How To Install an eSIM on any Phone ~ milan7

How To Install an eSIM on any Phone

eSIM is quickly becoming the new standard for staying connected while traveling abroad, and it's easier than you might think to get set up. In today's video, I'm going to show you how to set up eSIM on your iPhone, Google Pixel, or Samsung device so you can enjoy international data on your next trip. I'll also cover the settings you need to adjust to avoid data charges from your regular cell phone plan.

To get started, your phone will need to be unlocked. If you purchased a phone from T-Mobile or AT&T in the US and you're still making payments, it's likely locked to their network, so you won’t be able to use eSIM plans until it's paid off. Verizon does unlock their phones after 60 days, but if you bought the phone outright from the manufacturer, it should already be unlocked. You'll also need a phone that supports eSIM, and I've left a link in the description to a complete list of supported devices if you need to double-check.

This blog is designed for you to skip around depending on what device type you have, so please use the points below.

iPhone Setup

On iPhone, there are three main ways to install an eSIM: direct installation, QR code installation, and manual installation. Here’s how each method works:

1. Direct Installation

1. Open the app that supports direct eSIM installation, such as Arlo or Dent.

2. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your eSIM.

3. You’ll receive a prompt from Apple to activate the eSIM. Hit "Continue."

4. The setup will process in the background, gathering the necessary information from the app.

5. Once it's ready, you’ll be prompted again to hit "Continue" and complete the activation.

6. Make sure you’re connected to Wi-Fi, as the eSIM setup requires a connection to activate.

2. QR Code Installation

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.

2. Tap "Cellular" and then "Add eSIM."

3. Choose the "Use QR Code" option.

4. Your camera will open. Scan the QR code you received (it needs to be on another device, like a second phone or printed out).

5. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup.

6. Once activated, you can choose the eSIM as your default line for calls, messages, and cellular data.

3. Manual Installation

1. Open the Settings app and go to "Cellular."

2. Tap "Add Cellular Plan" and enter the details manually, which you should have received from your eSIM provider.

3. Follow the prompts to complete the setup.

After setup, you’ll want to configure your settings:

1. Go to "Cellular" in the Settings app.

2. Select the eSIM and set it as the default line for calls, messages, and cellular data.

3. Turn off your regular line to avoid roaming charges.

Now, your phone should be ready to use the international eSIM while keeping your home country’s plan inactive to save on charges.

And now you'll see a list of all the different options available. In this case, the eSIM is named "Personal," which might not be descriptive enough. I like to rename it to something more relevant, so I'll change it to "Erlo" and hit "Done."

One setting that isn't turned on by default but should be is "Data Roaming." From within this setup page, make sure to turn on Data Roaming. This will allow you to switch between networks if the eSIM supports multiple networks in that country.

Manual Installation

If you don’t have the option to scan a QR code or if the eSIM app doesn’t support direct installation, you can opt for a manual installation. Here’s how:

1. Obtain the SM-DP+ Address and Activation Code: Within your eSIM app, look for the manual setup option. You’ll find an SM-DP+ address and an activation code.

2. Open Settings: On your phone, go to "Settings," then "Cellular," and tap "Add eSIM."

3. Enter Details Manually: Choose the option to enter details manually (even though it’s labeled for QR code, you can enter details manually here). Paste the SM-DP+ address and activation code into the appropriate fields.

4. Complete Setup: Hit "Next" and then "Continue" to complete the activation. The setup may take a few moments.

Once activated, rename the eSIM to something useful, like the name of the country you’re visiting. Don’t forget to turn on Data Roaming.

Google Pixel

For Google Pixel phones, the installation process is quite similar:

1. Direct Installation

1. Open the app that supports direct eSIM installation, such as Dent.

2. The app will prompt you to set up your eSIM. Allow your Pixel to download the eSIM.

3. Once installed, go to "Settings," then "Network & Internet," and tap "SIMs."

4. Ensure that roaming is turned on. If your eSIM supports multiple networks, roaming must be enabled to switch between them.

2. QR Code Installation

1. Open "Settings," go to "Network & Internet," and then "SIMs."

2. Tap "Add a network" and select "Add a number using eSIM."

3. Choose "Use a different network," and your camera will open.

4. Scan the QR code from another device or printed copy.

5. Once the download is complete, ensure roaming is enabled.

3. Manual Installation

1. Open "Settings," go to "Network & Internet," and tap "SIMs."

2. Select "Add a network" and choose "Download an eSIM."

3. If you don’t have a QR code, tap "Need help" at the bottom to enter the details manually.

4. Enter the SM-DP+ address and activation code from your eSIM provider.

Final Tips

- Activation Time: Pixel phones might take between 5 and 10 minutes to fully activate the eSIM. Ensure you’re connected to Wi-Fi during this time to sync and pull down the necessary information.

- Avoid Roaming Charges: To prevent extra charges, turn off your home country’s line while using the international eSIM. You can reactivate it once you return home.

For Samsung Devices

Samsung devices are relatively easy to set up, similar to Pixel and iPhone. You’ll have three installation methods: direct installation, QR code installation, and manual installation.

1. Direct Installation

1. Open the App: Use an app like Dent. Open the app and follow the prompt to set up the eSIM.

2. Allow Permissions: Samsung will prompt you to allow the app to use your phone’s eSIM. Tap "Allow."

3. Download eSIM: The app will download the eSIM and gather the necessary information.

4. Check Settings: If the eSIM seems to be installed correctly but isn’t working, go to "Settings," then "Apps," and ensure the eSIM app has the necessary permissions.

5. Verify Connections: Open "Settings," go to "Connections," and then "Mobile Networks." Ensure that Data Roaming is turned on. This allows your phone to connect to different networks as per your eSIM plan.

6. Turn Off Home SIM: In "SIM Manager," toggle off your default home SIM to avoid additional charges.

2. QR Code Installation

1. Prepare to Scan: If you have a partner with you or have printed the QR code, open "Settings," go to "Connections," and then "SIM Manager."

2. Add eSIM: Tap "Add eSIM," then "Scan QR Code from Service Provider." Your rear camera will open.

3. Scan QR Code: Use your partner’s phone or a printed copy to scan the QR code. Follow the installation prompts.

4. Monitor Progress: Samsung provides a progress bar for eSIM installation. Once complete, you can rename the eSIM for easier identification.

5. Enable Data Roaming: Ensure Data Roaming is turned on in "Settings" under "Connections" and "Mobile Networks."

6. Turn Off Home SIM: In "SIM Manager," toggle off your default SIM to avoid extra charges.

3. Manual Installation

1. Obtain Activation Code: In the eSIM app, find and copy the manual activation code.

2. Open Settings: Go to "Settings," then "Connections," and "SIM Manager." Tap "Add eSIM."

3. Enter Activation Code: Tap "Scan QR Code," and then choose the option to "Enter Activation Code." Paste the code and hit "Connect."

4. Complete Setup: After adding the eSIM, name it for easy identification and ensure Data Roaming is turned on in "Mobile Networks."

5. Turn Off Home SIM: As with other methods, turn off your default home SIM to avoid additional charges.

That’s it! Once set up, you’ll be able to use your eSIM seamlessly while traveling. If you return home and no longer need the international eSIM, you can remove it from the "SIM Manager" in your Samsung settings.