The bad news: every phone manufacturer has put the activation path in a slightly different place. The good news: once you know where the “Add eSIM” option sits, the rest is almost identical on iPhone, Samsung, Pixel and Xiaomi. Below we've prepared the four most important paths — pick your model and we'll show you the rest.
Pick your device
Tabs show you the exact settings paths for your phone.
Open Settings
Tap the gear icon. iOS 16 or newer recommended.
Settings Cellular menu
Scroll to "Cellular" (not "Wi-Fi"). At the bottom you'll find "Add eSIM."
Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM Scan QR code
iPhone activates the camera. Scan the QR from the second screen. Alternatively choose "Enter details manually" — then type the SM-DP+ address + activation code from the email.
Choose label
Helpful: give the travel eSIM a clear name ("Thailand," "Europe trip"). The main SIM usually stays "Primary." For calls + SMS set the main SIM, for mobile data the new travel eSIM.
Enable data roaming
Important: in the Cellular menu tap the travel eSIM → Data Roaming ON. On the main SIM: data roaming OFF, so no accidental roaming charges occur abroad.
Cellular → [travel eSIM] → enable Data Roaming Open Settings
Samsung One UI 4.0 or newer recommended (Galaxy S20 and later).
Settings Connections → SIM Manager
Under "Connections" you'll find "SIM Manager." There: "Add eSIM."
Settings → Connections → SIM Manager → Add eSIM Scan QR code or enter manually
"Scan QR code" or "Enter activation code." The scanner is forgiving — even slightly skewed codes work.
Name profile + assign
Set the name ("Thailand trip"). Then under Preferred SIM set: Mobile data → travel eSIM, Calls/SMS → main SIM.
Data roaming ON
Important — Samsung buries the roaming toggle deep in the menu:
SIM Manager → [travel eSIM] → Mobile Data → Data Roaming On the home plan: data roaming OFF.
Open Settings
Android 13+ recommended (Pixel 6 series and newer), but works from Pixel 3.
Settings Network & Internet → SIMs
Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → "+" or "Add SIM" Scan QR or open app
"Enter code instead" for manual entry. For Google Fi customers there's integration; ignore it if you're using a third-party provider.
Name SIM + assign
Pixel asks which SIM is used for data/calls/SMS — travel eSIM for mobile data, main SIM for calls/SMS.
Enable roaming
SIMs → tap travel eSIM → scroll to "Roaming" → toggle ON. This is the step many people forget.
Open Settings
MIUI 14 / HyperOS recommended. Xiaomi 12 Lite 5G NE and newer are eSIM-capable (not the China variant).
SIM cards & mobile networks
Settings → SIM cards & mobile networks → Add eSIM Scan QR
MIUI starts the scanner automatically. Manual entry via "Add manually."
Configure default SIMs
"Default SIM for mobile data" to travel eSIM, "Default SIM for calls" to main SIM.
Roaming switch
Under the travel eSIM: Advanced settings → Data roaming → enable on travel eSIM only. Leave the main SIM off.
Settings → SIM / Network
The menu name varies by manufacturer: "SIM cards," "Connections," "Network & internet" — path to your SIM management.
Look for the eSIM option
Keywords: "Add eSIM," "Add mobile plan," "Download plan." OnePlus, Oppo, Sony, Motorola, Nothing, Fairphone, Honor, Vivo, Asus & Huawei all follow this pattern.
Scan QR or enter code
Scanner via camera, or type the SM-DP+ address + activation code from the provider email.
Set up dual-SIM
Name the profile ("Travel"), data default to travel eSIM, calls/SMS to main SIM.
Data roaming ON
Always enable for the travel eSIM, even if it's "local." Home main SIM: roaming OFF.
Install at home or only on arrival?
There are two phases of "activation" you have to keep apart:
1. Installation (at home): the profile lands on the phone and shows up in SIM management. For this you absolutely need internet (WiFi or mobile via the main card). If the QR code doesn't work, at home you have time to contact support or request a new code.
2. Activation of the validity period (at destination): most providers only start the paid validity on the first connection to the foreign network — not on installation. So you can set up the profile weeks in advance without wasting usage days. Exceptions: Holafly Unlimited often counts from QR scan; some Airalo plans too. Read the terms of your specific plan before purchase.
The most common pitfalls — and fixes
When something doesn't work, it's usually one of five problems:
Your phone is locked to a carrier. Request the unlock code from your carrier — usually free after 24 months of contract.
Installation needs WiFi or active data. At the airport before your flight: look for free WiFi.
Each QR is usually 1x redeemable. If already installed: don't scan again, activate it in SIM management instead.
Type *#06# — no EID = no eSIM chip. List of compatible models in the device finder.
Installed but no network at your destination? Switch on data roaming for the travel eSIM. Most common mistake.
The default SIM for mobile data must be set to the travel eSIM, not the main SIM. Double-check.
Common questions about activation
Should I activate the eSIM at home or only on arrival?
Installation (scanning the QR, loading the profile onto the phone) is best done at home on WiFi — there you have a stable internet connection and you can reach the provider if there are problems. Activation of the validity period only starts with most travel eSIMs once you connect to the destination country's network. Exceptions: Holafly Unlimited counts from QR scan, some Airalo plans from first network use. Read the terms.
How do I scan the QR code if it's shown on the same phone?
Three options: (1) Second device: open the email on a laptop/tablet and scan from there. (2) Screenshot: save the QR, then scan from the Photos app (iOS: in the eSIM dialog choose “Enter details manually” and type the code from the image). (3) Activation code manually: every provider also supplies an SM-DP+ server and activation code as text — you can type those in directly without QR.
Do I need an active internet connection to activate?
Yes, absolutely. Your phone downloads the profile from the provider's SM-DP+ server — that only works with WiFi or an already active data connection (e.g. via your home main card). Without internet neither installation nor activation works. So: install at home before departure.
The QR code isn't recognized — what to do?
Most common reasons: QR is already redeemed (each profile is single-use), screen too dim, iOS version severely outdated (update to current iOS recommended), SIM lock prevents installation. First aid: turn brightness up full, distance 15–25 cm, type the activation code manually (provided in the email). More: QR code troubleshooting.
Can I delete the eSIM after the trip?
Yes, anytime. iOS: Settings → Cellular → choose plan → “Remove Cellular Plan.” Android: Settings → Connections → SIM Manager → eSIM profile → Delete. Caution: after deletion the profile is usually gone — re-installing with the same QR code is no longer possible with many providers. If you might need the eSIM later, just deactivate instead of deleting.
My phone offers no “Add eSIM” option
Two causes: (1) Your model has no eSIM hardware — check via *#06# whether an EID number is shown. No EID = no eSIM chip. See device finder. (2) SIM lock: the phone is locked to a carrier and foreign eSIMs are blocked. Request the unlock code from your carrier (usually free after 24 months of contract).
Can I switch between home main SIM and travel eSIM?
Yes — that's dual-SIM operation. Settings → Cellular / SIM Manager: you choose which SIM is used for mobile data (→ travel eSIM abroad) and which for calls/SMS (usually the main card so you stay reachable on your home number). Switching takes 2 seconds, no restart needed.
Why do I need data roaming if I'm using a local eSIM?
Confusing but technically correct: from your phone's point of view, every eSIM from outside your home network is “roaming.” Data roaming has to be on for the eSIM to allow data traffic at all. No costs result from this — the eSIM is already prepaid. On your home main card switch data roaming off to prevent accidental roaming charges.
