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eSIM Basics

How to Install an eSIM: QR Code, One-Tap Link and Manual Setup

Fully Signal Team Published 3 min read
Quick answer

To install a travel eSIM, connect to Wi-Fi, then scan the QR code (Settings → Mobile/Cellular → Add eSIM on iPhone; Settings → SIMs → Add eSIM on Android) or tap the one-tap install link on the phone itself. When you land, turn on data roaming for the eSIM line and set it as your mobile-data line.

In this article
  1. Before you start
  2. Option 1: One-tap install (easiest on the phone)
  3. Option 2: Scan the QR code
  4. Option 3: Manual entry
  5. When you land: the three settings
  6. When does the plan start?
  7. For resellers: make installation effortless
  8. FAQ

Installing an eSIM takes about two minutes. This guide covers the three ways to do it and the settings travellers need on arrival. Resellers: feel free to link your customers here.

Before you start

  • Check compatibility: dial *#06# — if you see an EID, your phone has eSIM. Your phone must also be carrier-unlocked. Compatibility guide
  • Connect to Wi-Fi — the eSIM profile downloads over the internet
  • Install before you travel, at home or at the hotel
  • Don't delete the eSIM after installing — most travel eSIMs can only be installed once

Option 1: One-tap install (easiest on the phone)

Open the install link on the phone you'll travel with. On recent iPhones and many Android phones, the page offers a one-tap install button that opens the phone's eSIM setup with everything filled in. Confirm, and you're done.

Option 2: Scan the QR code

Use this when the QR code is on another screen or printed.

iPhone

  1. Settings → Mobile Data (or Cellular) → Add eSIM
  2. Choose Use QR Code and scan it
  3. Label the line (for example "Travel") and choose to keep your main line for calls and texts

Android (Pixel and most others)

  1. Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → Add SIM / Download a SIM
  2. Scan the QR code and confirm

Samsung Galaxy

  1. Settings → Connections → SIM manager → Add eSIM
  2. Scan QR code from service provider and confirm

Option 3: Manual entry

If scanning fails, choose Enter details manually and type the SM-DP+ address and activation code shown on your install page.

When you land: the three settings

SettingiPhoneAndroid
Turn on the eSIM lineMobile Data → eSIM → Turn On This LineSIMs → eSIM → Use SIM
Data roaming on for the eSIMMobile Data → eSIM → Data RoamingSIMs → eSIM → Roaming
Use the eSIM for mobile dataMobile Data → Mobile Data → eSIMSIMs → Mobile data → eSIM

Keep data roaming off on your main SIM so it doesn't use expensive roaming data.

When does the plan start?

Most travel plans start counting when the eSIM first connects to a network in the destination, not when you install it. Check your plan details for the exact rule.

For resellers: make installation effortless

Every Fully Signal eSIM comes with a white-label install page that detects iPhone or Android, offers one-tap install, shows the QR code and manual codes, and works in 8 languages — with no supplier branding. That page answers most installation questions before your customer asks. Learn more.

FAQ

Can I install an eSIM without Wi-Fi?

You need an internet connection to download the eSIM profile. Use Wi-Fi or your current mobile data before you travel.

Can I install the eSIM before my trip?

Yes, and you should. Install at home, leave the line switched off, and turn it on when you land.

Can I reinstall an eSIM after deleting it?

Usually not — most travel eSIMs can be installed only once. Don't delete it until your trip is over and the plan has ended.

Will I lose my WhatsApp number?

No. WhatsApp stays linked to your account and number while you use the eSIM for data. See data-only eSIM explained.

#how to install esim#esim qr code#esim setup iphone#esim setup android
Guide White-label eSIM: under your own brand Launch your own eSIM brand: wholesale data in 210+ countries, QR codes in your logo and colours, a neutral install page, REST API and a free sandbox. Read the guide
Fully Signal Team The Fully Signal team builds the white-label eSIM wholesale platform used by resellers, travel brands and apps to sell eSIM data in 210+ countries.

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