PRIVASIM
All posts

eSIM Installation Guide: iPhone & Android (2026)

June 24, 20261 min readguide · esim · installation

You've got your QR code from /orders — here's how to get online. You need Wi-Fi for the installation step, so do this before you fly or on hotel Wi-Fi.

iPhone (iOS 16+)

  1. Open Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM.
  2. Choose Use QR Code and scan the code from your order page (displaying it on another screen, or use "Enter Details Manually" with the activation code).
  3. Label the new line (e.g. "Travel"), keep your primary line for calls/iMessage.
  4. Set Cellular Data → your new eSIM when you arrive.
  5. Enable Settings → Cellular → [eSIM] → Data Roaming. Travel eSIMs are roaming profiles — this switch is required.

Android (Pixel / Samsung / others)

  1. Pixel: Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → Add eSIM.
    Samsung: Settings → Connections → SIM Manager → Add eSIM.
  2. Scan the QR code.
  3. Enable the new eSIM and select it for mobile data.
  4. Turn on data roaming for that SIM.

Common mistakes that break activation

  • Installing twice. Activation codes are single-use. Never delete the profile to "reinstall" — deletion consumes it permanently.
  • Roaming off. The #1 cause of "installed but no internet."
  • Locked device. Carrier-financed phones are often SIM-locked; check with your carrier before traveling.
  • Activating too early. Some plans start counting validity at install — check the plan description; when in doubt install before you fly but keep the line off until landing.

Quick compatibility check

Dial *#06# — if an EID appears, your phone supports eSIM. iPhone XS+ (2018), Galaxy S20+, Pixel 3+ and most 2020+ flagships qualify.

Trouble anyway? See the troubleshooting guide.

Ready for anonymous connectivity?

eSIMs for 190+ countries. Pay with Monero or Ethereum — no account, no KYC.

Browse plans