eSIM installation guide

Once your payment goes through, your eSIM QR code appears on the order detail page and is also emailed to you. Scanning that QR code installs the plan on your phone. The whole thing takes about two minutes.

Before you start

You need to be online first
Downloading an eSIM profile requires an internet connection — Wi-Fi or your existing mobile data both work. If you land with no connection, you won't be able to install it.
Install before you travel
Installing and activating are two separate things. Install it at home on Wi-Fi, then switch it on after you land — no scrambling at the airport.
One plan, one device
An eSIM profile is tied to the device you install it on, and once deleted it usually cannot be reinstalled. Make sure you're on the device you're actually taking with you.

First, check your device supports eSIM

iPhone: Open Settings → General → About and scroll down. If you see "Available eSIM" or a second IMEI, you're supported.
Android: Dial *#06# — if an EID is listed, you're supported.

Your device also needs to be carrier-unlocked; phones locked to a carrier contract can't install third-party eSIMs.

Installing on iPhone

1Open Settings → Cellular (shown as "Mobile Data" in some regions).
2Tap "Add eSIM" or "Add Cellular Plan".
3Choose to add using a QR code, then scan the QR code from your order page or email.
4Follow the prompts and give the line a recognisable label, such as "Japan trip". Your original number stays as the default line.

Installing on Android

1Open Settings → Network & internet.
2Find "SIMs" or "Mobile network" and tap "Add" next to it.
3Choose "Download a SIM instead" or "Add eSIM", then scan the QR code.
4Follow the prompts to finish downloading.

Menu names vary a lot between Android brands — Samsung, Xiaomi and Pixel all word things differently. If you can't find it, searching "eSIM" in the system settings search box usually jumps straight to the right screen.

Only have one phone — how do you scan a QR code on your own screen?

Two options. Either save the QR code from your order page as a screenshot, then pick it from your photo library on the scanning screen in step 3 (supported on newer OS versions). Or open the email we sent you on a laptop or tablet so the QR code shows on a second screen, and scan it with your phone.

After you land

1Go to Settings → Cellular / Mobile network and switch on the eSIM line you installed.
2Set that line as your default for mobile data and turn on data roaming for it. This is required for a data-only plan to connect, and it won't trigger roaming charges from your home carrier, because the data goes over this eSIM.
3You can keep your original number active for calls and texts — those are still billed by your home carrier at its usual rates.

Still stuck?

Send us your order number and whatever message you're seeing, and a real person will help you work through it. You can also check the FAQ first.