Travel Guide

How to Set Up an eSIM on Your Phone (Complete Guide)

July 5, 2026 · 8 min read · iPhone & Android

Setting up an eSIM takes less than 5 minutes - and it means no more hunting for a SIM card at the airport, no roaming surprises, and instant connectivity the moment you land. This guide covers everything: checking compatibility, installing your eSIM, and activating it correctly on both iPhone and Android.

Is your phone eSIM compatible?

Most flagship phones released after 2018 support eSIM. Here's a quick reference:

iPhone

iPhone XS, XS Max, XR (2018) - first iPhones with eSIM
iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 series - all support eSIM
iPhone 14 and later (US models) - eSIM only, no physical SIM slot

Samsung

Galaxy S20, S21, S22, S23, S24 series
Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip series
Galaxy Note 20 series

Google Pixel

Pixel 3 and later (all models support eSIM)

Other brands

Huawei P40 series and later
Sony Xperia 10 III and later
Motorola Razr series

Quick check: On iPhone, go to Settings → General → About. If you see "EID" (a long number), your phone supports eSIM. On Android, go to Settings → Connections → SIM Manager and look for an "Add eSIM" or "Download SIM" option.

Important: Your phone must be unlocked to use an eSIM from a different carrier. If you bought your phone directly from Apple, Google, or most retailers, it's already unlocked. If you got it through a carrier contract, check with them first.

What to do before you travel

Do this at home, on WiFi, before your trip - not at the airport:

1 Purchase your eSIM plan

Choose a plan for your destination on Telisco. After payment, you'll receive an email with a one-tap install link, QR code, and activation code within seconds.

2 Keep the email accessible

Save your eSIM email or screenshot the QR code. You'll need it when you land - or install in advance so it's ready to activate automatically.

3 Install before you leave

You can install the eSIM from home (WiFi) and leave it disabled until you arrive. The data only starts when you enable it - so there's no charge for installing early.

How to install an eSIM on iPhone

One-tap install

Scan QR code

Enter code manually

Fastest method (iOS 17.4+): If you're reading your Telisco delivery email on the iPhone you want to install on, just tap "Install eSIM on iPhone" in that email - no camera, no typing, no second device needed.

Open the Telisco delivery email on the iPhone you're installing on
Tap "Install eSIM on iPhone"
Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm
When asked to label your eSIM, type your destination (e.g. "Norway") - this helps you identify it later

Doesn't work? One-tap install needs iOS 17.4 or later, and only works when opened on the same phone. Installing from a QR code shown on another device (like a laptop)? Use the "Scan QR code" tab instead.

9:41● ● ●

Settings

iPhone Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM

Open Settings on your iPhone
Tap Cellular (or "Mobile Data" in some regions)
Tap Add eSIM or Add Cellular Plan
Tap "Use QR Code"
Point your camera at the QR code in your Telisco email
Tap Continue on the confirmation screen
When asked to label your eSIM, type your destination (e.g. "Norway") - this helps you identify it later
Tap Done

Can't scan? If your QR code doesn't scan, make sure the screen showing the QR code is at full brightness and held steady. Alternatively, use the manual code method.

Open Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM
Tap "Enter Details Manually"
Copy the activation code from your Telisco email (it starts with LPA:1$)
Paste or type it into the field
Tap Next and follow the prompts
Label your eSIM with your destination name

How to install an eSIM on Android

The steps vary slightly by manufacturer but the process is the same on all Android phones:

Fastest method: If you're reading your Telisco delivery email on the Android phone you want to install on, tap "Install eSIM on Android" in that email - it skips scanning entirely (requires a compatible Android device). The steps below are for scanning a QR code or entering the code manually instead.

Samsung Galaxy

Go to Settings → Connections → SIM Manager
Tap Add eSIM
Tap Scan QR code
Scan the QR code from your Telisco email
Tap Confirm and wait for the eSIM to download (30–60 seconds)
Tap Activate

Google Pixel

Go to Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs
Tap Add a SIM (the + button)
Tap Download a SIM instead?
Tap Next and scan the QR code
Follow the activation steps

Other Android phones

If your phone isn't listed above, look for one of these paths in Settings:

Settings → Network → Mobile Network → Add eSIM
Settings → Dual SIM → Add eSIM
Settings → SIM & Network → Add eSIM

How to activate and use your eSIM

After installation, your eSIM appears in your cellular settings but may be disabled. Here's how to activate it when you arrive at your destination:

On iPhone

Go to Settings → Cellular
Tap your eSIM line (the one you labeled with your destination)
Toggle "Turn On This Line" to green
Scroll down and enable "Data Roaming"
Go back to Cellular and tap "Cellular Data"
Select your eSIM line as the data source
Disable data roaming on your primary SIM to avoid unexpected charges

On Android

Go to Settings → Connections → SIM Manager
Tap your eSIM and toggle it On
Set it as your Mobile Data line
Enable Data Roaming on the eSIM
Disable roaming on your primary SIM

Critical step: Always enable Data Roaming on your eSIM line. Without this, the eSIM won't connect to local networks even if it's active. This is the most common reason eSIMs appear to "not work."

Tips for using your eSIM abroad

Install the eSIM at home on WiFi - don't wait until you land
Label your eSIM with the destination (e.g. "Thailand 2026") so you can identify it when you have multiple eSIMs installed
Keep your home SIM active for calls and texts - use the eSIM for data only
Check your data usage in Settings → Cellular → your eSIM line
An eSIM can only be scanned and installed once - the QR code becomes invalid after first use. If your phone breaks, contact support for a replacement
Most eSIMs activate within minutes of landing - you don't need to do anything special, just make sure the line is enabled
If coverage is weak, go to Settings and manually select a carrier from the list

Pro tip: You can install multiple eSIMs and switch between them. Many frequent travelers keep eSIMs for their most-visited countries installed and simply toggle between them without reinstalling each time.

Common questions

Can I use my eSIM and physical SIM at the same time?

Yes. Most modern phones support dual SIM - one physical SIM and one eSIM active simultaneously. Use your home SIM for calls and texts, and the eSIM for data.

What happens if I run out of data?

Your data will stop working. You can top up your existing eSIM from the Telisco customer portal at telisco.com/my-esims - no need to reinstall or scan a new QR code.

Does the eSIM expire if I don't use it?

Yes - eSIM plans have a validity period. The clock usually starts when you first connect to a local network (not when you install it). Check your plan details for the exact activation window.

Can I remove the eSIM and reinstall it later?

No - once you delete an eSIM from your device, the QR code becomes permanently invalid. You would need to purchase a new plan. Only remove an eSIM if you're sure you no longer need it.

Will my eSIM work across multiple countries?

It depends on your plan. Regional plans (like Europe or South East Asia) cover multiple countries. Country-specific plans only work in that country. Check your plan's coverage list before purchasing.

My eSIM installed but shows "No Service" - what do I do?

First, make sure Data Roaming is enabled on the eSIM line. Then try manually selecting a carrier: Settings → Cellular → your eSIM → Network Selection → Manual, and pick a carrier from the list. If the problem persists, contact support at [email protected].

Ready to travel connected?

Get an eSIM for your next trip. Instant delivery, 169 countries, no SIM card needed.

Browse eSIM plans →