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How to Install and Activate eSIM: A Guide for iPhone and Android
Команда OneVOIPlanet · Updated 2026-07-22
What is an eSIM and Why You Should Switch to a Digital SIM Card
An eSIM is a built-in microchip measuring about 5x5 millimeters, soldered directly onto the smartphone's motherboard during manufacturing. Unlike a plastic SIM card, it cannot be removed, lost, or scratched: the chip acts as rewritable memory where the mobile carrier's software profile is downloaded. The first practical difference is security. If a phone with a physical SIM card is stolen, thieves usually immediately remove the SIM tray to disconnect the device from the network and prevent tracking. With an eSIM, this trick doesn't work: removing the profile without the phone's password is impossible, so the device stays connected, increasing the chances of locating it. The second difference is connection speed. A new number is activated online in a few minutes: no need to visit a carrier store with a passport, wait in line, or wait for a courier envelope. Multiple profiles from different carriers—typically 5 to 10 depending on the smartphone model—can be stored on a single chip, which is convenient for separating work and personal calls without needing a second phone.
How to Check if Your Phone Supports eSIM
A universal way to check for any operating system is using a USSD code. Open the phone app and dial *#06#. Device information will appear on the screen: look for the EID (Embedded Identifier) line among barcodes and IMEI numbers—this is a unique identifier, and if listed, your smartphone supports eSIM. On an iPhone, you can check the same via the system menu: Settings -> General -> About, then scroll down to the Physical SIM and Available SIM (or Digital SIM) sections. An EID number in this list confirms compatibility. Apple added eSIM support starting with the iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR, and it is available in all subsequent generations, including the second-generation SE series and newer. The exception is models for mainland China, Macao, and Hong Kong, which feature two physical SIM slots instead of an embedded chip. On Android, the path is typically: Settings -> About Phone -> Status Information (or general device specifications list). Look for the same EID number. The technology has been consistently present in Samsung flagships starting with the Galaxy S20 and Note 20, the entire Z Fold and Z Flip foldable line, and Google Pixel starting from the Pixel 3. Certain Xiaomi, Motorola, and Sony models also feature the chip.
Preparing for Activation: What You Need Before Setup
The main requirement is a stable internet connection. You are downloading an encrypted carrier profile directly onto the phone's chip, and a connection interruption during this process could corrupt the file. Therefore, connect to a reliable home or office Wi-Fi network. Avoid public hotspots in cafes or subways: they often throttle download speeds or require captive portal authorizations that block connections to carrier servers. If Wi-Fi is unavailable, ask someone to share mobile data from another smartphone via hotspot. The second essential element is activation details from your mobile provider. Most often, this is a unique QR code sent via email after purchasing a plan or displayed in your account dashboard on the carrier's website. Since the code must be scanned with your smartphone camera, display it on another device—a computer screen, tablet, or another phone—or print it on paper. If that isn't possible, ensure the carrier provided text details for manual entry: the SM-DP+ server address and an activation code. Save them in your notes to quickly copy and paste during setup.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Install an eSIM on iPhone
Before starting, connect your iPhone to a stable Wi-Fi network and keep the carrier QR code handy. Open Settings → Cellular (in some iOS versions, this section is named Mobile Data). Tap the blue "Add eSIM" button (on older iOS versions, "Add Cellular Plan") and select "Use QR Code". The camera viewfinder will open—point it at the carrier's code. The smartphone will recognize the data in a few seconds and display a message: "Cellular plan from [Carrier Name] ready to add". Tap "Continue" and wait for the phone to connect to the network. If the camera is damaged or the QR code is unavailable—for instance, if you bought the plan directly on the smartphone and have no second screen to display it—the profile can be added manually. At the bottom of the scanning screen, tap "Enter Details Manually". Two fields will appear: "SM-DP+ Address" (looks like a long domain name) and "Activation Code" (a string of letters and numbers). Copy this data from the carrier email, paste it into the respective fields, and tap "Next". After downloading the profile, iOS will prompt you to label the lines—for example, label the physical card "Primary" and the digital plan "Personal", "Business", or "Travel". The system will then ask which line to use as default for calls and SMS, which to link to iMessage and FaceTime, and which to handle cellular data. These settings can be changed later in the Cellular menu.
Transferring an eSIM from an Old iPhone to a New One
When upgrading your Apple smartphone, you can transfer your number to a new iPhone using the built-in Quick Transfer feature—without contacting your carrier for a new QR code. Requirements: both devices running iOS 16 or later, Bluetooth enabled, screens unlocked, and devices placed near each other. On the new iPhone: Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → Transfer From Nearby iPhone. The system will find the old device and send a confirmation request to it. A six-digit code will appear on the new screen—enter it on the old smartphone to begin the secure data transfer. The whole process takes about a minute. Once the profile activates on the new device, it automatically deactivates on the old one. Quick Transfer only works if supported by your mobile carrier. If the carrier blocks transfers on their side, the system will display a notification directing you to contact the provider to reissue an eSIM.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Install an eSIM on Android
On Android, menu item names vary depending on the manufacturer, but the logic remains the same. Before setting up, enable Wi-Fi and prepare your activation QR code. On Samsung devices, the steps are: Settings → Connections → SIM Manager (in newer One UI versions, this may simply be named "SIM Cards"). Tap "Add Mobile Plan" or "Add eSIM". The smartphone will prompt you to "Scan carrier QR code"—point the camera at the code. Once recognized, confirm by tapping "Add". Downloading the profile takes about a minute, after which the number will appear in the list of active connections, where you can rename it or change its icon. On Google Pixel, Motorola, Nokia, and other stock Android devices, the menu path differs: Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs (or "Mobile Network"). Next to the heading, tap the "+" icon or "Add SIM". The system will ask "Download a SIM instead?"—confirm to open the QR code scanning screen. Just as on iOS, manual entry is available: if the camera fails to scan the image, find "Enter Code Manually" on the scanning screen. Depending on the Android version, you will enter the SM-DP+ address and activation code in separate fields or paste them as a single string provided by the carrier. After downloading, verify that the toggle next to the new profile is turned on.
Managing Multiple eSIM Profiles: Tips for Travelers
Your phone's memory can store multiple eSIM profiles—typically 5 to 10 depending on the model. However, only two numbers can be active at the same time: for example, one physical SIM and one digital profile, or two digital profiles on newer smartphones. The remaining profiles are kept disabled, allowing you to activate the required one manually. This lets you purchase and download plans for multiple countries before leaving home. Upon landing, there is no need to search for a booth selling local SIM packs—simply go to cellular settings, turn off the previous country's profile, and turn on the current one. The entire process takes just a few seconds. It is also worth configuring priorities if you need simultaneous access to two numbers. For example: you travel using a local plan for affordable mobile data, but want to receive bank verification codes via SMS on your home Ukrainian number. In SIM Manager, set your home line as the default for "Voice Calls" and "SMS", and select the travel eSIM profile in the "Mobile Data" (or "Cellular Data") section. Disable "Data Roaming" for your home line to avoid unexpected data charges. Conversely, "Data Roaming" for the travel profile often needs to remain enabled, as many digital SIM providers operate via partner roaming networks.
Common eSIM Activation Errors and How to Resolve Them
Even when following instructions carefully, activation can sometimes fail. The most common issue during the first step is the smartphone failing to scan the QR code. Make sure to scan it through the system network settings menu rather than a third-party scanner app or standard camera mode. Increase the brightness on the screen displaying the code and check that your phone's camera lens is clean. The second issue is more critical: messages stating "This code has already been used" or "Invalid code". An eSIM QR code is single-use. If you already scanned it but the download failed due to a Wi-Fi drop, or if a newly installed profile was accidentally deleted, you cannot re-add the eSIM using the same image. If mobile internet drops or the network fails, do not delete the profile—simply turn it off using the toggle. If the profile was deleted or the code expired during an error, the only solution is contacting carrier support to request a new QR code. If the profile downloaded but the eSIM isn't working—no signal or cellular data—start by restarting your device: this forces the radio module to re-register with carrier cell towers. Next, check whether the profile itself is enabled in settings, as it sometimes downloads in an off state. If using a travel plan abroad, ensure the "Data Roaming" toggle is enabled specifically for that profile. Certain global providers require manual Access Point Name setup: in profile settings, locate "Cellular Data Network" (or "APN Access Points") and enter the value from the provider's instructions into the APN field, leaving other fields blank.