How to Activate eSIM: Step-by-Step Guide for Every Device

Activating an eSIM is one of the simplest things you can do with a modern smartphone — once you know where to look. Whether you have just purchased a travel data plan, switched carriers, or want to add a second line to your device, this guide walks you through the exact steps for iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, and Google Pixel devices. We also cover the most common activation issues and how to fix them.

If you are new to eSIM technology, start with our guide on what eSIM is and how it works before proceeding.

Before You Start: Prerequisites

Before attempting to activate an eSIM, make sure you have everything in place. Missing one of these prerequisites is the most common reason activations fail.

What You’ll Need

• A stable internet connection. Your device needs Wi-Fi or an existing cellular data connection to download the eSIM profile. The download size is typically 100–500 KB, but a reliable connection is essential for the authentication process.
• Your eSIM QR code or activation details. After purchasing an eSIM plan, your provider will send you a QR code — either by email, within their app, or on a printed card. Some providers also supply a manual activation code (SM-DP+ address and activation code) as an alternative.
• A compatible, unlocked device. Not all phones support eSIM, and carrier-locked phones may reject third-party eSIM profiles. See our device compatibility page for a full list of supported devices.
• Sufficient battery. Ensure your phone has at least 20% battery. An interruption during the profile download can sometimes cause issues that require contacting your provider.

Check Device Compatibility

The fastest way to check if your device supports eSIM:

• iPhone: Go to Settings > General > About. If you see an “Available SIM” or “Digital SIM” section, your device supports eSIM. Alternatively, dial *#06# — if you see an EID (a 32-digit number), your phone has an eSIM chip.
• Android: Go to Settings > About Phone. Look for an EID number. If it is listed, your device supports eSIM.

For a comprehensive list, visit our device compatibility checker.

Ensure Your Phone is Unlocked

A carrier-locked phone may reject eSIM profiles from other providers. To check:

• iPhone: Go to Settings > General > About and scroll to “Carrier Lock.” If it says “No SIM restrictions,” your phone is unlocked.
• Samsung/Android: Insert a SIM from a different carrier. If it connects, the phone is unlocked. Alternatively, contact your current carrier and request an unlock if your contract obligations are met.

If your phone is locked, contact your carrier to request an unlock before proceeding. In most countries, carriers are required to unlock devices after the contract period ends or the device is paid in full.

How to Activate eSIM on iPhone

Apple has made eSIM activation straightforward across all supported iPhone models (iPhone XS/XR and later). There are multiple activation methods, but QR code scanning is the most universal.

Step 1: Open Settings

Open the Settings app on your iPhone and tap Cellular (or Mobile Data in some regions). You will see your current cellular plans listed at the top.

Step 2: Add eSIM

Tap Add eSIM (on iOS 17 and later) or Add Cellular Plan (on older iOS versions). Your iPhone will present several options:

• Transfer From Nearby iPhone: Useful if you are migrating from another iPhone.
• Use QR Code: The most common method for eSIM providers.
• Use eSIM Carrier App: Some carriers have dedicated apps for activation.

Select Use QR Code to proceed with the standard activation method.

Step 3: Scan QR Code

Your iPhone’s camera will activate. Position the QR code provided by your eSIM provider within the frame. The camera will automatically recognize and read the code. If scanning a QR code from your email, you can either display it on another screen or take a screenshot and use the “Open from Photos” option (available on iOS 17.4 and later).

If you do not have a QR code, tap Enter Details Manually at the bottom of the screen. You will need to type in the SM-DP+ address and activation code provided by your carrier.

Step 4: Confirm and Activate

After scanning, your iPhone will display the carrier name and plan details. Tap Continue and then Add Cellular Plan to confirm. The device will contact the carrier’s server to download the profile. This typically takes between 30 seconds and 3 minutes, depending on the server and your internet speed.

You may see a brief “Activating…” message. Once complete, a confirmation will appear and the new plan will be listed in your Cellular settings.

Step 5: Set Up Cellular Plans

If you now have more than one plan (for example, your primary physical SIM plus a new eSIM), your iPhone will ask you to label and configure them:

• Label your plans. Choose labels like “Personal” and “Travel” or “Primary” and “Secondary” to keep things organized.
• Set a default line. Choose which plan to use by default for calls, messages, and data.
• Configure data switching. Under Cellular > Cellular Data, you can enable “Allow Cellular Data Switching” to let your iPhone automatically use whichever plan has the strongest signal.

For travel eSIMs, a common setup is to keep your home SIM for calls and texts while setting the travel eSIM as the default for cellular data.

How to Activate eSIM on Samsung Galaxy

Samsung Galaxy devices from the S20 series onward support eSIM. The process is slightly different depending on your Samsung One UI version, but the general flow is consistent.

Step-by-Step Samsung Activation

1. Open Settings and navigate to Connections > SIM Manager (or SIM Card Manager on older versions).
2. Tap “Add eSIM.” On some models, this appears as “Add Mobile Plan.”
3. Select “Scan QR code from service provider.” Your camera will open.
4. Scan the QR code from your eSIM provider. Hold your phone steady until the code is read.
5. Review the plan details shown on screen and tap Confirm to begin the download.
6. Wait for activation. Samsung devices typically take 1–3 minutes to download and activate the profile. You may see a progress bar.
7. Configure your plan. Once activated, go back to SIM Manager to set preferences for calls, texts, and data. You can choose which SIM to use for each function independently.

Samsung-specific tip: If your Samsung device supports Dual SIM Dual Standby (DSDS), you can receive calls on both your physical SIM and eSIM simultaneously. Enable this under SIM Manager > Preferred SIM.

How to Activate eSIM on Google Pixel

Google Pixel phones have supported eSIM since the Pixel 2, making them one of the longest-standing Android eSIM devices. The Pixel’s stock Android interface makes activation clean and straightforward.

Step-by-Step Pixel Activation

1. Open Settings and go to Network & Internet > SIMs.
2. Tap the ”+” icon or “Add” at the bottom of the screen.
3. Select “Download a SIM instead?” when prompted (if you see a physical SIM prompt first).
4. Tap “Next” and then choose “Scan QR code.”
5. Scan the QR code provided by your eSIM provider. Alternatively, select “Need help?” to enter the activation code manually.
6. Confirm the download by tapping “Download” when the plan details appear.
7. Wait for the profile to install. This usually takes 1–2 minutes on Pixel devices.
8. Set your preferences. After activation, go back to SIMs to configure which SIM handles data, calls, and SMS.

Pixel-specific tip: On Pixel 7 and later, Google supports eSIM transfer. When setting up a new Pixel, you can transfer your existing eSIM profile from your old Pixel during the initial setup wizard, without needing to contact your carrier.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with a straightforward process, things can occasionally go wrong. Here are the most common eSIM activation issues and how to resolve them.

eSIM Won’t Activate

If the activation process starts but fails to complete:

• Check your internet connection. Switch between Wi-Fi and cellular data, or try a different Wi-Fi network. VPNs can sometimes interfere with the activation process — disable any VPN temporarily.
• Restart your device. A simple restart clears temporary network states and resolves many activation failures.
• Try again after 15 minutes. Carrier servers occasionally experience high load. Waiting briefly and retrying often works.
• Contact your provider. If the issue persists, the QR code or activation code may have expired or been used already. Most providers can reissue activation codes at no charge.

No Network Connection

If your eSIM activates successfully but you cannot connect to a network:

• Toggle Airplane Mode. Turn Airplane Mode on, wait 10 seconds, then turn it off. This forces your device to re-register with the network.
• Check your APN settings. Some eSIM providers require specific Access Point Name (APN) settings. Check your provider’s setup instructions or support page for the correct APN configuration.
• Verify coverage. Make sure you are in an area with coverage from the eSIM carrier’s network. Some travel eSIMs connect through partner networks, which may have limited coverage in rural areas.
• Enable data roaming. Many travel eSIM plans require data roaming to be turned on, even if you are in the plan’s designated country, because the eSIM connects through roaming agreements. Go to Settings > Cellular > your eSIM plan > Data Roaming and toggle it on.

QR Code Not Scanning

If your phone’s camera does not recognize the QR code:

• Ensure adequate lighting. QR codes need clear visibility. Avoid glare if scanning from a screen.
• Clean your camera lens. A smudged lens can prevent the camera from focusing on the code.
• Adjust distance and angle. Hold the phone 6–10 inches from the QR code, directly above it.
• Try manual entry. If the QR code absolutely will not scan, use the manual entry option and type the SM-DP+ address and activation code. These are usually provided alongside the QR code in your confirmation email.
• Take a screenshot and scan from Photos. On iPhone (iOS 17.4+), you can scan a QR code from a saved image in your photo library.

”eSIM Not Supported” Error

If you see a message saying your device does not support eSIM:

• Verify your device model. Not all variants of the same phone support eSIM. For example, some regional Samsung Galaxy models may lack eSIM hardware. Check the exact model number against our device compatibility page.
• Update your software. Ensure your phone is running the latest operating system version. Some devices require specific OS updates to enable eSIM functionality.
• Check carrier lock status. Carrier-locked phones may show this error when attempting to use a third-party eSIM. Contact your carrier about unlocking your device.
• Reset network settings. As a last resort, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Reset Network Settings (iPhone) or Settings > General Management > Reset > Reset Network Settings (Samsung). Note: this will erase saved Wi-Fi passwords.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does eSIM activation take?

The entire process typically takes between 2 and 10 minutes, with the actual profile download taking 30 seconds to 3 minutes. The majority of the time is spent navigating menus and scanning the QR code. If you have your QR code ready and a stable connection, you can be connected within minutes.

Can I activate an eSIM without Wi-Fi?

Yes, if you have an existing cellular data connection on another SIM. However, Wi-Fi is recommended for the most reliable activation experience. Some carriers specifically require Wi-Fi for the initial eSIM download. If you are activating a travel eSIM at your destination without Wi-Fi, make sure your existing SIM has an active data connection.

What happens if I delete an eSIM profile?

Deleting an eSIM profile removes it from your device. With most providers, you will need to request a new QR code or activation code to reinstall it — this may or may not incur a fee depending on the provider’s policy. Before deleting, consider simply disabling the profile instead, which keeps it stored on your device without using it.

Can I transfer my eSIM to a new phone?

This depends on your carrier. Some carriers (particularly in the US) support eSIM Quick Transfer between iPhones. For other carriers, you may need to contact them to deactivate the eSIM on your old device and issue a new profile for your new device. eSIM travel plans typically cannot be transferred and must be used on the device where they were originally activated.

Do I need to remove my physical SIM to use eSIM?

No. Most devices support dual-SIM functionality, allowing you to use a physical SIM and an eSIM simultaneously. You can configure which SIM handles calls, texts, and data independently. This is especially useful for travelers who want to keep their home number active while using a local data eSIM. Browse our provider comparison to find the best plan for your needs.