How to Install an eSIM: Step-by-Step for iPhone & Android
Installing an eSIM takes about two minutes and doesn't require any technical knowledge. If you've ever connected to a Wi-Fi network, you can set up an eSIM. This guide walks through the exact steps for iPhone and Android, covers the most common questions, and explains what to do if something doesn't work.
Before You Start
You need three things.
An eSIM-compatible phone. If you're not sure whether your phone supports eSIM, check Settings → Cellular (iPhone) or Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs (Android). If you see an option to "Add eSIM," you're good. Most phones released from 2020 onwards support eSIM, including all iPhone 12 and later models, Samsung Galaxy S21 and later, and Google Pixel 4 and later.
A Wi-Fi connection. You'll need internet access to download the eSIM profile. Do this at home or at your hotel before you travel — don't wait until you're at the airport without Wi-Fi.
Your eSIM QR code. After purchasing your eSIM plan from GulfData, you'll receive a QR code via email. Keep this email open on another device (laptop, tablet, or a second phone) so you can scan it with your phone's camera. Alternatively, some providers let you install by tapping a link directly from the email on your phone.
Installing an eSIM on iPhone
These steps work for iPhone 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and all Pro/Plus/Max variants running iOS 17 or later. Older iOS versions have a very similar flow with minor visual differences.
Step 1: Open Settings. Tap the Settings app on your home screen.
Step 2: Go to Cellular. Tap "Cellular" (or "Mobile Data" in some regions).
Step 3: Add eSIM. Tap "Add eSIM." On older iOS versions, this may say "Add Cellular Plan."
Step 4: Choose "Use QR Code." Your phone will open the camera. Point it at the QR code from your email (displayed on another screen). The phone will detect it automatically — you don't need to take a photo.
Step 5: Confirm the plan. Your iPhone will show a summary screen saying "Cellular Plan Detected" with the carrier name. Tap "Continue," then tap "Add Cellular Plan."
Step 6: Label your eSIM. iPhone will ask you to label the new plan. Choose a name that makes sense for your trip — something like "Dubai Data" or "Travel eSIM." This helps you identify it later in settings. You can also choose "Travel" from the preset labels.
Step 7: Set your default lines. iPhone will ask which line to use as your default for calls, messages, and data. For now, keep your existing home SIM as the default. You'll switch the data line when you arrive at your destination.
Step 8: Done. The eSIM profile is now installed. You'll see it listed under Settings → Cellular alongside your regular SIM. It will show as "Off" or "Not Active" until you enable it.
Activating Your iPhone eSIM When You Land
When you arrive at your destination and are ready to use the eSIM data:
Go to Settings → Cellular. You'll see your home SIM and your new travel eSIM listed. Tap "Cellular Data" and select your travel eSIM (e.g., "Dubai Data"). Toggle on "Turn On This Line" if it's not already enabled. Your phone will connect to the local network within a few seconds. You'll see the carrier name appear in the status bar.
Keep your home SIM's line active if you want to continue receiving calls and texts on your regular number. You're only switching which line handles data.
Installing an eSIM on Samsung Galaxy
These steps apply to Samsung Galaxy S21, S22, S23, S24, S25 and later models, including Ultra, Plus, and FE variants. The process is similar on Z Flip and Z Fold models.
Step 1: Open Settings. Swipe down from the top of the screen and tap the gear icon, or find Settings in your app drawer.
Step 2: Go to Connections. Tap "Connections," then tap "SIM manager" (or "SIM card manager" on older One UI versions).
Step 3: Add eSIM. Tap "Add eSIM." If you don't see this option, tap "Add mobile plan" instead.
Step 4: Scan the QR code. Tap "Scan QR code from service provider." Your camera will open. Point it at the QR code from your email. The phone will read it automatically.
Step 5: Confirm and download. Samsung will show you the carrier details. Tap "Confirm" or "Add." The eSIM profile will download — this takes around 10-30 seconds on a good Wi-Fi connection.
Step 6: Label and configure. Give your eSIM a recognisable name like "Travel Data." When asked about default settings, keep your regular SIM as the default for calls and texts. You'll switch data over when you arrive.
Activating Your Samsung eSIM When You Land
Go to Settings → Connections → SIM manager. You'll see both your SIMs listed. Tap your travel eSIM and toggle it on. Then tap "Mobile data" and select the travel eSIM as your data line. Your phone will connect to the local network within seconds.
Installing an eSIM on Google Pixel
These steps apply to Pixel 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and later models.
Step 1: Open Settings. Tap the Settings app.
Step 2: Go to Network & Internet. Tap "Network & internet," then tap "SIMs."
Step 3: Add eSIM. Tap "Add SIM" or the "+" button. Select "Download a SIM instead?"
Step 4: Scan QR code. Tap "Next" and point your camera at the QR code from your email.
Step 5: Confirm. Review the carrier information and tap "Confirm" to download the profile.
Step 6: Configure. Name your eSIM and set your data preferences. Keep your home SIM as default for calls — switch data to the eSIM when you arrive.
Activating Your Pixel eSIM When You Land
Go to Settings → Network & internet → SIMs. Tap your travel eSIM, toggle it on, and set it as your mobile data line.
What to Do When You Get Home
When you return from your trip, you have two options.
Delete the eSIM: Go to your SIM/cellular settings, select the travel eSIM, and tap "Remove" or "Delete." Your phone reverts to using only your home SIM. Do this if the plan has expired or you don't plan to visit the same destination again soon.
Keep it installed but disabled: Simply switch your data line back to your home SIM and toggle the travel eSIM off. The profile stays on your phone and you can reactivate it on your next trip (though you may need to purchase a new data plan). This is handy for destinations you visit regularly.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
"No eSIM available" or "Add eSIM" doesn't appear in settings. Your phone may not support eSIM, or it may be carrier-locked. Some phones sold through certain carriers have eSIM disabled. Contact your carrier to check if eSIM is enabled on your device.
QR code won't scan. Make sure the QR code is displayed clearly on another screen (not zoomed or blurry). Hold your phone steady about 15-20cm from the screen. If scanning doesn't work, try increasing the brightness on the screen displaying the QR code. Some eSIM providers also offer a manual installation code (a string of letters and numbers) as a fallback — check your confirmation email.
eSIM installed but no data connection. First, check that the eSIM line is toggled on and set as your active data line. Then check that data roaming is enabled for that line (Settings → Cellular → your eSIM → toggle on "Data Roaming"). Restart your phone if the connection still doesn't establish — this resolves most issues.
"Cellular Plan Could Not Be Added" error on iPhone. This usually means the eSIM has already been activated. Each QR code can typically only be used once. If you deleted and want to reinstall the same eSIM, contact the eSIM provider for a replacement QR code.
Slow speeds or no 5G. Check that your phone's network mode is set to auto or 5G/LTE. Some phones default to 4G only when a new eSIM is added. Go to your cellular settings for the eSIM line and ensure the preferred network type includes 5G.
Phone shows "No Service" for the eSIM. You may be in an area without coverage from the eSIM's network partner, or the plan may not have activated yet. Toggle the eSIM off and back on. If the issue persists after a restart, contact your provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install the eSIM weeks before my trip? Yes. Install it whenever you like — it won't start using data until you enable it and connect to the destination network. Many travelers install their eSIM the day they buy it, then simply activate it when they land.
Can I have more than one eSIM installed? Yes. Most modern phones can store multiple eSIM profiles (iPhone supports 8+ stored profiles). Only one can be active at a time for data, but you can switch between them easily. This is great if you travel to multiple countries regularly.
Will installing an eSIM affect my regular SIM? No. Your home SIM continues working exactly as before. The eSIM adds a second line to your phone — it doesn't replace or modify your existing one.
Do I need to turn off my regular SIM? No. Keep it active for calls and texts. Just make sure your data line is set to the travel eSIM so you're not accidentally using expensive roaming data on your home SIM.
Can I use the eSIM for calls? eSIM data plans from GulfData are data-only — they provide internet access but not a local phone number for calls. You can make calls over Wi-Fi or data using apps like WhatsApp (where available) or continue using your home SIM's calling.
What if I need more data during my trip? You can top up your existing eSIM plan through GulfData without needing a new QR code. This is faster and usually cheaper than purchasing a completely new plan.
Browse travel eSIM plans on GulfData — instant QR code delivery, no contracts, hotspot sharing included.
