How-To1 min read· August 6, 2026· By Avelis Team

How to activate an eSIM: step by step

Install, activate and troubleshoot an eSIM on iPhone and Android - including what to do when the QR code does not scan.

An eSIM is a SIM card written into your phone's hardware. There is nothing to post,
nothing to cut, and nothing to lose. Installing one takes about two minutes on Wi-Fi.

Before you start

Check that your phone is eSIM capable and carrier-unlocked.
Stay on Wi-Fi during installation.
Keep the QR code from your order email — you may need it if you change phones.

iPhone

Open Settings → Mobile Service → Add eSIM.
Tap Use QR Code and scan the code from your confirmation email.
Label the plan (for example "Travel") so you can tell it apart from your home line.
Set your home SIM as the default voice line and the new eSIM as your mobile data
line.
Switch Data Roaming on for the eSIM only.

Android

Menu names vary slightly by manufacturer.

Open Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → Add eSIM.
Scan the QR code, then confirm the download.
Enable the profile and select it for mobile data.
Turn on roaming for that profile.

When does the plan start?

Validity begins when the eSIM first connects to a network in your destination — not
when you install it. So you can safely set everything up days before departure.

Troubleshooting

"Unable to add eSIM" — you are usually offline or behind a restrictive Wi-Fi
network. Try mobile data or another network.

No signal after landing — toggle flight mode, then pick the operator manually.
Some networks need up to five minutes on the first attach.

Data does not work but the signal is there — check that the eSIM is selected as the
data line and that roaming is enabled for it.

QR code already used — an eSIM profile can only be installed once. If you deleted
it, contact support and we will reissue it.

How to activate an eSIM: step by step

Before you start

iPhone

Android

When does the plan start?

Troubleshooting

Keep reading

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Before you start

iPhone

Android

When does the plan start?

Troubleshooting