How to Activate an eSIM

1. Connect to wi-fi and open the QR code or install link your eSIM provider sent you (or open the provider’s app).
2. Go to Settings > Mobile Service (called Cellular or Mobile Data on some iOS versions) and tap Add eSIM.
3. Choose Use QR Code and scan it, or tap the provider’s install link to skip scanning.
4. Give the new line a label such as “Travel” and keep your Australian line as the default for calls and texts if you want them.
5. When you land, set the travel line as your Mobile Data line and turn on Data Roaming for that line only.

1. Connect to wi-fi and open the QR code or install link your provider sent you.
2. Samsung: Settings > Connections > SIM manager > Add eSIM. Pixel: Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > Add SIM (wording varies by model and Android version).
3. Choose to scan a QR code and scan it.
4. Leave the new line switched off for data until you arrive, if your phone gives you the option.
5. On arrival, choose the travel eSIM for mobile data and turn on roaming for it.

Menu names differ between manufacturers and software versions. If you can’t find them, search Settings for “eSIM”.

Installing and activating are two different moments. Install the eSIM at home a day or two before you fly, on reliable wi-fi — the QR code is usually single-use, so you don’t want a dropped connection mid-install. Activation is when the eSIM first connects to a network, and for many travel plans that is when the validity clock starts. Some providers start the clock at installation or after a set number of days, so read the plan terms before you install early.

• Data roaming must be on for the travel eSIM. A travel eSIM is technically roaming on a local partner network, so with roaming off it will show signal but no data.
• Mobile data line: pick the travel eSIM, and turn off “Allow mobile data switching” (iPhone) so your phone doesn’t fall back to your Australian line and run up roaming charges.
• Your Australian line: keep it on for texts if you need bank codes, but turn its data roaming off.
• APN: most eSIMs set this automatically. If data doesn’t work, check the provider’s install instructions for an APN to enter by hand.

1. Check data roaming is on for the eSIM line and that it is selected for mobile data.
2. Turn aeroplane mode on for 30 seconds, then off, or restart the phone.
3. Manually select a network under the eSIM’s network selection settings, using a partner network your provider lists.
4. Check the APN against your provider’s instructions — an authentication failure usually means a wrong or missing APN.
5. Still nothing? Contact the provider’s support from wi-fi; don’t delete the eSIM, because you may not be able to reinstall it.

On iPhone, go to Settings > Mobile Service, tap the travel line, and choose Delete eSIM. On Android, open the SIM manager, select the eSIM and choose remove or delete. Only delete it once your plan has finished: a deleted travel eSIM usually can’t be reinstalled, even if data is left. Some providers let you top up the same eSIM for your next trip, so you may prefer to just switch the line off.

Not sure your phone can take one? Check eSIM support in 30 seconds. Haven’t bought one yet? How to get an eSIM. Sharing data with a laptop: hotspot rules. Need calls and texts: eSIMs with a phone number. New to all this: what is an eSIM?

Questions travellers ask

When should I activate my eSIM?

Install it at home on wi-fi a day or two before you fly, then switch the eSIM line on and enable data roaming for it when you land. Many travel eSIMs only start their validity when they first connect abroad, but some start at installation, so check your plan.

How do I install an eSIM on iPhone?

Go to Settings > Mobile Service (or Cellular), tap Add eSIM, choose Use QR Code and scan the code your provider sent, or tap the provider’s install link. Then label the line and choose which line to use for data.

How do I install an eSIM on Android?

On Samsung, go to Settings > Connections > SIM manager > Add eSIM. On Pixel, go to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > Add SIM. Scan the QR code. Menu names vary by model and Android version.

Can I install an eSIM before I travel?

Yes, and it is the recommended way: install it on reliable wi-fi at home, leave it switched off for data, and turn it on when you arrive. Check whether your plan’s validity starts at installation or at first connection.

How do I remove an eSIM from my iPhone?

Go to Settings > Mobile Service, tap the eSIM line and choose Delete eSIM. Only do this when the plan has finished, because a deleted travel eSIM usually cannot be reinstalled.