How to Activate an eSIM: Step-by-Step Guide for iPhone & Android

The WassaSim Team · March 16, 2026 · 6 min read

You have bought an eSIM — now what? Whether you are on an iPhone or an Android device, activating an eSIM is straightforward once you know where to look. This guide walks you through every step, from scanning the QR code to browsing the internet on your new data plan.

Before you start: what you need

An eSIM-compatible phone (see the compatibility list below)
A Wi-Fi connection (to download the eSIM profile)
The QR code from your eSIM provider (displayed on a screen you can scan — computer, tablet, or another phone)
About 5 minutes of your time

Phone compatibility check

Not all phones support eSIM yet. Here is the quick reference:

iPhone (iOS)

iPhone XS, XR and newer (all models from 2018+)
iPhone SE 3rd generation (2022)
All iPhone 14, 15, 16 models (US models are eSIM-only)

Samsung (Android)

Galaxy S20, S21, S22, S23, S24, S25 series
Galaxy Z Flip and Z Fold (all generations)
Galaxy Note 20 and newer

Google Pixel

Pixel 3a and all newer models

Other brands

Xiaomi 12T Pro, 13, 14
OnePlus 12, Open
Huawei P40, P50, Mate 40+
Motorola Razr, Edge+

Quick check: on your phone, go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM (iPhone) or Settings > Connections > SIM Manager (Samsung). If the option is there, you are good.

How to activate an eSIM on iPhone

Step 1: Open the eSIM settings

Go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM (iOS 17+) or Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan (older iOS versions).

Step 2: Choose "Use QR Code"

Tap "Use QR Code". Your camera will activate. Point it at the QR code from your eSIM provider (open the email on another device so you can scan from your phone's screen).

Step 3: Confirm the installation

Your iPhone will display the carrier information. Tap "Continue" and then "Add Cellular Plan". The profile downloads in a few seconds.

Step 4: Label your plan

iOS will ask you to label the new line. Choose something descriptive like "Travel Data" or "Morocco". This helps you identify the line later.

Step 5: Set as data line

When prompted, choose the new eSIM as your cellular data line. Keep your primary SIM for calls and SMS. Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data and select the eSIM plan.

Step 6: Enable Data Roaming

This is the step most people forget. Go to Settings > Cellular, tap on the eSIM plan, and toggle "Data Roaming" to ON. Without this, the eSIM will not connect to the network abroad.

Important: you can install the eSIM at home and leave it off. When you arrive at your destination, just enable it in Settings. This way you are ready to go the moment you land.

How to activate an eSIM on Samsung Galaxy

Step 1: Open SIM Manager

Go to Settings > Connections > SIM Manager. Tap "Add eSIM".

Step 2: Scan the QR code

Choose "Scan carrier QR code". The camera opens. Point it at the QR code from your email (displayed on another screen).

Step 3: Confirm and download

Samsung will show the carrier details. Tap "Confirm". The profile downloads in seconds. You may need to restart your phone.

Step 4: Set as mobile data

Go back to Settings > Connections > SIM Manager. Under "Mobile data", select the new eSIM plan.

Step 5: Enable Data Roaming

Go to Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks. Toggle "Data Roaming" to ON for the eSIM line.

How to activate an eSIM on Google Pixel

Go to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs
Tap "+" or "Add"
Choose "Download a SIM instead?"
Scan the QR code
Confirm the download and set the eSIM as your data line
Enable Data Roaming in mobile network settings

Troubleshooting common issues

QR code won't scan

Make sure the QR code is displayed clearly (zoom in on the email)
Clean your camera lens
Ensure you have a Wi-Fi connection
Try entering the activation code manually (provided in the email)

eSIM installed but no data connection

Check that Data Roaming is turned ON for the eSIM line
Make sure the eSIM is set as your mobile data line
Toggle Airplane Mode on and off to force a network refresh
Restart your phone

Still no internet after installation? The issue may be the APN (Access Point Name). Check our complete APN configuration guide with operator-specific values (Orange, Airtel, Mobilis, Ooredoo, Vodacom…).

"eSIM cannot be added" error

Verify your phone is eSIM-compatible (see the list above)
Make sure your phone is not carrier-locked (contact your carrier if unsure)
Check if you have reached the maximum number of eSIM profiles (8 on iPhone, varies on Android)

Accidentally deleted the eSIM

Once removed, an eSIM profile cannot be re-installed with the same QR code. Contact your provider for a replacement. With WassaSim, reach out to contact@wassasim.com and we will help.

Pro tips for eSIM users

Install before you travel: set up the eSIM at home on Wi-Fi, activate it when you land
Keep your home SIM for SMS: bank verification codes and two-factor auth usually come via SMS to your home number
Label clearly: if you have multiple eSIM profiles, name them by country or purpose
Monitor data usage: check Settings > Cellular (iPhone) or Settings > Data Usage (Android) to track consumption
Turn off when not needed: disable the eSIM data line when back home to avoid accidental usage

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to activate an eSIM?

The entire process takes 2 to 5 minutes: scanning the QR code, confirming the installation, and enabling data. The eSIM profile downloads in seconds on a Wi-Fi connection.

Do I need Wi-Fi to install an eSIM?

Yes, you need an internet connection (Wi-Fi or existing mobile data) to download the eSIM profile. Once installed, the eSIM works independently. This is why we recommend installing before your trip while you still have Wi-Fi at home.

Can I install the eSIM before traveling and activate it later?

Yes. You can install the eSIM profile at home and leave it turned off. When you arrive at your destination, simply enable the eSIM data line in your settings. This is the recommended approach.

What happens if the QR code does not scan?

Try these fixes: ensure your camera is focused and the QR code is fully visible (zoom in on the email), make sure you are connected to Wi-Fi, restart your phone and try again. If scanning still fails, you can enter the activation code manually (available in the email alongside the QR code).

Can I use the eSIM on multiple phones?

No. An eSIM profile is tied to one device. Once installed, it cannot be transferred to another phone. If you need data on a different device, you will need to purchase a new plan.

How do I remove an eSIM from my phone?

On iPhone: Settings > Cellular > select the eSIM plan > Remove Cellular Plan. On Samsung: Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > select the eSIM > Remove. Note: removing an eSIM deletes it permanently. You would need a new QR code to reinstall.

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