How to Set Up an eSIM on Your Smartphone

Setting up an eSIM on your smartphone is a quick and digital process that eliminates the need for physical SIM cards. The most common methods are scanning a QR code or using a carrier's app, but the exact steps vary slightly between iPhone and Android devices.

Before you begin, ensure you have two things:

1. A stable Wi-Fi connection (required to download the profile).

2. The eSIM details (usually a QR code or an activation code/SM-DP+ Address) provided by your carrier or eSIM provider.

1. 🍏 iPhone (iOS) Setup

The process is generally the same for newer models (iPhone XS/XR and later).

Method 1: Using a QR Code (Most Common)

1. Go to Settings.

2. Tap Cellular (or Mobile Data).

3. Tap Add eSIM.

4. When prompted, select Use QR Code.

5. Scan the QR code that your carrier or eSIM provider gave you (display it on a computer screen or another device).

6. Tap Continue or Add Cellular Plan.

7. Follow the on-screen prompts to label your new line (e.g., "Travel Data," "Work Line") and set your preferences for Data and Default Line.

Method 2: Manual Entry

Use this method if you cannot scan the QR code.

1. Follow steps 1-4 above (Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Use QR Code).

2. Select Enter Details Manually at the bottom of the screen.

3. You will need to input two details provided by your carrier:

   • SM-DP+ Address

   • Activation Code

4. Tap Next and follow the remaining prompts.

Post-Setup Configuration

• Labeling: In Settings > Cellular, tap on the new line and rename it for clarity.

• Data Line: Set the new eSIM as your Cellular Data line.

• Turn On Line: Ensure the new eSIM is toggled ON under its settings.

2. 🤖 Android (Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy) Setup

While the menus can vary slightly by manufacturer (Samsung often uses "Connections"), the core steps remain consistent.

Method 1: Using a QR Code (Most Common)

1. Go to Settings.

2. Tap Network & Internet (or Connections on Samsung).

3. Tap SIMs (or SIM card manager on Samsung).

4. Tap the Add More button or the + icon next to Mobile Network/SIMs, and then select Download a SIM instead or Add eSIM.

5. Select Scan QR code.

6. Scan the QR code provided by your carrier.

7. Tap Download or Activate and wait for the profile to install.

Method 2: Manual Entry

Use this if you can't scan the QR code or the provider only gave you codes.

1. Follow steps 1-4 above (navigate to the Add eSIM screen).

2. Look for an option like Enter code manually or Need help? to find the manual entry fields.

3. Input the SM-DP+ Address and/or the Activation Code provided by your carrier.

4. Tap Continue and follow the instructions to download the profile.

Post-Setup Configuration

• Turn On SIM: In the SIMs menu, ensure the new eSIM is toggled ON under Use SIM or Use Mobile Data.

• Set Data Default: Choose the new eSIM as the Default mobile data SIM if you intend to use it for data immediately.

• Data Roaming (Crucial for travel eSIMs): If this is a travel eSIM, go into the eSIM's settings and toggle Data Roaming to ON.