How to Set Up eSIM on iPhone and Android: Step-by-Step Guide (2026)

Learning how to set up eSIM is easier than most people expect — the whole process takes under five minutes and you can do it from home before you even pack your bags. Whether you are using an iPhone or an Android phone, this step-by-step guide covers everything from checking compatibility to activating your plan the moment you land. If you have been putting off switching from a physical SIM card, this guide will show you exactly why eSIM is the smarter choice for travel in 2026.

Not sure whether eSIM is right for you? Read our eSIM vs physical SIM comparison first to understand the key differences before you buy.

Step 1: Check If Your Phone Supports eSIM

Before you learn how to set up eSIM, confirm your device is compatible. The quickest method works on both iPhone and Android:

Open your phone dialer and type *#06#

Two numbers will appear on screen. Your IMEI is always there. If an EID number — a 32-digit code — also appears, your phone supports eSIM. No EID means no eSIM hardware.

Phones confirmed to support eSIM:

• iPhone XS, XS Max, XR and all newer iPhones (2018 onwards)
• Samsung Galaxy S20, S21, S22, S23, S24, S25 and all Z Fold and Z Flip models
• Google Pixel 3 and all newer Pixel phones
• OnePlus 9 series and newer
• Motorola Razr series

For the full official list of iPhone eSIM compatible models, see Apple’s eSIM support page. For Android compatibility, Google’s eSIM documentation covers Pixel devices in detail.

Step 2: Purchase Your eSIM Plan from WoWo Sim

Go to wowosim.com and select your destination. WoWo Sim covers 196 countries — including popular travel destinations like Japan, Europe, Thailand, Turkey, and the USA.

How much data do you need?

• Light use (maps, messaging): 3–5GB per week
• Regular use (social media, Google Maps): 5–10GB per week
• Heavy use (streaming, video calls, hotspot): 15GB+ per week

Complete your purchase and check your email. You will receive a QR code within minutes — this is what activates your eSIM. Keep it safe and do not share it with anyone. Each QR code can only be scanned once.

Planning a specific destination? See our best eSIM for Japan 2026 guide or our best eSIM for Europe guide to pick the right plan size before you buy.

How to Set Up eSIM on iPhone

Make sure you are connected to Wi-Fi before starting.

1. Open the Settings app
2. Tap Cellular (shown as Mobile Data in some regions)
3. Tap Add eSIM
4. Tap Use QR Code
5. Hold your camera over the QR code in your WoWo Sim email
6. Tap Add Cellular Plan when the prompt appears
7. Give the plan a label — for example “WoWo Japan” or “Europe Trip”
8. When asked which line to use for mobile data, select the new eSIM

Your eSIM is now installed and will appear under Cellular alongside your existing SIM.

Critical iPhone settings to check after installing:

• Set your home SIM as the default line for calls and iMessage
• Set the WoWo Sim eSIM as the default line for mobile data
• Switch Data Roaming ON for the eSIM line only — this is the most commonly missed step

How to Set Up eSIM on Android

Android menus vary slightly by manufacturer but the process is the same on all devices.

Samsung Galaxy phones:

1. Open Settings
2. Tap Connections
3. Tap SIM Manager
4. Tap Add eSIM
5. Tap Scan QR code
6. Hold your camera over the QR code in your WoWo Sim email
7. Tap Confirm to download
8. In SIM Manager, set the new eSIM as your mobile data line
9. Go to Mobile Networks → Roaming → ON

Google Pixel phones:

1. Open Settings
2. Tap Network and Internet
3. Tap SIMs
4. Tap the plus (+) icon
5. Tap Download a SIM instead?
6. Tap Next, then scan the QR code
7. Follow on-screen instructions to activate

OnePlus, Motorola, and other Android phones:
Look for Settings → Mobile Network → SIM Management → Add eSIM. The exact path varies but the option is always inside your network or SIM settings.

Step 3: Activate When You Land

If you set up your eSIM at home before the trip, it will sit ready on your phone until you switch it on. When you arrive at your destination:

1. Go to Settings → Cellular (iPhone) or SIM Manager (Android)
2. Make sure the WoWo Sim eSIM is toggled ON
3. Confirm Data Roaming is enabled for the eSIM line
4. Open any browser — your destination’s network name should appear in the top bar

You are connected. No queues, no kiosks, no SIM card hunting on arrival.

Common eSIM Problems and How to Fix Them

QR code will not scan
Make sure you are in good lighting and hold the camera steady. Clean your camera lens. If scanning still fails, WoWo Sim also provides a manual activation code in your email — type this in instead of scanning.

eSIM installed but no data connection
This is the most common issue. Go back into settings and confirm two things: the eSIM is set as your mobile data line, and Data Roaming is switched ON for the eSIM. Both must be active for data to work abroad.

eSIM installed but very slow speeds
Toggle the eSIM off and back on in settings to force a reconnection to a stronger network tower. If speeds remain slow, check whether your plan has a fair-use speed cap after heavy use.

QR code already used error
Each QR code can only be scanned once. If you accidentally deleted the eSIM profile after scanning, contact WoWo Sim support — they can issue a new activation code for your plan.

eSIM not showing after scanning
Restart your phone and check Settings → Cellular. The profile sometimes takes 60 seconds to appear after scanning. If it still does not show after a restart, try the manual activation code from your email.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to set up eSIM if I have never done it before?
Follow the steps in this guide. The process takes under five minutes on any compatible device. Buy your plan at wowosim.com, receive your QR code by email, go to your phone’s cellular settings, and scan the code. That is all there is to it.

Can I install the eSIM before I travel?
Yes — and it is strongly recommended. Installing at home on Wi-Fi is easier than trying to set it up at the airport. The eSIM sits inactive on your phone and activates automatically when you switch it on at your destination.

Will setting up an eSIM delete my existing SIM?
No. Your physical SIM stays in your phone and remains fully active. The eSIM is added as a second line. You keep your home number working the entire time.

Can I use the same eSIM on two phones?
No. Each eSIM QR code is linked to one specific device. If you switch phones, you will need a new plan. Contact WoWo Sim support if you need to transfer your plan to a new device.

How many eSIMs can I have on one phone?
iPhones support up to 8 eSIM profiles stored, with 2 active at the same time. Samsung Galaxy phones support up to 10 stored eSIM profiles. Only one eSIM can be used for data at any time.

Does eSIM work in every country?
WoWo Sim covers 196 countries. Check the coverage map at wowosim.com before buying to confirm your destination is included.

You Are Ready

Now that you know how to set up eSIM, getting connected abroad is as simple as scanning a QR code. No airport queues, no SIM card swapping, no roaming charges on your home bill.

Get your travel eSIM at wowosim.com

More guides to help plan your trip:

• Best eSIM for Japan 2026 — top plans compared for Japan travelers
• Best eSIM for Europe — full comparison for European destinations
• Internet in Thailand for Travelers — what to expect for data in Thailand
• eSIM vs Physical SIM — full comparison if you are still deciding
• Best eSIM for Turkey 2026 — plans and coverage for Turkey