Installing an eSIM – Instructions for iPhone, Samsung, Xiaomi, and Google Pixel

There are several ways to install an eSIM. Which ones exactly and what is needed for the installation, we will explain to you in this article.

Table of Contents

• Installation requirements
  • An eSIM-capable phone
  • The phone must not be SIM-locked
  • An active internet connection
• Installation using QR code
  • iPhone
  • Samsung
  • Xiaomi
  • Google Pixel
• Manual installation
  • iPhone
  • Samsung
  • Xiaomi

Requirements for Installation

1. An eSIM-capable phone

If you don't know whether your smartphone is eSIM-capable, we strongly recommend taking a look at our related article before making a purchase:

• Is my device eSIM capable?

2. The phone must not be SIM-locked

To check if your device is SIM-locked, you can simply insert a SIM card from another provider into your phone. If the card is recognized correctly, your phone is not SIM-locked. If you don't have a second SIM card on hand, you can check your IMEI online for SIM lock. A well-known site is IMEI.info. You can find the IMEI in the settings of your smartphone.

3. An active internet connection

• Wi-Fi or
• mobile data

Installation using QR code

A common and widespread method to provision an eSIM is via QR code. The installation of this variant is simple.

On iPhone

1. Open Settings
2. "Mobile Data" 3. "Add eSIM"
3. "Use a QR code"
4. Scan the QR code
5. Follow the instructions on the screen

On Samsung

1. Open settings
2. "Connections"
3. "SIM card management"
4. "Add mobile plan"
5. Scan QR code

On Xiaomi

1. Open settings
2. "Mobile Networks" 3. "Manage eSIM"
3. "Add eSIM"
4. Scan QR code

On Google Pixel

1. Open Settings
2. "Network and Internet"
3. "SIM cards"
4. "Establish mobile connection" > "Download eSIM"
5. Scan QR code

Manually install eSIM

If the QR code is not provided or in the rare case it does not work, the eSIM can also be installed manually. For this, the SM-DP address and the activation code are required.

On iPhone

1. Open settings
2. "Cellular"
3. "Add eSIM"
4. "Use QR code"
5. "Enter details manually"
6. Enter activation data

On Samsung

1. Open settings
2. "Connections"
3. "SIM card management"
4. "Add mobile plan"
5. Instead of scanning the QR code, tap on "Enter activation code" now.
6. Enter and confirm the SM-DP address and activation code

On Xiaomi

1. Open settings
2. "Mobile Networks" > "Manage eSIM" > Tap "Add eSIM"
3. Instead of scanning the QR code, tap on "Use activation code" now.
4. Enter the SM-DP address and activation code and confirm