Switch to eSIM in just a few minutes—no physical card needed. This guide covers installation using a QR code, via the vendor’s app, or through eSIM transfer from an old phone (when supported: Pixel, recent Samsung models…). We’ll finish with APN setup, dual SIM management, and quick troubleshooting.
Interface note: depending on the brand/Android version, labels may vary slightly.
Samsung: Settings → Connections → SIM card manager (or SIM manager)
Google Pixel: Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs
Xiaomi/OnePlus/Others: Settings → SIM cards & mobile networks (or Mobile network)
Up-to-date Android (Settings → Software update).
Stable Wi-Fi for activation.
QR code or activation code (SM-DP+ / Activation code) provided by the vendor.
Data roaming can be enabled for your destination (useful for many travel plans).
Open Settings.
Go to Connections / Network & Internet → SIM / SIM card manager → Add mobile plan / Add eSIM.
Choose Use QR code (or Enter details manually if you have SM-DP+ + code).
Scan the vendor’s QR.
Confirm the addition when Android detects the plan.
Name the line (e.g., Travel, USA, Data).
In Mobile data, select this eSIM as your default data line (usually for internet).
Finish the setup wizard. Restart if prompted.
Tip: keep your main SIM for calls/WhatsApp, and use the travel eSIM for mobile data.
Install the vendor app (e.g., Airalo / SimOptions / aloSIM, etc.).
Buy the plan and open My eSIMs.
Choose Install / Add eSIM → Install automatically (or Add using Activation code).
Allow the app to add the eSIM.
In Mobile data, set the new line as your data line.
Benefit: no need to print or display a QR code. Handy if you’re already on the move.
Available on several Android 13+ devices and recent brands (notably Pixel and Samsung). If the option doesn’t appear, install via QR code or the vendor app.
On the new phone: Settings → Network & Internet / Connections → SIM / SIM card manager → Add eSIM.
If the old phone is nearby, Android may suggest Transfer from old device (or Transfer eSIM via Smart Switch on Samsung).
Confirm on the old phone, then follow the steps until Plan added.
Assign the data line to the new eSIM.
Some plans require setting the APN (Access Point Name).
Settings → Network & Internet / Connections → Mobile network → Access Point Names (APN).
Create an APN if needed and enter the APN provided by the vendor (e.g., internet, mobile, etc.).
Save, then select the new APN.
Go back and enable data roaming:
Mobile network → Data roaming → On.
Toggle mobile data OFF/ON or restart the phone.
Name your lines: Settings → Mobile network / SIM manager → Card name / Label.
Mobile data: set the travel eSIM as your mobile data line.
Calls & SMS: keep your main line if you want to keep your usual number.
Quick switch: use the Mobile data shortcut in Quick settings (top panel), or via Settings → Mobile network.
Activate your eSIM the day before or on departure day with Wi-Fi.
Once in the country, make sure Mobile data is using the travel eSIM.
No network: enable roaming and 4G/5G Auto (if available), then restart.
Keep the vendor app to check balance / top up.
No network / no data:
Mobile data enabled on the right line.
Data roaming enabled.
Airplane mode ON/OFF (5 s).
Restart the phone.
Check / enter the vendor’s APN.
Check the preferred network type: 4G/5G Auto if available.
Disable any VPN that may block traffic.
Invalid QR code:
Check the spelling of the activation code (SM-DP+ / Code), case, and spaces.
Try Enter details manually (SM-DP+ + code) in Add eSIM.
Use the vendor app if possible.
Still nothing:
Delete the eSIM (Settings → Mobile network → eSIM → Delete), then reinstall via QR/app.
Contact the vendor’s support.
It depends on the country, the partner network, and your phone model. Most plans include at least 4G/LTE, with 5G available in some areas.
Validity starts either at eSIM activation (scan/installation) or at the first network connection in the destination country. Check the plan page for details.
Most travel eSIMs are data-only. For calls, use apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, or iMessage, or choose a plan that includes voice and SMS.
Generally yes. Some eSIM plans allow hotspot without restrictions, while others block it. Always check the plan details before buying.
Yes, many providers let you add data or extend validity directly in their app under “My eSIMs” or “Top-up.”
