How to set up a travel eSIM (iPhone & Android)

Setting up a travel eSIM takes two or three minutes, and the best time to do it is at home over Wi-Fi before you travel. Most plans let you install the eSIM early and only start counting your validity period when you arrive and connect.

On iPhone

• After buying a plan, open the QR code email on another screen or print it.
• Go to Settings → Mobile Data → Add eSIM.
• Choose “Use QR Code” and scan the code with your camera.
• Label the line (e.g. “Travel”) and set your physical SIM as the default for calls.
• Turn off “Data Roaming” on your home line, and turn it on for the eSIM.

On Android

• Go to Settings → Connections → SIM Manager (wording varies by brand).
• Tap “Add eSIM” or “Add mobile plan”, then “Scan QR code”.
• Scan the provider’s QR code and follow the prompts to download the plan.
• Set the eSIM as your mobile data line and enable roaming for it.

When you arrive

Most eSIMs activate automatically when they first connect to a network at your destination. If you don’t get data straight away, check that the eSIM is selected as your data line and that data roaming is switched on for it. A quick aeroplane-mode toggle often nudges it to connect.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Don’t delete the eSIM after installing it — you can’t re-scan the same QR code.
• Leave roaming off on your home SIM so it never racks up charges.
• Install before you fly; some plans’ validity starts on first connection, not purchase.