — so they can scan it from their device. **On iPhone** 1. Open the Camera app On the target phone, open the Camera app and point it at the QR code on your phone. A notification will appear at the top of the screen. 2. Confirm adding the eSIM Tap the notification, then Add Cellular Plan. Installation takes a few minutes. For detailed setup instructions, see the [iPhone installation guide](/hc/help/articles/en-install-esim-iphone). **On Android** 1. Open the QR scanner On the target phone, swipe down from the top of the screen and tap the QR scanner icon. If it's not there, use any QR scanner app. 2. Scan the QR code Point the camera at the QR code on your phone. The profile details will appear. 3. Confirm the installation Tap Confirm or Add. Installation takes a few minutes — don't close the screen partway through. For detailed setup instructions, see the [Android installation guide](/hc/help/articles/en-install-esim-android). 💡 Tip: Alternative: tap the share button in the app to send them the QR image directly. Once they receive it, they can tap the image to start the eSIM setup — no scanning needed. Installing for yourself If you're installing the eSIM on the same phone you're using to manage your plan, the easiest way is to use the install button directly in the SimSIM app — see the iPhone or Android guide. If you'd still like to use the QR code, long-press it in the app and your phone will open the eSIM setup directly — no second device needed. For detailed setup instructions, see the iPhone or Android guide.
Install an eSIM Manually on iPhone or Android
Use this method if the camera on the target device isn't working and you can't scan the QR code. You'll need two values from the SimSIM app: the SM-DP+ address and the Activation code. Find them under My eSIMs → your plan → the three-dot menu → Show QR / Manual install. 📝 Note: An eSIM can only be installed on one device and cannot be shared or transferred to another phone. Installing for someone else Open the SimSIM app, navigate to the codes, and tap the share button to send them to the other person so they can type them into their device. **On iPhone** 1. Open eSIM settings On the target phone, go to Settings → Cellular (or Mobile Data). Tap Add eSIM. 2. Choose manual entry Tap Use QR Code. On the next screen, select Enter Details Manually. 3. Enter the SM-DP+ address Type or paste the SM-DP+ address exactly as shown in the app. Tap Next. 4. Enter the activation code Type or paste the activation code. Leave the confirmation code field empty. Tap Next to start the download. 5. Confirm adding the eSIM Tap Continue, then Add Cellular Plan. Installation takes a few minutes. For detailed setup instructions, see the [iPhone installation guide](/hc/help/articles/en-install-esim-iphone). **On Android** 1. Open SIM manager On the target phone, go to Settings → Connections → SIM manager. Tap Add eSIM or the + button. 2. Choose manual entry Select Enter activation code or Add using activation code, depending on the device. 3. Enter the SM-DP+ address and activation code Enter the SM-DP+ address in the first field and the activation code in the second. Tap Connect or Confirm. 4. Confirm the installation Tap Confirm when the plan details appear. Installation takes a few minutes — don't close the screen. For detailed setup instructions, see the [Android installation guide](/hc/help/articles/en-install-esim-android). Installing for yourself In the SimSIM app, tap the copy button next to each field to copy the SM-DP+ address and activation code, then paste them in when prompted. **On iPhone** 1. Open eSIM settings Go to Settings → Cellular (or Mobile Data). Tap Add eSIM. 2. Choose manual entry Tap Use QR Code. On the next screen, select Enter Details Manually. 3. Enter the SM-DP+ address Type or paste the SM-DP+ address exactly as shown in the app. Tap Next. 4. Enter the activation code Type or paste the activation code. Leave the confirmation code field empty. Tap Next to start the download. 5. Confirm adding the eSIM Tap Continue, then Add Cellular Plan. Installation takes a few minutes. For detailed setup instructions, see the [iPhone installation guide](/hc/help/articles/en-install-esim-iphone). **On Android** 1. Open SIM manager Go to Settings → Connections → SIM manager. Tap Add eSIM or the + button. 2. Choose manual entry Select Enter activation code or Add using activation code, depending on your device. 3. Enter the SM-DP+ address and activation code Enter the SM-DP+ address in the first field and the activation code in the second. Tap Connect or Confirm. 4. Confirm the installation Tap Confirm when the plan details appear. Installation takes a few minutes — don't close the screen. For detailed setup instructions, see the [Android installation guide](/hc/help/articles/en-install-esim-android).