Before you start
- Connect to Wi-Fi. Your eSIM downloads over the internet, so install it somewhere with a steady connection, ideally at home.
- Check your phone supports eSIM and isn't locked to your mobile provider. Check your phone
- Install it on the phone you're travelling with. An eSIM can usually only be installed once, so it can't be moved to another phone later.
- Installing early costs nothing. Your data doesn't start counting until the eSIM first connects to a network in a country your plan covers.
Find your install details
Your install details are in your purchase confirmation email, and under My eSIMs if you have an account. Both give you three ways to install:
- Quick install: tap a button on the phone itself, with no scanning. The easiest option if you're reading the email on that phone.
- QR code: scan it from another screen, such as a laptop, tablet or printout.
- Manual: type in the SM-DP+ address and activation code.
Install on iPhone
Quick install
- Open your confirmation email on your iPhone and tap Install on iPhone
- Follow the prompts in Settings until the eSIM shows as added
Quick install needs iOS 17.4 or later. On an older version, scan the QR code instead.
Scan the QR code
- Go to Settings → Mobile Service → Add eSIM (in some countries this menu is called Cellular)
- Tap Use QR Code and scan the code from your email
- Tap Continue and wait for the eSIM to activate. This can take a couple of minutes
- Give the new line a label, such as Travel, so you can tell your lines apart
- Keep your usual line as the default for calls, texts and mobile data for now. You'll switch data over when you arrive
Enter the details manually
- Go to Settings → Mobile Service → Add eSIM → Use QR Code
- Tap Enter Details Manually
- Paste in the SM-DP+ address and activation code from your email, and leave the confirmation code blank
Install on Android
Menu names vary by manufacturer and Android version. These are the steps for Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy, the most common; other phones are similar.
Quick install
- Open your confirmation email on your phone and tap Install on Android
- Follow the prompts to download the eSIM
Not every Android phone supports quick install yet. If nothing happens, scan the QR code instead.
Google Pixel
- Go to Settings → Network & internet → SIMs
- Tap Add SIM, then choose to download an eSIM
- Scan the QR code from your email and follow the prompts
- Turn on the new eSIM when it has downloaded
Samsung Galaxy
- Go to Settings → Connections → SIM manager
- Tap Add eSIM, then Scan QR code from service provider
- Scan the QR code from your email and tap Confirm
- Turn on the new eSIM when it has downloaded
Enter the details manually
On the QR code scanning screen, look for an option to enter a code instead. If your phone asks for a single activation code, enter LPA:1$, then the SM-DP+ address, then $, then the activation code, with no spaces.
Turn on data roaming
Your eSIM connects to local networks as a roaming line, so it won't work abroad until data roaming is on for it. This is the step people miss most often. Roaming on your eSimHero line costs nothing extra.
- On iPhone, go to Settings → Mobile Service → your eSimHero line and turn on Data Roaming
- On Google Pixel, go to Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → your eSimHero eSIM and turn on Roaming
- On Samsung Galaxy, go to Settings → Connections → Mobile networks and turn on Data roaming
When you arrive
- Switch mobile data to your eSIM. On iPhone, go to Settings → Mobile Service → Mobile Data. On Android, choose the eSIM for mobile data in SIMs or SIM manager
- Check data roaming is on for the eSIM
- Give it a minute to find a network. If it doesn't connect, turn Aeroplane Mode on and off again
To avoid charges from your usual provider, turn off data roaming on your home SIM. On iPhone, also turn off Allow Mobile Data Switching so your phone doesn't fall back to your home line.
Good to know
- Don't delete the eSIM while your plan is active. Most eSIMs can't be reinstalled once removed.
- Your usual number still works for calls and texts while the eSIM handles data.
- Top-ups go on the same eSIM, so there's nothing to reinstall.
- Still not connecting? Work through No network connection or get in touch with our support team.