What Is an eSIM and How Do You Install It? Step-by-Step Guide for iPhone and Android

An eSIM lets you add a mobile data plan to your phone without inserting a physical SIM card. For travelers, that means no hunting for a SIM shop at the airport and no surprise roaming bill when you get home. This guide explains how eSIM works, how to check your phone, and how to install it step by step.

What is an eSIM?

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a small chip built into your phone. Instead of swapping plastic cards, you download a carrier profile onto that chip, usually by scanning a QR code. Most modern phones can store several eSIM profiles and keep your physical SIM active at the same time.

A travel eSIM like Vio eSIM is a data-only plan. Your regular number stays on your main SIM, so you can still receive calls and SMS, while all mobile data runs through the eSIM at local rates.

Does my phone support eSIM?

Most phones released in the last few years do. As a rule of thumb:

• iPhone: iPhone XS, XR and every newer model
• Samsung: Galaxy S20 and newer, plus the Z Fold and Z Flip series
• Google: Pixel 3 and newer

The quickest test: open your phone's dialer and type *#06#. If you see an EID number, your phone supports eSIM. Your phone must also be carrier-unlocked. You can check your exact model on our compatible devices list.

How to install an eSIM on iPhone

1. Connect to Wi-Fi.
2. Go to Settings > Mobile Data (or Cellular) > Add eSIM.
3. Choose Use QR Code and scan the QR code from your Vio eSIM order.
4. Give the new line a name such as "Travel" so you can find it easily.
5. When asked, keep your main line as the default for calls and SMS.

How to install an eSIM on Android

Samsung Galaxy

1. Go to Settings > Connections > SIM manager.
2. Tap Add eSIM and then Scan QR code.
3. Scan the code and confirm.

Google Pixel

1. Go to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs.
2. Tap Add SIM (or Download a SIM instead?).
3. Scan the QR code and follow the prompts.

Menu names can vary slightly between Android versions. If you can't find them, search for "eSIM" in the Settings search bar.

Activating your eSIM when you land

We recommend installing the eSIM at home, on Wi-Fi, a day or two before you fly. When you arrive, change three settings:

1. Turn the eSIM line on.
2. Set the eSIM as your mobile data line.
3. Turn on Data Roaming for the eSIM line only. This is required for travel eSIMs and does not create charges on your home plan.

To avoid roaming fees from your home carrier, you can turn off data roaming on your main SIM.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Deleting the eSIM: most QR codes can only be used once. Don't remove the eSIM profile until your trip is over.
• Forgetting data roaming: it is the number one reason an eSIM shows signal but no internet.
• Scanning without internet: the profile is downloaded during setup, so you need Wi-Fi or another connection.
• Using a carrier-locked phone: a locked phone will reject eSIMs from other providers.

Get your eSIM before you travel

Vio eSIM offers data plans for more than 200 countries and multi-country regional plans for Europe and other regions. Pick your destination, pay online and receive your QR code instantly. Not sure how it works? Read how Vio eSIM works or start with a popular destination like Türkiye.