How to Use an eSIM in 2026: Complete Beginner’s Guide for iPhone & Android | eSIMKitStore
Planning an international trip and wondering how to use an eSIM? This beginner-friendly guide explains what an eSIM is, how to install it, how to turn it on after landing, and how to avoid the most common setup mistakes. Whether you are using an iPhone 17, iPhone 16, Samsung Galaxy S25, or another eSIM-compatible phone, this guide will help you get connected before your trip and use mobile data abroad with confidence.
What Is an eSIM, and Why Use One for International Travel?
Quick answer: An eSIM is a digital SIM card built into your phone. Instead of inserting a physical SIM card, you scan a QR code to install a mobile plan. For travel, the main benefit is simple: you can install your eSIM before departure, turn on data roaming after arrival, and connect without waiting in airport SIM card lines.
eSIM stands for Embedded SIM. It is a digital SIM profile stored inside your phone, so you do not need to open the SIM tray, swap a tiny plastic card, or visit a local store after landing. After purchasing a travel eSIM, you usually receive an email with a QR code. Scan that QR code, install the eSIM profile, and your phone can connect to a supported local network at your destination.
For international travelers, eSIM has three major advantages:
- 🏠 Install before you travel — set it up at home while you still have stable Wi-Fi.
- 📱 Keep your home number active — use your physical SIM for calls or SMS and your travel eSIM for mobile data.
- 💰 Avoid expensive roaming — travel eSIM plans often cost much less than international roaming packages.
| Feature | Travel eSIM | Physical SIM Card | International Roaming |
|---|---|---|---|
| Need to buy at an airport or local store | ✗ No | ✓ Usually yes | ✓ Requires roaming setup |
| Can be installed before departure | ✓ Yes | ✗ Usually no | ✓ Yes |
| Keep your home number while using travel data | ✓ Dual SIM supported | ✗ Often requires removing your home SIM | ✓ Yes |
| Typical cost | 💰 Lower, plans from around US$5 | ⚠ Medium | 💸 Often expensive |
| Delivery speed | ✓ Email QR code delivery | ✗ Requires pickup or shipping | ✓ Instant after carrier setup |
| Risk of losing a small SIM card | ✗ No physical card | ✓ Easy to lose | ✗ No |
Which Phones Support eSIM? iPhone 17 / 16 / Samsung S25 Compatibility
Fastest way to check: Dial *#06# on your phone. If you see an EID number, your phone generally supports eSIM. Most iPhones from iPhone XS and later, many Samsung Galaxy S series models, and Google Pixel models support eSIM. Mainland China versions of many phones often do not support eSIM.
- iPhone 17 / 17 Pro / 17 Pro Max ✅
- iPhone 17 Plus / Air-style models ✅
- iPhone 16 / 16 Plus / 16 Pro / 16 Pro Max ✅
- iPhone 15 / 14 / 13 / 12 series ✅
- iPhone XS / XR / 11 series ✅
- iPhone SE 2nd / 3rd generation ✅
- Mainland China iPhone models ❌ Usually not supported
- Galaxy S25 / S25+ / S25 Ultra ✅
- Galaxy S24 / S23 / S22 / S21 series ✅
- Galaxy Z Fold / Z Flip series ✅
- Some Galaxy A series models ✅
- Carrier-locked phones ⚠️ Check before purchase
- Pixel 9 / 8 / 7 / 6 series ✅
- Most Pixel 3 and later models ✅
- Mainland China versions of many phones usually do not support eSIM.
- Carrier-locked phones may not accept travel eSIM plans.
- Some tablets may not be compatible with travel eSIM products.
⚠️ How to check eSIM support: Dial *#06#. If your phone shows a 32-digit EID number, it generally supports eSIM. On iPhone, you can also go to Settings → General → About and look for the EID field.
Not sure whether your device is compatible? Check the complete eSIM-compatible device list.
What Do You Need Before Buying a Travel eSIM?
Before buying a travel eSIM, check three things: ① your phone has an EID and supports eSIM, ② your phone is unlocked, and ③ your email address can receive the QR code. Some plans, such as certain USA T-Mobile or Australia Vodafone eSIM products, may also require your IMEI and EID before activation.
- ✅ Confirm your phone supports eSIM — dial *#06# or check the EID field in settings.
- ✅ Make sure your phone is unlocked — carrier-locked phones may not accept travel eSIM plans.
- ✅ Use an email address you can access — your eSIM QR code is delivered by email.
- ✅ Prepare IMEI / EID if required — some destination-specific plans need these details before activation.
ℹ️ How to find IMEI and EID:
iPhone: Settings → General → About
Android: Settings → About Phone → Status information
Or simply dial *#06# to check device identifiers.
How to Set Up an eSIM on iPhone: Step-by-Step Guide for iOS 16 / 17 / 18
To install an eSIM on iPhone, go to Settings → Cellular / Mobile Service → Add eSIM → Use QR Code. Scan the QR code, label the eSIM, select it for mobile data, and turn on data roaming after arrival. This applies to most iPhone models from iPhone XS and later, including iPhone 17, iPhone 16, iPhone 15 and iPhone 14 series.
The iPhone eSIM setup process is similar across recent iOS versions. The menu name may appear as Cellular or Mobile Service depending on your region and language settings.
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Open your eSIM QR code email
After purchase, your QR code is sent to your email. It is easiest to open the email on a computer, tablet, or another phone so your iPhone can scan it.
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Go to Settings → Cellular / Mobile Service → Add eSIM
On newer iOS versions, the button may say “Add eSIM.” Choose “Use QR Code” when prompted.
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Scan the QR code
Point your camera at the QR code. If scanning does not work, choose manual entry and type in the SM-DP+ address and activation code provided in your email.
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Label your travel eSIM
Use a clear name such as “Japan Travel,” “Europe Trip,” or “Travel Data” so you can tell it apart from your home SIM.
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Choose the travel eSIM for mobile data
Go to mobile data settings and select your travel eSIM as the data line. You can keep your home SIM active for calls and SMS.
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Turn on data roaming for the travel eSIM
This is the step travelers forget most often. Open the travel eSIM settings and make sure Data Roaming is turned on after arrival.
💡 iPhone 17 / 16 tip: Many iPhone models support dual SIM, allowing you to keep your home number for calls and SMS while using your travel eSIM for data. The exact SIM configuration may vary by country or region.
How to Set Up an eSIM on Android: Samsung S25 and Google Pixel Steps
On Samsung Galaxy S25, install an eSIM via Settings → Connections → SIM Manager → Add eSIM / Add Mobile Plan → Scan QR Code. On Google Pixel, go to Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → Add SIM. After installation, set the eSIM as the mobile data line and turn on data roaming.
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Open your QR code email
Use another screen, such as a laptop or tablet, to display the QR code while you scan it with your Android phone.
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Samsung: Settings → Connections → SIM Manager → Add eSIM
On Google Pixel, the path is usually Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → Add SIM. Menu names may vary slightly by Android version.
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Choose “Scan QR Code”
Scan the QR code and confirm the download when the mobile plan appears on screen.
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Set the eSIM as your mobile data line
Return to SIM Manager and choose your travel eSIM for mobile data.
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Turn on data roaming
Open the eSIM settings and enable data roaming. Without this, your eSIM may install correctly but still not connect abroad.
⚠️ Samsung S25 note: eSIM availability can vary by country, carrier and device version. Before buying a travel eSIM, dial *#06# and confirm that your phone shows an EID number.
📹 eSIM Installation Video Guide
Prefer watching instead of reading? This video walks through the eSIM installation and activation process from QR code scan to travel data setup:
How to Turn On Your eSIM After Landing
After landing, turn off airplane mode, select your travel eSIM as the mobile data line, and turn on data roaming. Most travel eSIMs connect automatically within a few minutes. If your eSIM is installed but has no internet, the most common reason is that data roaming is still off.
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Turn off airplane mode
After the plane lands, turn off airplane mode and give your phone time to search for a supported local network.
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Make sure the travel eSIM is enabled
On iPhone, go to Settings → Cellular / Mobile Service. On Android, go to SIM Manager. Confirm that your travel eSIM is turned on.
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Select the travel eSIM for mobile data
Make sure mobile data is using your travel eSIM, not your home SIM card.
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Enable data roaming
Open the travel eSIM settings and turn on data roaming. This is required for most travel eSIM plans.
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Wait 1–2 minutes or restart your phone
If the network does not appear immediately, wait a few minutes. Restarting your phone often helps it register on the local network faster.
🔁 Dual SIM Setup: Keep Your Home Number and Use eSIM for Travel Data
One of the most useful eSIM features is dual SIM usage. You can keep your home SIM active for calls, SMS, banking verification codes, or messaging apps while using your travel eSIM for mobile data abroad.
- iPhone: Settings → Cellular / Mobile Service → Mobile Data → choose your travel eSIM.
- Android: Settings → SIM Manager → set mobile data to the travel eSIM and calls/SMS to your home SIM if needed.
💡 Quick eSIM troubleshooting checklist: ① Airplane mode is off ② Data roaming is on ③ Mobile data is set to the eSIM ④ Restart your phone ⑤ If it still does not connect, do not delete the eSIM. Contact customer support first.
Advanced Tips for Using a Travel eSIM
✈️ Install Before Departure, Connect After Arrival
For most travel eSIM plans, validity starts when the eSIM first connects to a supported network at the destination, not when you scan the QR code. That means you can usually install it before your trip and simply turn on data roaming after landing. Always read the product page, because some special plans may have different activation rules.
📡 How to Use Hotspot Sharing
Most eSIMKitStore travel eSIM plans support hotspot sharing, so you can share mobile data with a laptop, tablet, or travel companion:
- iPhone: Settings → Personal Hotspot → Allow Others to Join.
- Android: Settings → Connections → Mobile Hotspot → Turn on hotspot.
📊 How to Check eSIM Data Usage
- iPhone: Settings → Cellular / Mobile Service → select your travel eSIM and check data usage.
- Android: Settings → Connections → Data Usage.
- Some plans may also support usage checks via a dedicated code or link. Check the product page or your activation email.
🌏 How to Use eSIM for Multi-Country Travel
A phone can store multiple eSIM profiles, although only one or two may be active at the same time depending on your device. For multi-country trips, you can either buy separate eSIMs for each destination or choose a regional plan such as an Asia multi-country eSIM, which lets one eSIM work across supported destinations without changing SIM cards.
🗑️ How to Delete an eSIM — and Why You Should Be Careful
On iPhone, go to Settings → Cellular / Mobile Service → select the eSIM → Delete eSIM. On Android, go to SIM Manager and remove the eSIM profile. Important: most travel eSIM QR codes can only be installed once. If you delete the eSIM before your trip is finished, you may not be able to reinstall it with the same QR code. Only delete the eSIM after your trip is over and the plan is no longer needed.
Ready to Travel with eSIM?
Choose your destination, receive your QR code by email, install before departure, and turn on data roaming after arrival. Travel smarter without swapping physical SIM cards.
Browse Travel eSIM Plans → Need Help?eSIM Frequently Asked Questions
How do you use an eSIM?
Using an eSIM usually takes three steps. First, buy a travel eSIM plan and receive the QR code by email. Second, scan the QR code to install the eSIM profile on your phone. Third, after arriving at your destination, set the eSIM as your mobile data line and turn on data roaming.
Does iPhone 17 / 17 Pro support eSIM?
iPhone 17 series models support eSIM in most markets. To set up an eSIM, go to Settings → Cellular / Mobile Service → Add eSIM → Use QR Code. Scan your travel eSIM QR code, label the plan, choose it for mobile data, and turn on data roaming after arrival. SIM configuration may vary by country or region.
How do I set up an eSIM on iPhone 16?
On iPhone 16, go to Settings → Cellular / Mobile Service → Add eSIM → Use QR Code. Scan the QR code from your activation email, label the eSIM, choose it as your mobile data line, and enable data roaming for the travel eSIM after landing.
Does Samsung Galaxy S25 support eSIM?
Yes, Samsung Galaxy S25 series models support eSIM in most regions. Go to Settings → Connections → SIM Manager → Add eSIM or Add Mobile Plan, then scan the QR code. Regional versions and carrier-locked phones may vary, so always check for an EID before purchase.
How much does a travel eSIM cost?
Travel eSIM prices depend on destination, validity period and data amount. Typical examples include:
- Short-trip Asia eSIM plans: around US$5–US$12
- Europe multi-country plans: around US$20–US$35
- USA / Hawaii plans: around US$24–US$45
- China travel eSIM plans: around US$9–US$20
Compared with international roaming, travel eSIM plans can often be significantly cheaper and easier to control. Compare travel eSIM plans →
When does eSIM validity start?
For most eSIMKitStore travel eSIM plans, validity starts when the eSIM first connects to a supported network at the destination, not when you buy or install it. However, some special plans may have different activation rules, so always check the product page before purchase.
Should I install my eSIM before departure or after arrival?
For most travel eSIMs, it is best to install the eSIM before departure while you still have stable Wi-Fi. After landing, you only need to select the eSIM for mobile data and turn on data roaming. Some plans, such as certain USA or Australia eSIM products, may require installation or activation after arrival, so read the product page carefully.
My eSIM is installed but has no signal or internet. What should I do?
Check the following first:
- ✅ Data roaming is turned on for the travel eSIM.
- ✅ Mobile data is set to the travel eSIM, not your home SIM.
- ✅ Airplane mode is turned off.
- ✅ Restart your phone and wait a few minutes.
If the eSIM still does not connect, do not delete the eSIM profile. Contact eSIMKitStore support for help.
Can I reinstall an eSIM after deleting it?
Most travel eSIM QR codes can only be scanned and installed once. If you delete the eSIM before the plan is finished, you may not be able to reinstall it using the same QR code. Only remove the eSIM after your trip is complete and the plan is no longer needed.
Can I use an eSIM and a physical SIM at the same time?
Yes. On dual SIM compatible phones, you can keep your home SIM active for calls and SMS while using your travel eSIM for mobile data abroad. This is one of the easiest ways to stay connected without losing access to your regular phone number.
Does eSIM support hotspot sharing?
Most eSIMKitStore travel eSIM plans support hotspot sharing, also called tethering, so you can share data with a laptop, tablet, or travel companion. Some plans may have restrictions, so always check the individual product page before purchase.
How can I check if my phone supports eSIM?
Dial *#06#. If your phone shows an EID number, it generally supports eSIM. On iPhone, you can also go to Settings → General → About and look for the EID field. Carrier-locked devices may still need to be unlocked before using a travel eSIM.
I did not receive my eSIM QR code. What should I do?
eSIM QR codes are usually sent by email after purchase. If you do not see it, please:
- Check your spam or junk folder.
- Confirm the email address used at checkout.
- Contact eSIMKitStore support with your order number and ask us to resend the activation email.
Can one eSIM work in multiple countries?
It depends on the plan. A single-country eSIM works only in the selected destination. A regional eSIM, such as an Asia multi-country eSIM or Europe eSIM, can work across several supported countries and regions. For multi-country trips, a regional plan is usually more convenient than buying separate SIM cards.
eSIMKitStore is a travel prepaid eSIM retailer offering mobile data plans for Japan, China, Europe, the United States, Australia, Korea and 190+ countries and regions. Our travel eSIM products work with major network partners such as China Mobile, T-Mobile, Vodafone, Orange, SoftBank and other international carriers.
Need help choosing or installing an eSIM? Visit our Help Center for customer support.
