🔍 Find Your Plan
Select a destination above to see recommended plans
⚠️ Important: Prices change frequently — always verify on the provider's site before purchasing. Check coverage maps for remote areas.
⚙️ How to Install Your eSIM
✅ Supported: iPhone XS/XR and newer. Must be carrier-unlocked or on a compatible plan.
1
Purchase your eSIM plan and open the QR code on a separate screen (laptop, tablet, or printed). You cannot scan a QR on the same device you're installing to.
💡 Some providers also offer "Direct Install" via their app — no QR needed
2
Go to Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM. Tap "Use QR Code" and scan. If you have an activation code instead, tap "Enter Details Manually".
3
Name the eSIM (e.g., "Trip Japan") when prompted. Set Default Line = your home SIM for calls/texts. Set Cellular Data = your new eSIM.
⚠️ Turn off "Allow Cellular Data Switching" to avoid unexpected charges on your home SIM
4
Go back to Settings → Cellular → [Your eSIM] and enable Data Roaming. Wait 30–60 seconds for the carrier to connect. Test by opening a website not in your browser cache.
5
iPhone 14+ (US models): These are eSIM-only — no physical SIM slot. You can store multiple eSIMs but only activate one at a time for data. Install your travel eSIM the same way.
ℹ️ Steps vary slightly by Android version and manufacturer. Most Android 10+ devices with eSIM support follow this path.
1
Purchase your plan and get the QR code ready on another screen or device.
2
Go to Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs (or "Mobile Network" on some devices). Tap the + Add SIM / Add eSIM button and choose "Scan QR code".
3
After installation, set the eSIM as your preferred data SIM. Keep your physical SIM active for calls and SMS if needed.
⚠️ Disable data roaming on your physical SIM to avoid surprise roaming charges
4
Enable Data Roaming on the eSIM profile. Check signal and test connectivity. If no data, check the APN settings (see Troubleshooting).
✅ Supported: Galaxy S20 and newer, Galaxy Z Fold/Flip series, Note 20+. Some carrier-locked models may not support eSIM.
1
Get the QR code ready on another screen. Open Settings → Connections → SIM Card Manager.
2
Tap "Add eSIM" or "Add mobile plan". Select "Scan QR code from service provider" and scan.
3
Once added, go to SIM Card Manager and set the eSIM as your preferred SIM for mobile data. Toggle off data on your physical SIM.
💡 Samsung One UI lets you name each SIM — call them "Home" and "Travel" for clarity
4
Enable Data Roaming in SIM Card Manager for your eSIM. Wait for the network icon to show the carrier name, then test data.
✅ Supported: Pixel 3 and newer. Pixel 3a, 4, 4a, 5, 6, 7, 8 series all support eSIM. Must be unlocked.
1
Get the QR code ready on a separate screen. Go to Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → Add SIM.
2
Tap "Download a SIM instead?" at the bottom, then "Next". Scan your QR code when prompted.
💡 Pixel also supports downloading eSIMs through the Google Fi app if you use Google Fi
3
Set the downloaded eSIM as your preferred SIM for data. In SIMs settings, tap your eSIM and enable Mobile data and Roaming.
4
Disable data roaming on your physical SIM. Test connectivity by opening a fresh webpage or running a speed test.
🛠️ Troubleshooting
📵 No data / signal bar shows "No Service"▼
- Toggle Airplane mode on for 10 seconds, then off. Wait 30 seconds.
- Confirm Cellular Data is set to your eSIM, not your physical SIM.
- Check Data Roaming is ON specifically for the eSIM profile — not just globally.
- Manually select a network: Settings → Cellular → Network Selection → Manual. Pick any carrier, then switch back to Automatic.
- If still failing, your eSIM may need an APN configured. Check the provider's support page for their APN settings and enter manually.
📞 No calls or SMS through eSIM▼
Most travel eSIMs are data-only — this is expected. For calls and texts while abroad:
- Keep your physical SIM active for calls/SMS (just disable its data)
- Use WhatsApp, FaceTime Audio, Google Voice, or Skype over data
- Enable Wi-Fi Calling on your home SIM (works internationally over the eSIM's data)
- For iMessage/SMS over data: enable "Send as SMS" fallback with Wi-Fi Calling on
⚡ Very slow speeds despite having data▼
- Check your data balance — many plans throttle to 2G/3G after the high-speed data is used
- Some plans cap speeds at 1–5 Mbps even on "unlimited" plans — check the fine print
- Try toggling between 5G/LTE/3G in network settings — sometimes 4G LTE is faster than 5G in congested areas
- Holafly and similar unlimited plans are known to throttle after 1–2 GB in some regions
🗑️ eSIM deleted / can't reinstall after reset▼
- eSIMs cannot be reinstalled once deleted on most providers — the QR code becomes invalid
- Before resetting your device, go to Settings → Cellular → [eSIM] → Remove eSIM first (keeps it in provider's system on some platforms)
- Contact the provider immediately — many will re-issue a new QR within 24h if you still have data remaining
- Airalo and Holafly typically offer a re-installation QR if you contact support within the validity period
🇨🇳 China — special eSIM considerations▼
China has strict internet restrictions — most eSIM data plans will block Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, and many other services.
- A VPN must be set up before entering China — it's very difficult to download or configure once inside
- Recommended eSIM providers with some China support: Airalo (China plan), Ubigi
- Hong Kong eSIMs work normally without restrictions
- Consider using China Unicom or China Mobile local SIMs for better local coverage
📋 Device Compatibility Quick Reference
| Device | eSIM? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone XS / XR (2018) | ✅ Yes | First iPhones with eSIM |
| iPhone 11, 12, 13 series | ✅ Yes | Physical + eSIM dual SIM |
| iPhone 14 (US model) | ✅ eSIM only | No physical SIM slot in USA version |
| iPhone 15, 16 series | ✅ eSIM only (USA) | International models have SIM slot |
| Samsung Galaxy S20–S25 | ✅ Yes | Some carrier-locked models may not |
| Samsung Galaxy Z Fold / Flip | ✅ Yes | All foldable models support eSIM |
| Samsung Galaxy A series | ⚠️ Some | A54, A34 yes; older A series no |
| Google Pixel 3 / 3a | ✅ Yes | First Pixels with eSIM |
| Google Pixel 4–8 series | ✅ Yes | All support eSIM |
| OnePlus 12, 12R | ✅ Yes | Unlocked models |
| Motorola Edge / Razr (2023+) | ✅ Yes | Check model specifically |
| iPad Pro (2018+), iPad Air (2020+) | ✅ Yes | Cellular models only |
| iPhone SE 2nd gen | ✅ Yes | 2020 SE supports eSIM |
| Older Android / Budget phones | ❌ Likely no | Check manufacturer specs |
⚠️ Even compatible devices can be locked to a single carrier by your network provider. Call your carrier to confirm eSIM is enabled on your account and request an unlock if needed.
💾 Saved Plan
Save a plan from the recommendations below to keep it handy.
🛒 Buy eSIM Plans
💡 Key Tips
✅ Install before you travelYou can install an eSIM on WiFi at home — activate it when you land. No roaming charges during setup.
💳 Carrier unlockYour phone must be carrier-unlocked. Most phones bought outright or paid off are unlocked — call your carrier to confirm.
⚠️ Keep your home SIMLeave your physical SIM in the phone but disable its data abroad. This way you still receive calls and 2FA texts.
🚫 Don't delete the eSIMDeleting an eSIM profile usually makes the QR invalid. You'd need to contact the provider for a new one.
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