How to Activate an eSIM on iPhone and Android (2026 Guide)
Last updated: September 27, 2026.
Quick answer: to activate an eSIM, connect to Wi-Fi, open your phone’s mobile settings, choose Add eSIM, and scan the QR code from your provider. On iPhone: Settings → Cellular (or Mobile Service) → Add eSIM → Use QR Code. On Samsung: Settings → Connections → SIM manager → Add eSIM. On Google Pixel: Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → add or download a SIM. Installation takes a few minutes; for a travel eSIM, turn it on and enable data roaming when you arrive.
Before You Start
- Check that your phone supports eSIM — most recent iPhone, Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel models do. Look for an “Add eSIM” option in your mobile settings. On many phones, dialing *#06# shows an EID number if eSIM is supported.
- Make sure your phone is carrier-unlocked. A locked phone may refuse an eSIM from another provider.
- Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network. The eSIM profile is downloaded during installation.
- Keep your QR code ready. With Oryalo, it is sent by email after payment and is also available in your Oryalo account. In most cases a QR code works only once, so do not delete the eSIM after installing it.
How to Activate an eSIM on iPhone
- Open Settings and tap Cellular (called Mobile Service or Mobile Data in some regions).
- Tap Add eSIM (or Add Cellular Plan on older iOS versions).
- Choose Use QR Code and scan the code from your email or account. On recent iOS versions, you can also scan the QR code with the Camera app and tap the notification that appears.
- If you cannot scan it, choose Enter Details Manually and type the SM-DP+ address and activation code provided with your eSIM.
- Give the new line a clear label, such as Travel. Keep your usual line as the default for calls and messages.
- Turn off Allow Cellular Data Switching if you do not want your phone to fall back to your home line for data.
How to Activate an eSIM on Samsung Galaxy
- Open Settings → Connections → SIM manager.
- Tap Add eSIM, then choose to scan a QR code from your service provider.
- Scan the QR code and confirm the download.
- Rename the eSIM (for example Travel) so you can find it easily.
How to Activate an eSIM on Google Pixel and Other Android Phones
- Open Settings → Network & internet → SIMs.
- Tap the option to add a SIM or download an eSIM, then scan the QR code.
- Confirm the download and rename the eSIM.
Menu names vary slightly between Android brands and versions. If you cannot find these options, search for “eSIM” in your settings.
How Long Does It Take to Activate an eSIM?
Installing the eSIM usually takes a few minutes once you scan the QR code. A travel eSIM then connects when you arrive in your destination and turn the line on — it can take a minute or two to register on a local network. Check your plan details to see when the validity period starts, so you do not use up days before your trip.
| Step | Typical time |
|---|---|
| Receiving the QR code by email | Usually a few minutes after payment |
| Installing the eSIM on your phone | A few minutes, on Wi-Fi |
| Connecting to a network on arrival | Usually 1–2 minutes after turning the line on |
What Is Data Roaming, and Why Turn It On?
Data roaming lets your phone use mobile data on a network that is not your home network. A travel eSIM connects to local partner networks in your destination, so data roaming must be turned on for the travel eSIM line — otherwise you will have signal but no internet.
To avoid charges from your home carrier, turn data roaming off on your usual line, or turn that line off if you do not need it. Roaming on the travel eSIM is part of the plan you bought; roaming on your home line is billed by your home carrier.
When You Arrive: Turn On Your eSIM
- Turn on the travel eSIM line in your mobile settings.
- Select it as your mobile data line.
- Turn on Data Roaming for the travel eSIM.
- Turn off data roaming on your usual line to avoid home carrier charges.
eSIM Not Working? What to Check
- The travel eSIM line is turned on and selected for mobile data.
- Data Roaming is enabled for the travel eSIM.
- Turn airplane mode on and off, or restart your phone.
- Try selecting a network manually in your mobile network settings.
- Check whether your plan email mentions specific APN settings.
Still not working? Contact us by email at contact@oryalo.com or open a ticket from your account, and our team will help you troubleshoot. If your eSIM cannot be activated because of a technical issue on our side that we cannot resolve, you can request a refund within 48 hours of purchase — see our Refund Policy.
FAQ
Can I activate my eSIM before I travel?
Yes. Install it at home on Wi-Fi and keep the line turned off until you arrive. Check your plan details to see when the validity period starts.
Can I use the same eSIM QR code twice?
In most cases, no. A QR code usually installs the eSIM once. Do not delete the eSIM until your plan has expired.
Do I need Wi-Fi to activate an eSIM?
Yes, you need an internet connection to download the eSIM profile. Wi-Fi at home or at your hotel is the easiest option.
Can I use my eSIM and my physical SIM at the same time?
Yes, on dual SIM phones. Keep your usual SIM for calls and texts, and use the travel eSIM for data. See eSIM vs physical SIM for the differences.
Why do I have signal but no internet?
Data roaming is usually turned off on the eSIM line, or the eSIM is not selected as your mobile data line. Turn both on in your mobile settings.
Ready for your trip? Find your destination on Oryalo — for example Turkey, Thailand or Europe — and get your eSIM QR code by email.
