eSIM Setup Guide: 3 Simple Ways for iOS (iPhone/iPad) and Android

eSIM Setup Guide: 3 Simple Ways for iOS (iPhone/iPad) and Android

Installing eSIM to your iOS and Android devices are much easier then you might think, we have consolidated below 3 simple ways to guide you through the process. Before getting started, make sure you have all the pre-requisite below:

The Prerequisites

  • Check your device compatibility
  • eSIM info for installation (You will receive a link from YeeSIM containing all the info after purchase): (eSIM QR Code / SM-DP+ Address / Activation Code)
  • Remember you will need existing internet connection during the installation process, to ensure seamless experience, suggest to complete the installation few days before you leaving your home country, for most of YeeSIM products, it will auto-activate upon connection to the destination mobile network.

1. Easiest: Activating with a eSIM QR Code

The QR code method is the most common and universally supported way to activate an eSIM, particularly for international and travel-focused providers. This method requires a second screen (like a computer or another smartphone) or QR code printout to display the QR code provided by the YeeSIM or other provider.   

iOS Guide:

  1. Navigate to Settings and tap on either Cellular or Mobile Data.   
  2. Tap Add eSIM to begin the process.   
  3. Select Use QR Code. The device's camera will launch automatically.   
  4. Position the device's camera over the QR code from the carrier's email or webpage and follow the on-screen prompts to add the mobile plan.   

Android Guide:

  1. Go to Settings and tap on Connections.   
  2. Select SIM Manager and then tap Add eSIM.   
  3. Tap Scan QR code and follow the prompts.   
  4. Scan the QR code provided by your carrier and your eSIM will begin downloading.

2. The Manual Method: Installing with an Activation Code

The manual installation method is a crucial backup plan for when the QR code method fails or when a user is unable to display the code on a separate screen. This process involves entering specific details provided by the carrier, such as an SM-DP+ Address and an Activation Code. You can get this information from the eSIM info provided by YeeSIM or other providers.

iOS Guide:

  1. Locate the manual installation details from the carrier's instructions, which typically include an SM-DP+ Address and an Activation Code.  
  2. Go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Use QR Code.  
  3. Tap Enter Details Manually at the bottom of the screen.  
  4. Copy and paste the SM-DP+ Address and Activation Code into the corresponding fields and tap Next to activate.  

Android Guide:

  1. Locate the Activation Code provided by the carrier.  
  2. Go to Settings > Connections > SIM manager > Add eSIM.  
  3. Tap Enter activation code and paste the code into the field.  

3. Using installation link (iOS 17.4 and later)

  1. Tap the link: you will receive a eSIM link after purchase from YeeSIM or other carrier, tap the "iOS 17.4+ Quick Install" button/link
  2. Tap Allow when the "Activate New eSIM" notification appears.
  3. Tap Continue at the bottom of the screen.

Official mobile brands support pages

While the above installation guides covered the most common scenarios, below are some useful links to major mobile brand official eSIM instructions:

Last but not least, feel free to reach out to us at hi@yeesim.co for any technical assistance you might need, and feel free to visit YeeSIM.co!