eSIM is a great option to use the Internet and cell connection without buying physical SIM cards. The technology offers mobile data in 200+ world countries, including Europe, the Americas, Asia, and other regions. To start using an eSIM, customers need to activate the data plan and turn it on afterward. For the first time, the process may seem over-complicated, especially compared to traditional cards. Users wonder how to install eSIM without special knowledge and assistance. 

In truth, the eSIM installation is simple once you follow detailed instructions. In your ultimate guide, you will find detailed instructions and troubleshooting for the most popular devices with iOS and Android operating systems. At the end, you will find answers to the most popular questions about eSIM activation and download. 

What is eSIM and How It Works?

eSIM stands for embedded SIM. This technology offers the same cell data as plastic SIM cards. You connect to the local Internet without roaming fees, make calls, and surf the Internet. At the same time, you don’t need a plastic card and can install several eSIM plans within one device. 

Travelers, for example, can switch between several eSIM tariffs for different countries. Some services even offer regional eSIM plans that connect you to the Internet in several countries (or the whole world) at the same time. 

Compared to traditional SIM cards, eSIM offers significant advantages: 

• no roaming charges abroad;
• the opportunity to switch between 5–20 plans;
• activation on laptops, tablets, and other devices without SIM slots;
• lower charges;
• versatile data plans, from 1 day to several months. 

Despite all the advantages, new customers still worry about the installation process. Indeed, putting a card in your phone is not enough anymore. Basically, you have to download your eSIM plan on the smartphone and use simple instructions to activate it. After these steps, your embedded chip will “read” the information and connect to the Internet according to your tariff. 

Preparing for the Installation

Before buying and installing the plan, complete several preparation steps:

1. Check compatibility. Make sure your device supports eSIM technology and can connect to cell towers without a SIM card. For this, look through the list of compatible devices on your eSIM provider’s website. 
2. Connect to stable Wi-Fi. You download a bunch of information about your future data plan. To complete everything correctly, make sure you use a stable Internet connection. 
3. Download your provider’s application. Some providers offer installation via browser, but in-app activation is usually easier. Plus, you can use the app to track data usage, buy new plans, and manage your tariff later. 

Finally, select the plan you need. eSIM providers offer pre-paid and unlimited Internet, tariffs with and without phone calls, and many more options. Look through offers for your destination, add the plan to your cart, and pay. After this, you receive detailed instructions for installation in your email/app. 

How to Install eSIM on iPhone?

iOS installation takes around 5 minutes. During this time, your iPhone or iPad downloads the needed information and sets the new data plan. You only need to follow the steps.

Activation with an Application

If you have already installed the application for your eSIM provider, complete the eSIM installation here. After you buy the new plan, the app will allow you to install it. Alternatively, go to settings and see available plans.

Don’t interrupt the process and make sure the Internet connection is stable. Once the plan is ready, it will appear in your iPhone settings. Navigate here, open cell data settings, and select your new data plan as the main one. Check the boxes for the cell data, mobile Internet, and messengers. 

QR Code Installation

Alternatively, the provider will send you a unique QR code. You can receive it in the app or via email. Note that this code is unique and contains data about your purchase. Never share it with other users.

1. Open your iPhone/iPad settings. 
2. Tap the “Cellular” section. 
3. Choose “Add cellular plan”.
4. Select the QR code activation. 
5. Scan the QR code from your eSIM provider and follow the instructions on the screen. 
6. After the installation, the plan will be added to your cell data settings. You can rename it to easily find it later. 

Once you’re ready to use the plan, choose the provider as the main cell plan. Plus, you’ll need to turn on data roaming. 

Manual Installation

Finally, you can add the plan manually by entering all details. Few providers offer this option as it is outdated:

1. Open “Cellular” in your settings.
2. Choose “Add Cell Data Plan”.
3. Choose the QR code scanner and scan the code by your provider. 
4. After that, fill in the form in settings. You’ll need an SN address, activation code, and confirmation code. 

The process is complicated, but some users believe that it is more reliable.

If something goes wrong, check your Internet connection and make sure you’ve turned data roaming on. Alternatively, your device may be on the list of eSIM-incompatible devices. If you follow all the rules, but mistakes still appear, reach out to customer support. 

eSIM Installation for Android Smartphones

Devices with Android OS vary depending on the brand, and settings in your smartphone may look a little different from the instructions. This guide is general and covers the key actions, needed for installation. On average, the installation takes 5–10 minutes. 

Install in the App

In case your eSIM provider has a mobile application, use automatic installation here. This is the most convenient way. Once the data is installed, go to the smartphone’s settings and turn the plan on.

Scan the QR Code

1. In settings, choose the “Network and Internet” section. 
2. Near the mobile data, you will find the “+” or “add” button. 
3. Choose the eSIM download via a QR code. 
4. Scan the code, sent by your eSIM provider. 
5. After the installation, tag your new mobile plan and set it “by default”.
6. Once you’re ready to use the data, turn the roaming on. 

Alternatively, you can fill in the plan details manually. Yet, this is less convenient, and you can easily make mistakes. Currently, in-app installation is considered the most reliable and fast. 

How to Activate the eSIM Plan?

Installation and activation are different processes. Upon installation, you only download the data and prepare your plan. When you arrive in the country and want to connect to the Internet, it is time to activate the eSIM. You start paying and using the Internet since that moment:

How Long Does It Take to Activate eSIM on iPhone?

After the activation, you need around 5–10 minutes. Both iOS and Android process the data and connect to local cell towers, as mentioned in the plan. If the Internet doesn’t work in 10 minutes, it may be a technical issue. See how to solve common issues with your eSIM

Troubleshooting

If you cannot find the reason, reach out to customer support. For this, connect to the nearest Wi-Fi spot and use the application/official website.