How to Install an eSIM: iPhone, Samsung and Pixel Step by Step (November 2026)

Short answer: to install an eSIM, open your phone's mobile settings, choose Add eSIM, scan the QR code you received and follow the steps on screen. You need a compatible, unlocked phone and an internet connection. When you arrive, set the eSIM as your mobile data line and turn on data roaming for it. Below are the exact steps for each phone.

iPhone · Samsung Galaxy · Google Pixel · Other Android phones

Last reviewed: November 2026.

Before you start

A compatible, unlocked phone. Check it by dialling *#06#: if an EID number appears, your phone has eSIM.
An internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data) during the installation.
Your eSIM page or email with the QR code. Install it at home, before your trip, and keep the QR: each QR code works only once.

The fastest way: install with one tap

If you open your Telcomia eSIM page on the phone you are going to travel with, you will see the button Install on this iPhone or Install on this Android. Tap it and confirm the steps your phone shows. If nothing happens, open the page in Safari or Chrome instead of inside another app's browser (for example Instagram). If the button does not appear, use the QR code from another screen or enter the code manually, as explained below.

Install an eSIM on iPhone {#iphone}

!Install an eSIM on iPhone{1200x799}

Open Settings → Mobile Service (on some versions and countries it is called Mobile Data or Cellular).

!iPhone: Settings → Mobile Service{644x883}

Tap Add eSIM and then Use QR Code.

!iPhone: Add eSIM{644x673}

!iPhone: Use QR Code{644x1180}

Scan the QR code shown on another screen (computer, tablet or a printed copy).

!iPhone: Scan the QR code shown on another screen (computer, tablet or a printed copy){644x1373}

Tap Continue and wait until the eSIM is added. Give it a clear name, for example the country you are travelling to.

!iPhone: Tap Continue and wait until the eSIM is added. Give it a clear name, for example the country you are travelling to{644x736}

Keep your usual line as the default for calls and messages, and choose the travel eSIM for Mobile Data.

!iPhone: Mobile Data{644x698}

When you arrive, turn on Data Roaming for the eSIM line. To avoid roaming charges on your usual line, leave Allow Mobile Data Switching off.

!iPhone: When you arrive, turn on Data Roaming for the eSIM line. To avoid roaming charges on your usual line, leave Allow Mobile…{644x1034}

!iPhone: Data Roaming{644x493}

Install an eSIM on Samsung Galaxy {#samsung}

!Install an eSIM on Samsung Galaxy{1200x855}

Open Settings → Connections → SIM manager.

!Samsung Galaxy: Settings → Connections{644x282}

!Samsung Galaxy: Settings → Connections → SIM manager{644x1316}

Tap Add eSIM and then Scan QR code.

!Samsung Galaxy: Add eSIM{644x1273}

!Samsung Galaxy: Scan QR code{644x253}

Scan the QR code and confirm when the new plan appears.

!Samsung Galaxy: Scan the QR code and confirm when the new plan appears{644x1017}

Back in SIM manager, choose the eSIM for Mobile data and keep your usual SIM for calls and messages.

!Samsung Galaxy: Mobile data{644x1273}

When you arrive, go to Settings → Connections → Mobile networks and turn on Data roaming.

!Samsung Galaxy: Settings → Connections → Mobile networks{644x1316}

Install an eSIM on Google Pixel {#pixel}

!Install an eSIM on Google Pixel{1200x775}

Open Settings → Network & internet → SIMs and tap Add SIM.

!Google Pixel: Settings → Network & internet{644x596}

!Google Pixel: Settings → Network & internet → SIMs{644x817}

!Google Pixel: Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → Add SIM{644x875}

Choose Set up an eSIM.

Scan the QR code and confirm the download.

Turn on the new eSIM, choose it for Mobile data and turn on Roaming when you arrive.

!Google Pixel: Roaming{644x981}

Other Android phones {#android}

The menu changes from brand to brand, but the steps are the same: add the eSIM with the QR code, choose it for mobile data and turn on data roaming when you arrive.

Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO (HyperOS / MIUI): Settings → Mobile networks → Add eSIM (on MIUI, SIM cards & mobile networks). On arrival: Data roaming → International roaming → Always.
OPPO, OnePlus and realme (ColorOS / OxygenOS): Settings → Mobile network → eSIM → Add eSIM → Set up an eSIM. For data: Mobile network → Internet → choose the eSIM.
Motorola: Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs & mobile network → Download new SIM → Set up an eSIM. Then as on a Pixel: tap the eSIM → Roaming.
Honor and Huawei (MagicOS / EMUI): Settings → Mobile network → SIM management → Add eSIM. If the QR code is on the same phone, save the image and use Select from Gallery. For data: SIM management → Default mobile data.
vivo (OriginOS / Funtouch OS): Settings → SIM card & mobile network → eSIM → Add eSIM.
Sony, Nothing, Fairphone, Nokia (HMD) and other phones with plain Android: the same menu as the Google Pixel: Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → Add SIM → Set up an eSIM.

!Xiaomi: Manage SIM → Add eSIM (Original (English)){618x886}

!Huawei / Honor: SIM management → Add eSIM (Original (English)){618x849}

If you cannot scan the QR code: install it manually

On your eSIM page you will find the SM-DP+ server address and the activation code. On iPhone, after Add eSIM → Use QR Code, tap Enter Details Manually. On Android, look for an option such as Enter code manually on the scanning screen. Copy and paste both values exactly as they appear.

When you land: three checks

The travel eSIM is selected as the mobile data line.
Data roaming is turned on for the eSIM line.
If there is no signal after a few minutes, turn airplane mode on and off, or restart the phone.

Some destinations need an extra step, such as a confirmation code or a one-time identity check. If that is the case, it is shown on your eSIM page with the instructions.

Common problems and questions

I can't find the Add eSIM option

Your phone may not support eSIM, or it may be locked to a carrier. Check the list of compatible phones and ask your carrier to unlock the phone if necessary.

The QR code doesn't work or says it has already been used

Each QR code can be installed only once. If you scanned it before, the eSIM is probably already on your phone: look for it in the mobile settings. If you deleted it, contact support and we will help you.

The eSIM is installed but I have no internet

Check that you are already in the destination country, that the eSIM is selected for mobile data and that data roaming is on for that line. Then restart the phone.

Can I install the eSIM before I travel?

Yes, and it is the best option: install it at home with a good connection. It is normal for the eSIM to show no signal until you arrive at your destination. Check in your plan details when its validity period starts.

Will I be charged roaming on my usual SIM?

Not if your usual line is not used for data. Set the eSIM as the mobile data line and, on iPhone, leave Allow Mobile Data Switching off. Calls and texts on your usual SIM are charged at your carrier's rates.

Can I delete the eSIM after my trip?

Yes, once the plan has ended. Do not delete it before, because the same QR code cannot be installed again.

Check if your phone is compatible with eSIM

What is an eSIM? Simple explanation

Find an eSIM for your destination