Complete eSIM Guide · Updated 2025
How to Buy, Install and Use an eSIM on iPhone, iPad and Android
Everything you need to know about eSIM. From explaining what it is, to buying, installing and activating it on your device. Step-by-step instructions for all ages and devices.
Section 1
What is an eSIM?
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is the digital version of a traditional physical SIM card. Instead of inserting a small chip into your phone, the eSIM is built directly into your device and can be programmed wirelessly with your carrier's data.
Think of it like a rewritable SIM card that lives inside your phone. You can download a new mobile plan in seconds — no trip to a store, no waiting for a SIM in the post.
Key Benefits
- ✓ Instant activation — no physical card needed
- ✓ Switch carriers without visiting a store
- ✓ Two numbers on one device
- ✓ Perfect for travel — add a local plan
- ✓ More secure — cannot be physically removed
Typical Use Cases
- ✓ Data plans for international travel
- ✓ Separate work and personal numbers
- ✓ Try a new carrier before committing
- ✓ Backup when your main SIM fails
- ✓ Kids' plans without a second device
Section 2
Is Your Device eSIM Compatible?
Most smartphones from 2018 onwards support eSIM — View our full compatibility list →
iPhones with eSIM
- ✓ iPhone XS, XS Max, XR (2018)
- ✓ iPhone 11, 12, 13 Series
- ✓ iPhone 14 (US: eSIM only)
- ✓ iPhone 15 & 16 Series
Android Devices with eSIM
- ✓ Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer
- ✓ Google Pixel 3 and newer
- ✓ Motorola Razr (2019+)
- ✓ Sony Xperia 10 IV+
- ✓ OnePlus 12+
Quick Check — iPhone & iPad
Go to Settings → General → About. If you see an EID number, your device supports eSIM.
Quick Check — Android
Go to Settings → Connections → SIM Card Manager (Samsung) or Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs (Pixel). If you can add a SIM, eSIM is supported.
Section 3
How to Buy an eSIM Plan
You can buy an eSIM directly from your mobile carrier or through a specialist eSIM marketplace. For travellers, providers like HORISIM offer affordable data plans for individual countries or regions.
Choose a provider
Buy directly from your carrier (e.g. T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon) or through an eSIM marketplace for travel plans.
Select a plan
Choose based on data allowance (1 GB, 5 GB, unlimited), coverage area (single country or region) and duration (7 days, 30 days, etc.).
Complete your purchase
After payment you will receive a QR code by email or an activation code. Keep it safe — only scan the QR code when you are ready to install.
Travel Tip
Buy your travel eSIM at home while you have a reliable Wi-Fi connection. Installation requires an internet connection.
Section 4
Install an eSIM on iPhone & iPad
There are two ways to install an eSIM on iPhone and iPad. QR code scanning is the fastest method, with manual entry as a fallback if scanning does not work.
Open Settings
Open the Settings app and make sure you are connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data.
Navigate to Cellular / Mobile Data
Tap Cellular or Mobile Data, then tap Add eSIM or Add Cellular Plan.
Select 'Use QR Code'
The camera will open. Hold it over your eSIM provider's QR code and keep it steady for 1–2 seconds.
Confirm plan details
Review the information shown and tap Continue or Add Cellular Plan.
Name your eSIM
Give your plan a label such as 'Personal', 'Work' or 'Travel – Germany' to make Dual SIM management easier.
Set default lines
Choose which line to use for calls, messages and data. You can change this at any time under Settings → Cellular.
Open Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM
Navigate to Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM (or Add Cellular Plan).
Choose 'Enter Details Manually'
Tap Enter Details Manually at the bottom of the QR scanner screen.
Enter the SM-DP+ address and activation code
Enter the server address and activation code exactly as shown, including hyphens and dots. Pay attention to upper and lower case.
Tap Continue and follow the prompts
iOS will connect to the carrier server, download your eSIM profile, and then ask you for a label and default line settings.
Section 5
Install an eSIM on Android
Android supports three installation methods. QR code scanning is the most common and works on all compatible Android devices. Manufacturer-specific menu names are noted at each step.
Open SIM settings
Samsung: Settings → Connections → SIM Card Manager → Add Mobile Plan
Pixel: Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → tap +
Other: Settings → Network & Internet → Mobile Network → Add Carrier
Select 'Scan QR Code'
Samsung: Tap Scan Carrier's QR Code
Pixel: Tap Download a SIM instead? at the bottom of the pop-up
Other: Look for Scan QR Code or Add via QR Code
Scan the carrier's QR code
Hold the camera over the QR code in your confirmation email. It is best to print the email, as scanning from another screen often fails due to reflections.
Review and confirm
Check that the plan details match your purchase, then tap Confirm, Activate or Add depending on your device.
Wait for the download
Your device will connect to the carrier server and download the eSIM profile. This takes between 30 seconds and 2 minutes. Maintain your internet connection throughout.
Activate and configure
Enable the new eSIM in SIM Card Manager (Samsung) or under Settings → SIMs (Pixel). Set your preferences for calls, SMS and data.
QR code not recognised?
Print the email or zoom in closer. If it still does not work, switch to manual entry. Your confirmation email also contains an activation code.
Open SIM settings
Samsung: Settings → Connections → SIM Card Manager → Add Mobile Plan
Pixel: Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → tap +
Choose manual entry
Samsung: Tap Enter Activation Code
Pixel: After opening the QR scanner, tap Need help? or Enter code manually at the bottom
Enter the SM-DP+ address and activation code
Enter it exactly as shown in your confirmation email. Pay attention to upper and lower case, hyphens and dots.
Tap Continue and wait
Your device will verify the code and download the eSIM profile. Maintain your internet connection during this step.
Confirm and activate
Review the plan details, tap Confirm or Activate, then switch the eSIM on and configure your line settings.
Download the official carrier app
Search for and install the app from the Google Play Store (e.g. T-Mobile, My AT&T, My Verizon). Best done over Wi-Fi.
Sign in to your account
Log in with your credentials. If you purchased the eSIM plan online, the order should already be linked to your account.
Find SIM management
Look for a section called Manage SIM, Add eSIM or Device Settings in the app.
Follow the in-app instructions
The app will guide you through confirming your plan and downloading the eSIM profile. No QR code required.
Restart when prompted
Some carriers require a restart. Afterwards, check your SIM settings to confirm the eSIM is active.
Section 6
Activate Your eSIM
In most cases the eSIM activates automatically after downloading. With some carriers, especially prepaid or travel plans, an additional step is required.
Check eSIM activation
iPhone & iPad: Settings → Cellular — turn on the new eSIM line.
Android: Settings → SIM Card Manager or SIMs — toggle it on.
Wait for network registration
Your device needs 30 seconds to 2 minutes to connect. Wait until the carrier name and signal bars appear in the status bar.
Enable data roaming for international travel
For travel eSIMs, go to the plan settings and switch on Data Roaming. This is often required for international plans.
Test your connection
Open a browser and visit a website. If there is no connection, restart your device and check your carrier's APN settings.
Section 7
Using Dual SIM with eSIM
With an eSIM you have two active numbers on one device. This is ideal for keeping work and personal separate, or for keeping your home number active while using a cheaper data SIM abroad.
Set the default voice line (iPhone)
Go to Settings → Cellular → Default Voice Line and choose the number for outgoing calls.
Set the default data line
Go to Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data. Choose your primary data SIM. Enable Allow Cellular Data Switching so your device falls back to the other SIM if signal is lost.
Switch line before calling
When making a call, tap the line label at the top of the dial pad to switch numbers before dialling.
Travel Tip
Set Data to your travel eSIM for cheaper local rates, but keep Calls and SMS on your home number so you never miss anything.
Section 8
Solving Common eSIM Problems
My QR code is not being recognised. What should I do?
Make sure the QR code is well lit and hold the camera steady. Print the email rather than scanning from another screen — reflections frequently cause errors. If it still does not work, use manual entry with the activation code from your confirmation email.
The eSIM is installed but I have no signal or no internet.
Start by restarting your device. Then check that the eSIM is enabled in Settings and that data roaming is switched on when abroad. Also check whether your plan requires activation via the carrier's app — look in your confirmation email.
Can I transfer the eSIM to a new device?
eSIM profiles are tied to a specific device. To switch, you must delete the eSIM from the old device and download it again on the new one. iPhone 14 and later supports Apple's Quick Transfer, which allows eSIMs to be moved directly between two iPhones.
I accidentally deleted my eSIM. Can I restore it?
Contact your eSIM provider with your order number. Most providers can issue a new QR code. However, some only allow a single activation. Check this before deleting your eSIM.
My device says 'eSIM not supported' even though it should be compatible.
Some devices sold in China or certain other markets have eSIM disabled at the hardware or software level. Check your exact model number against the manufacturer's official compatibility list.
Section 9
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an eSIM secure?
Yes. eSIMs use the same security standards as physical SIM cards and are even harder to steal as they cannot be physically removed. All profiles are encrypted and protected by your carrier.
How many eSIMs can I store on one device?
Most devices can store multiple eSIM profiles (up to 8 on iPhone) but only have two active at a time. You can switch between stored profiles without re-downloading them.
Does an eSIM work for calls and SMS or only for data?
It depends on the plan. Travel eSIMs are usually data-only. eSIMs from your home carrier typically include calls, SMS and data, just like a physical SIM. Always check before purchasing.
Does a factory reset delete my eSIM?
Yes — a factory reset deletes all eSIM profiles. Contact your carrier after the reset to re-download your plan.
Does eSIM work with WhatsApp and iMessage?
Yes. Once your eSIM is active with a phone number, you can register it with WhatsApp, iMessage and other apps in exactly the same way as a physical SIM.