How to install your eSIM

Before you begin

Before installing your eSIM, confirm the following:

• Your device is carrier unlocked — eSIMs from a locked device can only be used with your current carrier.
• Your device supports eSIM — most smartphones released after 2018 do. Check our Device Compatibility page if you're unsure.
• You have a stable Wi-Fi connection — the activation process requires internet access.
• You have received your QR code or activation details via email after purchase.

iOS (iPhone)

iPhone has had eSIM support since the XS/XR models. The steps below apply to iOS 16 and later.

1. Open Settings
2. Tap Cellular (or Mobile Data in some regions)
3. Tap Add eSIM or Add Cellular Plan
4. Select Use QR Code and scan the QR code from your purchase confirmation email
5. Tap Continue on any confirmation prompts
6. Give the plan a label (e.g. Simwander Travel) to tell it apart from your primary SIM
7. Choose whether this plan is your Primary or Secondary line for calls, SMS, and data

Your eSIM is now active. It may take a few minutes for the network to register — this is normal.

Setting data roaming

Once the plan is added, make sure data roaming is enabled for the eSIM line:

1. Go to Settings → Cellular
2. Tap the Simwander plan
3. Toggle Data Roaming on

Android

Android steps differ slightly by manufacturer, but the core flow is the same across Samsung, Google Pixel, and most other devices.

1. Open Settings
2. Go to Network & internet (on Samsung: Connections)
3. Tap SIMs or SIM card manager
4. Tap Add SIM or the + icon
5. Select Scan QR code and scan your code
6. Follow the on-screen steps to confirm the activation
7. Set the new eSIM as your Preferred SIM for mobile data

On some Android devices you may be asked to restart your phone after adding the eSIM. This is normal.

Manual activation (no QR code)

If your QR code isn't working or your camera can't scan it, you can activate your eSIM manually using the SM-DP+ address and activation code included in your confirmation email.

• iOS: Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → Enter Details Manually
• Android: Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → Add SIM → Enter manually

See the full guide: Manual activation

Troubleshooting

Problem	What to try
QR code won't scan	Increase screen brightness, clean camera lens, or try manual activation
"Plan already used" error	Contact support — QR codes are single-use
No signal after activation	Toggle Airplane mode off and on; check roaming is enabled
eSIM doesn't appear in settings	Restart your device and check for a carrier settings update

For more help, see QR code not working? or No signal after activation?.