How to install and activate a travel eSIM on iPhone and Android

Installing a travel eSIM takes a couple of minutes, and doing it at home means you're online the moment you land. This guide covers iPhone, Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel, what to switch on when you arrive, and what to do if the eSIM won't connect.

Before you start

• Check your phone supports eSIM and is carrier-unlocked. Search your model on our compatibility page.
• Connect to reliable Wi-Fi. The phone downloads the eSIM profile during installation.
• Have your QR code ready. It's shown after checkout, emailed to you, and available in My eSIMs if you have an account.
• If you're installing on the same phone you're reading the QR code on, you can use the install button or enter the details by hand instead of scanning.

Install on iPhone

1. Open Settings → Mobile Service (on some versions, Mobile Data or Cellular).
2. Tap Add eSIM, then Use QR Code, and scan the code with the camera. On the iPhone itself, tap "Install on iPhone" from your eSIM page instead, or choose Enter Details Manually and paste the SM-DP+ address and activation code.
3. Follow the prompts. When asked, give the new line a label such as "Travel" so it's easy to spot.
4. When asked which line to use for mobile data, keep your usual line for now. You'll switch when you arrive.

Install on Samsung Galaxy

1. Open Settings → Connections → SIM manager.
2. Tap Add eSIM, then Scan QR code from service provider, and scan your code. If you're on the same phone, choose to enter an activation code and paste it in.
3. Confirm the download, then give the eSIM a name you'll recognise.

Install on Google Pixel and other Android phones

1. Open Settings → Network & internet → SIMs.
2. Tap Add SIM or Download a SIM instead, and scan your QR code, or tap "Install on Android" from your eSIM page on the phone itself.
3. Follow the prompts and leave the new eSIM switched off until you travel.

Menu names vary a little between Android brands and versions, but the eSIM option is always in your SIM or mobile network settings.

When you land: activate it

1. Switch the travel eSIM on in your SIM settings.
2. Set it as the line for mobile data.
3. Turn on data roaming for the travel eSIM. This is normal: travel eSIMs connect through partner networks.
4. Turn off data roaming on your Australian SIM, so your home carrier doesn't charge you for data.
5. Give it a minute or two. You should see a network name and signal bars for the eSIM.

For Travel eSIMs, the plan usually starts when it first connects to a network at your destination, so installing early doesn't use up your days.

No signal? Try these in order

1. Check the eSIM is switched on, selected for mobile data, and has data roaming enabled.
2. Turn Airplane mode on for ten seconds, then off again.
3. Restart the phone.
4. In the eSIM's network settings, turn off automatic network selection and choose a network from the list manually.
5. Still nothing? Contact us with your eSIM's ICCID and where you are, and we'll help.

Checking data and topping up

Open the eSIM in My eSIMs to see what's used and what's left. Running low? Go to Top up eSIM and enter the eSIM's ICCID; no account is needed, and the data is added to the eSIM you already have, with no new QR code. More answers are on our Help & FAQ page.