eSIM Quick Start Guide: How to Buy & Activate Your eSIM

How to Purchase an eSIM

  1. Choose a data plan for your destination or current location from our full list at Esimi.io.

  2. Once you complete your purchase, you’ll receive a QR code via email—usually within 5 minutes.

How to Install & Activate Your eSIM

On iPhone:

  1. Tap and hold the QR code, then select "Add eSIM" – or simply scan it using the Camera app.

  2. Follow the on-screen prompts to install the new data plan (default settings are fine).

  3. Once installed, go to Settings → Cellular → Data Roaming, and ensure Data Roaming is ON.

On Android:

  1. Open your Camera app on the phone where you want the eSIM.

  2. Point it at the QR code. Tap the notification that appears (it should say “Add Data Plan”).

  3. Follow the prompts to complete the installation (default settings are fine).

  4. After installation, turn Data Roaming ON in your device’s settings.

pro Tips & Recommendations

  • Turn OFF Data Roaming on your physical SIM (home line) to avoid unexpected roaming charges.

  • If you install your eSIM before traveling, switch it to your primary data line once you arrive.

  • Enable Low Data Mode (iPhone) or Data Saver (Android) to prevent background data usage.

Example (iPhone Setup):

Step-by-step instructions to add a secondary data plan using a QR code:

  1. Tap “Add eSIM” to begin.

  2. Can’t scan the QR? Choose manual setup and enter the activation code provided in your email.

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Step 2: Name Your eSIM Plan

In this step, you'll have the option to assign a custom name to the new eSIM plan on your iPhone. We recommend naming it something easy to recognize, like "eSIMI eSIM" or the name of the country you'll be using it in (e.g., "France eSIM").

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Step 3: Set Your Default Lines

Now, you'll tell your iPhone which plan to use for different services. This ensures things like calls, texts, and data work correctly.

  • For Default Voice Line (calls and standard SMS), select your Primary line (your main phone number).

  • For iMessage & FaceTime Line, also select your Primary line (your main phone number) or your Apple ID.

  • For Mobile Data, select your eSIMI eSIM plan. (Remember, the eSIM is for data connectivity).

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Step 4: Enable Data Roaming for the eSIM

Your eSIMI eSIM is now installed! You should see it listed in your phone's Cellular/Mobile Data settings with the name you chose.

The final essential step is to make sure Data Roaming is turned ON for your eSIMI eSIM plan. This setting allows your eSIM to connect to partner networks in your destination country.

(Remember: To avoid charges from your home provider, double-check that Data Roaming is turned OFF for your Primary line/home SIM card.)

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Helpful Tip: Conserve Data with Low Data Mode (iPhone)

After activating your eSIMI eSIM, consider enabling Low Data Mode for this plan in your Cellular/Mobile Data settings (under Data Mode). This simple setting helps save your data by limiting background activity from apps when you're using the eSIM.

Section 2: Connecting to the Internet After Activation

Original: Connecting to the Internet After successfully activating your eSIM, your device will begin searching for a signal immediately. In most cases, a data connection will be established immediately, and you will see 5G or 4G LTE in the signal status. This means you are connected and ready to go! In rare cases, it may take up to 15 minutes for a data connection to be established. Please be patient, as there are many data carriers and environmental factors that can affect the activation time.