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How to Activate Travel eSIM: Quick 2-Step Guide (iOS & Android)

  • Writer: Etel Marketing
    Etel Marketing
  • 1 day ago
  • 3 min read

This quick guide walks you through the steps to install and activate your Travel eSIM. You can be fully connected in less than 5 minutes on both iPhone and Android!


"Hand holding iPhone showing eSIM Activated confirmation screen"

Where Can I Get a Travel eSIM?

If you haven't purchased your plan, that's your first step! Find the perfect, easy activation data package for your trip now.


 Click here to explore our full range of Travel eSIM plans!


What You'll Need Before You Start?

Good news! Since there's no physical SIM involved, you don't need any special tools. Just make sure you have these three simple items ready:


An eSIM-compatible phone: Click here if you are unsure if your phone is compatible.

A stable internet connection: Your Wi-Fi at home or office is perfect for downloading the SIM.

Your eSIM QR Code: This will be emailed to you immediately after you purchase your plan.


How to Activate eSIM on iPhone (iOS)

Getting connected on your iPhone is a quick, 2-step process. You must be connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data to begin.


Step 1: Install the eSIM

This step requires a second screen (like a laptop, tablet, or a printout) to display the QR code from your email.


  1. Open Camera: Open your iPhone Camera app.

  2. Scan the Code: Point your camera at the QR code. A yellow notification will appear saying "Cellular Plan Detected." Tap it.

  3. Confirm Activation: You will see a screen titled "Activate eSIM" (as shown below):

    "iPhone eSIM activation screens showing Continue button and Activating progress"

  4. Finalize: Tap Continue at the bottom of the screen. Your phone will start "Activating..." and then ask you to Add Mobile Plan.

  5. Label: Name your new eSIM plan (e.g., "Travel SIM") for easy identification.


💡 Manual Entry for iOS: If scanning fails, go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM, select Enter Details Manually, and input the codes from your email.

Step 2: Configure & Connect

This step is done after you land in your destination. It sets your phone to use the new eSIM for data and confirms the connection.


  1. Go to Mobile Settings: Tap the Settings app, then select Mobile (or Cellular Data).

  2. Set Mobile Data Source: Tap Mobile Data (or Cellular Data) and select the name of your new eSIM Plan (e.g., 'Travel' or 'Secondary').

  3. Enable Data Roaming (for eSIM): Scroll down to your new eSIM plan (e.g., Travel) and tap on it. Scroll down and toggle Data Roaming to ON.

"iPhone settings showing how to enable Data Roaming for travel eSIM - Settings, Mobile, then toggle on"

🔥 Critical Tip: To prevent extra charges, go into the settings for all ther plans (like your Primary/Aussie SIM). If you do not intend to use those plans for data, ensure Data Roaming is toggled OFF. The only plan with Data Roaming ON should be your current travel eSIM.

Your internet should automatically connect after arrival once these settings are completed. If you encounter any issue, click here to check our troubleshooting guide.


How to Activate eSIM on Android

The process is quick and simple across Samsung, Google Pixel, and other Android devices. You must be connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data to begin.


Step 1: Install the eSIM Profile

This step downloads the digital plan to your phone. Use a second screen (like a laptop, tablet, or a printout) to display the QR code from your email.


  1. Start in Settings: Go to Settings > Connections > SIM card manager.

"Samsung Android settings showing path to SIM manager - Settings then Connections then SIM manager"

  1. Add eSIM: Tap Add eSIM.

  2. Scan Code: Select the option to Scan QR Code.

  3. Perform Scan: Point your phone's camera at the QR code on the second screen.

  4. Enable: Once downloaded, toggle the new eSIM to "On" or "Enabled" in the SIM Manager.


💡 Manual Entry for Android: If scanning fails, choose Enter activation code or Enter Details Manually and input the codes from your confirmation email.


Step 2: Configure & Connect

This step is done after you land in your destination. It ensures your phone uses the new eSIM for data and finalizes the network connection.


  1. Set Mobile Data Source: Go to Settings > Connections > SIM Manager. Tap Mobile Data and select your new eSIM Plan.

  2. Enable Data Roaming (for eSIM): Go to Connections > Mobile Networks. Ensure Data Roaming is toggled ON for your new eSIM.


🔥 Critical Tip: To prevent extra charges, go into the settings for all other plans. If you do not intend to use those plans for data, ensure Data Roaming is toggled OFF. The only plan with Data Roaming ON should be your current travel eSIM.


Your internet should automatically connect after arrival once these settings are completed. If you encounter any issue, click here to check our troubleshooting guide.


All Set for Seamless Travel!

You have successfully installed and configured your Travel eSIM!


By completing these simple steps, you are now prepared to land and connect instantly to a local network, giving you fast, affordable data from the moment your plane touches down.


Enjoy your trip with the confidence of knowing your connection is handled.


Safe travels!

 
 
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