Your eSIM Resource Hub

Everything You Need to Know
About eSIM

Activation guides, troubleshooting tips, and answers to your most common eSIM questions — all in one place.

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900+
Compatible Devices
200+
Countries Covered
2 min
Average Setup Time
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What is eSIM

A SIM card built
into your device

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM that is permanently soldered into your phone, tablet, or smartwatch. Unlike a traditional physical SIM card, an eSIM is activated entirely over the internet — no card, no tray, no store visit.

You simply scan a QR code or enter an activation code and your plan is loaded onto your device in seconds. You can store multiple eSIM profiles at the same time and switch between them freely.

eSIM was standardised by the GSMA in 2016 and is now supported by every major phone manufacturer, making it the globally preferred way to add travel data, switch operators, or maintain a second number.

  • No physical SIM swap or card handling required
  • Activate instantly from anywhere in the world
  • Store and switch between multiple plans on one device
  • Eco-friendly — no plastic, no packaging
  • Keep your primary number active while using travel data

Scan a QR Code

Your plan is downloaded wirelessly in under 60 seconds.

Multiple Profiles

Store up to 10+ eSIM plans on a single device at once.

Secure & Tamper-Proof

Embedded chip cannot be removed or physically cloned.

Global Coverage

Works in 200+ countries with local or regional data plans.

Instant Activation

No waiting for delivery. Connect the moment you land.

Comparison

eSIM vs Physical SIM

Understanding the key differences helps you choose the right option for your needs.

Feature eSIM Physical SIM
Activation method QR code / online Physical card insert
Time to activate Seconds Minutes to hours
Multiple plans Yes (store many) One at a time
Requires store visit No Usually yes
Works while abroad Yes — buy remotely Need a local SIM
Risk of losing SIM None — embedded Can be lost or stolen
Eco-friendly Yes — no plastic Plastic card + packaging
Plan switching Instant in Settings Physical swap needed
How it Works

Set up your eSIM in 5 steps

The entire process takes less than 5 minutes on any supported device.

1

Check Compatibility

Confirm your device supports eSIM and is unlocked from your carrier. See the compatibility list below.

2

Purchase a Plan

Choose a data plan for your destination. You'll receive a QR code and/or activation code by email.

3

Open eSIM Settings

Go to Settings → Mobile Data → Add eSIM (or Cellular → Add Cellular Plan on iPhone).

4

Scan the QR Code

Point your camera at the QR code, or tap "Enter details manually" and type in the SM-DP+ address and activation code.

5

Enable Data Roaming

Set the new eSIM as your data line and turn on Data Roaming. You're connected!

Pro tip: Install your eSIM before you travel while on Wi-Fi at home. That way you're connected the moment you land, with no setup stress.
Compatibility

Compatible Devices

eSIM is supported on over 900 devices. Here are the most popular categories.

Apple iPhone

  • iPhone XS / XS Max / XR (2018)
  • iPhone 11 / 11 Pro / 11 Pro Max
  • iPhone SE (2nd & 3rd gen)
  • iPhone 12 series
  • iPhone 13 series
  • iPhone 14 series
  • iPhone 15 series
  • iPhone 16 series

Samsung Galaxy

  • Galaxy S20 / S21 / S22 / S23 / S24
  • Galaxy Z Fold 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6
  • Galaxy Z Flip 3 / 4 / 5 / 6
  • Galaxy Note 20 / Note 20 Ultra
  • Galaxy S20 FE / S21 FE / S23 FE
  • Galaxy A54 / A55 / A35

Google Pixel

  • Pixel 2 / 2 XL
  • Pixel 3 / 3 XL / 3a / 3a XL
  • Pixel 4 / 4 XL / 4a / 4a 5G
  • Pixel 5 / 5a
  • Pixel 6 / 6 Pro / 6a
  • Pixel 7 / 7 Pro / 7a / Fold
  • Pixel 8 / 8 Pro / 8a / 9 series

Other Android

  • OnePlus 12 / 12R / Open
  • Motorola Razr / Edge series
  • Huawei P40 / Mate 40 series
  • Oppo Find X5 / X6 / X7 Pro
  • Xiaomi 12T Pro / 13 / 14 series
  • Sony Xperia 1 IV / 5 IV / 10 IV+

Tablets & iPads

  • iPad Pro (all sizes, 2018+)
  • iPad Air (3rd gen+)
  • iPad mini (5th gen+)
  • iPad (7th gen+, cellular models)
  • Microsoft Surface Pro X / 9 / Pro 10
  • Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+ / S8 / S9

Smartwatches & more

  • Apple Watch (Series 3+)
  • Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 / 5 / 6 / 7
  • Pixel Watch / Pixel Watch 2 / 3
  • Microsoft Surface Pro X (LTE)
  • Lenovo ThinkPad (LTE eSIM models)
  • HP Spectre / EliteBook (LTE eSIM)
Important: Your device must be carrier-unlocked (not locked to a specific operator) to use a third-party eSIM. Contact your current carrier if you're unsure.
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to the questions we hear most often.

Does my phone support eSIM?
Most smartphones released after 2018 support eSIM. Go to Settings → General → About on iPhone, or Settings → About Phone → SIM Status on Android. If you see an eSIM or Digital SIM option, your phone is compatible. You can also check the device list above.
Does my device need to be unlocked?
Yes — your device must be carrier-unlocked to install a third-party eSIM. If your phone was purchased from a carrier on a contract, it may be locked. Contact your carrier to request an unlock (usually free after your contract period ends).
Can I use eSIM and my regular SIM at the same time?
Yes! This is called a Dual-SIM Dual-Standby (DSDS) setup. You can keep your home number active for calls/SMS on your physical SIM while using the eSIM for data. Simply set the new eSIM as your preferred data line in Settings.
How long does eSIM activation take?
Typically under 2 minutes. Once you scan the QR code, your device downloads and activates the profile almost instantly over Wi-Fi or mobile data. You'll see the carrier name appear in your Settings when it's ready.
Can I reuse or transfer an eSIM?
Most eSIM data plans are single-use and tied to one device. Once installed on a device, the plan cannot be transferred to a different phone. However, many plans can be reinstalled on the same device if your plan has not yet been fully used.
What happens to my eSIM when I switch phones?
You will need to delete the eSIM from your old device. Any remaining data may be lost depending on the plan. When setting up your new phone, you can restore eSIM profiles from an iCloud/Google backup on supported devices, or re-download plans from the provider's app if supported.
Can I use eSIM without Wi-Fi?
You need either Wi-Fi or cellular data to download the eSIM profile. Once installed, the eSIM works entirely on the mobile network without any internet connection needed.
How many eSIMs can I store on one device?
Most modern iPhones can store up to 8 eSIMs, with 2 active simultaneously. Android devices typically support 2–10 stored eSIMs. However, the exact limits depend on your specific device model.
What is an SM-DP+ address and activation code?
If you can't scan the QR code (e.g. you're reading it on the same device), you can enter the details manually. The SM-DP+ address is the server address (looks like a domain name, e.g. smdp.example.com). The activation code is a long alphanumeric string. Both are usually displayed alongside the QR code.
Does eSIM work on all networks in a country?
eSIM plans specify which networks and technologies (4G/LTE, 5G) they support in each country. Check the plan's coverage details before purchase. In some regions, roaming relies on partner networks, which are typically listed in the plan description.
Why is my eSIM showing "No Service"?
Check that: (1) your plan has started — some plans only activate when you arrive in the destination country, (2) Data Roaming is turned on for the eSIM line, (3) you're in a coverage area, and (4) the eSIM is selected as the active data line. See the troubleshooting section below for step-by-step fixes.
Is it safe to buy eSIM plans online?
Yes, as long as you purchase from a reputable provider. Legitimate eSIM plans are delivered via QR codes tied to a secure provisioning server. Avoid sharing your QR code publicly — each QR code installs the plan on the first device that scans it.
Troubleshoot

Fix Common eSIM Issues

Step-by-step solutions for the most frequent eSIM problems.

QR Code Won't Scan

  • 1 Make sure you are scanning from a different screen (not the device you're installing on).
  • 2 Increase screen brightness on the device showing the QR code.
  • 3 Hold the camera 15–25 cm away from the screen for best focus.
  • 4 Use "Enter details manually" and type the SM-DP+ address and activation code instead.
  • 5 If the QR code still fails, contact the plan provider to reissue it.
On iPhone, go to Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → Use QR Code or Enter Details Manually.

No Data After Installation

  • 1 Go to Settings → Mobile Data and confirm the eSIM shows as active.
  • 2 Enable Data Roaming for the eSIM line — this is off by default on most phones.
  • 3 Check that the eSIM is set as the preferred data line (not your primary SIM).
  • 4 Toggle Airplane Mode on for 10 seconds, then off. This forces a network reconnect.
  • 5 Check your plan's activation policy — some plans only start when you arrive in the destination country.
  • 6 Restart your device fully and wait 60 seconds for the network to register.

eSIM Not Showing in Settings

  • 1 Confirm your device model is on the compatible device list above.
  • 2 Verify your device is carrier-unlocked — a locked phone won't accept third-party eSIMs.
  • 3 Check you have a stable Wi-Fi connection before attempting installation.
  • 4 Ensure your iOS/Android OS is up to date — older software versions have known eSIM bugs.
  • 5 On Android, check Settings → About Phone → SIM Status to confirm eSIM capability is listed.

Slow or Unstable Data

  • 1 Check if you have reached your plan's high-speed data limit — most plans throttle to 1–3 Mbps after the allowance is used.
  • 2 Move to a location with better signal (away from thick walls or underground areas).
  • 3 Try disabling LTE/5G to force a 4G or 3G connection — sometimes a lower band has better reach.
  • 4 Toggle Data Roaming off and on to force a fresh network attachment.
  • 5 Restart the phone to clear any stuck network states.

eSIM Deleted or Lost After Reset

  • 1 Check your email or account for a re-install option — many providers allow one reinstall per plan.
  • 2 On iPhone, some eSIMs can be recovered from iCloud backup (Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone).
  • 3 Contact the plan provider with your order number. They may be able to reissue the profile if data remains.
  • 4 If the plan is exhausted, you will need to purchase a new plan.
Always keep your QR code or activation credentials saved somewhere safe before deleting an eSIM.

Calls or SMS Not Working on eSIM

  • 1 Confirm your plan includes voice and SMS — many travel data-only eSIMs do not support calls or SMS by default.
  • 2 If your plan is data-only, keep your primary SIM as the default line for calls.
  • 3 Check Settings → Phone → Default Voice Line and set your primary SIM for calls.
  • 4 For VoIP calls (WhatsApp, FaceTime), just ensure data is active — no changes needed.
With Dual-SIM active, you can receive calls on your home number and use data on your eSIM simultaneously.

iPhone-Specific Issues

  • 1 Carrier Locked: If bought from a carrier, go to Settings → General → About — if "Carrier Lock" shows "SIM Locked", contact your carrier to unlock.
  • 2 iPhone 14+ (US, eSIM only): No physical SIM slot — the eSIM UI may differ slightly; look for Cellular Plans instead of SIM.
  • 3 Can't scan QR on-screen: Use Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → Enter Details Manually.
  • 4 No cellular option in Settings: Ensure your iOS is updated to at least iOS 12.1.

Android-Specific Issues

  • 1 Navigate to Settings → Connections → SIM Card Manager → Add mobile plan (path may vary by manufacturer).
  • 2 On Samsung: Settings → Connections → SIM Manager → Add eSIM.
  • 3 On Pixel: Settings → Network → SIM → Download a SIM instead.
  • 4 If you see "Error downloading SIM", check that you're connected to Wi-Fi and try again. Clear the carrier services app cache if the error persists.
  • 5 Ensure Carrier Services and Google Play Services are up to date from the Play Store.

After a Factory Reset

  • 1 Factory resetting an iPhone deletes all eSIM profiles. Back up your QR codes or credentials before resetting.
  • 2 On Android, some profiles may be preserved if you restore from a backup — check your provider's reinstall policy.
  • 3 Contact your eSIM provider with your order details to request a profile reissue.
  • 4 If data was unused and the provider allows it, they can often reissue the same plan.
Glossary

eSIM Terms Explained

The jargon you'll encounter when setting up and using your eSIM.

eSIM
Embedded SIM — a programmable SIM chip soldered directly into your device.
SM-DP+ Address
Subscription Manager Data Preparation Plus. The server address that delivers your eSIM profile to your device. Looks like a domain name (e.g., smdp.example.com).
Activation Code
A long alphanumeric string that uniquely identifies your eSIM plan on the SM-DP+ server. Used when entering plan details manually.
ICCID
Integrated Circuit Card Identifier — a unique 19–22 digit number that identifies your eSIM profile (similar to a SIM card serial number).
EID
eUICC Identifier — the permanent unique ID of the eSIM chip itself (not the plan). Used to report issues to a provider.
eUICC
Embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card — the technical name for the eSIM chip hardware inside your device.
IMEI
International Mobile Equipment Identity — a 15-digit number uniquely identifying your physical device. Required by some carriers for plan activation.
Data Roaming
A setting that must be enabled for your eSIM line to connect to networks in a foreign country. Off by default on most devices.
DSDS
Dual SIM Dual Standby — the ability to keep two SIMs (one physical, one eSIM) active simultaneously.
RSP
Remote SIM Provisioning — the technical process by which eSIM profiles are downloaded and installed over the air.
APN
Access Point Name — network configuration that tells your device how to connect to mobile data. Usually set automatically; may need manual configuration on some plans.
Throttling
When a plan's high-speed data allowance runs out, speed is reduced (typically to 1–3 Mbps) for the rest of the billing period.