How to Install a Travel eSIM on iPhone and Android, Step by Step

Last checked: Nov 2026 · Updated November 4, 2026 · 10 min read · By the Signal Atlas research desk

Installing a travel eSIM takes a few minutes. Most problems come from doing things in the wrong order — for example, installing without Wi-Fi, or forgetting to switch your data line when you land. These steps follow Apple's and Google's official instructions, rewritten as a travel checklist.

Before you start

• Confirm your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked (how to check).
• Connect to stable Wi-Fi. Apple notes that a Wi-Fi network is needed for setup in most cases.
• Have the QR code on a second screen (laptop or printed) — you can't easily scan a code displayed on the same phone, although newer iPhones offer a tap-and-hold option.
• Install a day or two before departure, not at the gate. Check your provider's rules: some plans start their validity when you connect in the destination, others at a fixed time after purchase.

iPhone

Option A: provider app

Most travel eSIM providers have an app with an "Install" button. On iOS 17.4 and later this can hand the eSIM straight to iPhone settings. Follow the prompts and jump to "Label your lines" below.

Option B: QR code

1. Open the Camera app and point it at the QR code. When Cellular Plan Detected appears, tap it.
2. If the QR code is in an email or web page on the iPhone itself (iOS 17.4+), Apple says you can tap and hold the code and choose Add eSIM.
3. Tap Continue, then Add Cellular Plan.
4. If asked for a confirmation code, enter the one your provider gave you.

Option C: manual entry

Go to Settings → Cellular (or Mobile Data) → Add Cellular Plan → Enter Details Manually, and type in the SM-DP+ address and activation code from your provider.

Label your lines

iPhone will ask you to name the lines. Use something obvious like "Home" and "Travel". Then choose:

• Default line for calls/iMessage: Home (so people can still reach your number).
• Cellular data: Home for now — you'll switch on arrival. Turn off "Allow Cellular Data Switching" to avoid accidentally using home data abroad.

Google Pixel and Android

Google's Pixel help describes this route (Android 11 and up); other brands use similar wording in different menus:

1. Open Settings → Network & internet → SIMs.
2. Tap Add SIM → Set up an eSIM (some phones say "Download a SIM instead?").
3. Scan the QR code from your provider, or use the provider app's install button.
4. When asked to set SIM preferences, tap through Get started → Next → Done.
5. Under "Your primary SIMs", choose which SIM handles Calls, Texts and Mobile data. Only one SIM can be the default for data.

On Samsung, look for Settings → Connections → SIM manager → Add eSIM. Exact labels vary by model and software version.

When you land

1. Turn on the travel eSIM line (if it was off).
2. Set the travel line as the mobile/cellular data line.
3. Turn on Data Roaming for the travel line only. Providers such as Holafly, Nomad and Saily all tell you to do this; it's how a travel eSIM connects to the local network.
4. Keep data roaming off on your home line to avoid carrier charges. You can usually still receive SMS on it — check your carrier's rules.
5. Give it a minute, or toggle Airplane mode on and off once.

Troubleshooting

Ready to pick a plan? See our comparison or try the process for free with a trial eSIM.

Nomad Airalo Yesim