How to Install and Activate an eSIM

1. HOW TO INSTALL AN eSIM
 

Once you've purchased your eSIM, you'll need to install it on your device. Before you install and activate your eSIM, make sure your device is:

• Carrier-unlocked. This means that your device isn’t tied to a contract with a mobile carrier. If you bought your device outright, without any mobile service agreements, then your device is likely unlocked. If you aren't sure, we recommend calling your carrier to double-check!
• eSIM-compatible. If you have a smartphone that was manufactured in 2018 or later, then your phone most likely supports eSIMs. Check the comprehensive list of eSIM-compatible devices to see if your phone is included.
• Have a stable Wi-Fi connection
   

Now that you’ve confirmed your device is carrier-unlocked, supports eSIMs, and have a stable Wi-Fi connection, it’s time to follow the installation steps below. Choose and follow according to your device.  

How to prepare before installing an eSIM

1. Login to EF Dashboard and go to My Orders to find your your eSim QR code. 

         Save or share the code (you may need another device or a printout to scan it later)
 

How to install an eSIM via QR code on an iOS/iPhone device?

     1. Open Settings
     2. Tap Cellular (or Mobile Data)
     3 Tap Add Cellular Plan (or Add Mobile Data Plan)
     4. Scan the QR code.
     5. If prompted, enter the 4-digit confirmation code (skip if not provided)
     6. Choose a label for your eSIM
     7. On the Default Line page, select your eSIM for data only
     8. Confirm that your eSIM appears under Cellular Plans (or Mobile Data Plans)
      

    *If your eSIM supports calls and texts besides data, you can select it as your default voice line.

    Once installed and connected, your eSIM should appear under your device’s Cellular Plans (or Mobile Data Plans) and automatically connect to a supported mobile network.

       How to connect to mobile data with your eSIM (QR code or manual method) on an iOS/iPhone device?

1.  
   1. Open Settings > Cellular (or Settings > Mobile Data)
   2. Tap your newly installed eSIM plan
   3. Toggle Turn On This Line and enable Data Roaming
   4. On the same page, tap Cellular Data Network (or Mobile Data Network) and enter the APN if required (you can find APN details in your eSIM instructions in the Airalo app)
   5. Go back to Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data)
   6. Select your eSIM for Cellular Data (or Mobile Data)
   7. Turn Allow Cellular Data Switching OFF to avoid charges on your other line
   8. In your eSIM settings, select the supported network.
       

        Once installed and connected, your eSIM should appear under your device’s Cellular Plans (or Mobile Data Plans) and automatically connect to a supported mobile network. 

How to install an eSIM via QR code on an Android device?

1. Open Settings on your device
2. Select Network & Internet
3. Select + Add Mobile Network (or Add eSIM)
4. When prompted with “Don’t have a SIM card?”, select Next
5. Scan your QR code and enter the confirmation code if prompted
6. Go back to Mobile Network and turn on your eSIM
7. Enable Mobile data
8. Enable Data roaming (turn off your primary line to avoid roaming charges when abroad)
9. If required, set up your APN (Access Point Name) using the details from your Airalo app

       Once installed and selected for data, your eSIM should automatically connect to a supported mobile network. 
       You can finish setup more easily by selecting the Settings shortcuts in your Airalo app under Access data steps.

How to install an eSIM via QR code on a Pixel device?

1. Open Settings > Network & Internet
2. Select the + icon next to SIMs
3. Select Download a SIM instead?
4. Select Next, then scan the QR code.
5. Tap Download to install the eSIM
6. Open Settings again
7. Turn ON the toggles for Active, Mobile Data, and Roaming

         Your eSIM should now appear under Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs and automatically connect to a supported mobile network.

2. HOW TO ACTIVATE THE eSIM
 

Your eSIM's activation policy tells you when its validity period will begin. There are two types of eSIM activation policies:

• eSIMs that activate when you connect to a supported network. Most eSIMs will activate when you turn on your eSIM line and connect to a supported network at your destination. Once you connect, your validity period will begin and you can start using your eSIM data.  
• eSIMs that activate upon installation. Some eSIMs will activate immediately upon installation – even if you haven't left home. For eSIMs that activate immediately, we recommend installing them just before you travel so you can make the most of your eSIM data.

You can find the activation policy in your eSIM's Additional Information section:

1. Open the Airalo app.
2. Select the eSIM you wish to purchase.
3. Tap BUY NOW to view its details (don’t worry, you don't need to purchase the eSIM just yet). 
4. Scroll down to Additional Information.
5. Read the Activation Policy.