How to enable eSIM on Android and iPhone
Last Updated: 2026-04-24 15:41:02
Activating an eSIM is easy on both Android and iPhone. eSIM is the digital version of the regular physical SIM cards and you can sign up for your number across operators. You can enable your eSIM through phone settings, through a QR code/link sent by the network provider or via the carrier’s app.
How to activate eSIM on Android
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First, you need to access the SIM-related settings.
- Go to Settings > Connections > SIM Manager (Samsung phones) or Network & Internet (Google Pixel and some other phones). In some phones, you may also see the “Network and internet” or “Network & internet” option on the Settings homepage
- Now, tap Add eSIM or the plus (+) sign
- Select "Other ways to connect to a network" or "Scan QR code" and scan the code provided by your mobile carrier.
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A few network providers like Airtel and Vi allow you to directly activate your eSIM through their apps.
How to enable eSIM on iPhone
Usually, when you purchase an iPhone and a network provider assigns you an eSIM, you just have to turn on your iPhone and follow the onscreen phone setup instructions. The eSIM would get activated that way.
But, in case you contact the network provider for an eSIM after setting up your iPhone, they will send the eSIM digitally. Here is the full process:
- When you get the “Network Provider Mobile Plan Ready to Be Installed” notification on the iPhone screen, tap it
- Open the Settings app and tap Network Provider Mobile Plan Ready to Be Installed
- Tap “Continue”.
Now, check if the eSIM is working by making a call on your iPhone. If there is any issue, contact your network provider. If the eSIM plan replaces the mobile plan provided with the physical SIM, remove it and restart the iPhone.
How to enable eSIM on iPhone with a QR code
You can also set up eSIM on your iPhone with a QR Code sent by your network provider. The eSIM can be activated during iPhone setup or after.
To activate your eSIM during iPhone setup, switch on your iPhone and start the setup process. When the “Set Up Mobile” screen appears on the iPhone, tap “Use QR code” and follow the instructions.
To activate your eSIM after the iPhone setup, you’ll have to contact your network provider for a QR code. Then open the Camera app and scan the received QR code. You will then get the “Mobile Plan Detected” notification. Tap the notification.
If your iPhone runs iOS 17.4 or later and you receive the QR code in a default email app or browser, tap and hold the QR code, then tap Add eSIM, Continue, and Add Mobile Plan.
If asked to enter a confirmation code to activate your eSIM, enter the number your carrier gave.
Enabling eSIM on an iPhone using the link or via the carrier app
There are other methods to enable eSIM on your iPhone, too. You can use a link sent by the carrier or activate it via the official carrier app.
If the network provider sends you a link instead of a QR code, tap the link to set up your eSIM. When you get the “Activate New eSIM notification”, tap Allow. Then, tap Continue.