How to Set Up an eSIM on Your Phone: A Step-by-Step Guide
Setting Up an eSIM Is Easier Than You Think
If you've just purchased a travel eSIM and aren't sure what to do next, don't worry — the setup process takes less than 5 minutes. Whether you have an iPhone or an Android device, this step-by-step guide will walk you through everything you need to activate your eSIM and get connected before your trip.
What You'll Need Before You Start
- An eSIM-compatible smartphone (iPhone XS or later, Samsung Galaxy S20+, Google Pixel 3+, etc.)
- A stable Wi-Fi connection for the initial setup
- Your eSIM QR code (sent to your email after purchase from eSimply.net)
Important: Install your eSIM while you still have Wi-Fi access — ideally before you travel. You cannot scan a QR code from the same device displaying it, so either print it or open it on another screen.
How to Set Up an eSIM on iPhone
- Go to Settings on your iPhone
- Tap Mobile Service (or Cellular depending on your region)
- Tap Add eSIM or Add Mobile Plan
- Select Use QR Code
- Scan the QR code from your eSimply.net confirmation email
- Tap Continue and follow the on-screen prompts
- Label the plan (e.g., "Travel eSIM") to keep things organised
- Choose when to activate it — you can set it to activate automatically when you arrive at your destination
Tip for iPhone 15 & 16 users: You can also add an eSIM directly from the confirmation email by tapping the activation link — no QR code scanning needed.
How to Set Up an eSIM on Android (Samsung, Google Pixel & Others)
- Open Settings on your Android device
- Go to Connections (Samsung) or Network & Internet (Pixel/other Android)
- Tap SIM Manager or Mobile Network
- Select Add eSIM or Download a SIM instead
- Tap Scan QR code
- Scan the QR code from your eSimply.net confirmation email
- Follow the prompts to confirm and activate the plan
- Label it (e.g., "Europe Trip") for easy identification
How to Switch Between Your Home SIM and Travel eSIM
Once your eSIM is installed, you can easily switch between your home SIM and travel eSIM:
- iPhone: Settings → Mobile Service → tap the plan you want to use for data
- Samsung: Settings → Connections → SIM Manager → select preferred SIM for data
- Pixel: Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → select preferred SIM
Most travelers keep their home SIM active for calls and SMS, and use the travel eSIM for mobile data. This way you never miss a call or verification code while abroad.
Troubleshooting: Common eSIM Setup Issues
QR Code Not Scanning?
Make sure the QR code is displayed on a separate screen (not the phone you're setting up). Ensure good lighting and hold the camera steady. If it still doesn't work, check your email for an alternative activation link.
eSIM Not Connecting After Arrival?
Go to Settings and make sure the travel eSIM is selected as your active data SIM. Also check that Data Roaming is enabled for the eSIM plan — this is sometimes turned off by default.
Plan Shows as Installed But No Signal?
Try toggling Airplane Mode on and off to force a network refresh. If the issue persists, contact our support team and we'll help you get connected quickly.
When Should I Activate My eSIM?
You can install the eSIM on your device before your trip, but only activate it when you arrive at your destination (or when your plan's validity period begins). This ensures you don't waste any of your data allowance before you need it.
At eSimply.net, all of our plans start counting from the first day of use, not the day of purchase — giving you full flexibility.
Get Your Travel eSIM Today
Ready to set up your eSIM? Browse our travel eSIM plans for 50+ destinations, get your QR code by email instantly, and follow this guide to be connected in minutes. No queues, no roaming surprises — just seamless travel connectivity.
Have questions? Check our travel guides or reach out to our support team.