How to Use Your WassaSim eSIM: Step-by-Step Guide

The WassaSim Team · · 8 min read

Just ordered a WassaSim eSIM — or still thinking about it? This guide walks you through every step: from checking your phone compatibility to activating your data plan and scanning the QR code. In under 5 minutes, you will be online.

WassaSim is the easiest way to get mobile data for 178 countries, especially across Africa and the Maghreb. Whether the plan is for you or for a loved one, the process is the same and takes just a few minutes.

Step 1: Check Your Phone Compatibility

Before anything else, make sure the phone that will use the eSIM is compatible. eSIM technology is built into most recent smartphones, but not all of them.

Compatible iPhones

  • iPhone XS, XS Max, XR (2018) and all newer models
  • iPhone SE (2nd generation, 2020) and newer
  • iPhone 14 and newer in the US: eSIM only (no physical SIM slot)

Compatible Samsung phones

  • Galaxy S20, S20+, S20 Ultra (2020) and all newer models
  • Galaxy Z Flip, Z Fold (all generations)
  • Galaxy Note 20, Note 20 Ultra and newer
  • Galaxy A54, A55 and select A-series models

Other compatible brands

  • Google Pixel 3, 3a and all newer models (Pixel 6, 7, 8, 9...)
  • Huawei P40, P40 Pro, Mate 40 Pro and newer
  • Xiaomi 12T Pro, 13, 14 and newer
  • Oppo Find X3, Find X5, Find X6 and newer
  • Motorola Razr (2022 and newer)
Quick check: go to your phone settings and search for "eSIM" or "Add Cellular Plan". If the option appears, your phone is compatible. You can also use our compatibility checker.
1 GB 4.99 5 GB 14.99 10 GB 24.99

Step 2: Choose a Data Plan

Head to the WassaSim shop and follow these steps:

  1. Select the destination country — Use the search bar or browse the list. WassaSim covers 178 countries, including all of Africa and the Maghreb.
  2. Pick your plan — Several options are available depending on the country. Plans range from 1 GB (ideal for a few days) to 20 GB (perfect for long stays or heavy usage).
  3. Check the price — The displayed price includes VAT. No hidden fees, no subscription.
Plan Best for Typical duration
1 GB WhatsApp, email, GPS 3-5 days
3 GB Social media, web browsing 1-2 weeks
5 GB Video calls, light streaming 2-3 weeks
10 GB Regular daily usage 3-4 weeks
20 GB Remote work, streaming 1 month+

Step 3: Place Your Order

Once you have chosen your plan, ordering takes three clicks:

  1. Enter your email address — This is where you will receive the QR code. Double-check the spelling.
  2. Choose the recipient — Select "For myself" if you are using the eSIM yourself, or "For someone else" if you are gifting it. In that case, enter your recipient's email address.
  3. Pay by card — Payment is secured by Stripe. Visa, Mastercard, American Express and debit cards are accepted. Apple Pay and Google Pay are also available.
No account needed: you can order as a guest without creating an account. Quick and frictionless.

Step 4: Receive the QR Code

After payment confirmation, everything happens automatically:

  • Your eSIM QR code is generated within seconds
  • An email is sent to the address provided, containing the QR code and setup instructions
  • A link to your usage dashboard is included in the email

The average delivery time is under 30 seconds. If you do not receive the email within 2 minutes, check your spam or junk folder. The email comes from noreply@wassasim.com.

Step 5: Scan the QR Code

This is the key step. Instructions vary by phone.

On iPhone (iOS 17 / iOS 18)

  1. Open the Settings app
  2. Tap Cellular (or Mobile Data)
  3. Tap Add eSIM
  4. Choose Use QR Code
  5. Point your camera at the QR code from your email (open the email on another screen, or print it)
  6. Tap Continue when the plan is detected
  7. Give the plan a label (e.g., "WassaSim Senegal") to distinguish it from your main plan
  8. Tap Done
iPhone tip: if you cannot display the QR code on a separate screen, you can enter the activation details manually. In the WassaSim email, you will find an activation code (SM-DP+ Address) to enter manually via Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Enter Details Manually.

On Samsung Galaxy (Android 14 / Android 15)

  1. Open Settings
  2. Tap Connections
  3. Tap SIM Manager
  4. Tap Add mobile plan (or Add eSIM)
  5. Tap Scan QR code from provider
  6. Scan the QR code from your email
  7. Confirm the plan installation

On Google Pixel

  1. Open Settings
  2. Tap Network & internet
  3. Tap SIMs then the + button
  4. Choose Download a SIM
  5. Tap Next and scan the QR code
  6. Confirm the installation

Step 6: Enable Mobile Data

Once the plan is installed, you need to configure it properly to provide data:

On iPhone

  1. Go to Settings > Cellular
  2. Make sure your WassaSim eSIM plan is turned on (the toggle should be green)
  3. Tap Cellular Data (at the top) and select the WassaSim plan as your data source
  4. Enable Data Roaming: Settings > Cellular > [your WassaSim plan] > Data Roaming > Turn On

On Samsung / Android

  1. Go to Settings > Connections > SIM Manager
  2. Turn on the WassaSim eSIM plan
  3. Under Mobile data, select the WassaSim plan
  4. Enable Data Roaming: Settings > Connections > Mobile networks > Data roaming > Turn On
Important: data roaming must be enabled for the eSIM to work. Do not worry: with a WassaSim plan, you will not incur any extra charges. Roaming is included in the plan price.

Step 7: Enjoy the Internet

You are all set. Your phone is now connected via the WassaSim eSIM. You can:

  • Browse the web and check emails
  • Use WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal to stay in touch
  • Make video calls via WhatsApp, FaceTime or Google Meet
  • Use Google Maps and GPS navigation
  • Check social media (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, X)
  • Enjoy light streaming (YouTube, Spotify)

Your physical SIM card continues to work normally for calls and text messages. Both plans coexist without interference.

60% 3.0 GB / 5.0 GB

Step 8: Track Your Data Usage

To check how much data you have left:

  1. Open the confirmation email you received after purchase
  2. Click the tracking link (dashboard)
  3. You will see in real time: total data, data used, data remaining, and plan expiry date

You can also check your usage directly in your phone settings, under "Cellular Data Usage" (iPhone) or "Data usage" (Android).

Step 9: Troubleshooting

If your eSIM is not working as expected, here are the most common fixes:

The QR code will not scan

  • Make sure you are connected to Wi-Fi during scanning (required to download the profile)
  • Ensure the QR code is displayed clearly, without glare
  • Try entering the activation details manually (available in the email)

No connection after installation

  • Check that data roaming is enabled
  • Make sure the WassaSim plan is selected as your mobile data source
  • Restart your phone — this solves the majority of issues
  • Toggle airplane mode on and off to force a network reconnection

Still not working

  • Contact our support by email: contact@wassasim.com
  • Include your order number (from the confirmation email) and your phone model
  • Our team will get back to you as soon as possible
Buy a WassaSim eSIM plan

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to receive the QR code after purchase?
The QR code is sent to your email within 30 seconds of payment confirmation. Check your spam folder if you do not see it in your inbox.
Can I use my WassaSim eSIM alongside my regular phone plan?
Yes, the WassaSim eSIM works in parallel with your main plan. Your physical SIM continues to handle calls and texts, while the eSIM provides mobile data.
What should I do if the QR code does not work?
First, make sure your phone supports eSIM. Ensure you are connected to Wi-Fi when scanning. If the issue persists, restart your phone and try again. You can also reach our support team at contact@wassasim.com.
Can I send the eSIM to someone else?
Yes, that is WassaSim's specialty. During checkout, select 'For someone else' and enter their email address. They will receive the QR code directly in their inbox.
How do I check my remaining data?
You can track your usage through the dashboard accessible via the link in your confirmation email. The dashboard displays real-time data showing how much you have used and how much is left.

You now know everything you need to use your WassaSim eSIM. From compatibility checks to usage tracking, every step is designed to be as simple as possible. And if you need help, our team is here for you.

Check out our other guides: how to activate an eSIM on iPhone and Android, eSIM vs SIM card, or explore our data plans for 178 countries.