How to Install an eSIM on iPhone and Samsung (Step by Step)

Installing an eSIM takes about two minutes. The only rule that matters: do it at home on Wi-Fi before you travel, not at the destination airport. Here is exactly what to tap.

Before you start

  • Connect to Wi-Fi.
  • Have your QR code ready — it arrives by email after purchase. If you are installing on the same phone that received the email, you can use the installation link instead of scanning.
  • Each QR code works only once. Do not delete the eSIM after installing it.

iPhone (iOS 17 and newer)

  1. Open Settings → Cellular (or Mobile Data).
  2. Tap Add eSIM or Add Data Plan.
  3. Choose Use QR Code.
  4. Scan the QR code from your email. If you are on the same phone, tap the installation link instead and iOS will do it automatically.
  5. Label the plan something clear, like “Travel” or “Umrah”.
  6. When asked which line to use for Default Voice, keep your normal number. For Cellular Data, you can leave your home line for now and switch when you land.

Samsung Galaxy

  1. Open Settings → Connections.
  2. Tap SIM manager (on some models: SIM card manager).
  3. Tap Add eSIM, then Scan QR code from service provider.
  4. Scan the code and confirm.
  5. Name the line so you can recognise it later.

Google Pixel

  1. Settings → Network & internet → SIMs.
  2. Tap Add more or the + next to Download a SIM instead.
  3. Scan the QR code and follow the prompts.

When you land: the step everyone forgets

Your eSIM is installed but will not connect until you do two things at your destination:

  1. Turn the eSIM line ON (Settings → Cellular / SIM manager).
  2. Enable Data Roaming for that line. This sounds alarming, but it is required — a travel eSIM works by roaming onto local partner networks. It does not trigger charges from your home operator, because the data runs on the eSIM plan you already paid for.
  3. Select the eSIM as your mobile data line, and leave your home line for calls and SMS if you want to keep receiving them.

Troubleshooting

“The QR code will not scan”

Increase your screen brightness if scanning from another screen, or use the direct installation link from your email instead.

“Installed but no service after landing”

Check in order: eSIM line switched on, data roaming enabled for that line, eSIM selected as the mobile data source, then restart the phone. This resolves the large majority of cases.

“It says Invalid QR code”

Usually the eSIM was already installed once. Contact your provider — a good one will investigate and reissue if it genuinely failed.

“I deleted the eSIM by mistake”

An installed profile generally cannot be reinstalled from the same code. Contact support immediately.

A note on saving battery

Running two lines uses more battery. If you do not need calls on your home number, put your primary line on airplane-mode-style disable and keep only the eSIM active — your phone will last noticeably longer during long days walking between the hotel and the Haram.

Need help? We answer installation questions personally, before and during your trip — see our FAQ or email esim@umradata.com.

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