How we checked this guide: we haven’t followed these steps on our own phone yet. They follow Apple, Samsung and Google’s official instructions, linked under Sources. Menu names can differ a little by phone model and carrier.
Before you start: your carrier has to support eSIM, and you need what they gave you, usually a QR code, an app, or an activation that was set up when you bought the plan. Connect to Wi-Fi so the eSIM can download.
iPhone
With a QR code
- Open Settings > Cellular (called Mobile Data in some countries).
- Tap Add eSIM or Add Cellular Plan.
- Tap Use QR Code and point the camera at the code from your carrier.
- Follow the steps on screen, then choose which line to use for calls and data if you have two.
From your old iPhone
- Keep both iPhones close together, unlocked, with Bluetooth on and signed in to the same Apple Account.
- On the new iPhone, open Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM.
- Tap Transfer From Nearby iPhone and confirm on the old iPhone.
Apple says both phones need iOS 18.4 or later for this, and not every carrier supports it.
If your carrier set it up already
Look for a notification that says Carrier Cellular Plan Ready to Be Installed. Tap it, or find the same item in Settings, and tap Continue.
Samsung Galaxy
- Open Settings > Connections > SIM manager.
- Tap Add eSIM.
- Tap Scan QR code and scan the code from your carrier. Without a code, let the phone search for your carrier’s plan and pick your carrier if asked.
- Restart the phone when the eSIM is added.
Google Pixel
- Open Settings > Network & internet > SIMs.
- Tap Add SIM (or the plus button) and choose to download an eSIM.
- Scan the QR code from your carrier, or follow your carrier’s app.
If activation fails
- Check you are on Wi-Fi, then try again.
- A QR code usually works only once. If it was scanned before, ask your carrier for a new one.
- Restart the phone and check for system updates.
- If your phone is locked to another carrier, the eSIM won’t work until it is unlocked.
