Setting up an eSIM takes under five minutes on most phones. You scan a QR code, follow a few prompts, and your new data line is ready — no SIM tray, no waiting for a card in the post. This guide covers every major phone model with exact steps, plus what to do if something goes wrong.
What you need before you start
- A compatible phone (see the full list)
- A stable Wi-Fi connection (you need internet to download the eSIM profile)
- The QR code from your eSIM provider (sent by email after purchase)
- A few minutes before you travel — install at home, not at the airport
You don't need to be at your destination first. The eSIM installs and sits dormant until you connect to a network abroad.
How to set up an eSIM on iPhone
eSIM is supported on iPhone XS and newer. The exact steps vary slightly between iOS versions, but the flow is the same.
iPhone XS, XR, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 (iOS 16 and later)
- Open Settings
- Tap Cellular (called Mobile Data in some regions)
- Tap Add eSIM
- Tap Use QR Code
- Hold your camera up to the QR code in your email — keep it steady until the code is detected
- Tap Continue on the "Carrier Setup" screen
- Tap Continue again to confirm adding the plan
- On the "Choose a Label" screen, name it something memorable like "Travel Data" or the destination name
- When asked "Which number to use for…", choose your default for calls/texts (keep your regular SIM), then set the new eSIM as the Default Line for Data
- Tap Done
Your eSIM is now installed. It will activate automatically when you arrive at your destination and connect to a supported network.
iPhone 14 and later — eSIM only models
iPhones sold in the US from iPhone 14 onwards are eSIM-only (no physical SIM tray). The setup process is identical but you may already have one eSIM active. Most phones support up to 8 stored eSIMs with 2 active simultaneously.
Dual SIM setup on iPhone
To use your UK number for calls and your travel eSIM for data simultaneously:
- Go to Settings > Cellular
- Under Cellular Plans, tap your travel eSIM
- Enable it, and set it as the Data line
- Keep your primary SIM active for calls and texts
- Enable Data Roaming on your travel eSIM line — despite the name, this is required for the eSIM to connect abroad and doesn't trigger charges from your home carrier
Your phone will now use the travel eSIM for all data while your UK number stays reachable for calls and texts.
Common iPhone issues
"Invalid QR code" error
- Make sure you're scanning the correct QR code (it's usually the larger one in the email, not a confirmation image)
- Try downloading the email to your phone and scanning from the screen, or print the QR code and scan that
"This QR code has already been used"
- eSIM QR codes are single-use. If you installed and deleted the eSIM, the original code is invalidated — contact your provider for a replacement
eSIM is installed but shows "No Service" at destination
- Go to Settings > Cellular > your travel eSIM > Data Roaming and make sure it's toggled on
- Check the eSIM activation date — some plans don't start until first use, others activate on a set date
"Could not add cellular plan" error
- Your carrier may have carrier lock enabled. UK carriers on contract plans may lock the device. Check with your carrier or try [Settings > General > About > Carrier Lock]
How to set up an eSIM on Samsung Galaxy
Samsung's eSIM interface lives under SIM Manager and varies slightly between One UI versions.
Samsung Galaxy S20, S21, S22, S23, S24, S25 series
- Open Settings
- Tap Connections
- Tap SIM Manager (on older One UI versions this may be SIM Card Manager)
- Tap Add eSIM or the + icon
- Tap Scan QR code (some models say "Scan carrier QR code")
- Scan the QR code from your email
- Review the plan details and tap Confirm
- The eSIM will download and install — takes 30–60 seconds
- Label it if prompted, then tap Done
To set the eSIM as your data line: go to Settings > Connections > SIM Manager, tap Data under "Preferred SIM", and select your travel eSIM.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip series
The process is identical to the S-series above. Samsung's foldables have supported eSIM since the Z Fold 2 / Z Flip (original).
Samsung Galaxy A series (A54, A55, A35)
Select A-series models support eSIM from Android 12 onwards. Go to Settings > Connections > SIM Manager. If you don't see an "Add eSIM" option, your model may not support it — check our compatibility guide.
Dual SIM on Samsung
- Go to Settings > Connections > SIM Manager
- Enable both SIMs
- Under Preferred SIM, set:
- Calls: your primary SIM
- Texts: your primary SIM
- Data: your travel eSIM
- Enable Data Roaming on the travel eSIM: tap the eSIM name > toggle Data Roaming on
Common Samsung issues
eSIM option not showing in SIM Manager
- Some Samsung devices sold by certain carriers are eSIM-locked. Check if a software update is available, or contact your carrier
"Activation failed" during setup
- Make sure you're connected to Wi-Fi, not mobile data, during the scan
- Restart the phone and try again — this resolves most activation failures
Two SIMs both showing, data not switching
- Go to SIM Manager > Preferred SIM > Data and explicitly select the travel eSIM even if it looks selected — sometimes the toggle needs to be re-confirmed after installation
How to set up an eSIM on Google Pixel
Pixel 3a and later (Pixel 3a, 4, 4a, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 series)
- Open Settings
- Tap Network & internet
- Tap SIMs (or Mobile network on older Pixel models)
- Tap the + icon to add a new SIM
- Tap Download a SIM instead? at the bottom of the screen
- Tap Next
- Scan the QR code from your email
- Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm and name the plan
- Tap Activate
Setting data preference on Pixel
After installation: Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > [your travel eSIM] > toggle on, set as preferred for Data. Also enable Roaming under the same menu.
Common Pixel issues
"Can't download SIM" error
- Ensure you're on Wi-Fi. Pixel devices require a Wi-Fi connection to download an eSIM profile
- Check your Pixel is running the latest software update
"Incompatible SIM" warning
- This usually means your Pixel is carrier-locked. US carrier models (bought from Verizon, T-Mobile etc.) may be locked — check your settings or contact the carrier
How to set up an eSIM on other Android phones
OnePlus (9 series and later)
Settings > Wi-Fi & Network > SIM & Network > Add eSIM — scan QR code and follow prompts.
Motorola (Razr, Edge series)
Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > Add SIM — select "Download a SIM" and scan the QR code.
Huawei / Honor
eSIM support varies significantly by model and region. Huawei phones sold outside China from the P40 series onwards generally support eSIM. Settings > Mobile Network > Mobile Data > Add eSIM.
Other Android phones
If you don't see a clear "Add eSIM" option, search "eSIM" in your Settings search bar — most manufacturers have placed it differently. If nothing appears, your model may not support eSIM. Use our compatibility checker to confirm.
Before you fly: activation tips
Install at home, not at the airport
The eSIM download requires a Wi-Fi connection. Airport Wi-Fi is slow, unreliable, and sometimes requires a local number to authenticate — exactly what you don't have yet. Install your eSIM a day or two before travel so you have time to troubleshoot if anything goes wrong.
Keep data roaming on
This catches out a lot of travellers. "Data Roaming" in your eSIM settings sounds like it will charge you extra — it won't. It's the setting that allows the eSIM to connect to a foreign network at all. Without it on, your eSIM won't work abroad regardless of how much data you've paid for.
Check your activation model
Some eSIMs activate immediately after installation. Others activate on a specific date. Some activate on first use — meaning the 15-day clock starts the moment you connect at your destination. Check the confirmation email from your provider so you're not burning days while still at home.
Download offline maps before you leave
While your eSIM is installing, download Google Maps or Maps.me for your destination region. This gives you navigation even if you're momentarily between networks.
Using your eSIM abroad
Once you land, your phone should connect automatically. If it doesn't within a few minutes:
- Toggle flight mode on and off — forces the phone to scan for networks
- Check the data line — make sure your travel eSIM is still set as the data line (some phones switch back to the primary SIM after rebooting)
- Select a network manually — go to Settings > Cellular/Mobile > Network Selection, turn off Automatic, and select a network from the list. Your eSIM provider's documentation usually names the preferred local carrier
- Restart the phone — resolves most connection issues after landing
When your data runs out
Most eSIM providers let you top up or buy a new plan from within their app or website. With CocoRoam you can browse plans and purchase a new one on the same device — it installs alongside the existing eSIM and activates immediately.
Don't delete your existing eSIM unless you're sure you've finished with it. Deleted eSIM profiles generally can't be reinstalled from the same QR code.
Frequently asked questions
Can I install an eSIM without Wi-Fi?
No — the eSIM profile needs to download from your provider's server, which requires an internet connection. Use Wi-Fi at home before you travel. Some providers offer an alternative activation code you can enter manually, which also requires a data connection but sometimes works over a weaker connection than the QR scan method.
Can I have two eSIMs active at the same time?
Yes, on most modern phones. The iPhone 13 and later supports two active eSIMs simultaneously (plus a physical SIM on non-US models). Most Android flagships support dual-SIM with one eSIM and one physical SIM active. You can store additional eSIM profiles and switch between them — useful for frequent travellers who keep plans for countries they visit regularly.
Do I need to remove my physical SIM to use an eSIM?
No. That's one of the main benefits. Your physical SIM stays in place for calls and texts on your home number. The eSIM handles data separately. The two lines run in parallel.
What happens to the eSIM when the data expires?
The profile stays on your phone even after the data runs out. You can top up or purchase a new plan — you won't need to reinstall anything. Just buy more data and it will work on the same eSIM line.
Can I use hotspot/tethering with an eSIM?
On most plans, yes. CocoRoam plans all include hotspot. Some providers restrict tethering — check before you buy if sharing data with a laptop or tablet matters to you.
Can I transfer my eSIM to a new phone?
No — eSIM profiles are locked to the device they're installed on for security reasons. If you get a new phone, you'll need to purchase a new eSIM plan. This is standard across all providers.
What if I lose my phone?
Your data plan is tied to your account. Contact your provider and they can issue a replacement QR code for installation on a new device once you've recovered or replaced your phone.
Will my eSIM work if I turn my phone off and on again?
Yes. The eSIM profile is stored permanently on your phone's chip. Restarting doesn't affect it.
Ready to get your eSIM?
Browse eSIM plans for your destination — coverage in 150+ countries, from £3. Install in under 5 minutes, activate the moment you land.
Not sure if your phone is compatible? Check the full compatibility list →
What people ask
Can I install an eSIM without Wi-Fi?+
No — the eSIM profile needs to download from your provider's server, which requires an internet connection. Use Wi-Fi at home before you travel. Some providers offer an alternative activation code you can enter manually, which also requires a data connection but sometimes works over a weaker connection than the QR scan method.
Can I have two eSIMs active at the same time?+
Yes, on most modern phones. The iPhone 13 and later supports two active eSIMs simultaneously (plus a physical SIM on non-US models). Most Android flagships support dual-SIM with one eSIM and one physical SIM active. You can store additional eSIM profiles and switch between them — useful for frequent travellers who keep plans for countries they visit regularly.
Do I need to remove my physical SIM to use an eSIM?+
No. That's one of the main benefits. Your physical SIM stays in place for calls and texts on your home number. The eSIM handles data separately. The two lines run in parallel.
What happens to the eSIM when the data expires?+
The profile stays on your phone even after the data runs out. You can top up or purchase a new plan — you won't need to reinstall anything. Just buy more data and it will work on the same eSIM line.
Can I use hotspot/tethering with an eSIM?+
On most plans, yes. CocoRoam plans all include hotspot. Some providers restrict tethering — check before you buy if sharing data with a laptop or tablet matters to you.
Can I transfer my eSIM to a new phone?+
No — eSIM profiles are locked to the device they're installed on for security reasons. If you get a new phone, you'll need to purchase a new eSIM plan. This is standard across all providers.
What if I lose my phone?+
Your data plan is tied to your account. Contact your provider and they can issue a replacement QR code for installation on a new device once you've recovered or replaced your phone.
Will my eSIM work if I turn my phone off and on again?+
Yes. The eSIM profile is stored permanently on your phone's chip. Restarting doesn't affect it. ---
