How to Set Up an eSIM on iPhone and Android
Before You Start
Setting up an eSIM takes just a few minutes, but you need to have a couple of things ready before you begin:
- A stable WiFi connection — your phone needs internet access to download the eSIM profile from your network.
- Your eSIM QR code — this will be provided by your network via email, their app, or on a printed card. Make sure it is displayed on a separate screen or printed on paper, because your phone's camera needs to scan it.
- A compatible device — iPhone XS or later, Samsung Galaxy S20 or later, or Google Pixel 3 or later.
How to Set Up an eSIM on iPhone
- Open Settings and tap Mobile Data (or Cellular in some regions).
- Tap Add eSIM or Add Mobile Plan.
- Select Use QR Code and point your camera at the QR code provided by your network.
- Your phone will download the eSIM profile. This may take a minute or two.
- When prompted, label the plan (e.g. "Work" or "Personal") and choose whether to use it as your default line for calls, texts and data.
- Tap Done. Your eSIM is now active.
On iPhone 15 and later, you can also use eSIM Carrier Activation — your carrier pushes the profile automatically and you simply confirm in Settings.
How to Set Up an eSIM on Samsung
- Open Settings and tap Connections.
- Tap SIM Manager (or SIM Card Manager on older models).
- Tap Add eSIM.
- Select Scan QR code from service provider and scan the QR code.
- Wait for the profile to download and activate.
- Choose your preferred default SIM for calls, texts and data if you have dual SIM.
How to Set Up an eSIM on Google Pixel
- Open Settings and tap Network & Internet.
- Tap SIMs and then Add SIM (or the + icon).
- Select Download a SIM instead? and tap Next.
- Scan the QR code provided by your network.
- Confirm the download and wait for activation.
- Set your preferred defaults for calls and data.
Where to Get Your eSIM QR Code
| Network | How to Get QR Code |
|---|---|
| EE | EE app or emailed after ordering |
| Vodafone | My Vodafone app or in-store |
| O2 | My O2 app or O2 store |
| Three | Three app or in-store |
| SMARTY | Emailed after ordering |
| Sky Mobile | Sky app or emailed |
Troubleshooting eSIM Setup
- QR code not scanning — make sure the code is displayed on a separate device or printed on paper. Your phone cannot scan a QR code shown on its own screen.
- Download fails — check your WiFi connection is stable. Move closer to your router and try again.
- "eSIM not supported" error — confirm your device model supports eSIM and that your phone's software is up to date.
- No signal after activation — restart your phone. If the issue persists, check that the eSIM is enabled in Settings and that your plan is active with your network.
- Carrier lock — if your phone is locked to another network, you will need to unlock it before using a different carrier's eSIM.
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