How to Use an eSIM on iPhone and Android: Step-by-Step Guide 2026

Learning how to use an eSIM on iPhone and Android takes under 5 minutes and it is the fastest way to get mobile data when you travel internationally. No SIM card to buy at the airport, no language barriers at a local carrier store, no roaming charges. This step-by-step guide covers everything: how to check if your phone supports eSIM, how to install it on iPhone and Android, and what to do if it does not connect after landing.

What Is an eSIM and How Does It Work?

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card built directly into your smartphone. Instead of inserting a physical SIM card, you scan a QR code that downloads a mobile plan onto your device in seconds. Once installed, the eSIM connects automatically to a local network when you arrive at your destination.

The key advantage for travelers: you can install your eSIM at home before your trip, keep your home SIM active for calls and WhatsApp, and arrive at your destination already connected. No queuing, no swapping, no surprises.

Step 1: Check If Your Phone Is eSIM Compatible

Before learning how to use an eSIM, confirm your phone supports the technology. The fastest method works on any phone:

Dial *#06# on your keypad. If an EID number appears on screen, your phone supports eSIM. If only an IMEI number appears without EID, your phone does not support eSIM.

Compatible devices include:

• iPhone: XS, XR, and all newer models iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 series, iPhone SE (2020, 2022, 2025)
• Samsung Galaxy: S20 series and newer, Z Fold and Z Flip series, select A series models (A53, A54, A55, A56)
• Google Pixel: Pixel 3 and all newer models including Pixel 9 and Pixel 10 series
• Other Android: Xiaomi 12T and newer, Motorola Edge and Razr series, OnePlus 11 and newer, Sony Xperia 1 VI and newer

Your phone must also be carrier-unlocked to use a travel eSIM. See the full eSIM compatible devices list to confirm your model.

Step 2: Buy Your eSIM Plan and Receive the QR Code

Go to revoesim.com/countries, select your destination, choose your data plan, and complete the purchase. You will receive a QR code by email within seconds. This QR code is your eSIM keep the email accessible on a second device or print it before scanning.

Important: You need a WiFi or mobile data connection to scan and install the QR code. Do this at home before your trip not at the airport after landing.

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

1. Open Settings on your iPhone
2. Tap Cellular (or Mobile Data on some regions)
3. Tap Add eSIM (or Add Cellular Plan on older iOS versions)
4. Select Use QR Code and scan the QR code from your Revo eSIM email
5. Tap Continue and wait for the eSIM to download (10-30 seconds)
6. Label your new eSIM — for example “Revo Travel” — to distinguish it from your home SIM
7. When asked which line to use for mobile data, select the Revo eSIM line
8. Keep your home SIM as the default for calls and iMessage

After landing: Go to Settings > Cellular > select the Revo eSIM line > enable Data Roaming. This is required even on travel eSIM plans and is the most common reason eSIMs do not connect after landing.

How to Install an eSIM on Android (Step by Step)

Android eSIM installation varies slightly by manufacturer. Here are the steps for the most common Android brands:

Samsung Galaxy

1. Go to Settings > Connections > SIM card manager
2. Tap Add mobile plan
3. Select Scan carrier QR code and scan your Revo eSIM QR code
4. Confirm the plan details and tap Confirm
5. Set the eSIM as your mobile data line
6. Enable Data roaming for the eSIM line before traveling

Google Pixel

1. Go to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs
2. Tap the + icon to add a new SIM
3. Select Download a SIM instead?
4. Scan your Revo eSIM QR code
5. Set as your preferred data SIM and enable roaming

Other Android Devices (Xiaomi, OnePlus, Motorola)

1. Go to Settings > Mobile Network (or SIM & Network)
2. Tap Add eSIM or Add mobile plan
3. Scan the QR code from your Revo eSIM email
4. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete installation
5. Set as data SIM and enable roaming

Step 3: Activate Your eSIM After Landing

If you installed the eSIM correctly at home, it activates automatically when your plane lands and you turn off airplane mode. Your phone connects to the best available local network within 30-60 seconds.

If your eSIM does not connect after landing, try these steps in order:

1. Go to Settings > Mobile Data and confirm the Revo eSIM is selected as your data line
2. Enable Data Roaming for the eSIM line this is the most common fix
3. Toggle Airplane Mode on and off to force a network scan
4. Restart your phone completely

For a full troubleshooting guide, see our eSIM troubleshooting guide for iPhone and Android.

Tips for Using Your eSIM Abroad

• Keep your home SIM active: Dual SIM lets you receive calls on your regular number while the eSIM handles data — WhatsApp and iMessage work normally
• Download offline maps before landing: Google Maps offline for your destination cuts daily data use significantly in areas with patchy coverage
• Do not delete the eSIM after your trip: The QR code can usually only be scanned once. Keep the eSIM installed and simply turn it off when not needed
• Check data balance via email link: Revo eSIM sends a usage tracking link with your purchase email
• Hotspot works on all plans: Share your eSIM connection with laptops and tablets at no extra cost

Frequently Asked Questions

For destination-specific guides: eSIM Thailand · eSIM Japan · eSIM Europe · eSIM United States

Technical reference: GSMA eSIM specifications