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How to Activate eSIM from Anywhere

How to Activate eSIM from Anywhere

If you travel frequently and are annoyed by daily roaming charges, eSIM could be your next travel solution. eSIM lets you connect to the internet in hundreds of countries and regions worldwide simply by activating a prepaid data plan. Here's how to activate eSIM anywhere and everywhere you travel.

1. Choose an eSIM package.

If your phone is unlocked and supports eSIM , you're about to try your first eSIM. Unlike physical SIM cards, eSIMs are built into your device, and connecting them is as easy as buying, downloading, and activating an eSIM plan.

Airalo offers eSIM packages for hundreds of countries and regions worldwide (we even have a global package if you're embarking on a long adventure!). Here's how to choose your package:

  • Visit our website or download the Airalo app (available on the App Store and Google Play Store ).
  • Choose your destination (remember you can choose a country, region, or global package). 
  • Choose a package with the data allowance and duration that suits your travel plans.

2. Install your eSIM

Connecting has never been easier. One of the benefits of choosing Airalo is choosing how and when you install your eSIM. The best part: There's no need to rely on your service provider to activate it for you!

Here are three ways to set up your Airalo eSIM:

Install directly

If you're in transit or packing, you may not have time to tinker with the technical setup on your phone. This method allows you to set up an eSIM with just one (or a few) button presses.

Set up your eSIM on your iPhone:

  • Open the Airalo app on your phone.
  • Go to my eSIM .
  • Navigate to the eSIM you want to install and tap  Details .
  • Click on  View instructions .
  • Click on Live .
  • Click on  Set up eSIM .
  • Click  Next  to view the step-by-step instructions.
  • Tap  Continue  twice and wait a few minutes for your eSIM to activate.
  • Click  Done .
  • Add a  Mobile/Cellular Plan Label  to the newly installed eSIM.
  • Click on  Accessories .
  • Enter  Airalo  or your preferred label.
  • Click  Done .
  • Click  Continue .
  • Select  Main Line  for calls and text messages.
  • Click  Continue .
  • Select  Home  for iMessage & FaceTime.
  • Click  Continue .
  • Select  Airalo eSIM  for Mobile Data/Cellular.
  • Make sure that "Allow mobile data switching" is turned off  .
  • Click  Continue .
  • After completing these steps, the settings page will close.

Set up your eSIM on your Android device:

  • Open the Airalo app on your phone.
  • Go to my eSIM .
  • Navigate to the eSIM you want to install and tap  Details .
  • Click on  View instructions .
  • Click on Live .
  • Click on  Set up eSIM .
  • Tap  Allow and wait a few minutes for your eSIM to activate.
  • After completing these steps, you will see a confirmation message that the eSIM has been successfully installed.

Install QR code

You can also use a QR code to set up your eSIM. Here's how to do it on an iPhone and Android device.

First, access your QR code:

  • Open the Airalo app.
  • Tap on  My eSIM  and select the eSIM you want to install. 
  • Click the  Details  button . 
  • Click on View instructions .
  • Select  QR Code  as your setup method.
  • Tap  Share QR code,  then tap  Save image .

Set up your eSIM on your iPhone:

  • Make sure you have a stable Wi-Fi connection.
  • Go to your mobile device's  Settings .
  • Tap  Mobile or Cellular 
  • Click on  Add eSIM .
  • Click on  Use QR Code .
  • Click on  Open Image .
  • Select the saved QR  code .
  • Tap  Continue  twice and wait a few minutes for your eSIM to activate.
  • Click  Done .
  • Add a  Mobile/Cellular Plan Label  to the newly installed eSIM.
  • Click on  Accessories .
  • Enter  Airalo  or your preferred label.
  • Click  Done .
  • Click  Continue .
  • Select  Main Line  for calls and text messages.
  • Click  Continue .
  • Select  Home  for iMessage & FaceTime.
  • Click  Continue .
  • Select  Airalo eSIM  for Mobile Data/Cellular.
  • Make sure that "Allow mobile data switching" is turned off  .
  • Click  Continue .
  • After completing these steps, the settings page will close.

Set up your eSIM on your Android device:

  • Go to your mobile device's  Settings .
  • Click on  Connect .
  • Tap on  SIM Manager .
  • Click on  Add eSIM .
  • Click on  Scan QR code .
  • Click on  the Library/Photos icon .
  • Select the QR code  .
  • Click  Done .
  • Click on  Add.
  • Wait a few minutes for your eSIM to activate.
  • After completing these steps, the settings page will close.

Installation instructions

Are you taking a break and want to manually activate your device? Here's how:

First, access the SM-DP+ address and your activation code:

  • Open the Airalo app.
  • Tap on  My eSIM  and select the eSIM you want to install. 
  • Click the  Details  button . 
  • Click on View instructions .
  • Select  Manual  as your installation method.
  • You'll see your SM-DP+ address and activation code.

Set up your eSIM on your iPhone:

  • Go to your mobile device's  Settings .
  • Tap  Mobile or Cellular 
  • Click on  Add eSIM .
  • Click on  Use QR Code.
  • Click on  Enter details manually .
  • From the Airalo app, copy  the SM-DP+ Address  and paste it into the SM-DP+ Address field.
  • Next, copy and paste the Activation Code and Verification Code (if prompted).
  • Click  Next .
  • Tap  Continue  twice and wait a few minutes for your eSIM to activate.
  • Click  Done .
  • Add a  Mobile/Cellular Plan Label  to the newly installed eSIM.
  • Click on  Accessories .
  • Enter  Airalo  or your preferred label.
  • Click  Done .
  • Click  Continue .
  • Select  Main Line  for calls and text messages.
  • Click  Continue .
  • Select  Home  for iMessage & FaceTime.
  • Click  Continue .
  • Select  Airalo eSIM  for Mobile Data/Cellular.
  • Make sure that "Allow mobile data switching" is turned off  .
  • Click  Continue .
  • After completing these steps, the settings page will close.

Set up your eSIM on your Android device:

  • Swipe down and tap  Settings .
  • Click on  Connect .
  • Tap on  SIM Manager .
  • Click on  Add eSIM .
  • Click on  Scan QR code .
  • Click on  Enter activation code .
  • From the Airalo app, copy  the Activation Code  and paste it into the Activation Code field.
  • Click  Done .
  • Click on  Add.
  • Wait a few minutes for your eSIM to activate.
  • After completing these steps, the settings page will close.

3. Connect to the Internet

You're ready to connect to the internet! Depending on your eSIM, your data plan will activate as soon as you set it up or when you connect to a new network at your destination. You can review your eSIM activation policy to see which one applies to you.

When you arrive, go to your phone's settings and follow these steps to access your eSIM data.

Here's how to access your data on your iPhone:

  • Go to  Settings .
  • Tap  Mobile or Cellular .
  • Tap on  your eSIM .
  • Make sure that eSIM is enabled. If not, toggle  this line on.
  • Check if you need to enable  Data Roaming  on your device by opening the Airalo app and viewing  the eSIM instructions.
  • Toggle  Data Roaming  ON or OFF.
  • Go to  Mobile or Cellular Settings.
  • Tap on  Mobile or Cellular Data  and select your eSIM.
  • Your eSIM will automatically connect to a supported mobile network.

Here's how to access your data on your Android device:

  • Tap on  Mobile Data .
  • Choose  your eSIM .
  • Check if you need to enable Data Roaming by opening the Airalo app and viewing your eSIM instructions.
  • Return to  Connection .
  • Tap on  Mobile Network .
  • Toggle  Data Roaming  ON or OFF.
  • Your eSIM will automatically connect to a supported mobile network.

Troubleshooting

If you are having trouble connecting or receiving a signal, try the following:

  • Turn roaming on or off (see your eSIM manual for instructions on whether to enable or disable data roaming for your eSIM).
  • Check if you need to update your APN settings (if so, your setup guide will include step-by-step instructions).
  • Restart your phone.

Benefits of the Airalo eSIM package

Everything is ready! Now you can easily connect no matter where your trip takes you in the world. Here are some other benefits of using Airalo eSIM on your next trip:

  • Connect as soon as you arrive.
  • Download the package directly to your phone (no need to switch physical SIM cards or find a local provider).
  • Receive the data allowance you pay for and top up as you use it. 
  • Store multiple eSIMs on your phone (making it even easier to switch between destinations).
  • Say goodbye to expensive roaming charges. 

Where will you go next? Stay connected with eSIM from egoViet