eSIM Installation Tutorial: Detailed Steps for iPhone and Android

eSIM installation is straightforward — scan the QR code from your email to complete configuration. This article details iPhone and Android installation steps, prerequisites, and solutions to common installation errors.

Common Installation Errors & Solutions

• Data roaming not enabled: Go to Settings > Cellular/Mobile Network and ensure data roaming is turned on for the eSIM.
• eSIM not set as default data line: In dual SIM settings, set the eSIM as the default data line.
• Have not arrived at destination: eSIM may need to connect to the local destination network to activate. Try again after arriving.
• Need to restart phone: Restart your phone after installation to let network settings take effect.

Possible causes and solutions:

Installed Successfully but Cannot Access Internet

• Phone model not supported: Check the phone support list to confirm if your phone supports eSIM.
• Phone carrier-locked: Contact the carrier where you purchased the phone to confirm if it is unlocked.
• Regional restriction: Some regional phones may have eSIM functionality disabled. Contact your local dealer to confirm.

Possible causes and solutions:

"Phone Does Not Support eSIM"

• Unstable network: Switch to a more stable WiFi network and retry.
• VPN or proxy interference: Turn off all VPN and proxy tools and retry.
• Carrier server busy: Wait a few minutes and retry, or contact customer service to confirm plan status.

Possible causes and solutions:

"Unable to Connect to Server" or Download Failed

• QR code unclear or incomplete: Enlarge the QR code image, ensure it is fully visible, and rescan in good lighting.
• QR code expired or already used: eSIM QR codes can typically only be used once. If already used, contact customer service for a new one.
• System version too low: Update your system to the latest version and retry.

Possible causes and solutions:

"Unable to Add eSIM" or "Invalid QR Code"

If you encounter problems during installation, please refer to the following common errors and solutions:

Installation Steps

1. Open Settings > Network & Internet: Find the "Settings" app on your Android phone, tap it and select "Network & Internet". Some brands may show this as "Connections" or "Mobile Network".
2. Add mobile network: In the Network & Internet page, find "Mobile network" and tap "Add mobile network" or "Add eSIM". The system will prompt you to choose an addition method.
3. Scan QR code: Select "Use QR Code" or "Scan QR code" and point your phone camera at the eSIM QR code from your email. Ensure good lighting and clear code.
4. Confirm configuration: After successful scan, the system will display eSIM configuration details. Confirm the carrier info and plan details, then tap "Download" or "Confirm" and wait for the configuration file to download.
5. Enable eSIM: After download, find the new eSIM in the mobile network list and tap to enable. After arriving at your destination, turn on data roaming and the phone will automatically search and connect to the local carrier network.

Android eSIM installation steps vary slightly by brand, but the overall process is similar. Here is an example using mainstream Android phones:

1. Open Settings > Cellular: Find the "Settings" app on your iPhone home screen, tap it and select "Cellular". If you have not used cellular before, you may need to tap "Add Cellular Plan" first.
2. Add eSIM: At the bottom of the Cellular page, tap "Add eSIM" or "Add Cellular Plan". The system will prompt you to choose an addition method.
3. Scan QR code: Select "Use QR Code" and point your phone camera at the eSIM QR code from your email. Ensure the code is clear and unobstructed. The system will automatically recognize and begin downloading the configuration file.
4. Confirm activation: After download, the system will display eSIM configuration details including carrier name and plan info. Tap "Add" to confirm. You can set a label for the eSIM (e.g., "Japan Travel") for easy management.
5. Wait for connection: After successful addition, the eSIM will appear in the cellular network list. No need to enable it before departure. After arriving at your destination, go to Settings > Cellular, enable the eSIM and turn on data roaming. The phone will automatically connect to the local network.

Installing eSIM on iPhone is very simple. All models from iPhone XS onwards support eSIM. Here are the detailed steps:

Select your phone operating system to view the corresponding detailed installation steps:

Before You Install

• Phone supports eSIM: Use the Compatibility Check Tool to confirm your phone supports eSIM. iPhone XS and above, Samsung Galaxy S20 and above, Google Pixel 3 and above all support eSIM.
• System updated to latest version: Go to Settings > General > Software Update (iPhone) or Settings > System > System Update (Android) to ensure the latest version for best eSIM compatibility.
• Connect to stable WiFi: Installing eSIM requires downloading a configuration file. Ensure your phone is connected to stable WiFi. The file is small, but unstable networks may cause download failures.
• Prepare eSIM QR code: After purchase, you will receive an email with the eSIM QR code. Ensure the QR code image is clear and complete. Save it to your phone gallery for use.
• Disable VPN or proxy tools: Turn off VPN, proxy, or other network tools during installation to avoid affecting configuration file download.
• Confirm phone is not carrier-locked: Some phones may be carrier-locked (e.g., US contract phones). Contact your carrier to confirm if it is unlocked.

Before you begin installing eSIM, please confirm the following items are ready: