How to install an eSIM

Installing a travel eSIM takes about 5 minutes. Do it at home on Wi-Fi before you fly, then switch it on when you land.

Before you start

Check that your phone is unlocked. On an iPhone, go to Settings, General, About and look for "No SIM restrictions" next to Carrier Lock.
Connect to Wi-Fi. The eSIM downloads over the internet.
Buy the plan and open the provider's app or the email with your QR code. The Saily app installs the eSIM for you in a few taps.

Install an eSIM on an iPhone

Open Settings and tap Cellular (Mobile Data in some countries).
Tap Add eSIM, then Use QR Code, and scan the code. You can also tap Enter Details Manually and paste the activation code.
Name the line, for example "Travel", so you can tell it apart from your home line.
Choose your home line for calls and texts and the travel line for Cellular Data.
Turn off Allow Cellular Data Switching, so the phone never falls back to your home data abroad.

Install an eSIM on a Samsung Galaxy

Open Settings, then Connections, then SIM manager.
Tap Add eSIM, then Scan QR code from service provider, and scan the code.
Back in SIM manager, set the travel eSIM as the SIM for Mobile data.

Install an eSIM on a Google Pixel

Open Settings, then Network & internet, then SIMs.
Tap Add SIM, then Download a SIM instead, and scan the code.
Set the travel eSIM as the SIM for Mobile data.

When you land

Turn on the travel eSIM line if it is off.
Turn on Data Roaming for the travel line only. On an iPhone this is in Settings, Cellular, then the travel line.
Wait a minute for the phone to find a local network. If data does not start, restart the phone, then check the APN on the provider's help page.

On hotel and airport Wi-Fi, a VPN keeps your logins private. NordVPN works on the same phone next to your eSIM.

FAQ

Can I install an eSIM before I travel?

Yes. Install it at home on Wi-Fi a day or two before you fly. Most plans start counting days only when the eSIM first connects to a network in the country you visit.

Will I lose my home number?

No. Your home SIM stays in the phone. Set the travel eSIM as your data line and keep the home line for calls and texts, with its data roaming off.

Can I delete the eSIM after the trip?

Yes, but only once the plan is finished. A deleted eSIM usually cannot be installed again, so keep it until you are home.

Does my phone support eSIM?

Most phones made since 2019 do, including the iPhone XS and newer, the Google Pixel 3 and newer and the Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer. The phone must also be unlocked.

New to these words? See the eSIM glossary. Packing for the trip? Use the eSIM trip checklist.