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Yevhenii Kuznietsov
Published on
Dec 6 2023
In today’s fast-paced digital world, seamless connectivity is essential. Thanks to eSIM technology, switching networks or setting up mobile data is easier than ever. An embedded SIM (eSIM) is a small chip built directly into your device, eliminating the need for a physical SIM card. If you’re wondering how to install and activate embedded eSIM on your smartphone, tablet, or wearable, this detailed guide will walk you through the exact steps.
An eSIM is a new SIM card format that’s embedded inside your device at the manufacturing stage. Unlike a physical SIM that you insert into a slot, an eSIM is activated digitally. With a stable internet connection, you can select download your eSIM profile from your carrier and set up mobile data in just a few steps.
eSIM technology brings several advantages over traditional physical SIM cards, making mobile connectivity more flexible and user-friendly:
Remote Activation: You can activate your esim digitally without needing to insert or swap a physical SIM card. This simplifies the setup process, especially when switching carriers or plans.
Multiple Profiles: eSIMs allow you to store and manage multiple mobile profiles on a single device. You can easily switch between different carriers, work, and personal numbers, or international plans without needing a second SIM.
Space-Saving Design: Since eSIMs are built directly into the device, they free up physical space. Device manufacturers can use this extra room for larger batteries, improved hardware, or slimmer designs.
Enhanced Security: The digital nature of eSIM profiles makes them more secure than physical SIM cards, which can be removed or lost.
Faster Setup: With just a stable internet connection and a few taps in your device's settings, you can download your eSIM profile and connect to a new cellular network within minutes.
Eco-Friendly: eSIMs reduce the need for plastic SIM cards and packaging, helping lower the environmental impact.
By offering greater convenience, security, and flexibility, eSIM technology represents the future of mobile connectivity.
Before starting the installation process, ensure you have an eSIM-compatible device. Popular Android devices like the Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy series, and Apple models such as iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and newer support eSIM technology. Always check your device manufacturer’s website to confirm if your specific device can support eSIM.
Go to Settings > About Phone.
Look for your device's IMEI number — some devices will list an EID number, indicating eSIM support.
Before you begin the installation process, it’s important to ensure you have everything you need for a smooth and successful setup.
Make sure you have the following ready:
Your device's IMEI number: This unique identifier helps your carrier recognize your device. You can usually find it in your phone's Settings under About Phone or by dialing #06#.
A stable internet connection or Wi-Fi: A reliable connection is crucial because downloading your eSIM profile requires data access. Ideally, use a secure and fast Wi-Fi network to avoid interruptions.
Access to your mobile operator account or app: Some carriers require you to authenticate through their official app or website before issuing the activation code or QR code needed for your eSIM installation.
Reach out to your mobile operator to request eSIM activation details. Depending on your carrier’s policy, you may receive:
A QR code that you can scan with your device.
An activation code to enter manually.
Direct activation instructions via the carrier’s app.
Make sure to specify that you need a new eSIM profile if you're replacing an old SIM card or setting up an additional line.
For security reasons, many mobile operators will require you to verify your identity. Be prepared to:
Present a valid government-issued ID.
Provide proof of ownership of the device (such as a purchase receipt or the device’s IMEI number linked to your account).
This verification step ensures that only authorized users can activate the eSIM profile on a device.
Setting up your eSIM is a straightforward process, but following each step carefully ensures a smooth and successful activation.
Once you've contacted your mobile operator or eSIM provider, they will send you an eSIM activation QR code.
Save the QR code carefully — either digitally (screenshot, email) or printed — as you will need it during the installation process.
Some carriers might also provide an activation code in case QR scanning is not possible.
Before you start the installation:
Fully charge your phone: Ensure your device has sufficient battery to complete the setup without interruptions.
Connect to Wi-Fi or ensure a stable internet connection: A strong connection is essential because downloading your eSIM profile requires internet access.
Now, access the settings where you can add a new eSIM profile:
On iPhone:
Go to Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan.
On Android:
Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Network > Add Carrier.
Depending on the phone model and software version, the exact names of the menus might vary slightly.
Next, you will scan the QR code:
Select the option to Scan QR Code.
Scan the QR code provided by your carrier carefully.
If your device does not scan automatically, you may have the option to enter the activation code manually.
After scanning:
Your device will automatically download and install the new eSIM profile.
Some carriers may prompt you to enter a confirmation code to complete the activation. Double-check any codes provided by your carrier.
Once the installation is complete:
Tap Continue to proceed through the final activation steps.
Choose whether to set the eSIM as your primary line for calls, SMS, and cellular data, or configure it as a secondary line if you are keeping your physical SIM active too.
After setup:
Confirm that your new cellular plan appears under the Cellular or Mobile Network section in your phone’s Settings.
Ensure that cellular data is working correctly (test by browsing or checking signal bars).
Restart your device if needed to complete any final network adjustments.
One of the biggest advantages of eSIM technology is the ability to store and manage multiple different profiles directly on your device.
This is especially useful if you frequently travel internationally, maintain separate lines for business and personal use, or want to take advantage of a different carrier's better mobile data plans — all without needing to physically swap a SIM card.
Instead of dealing with a physical SIM, eSIM lets you switch seamlessly between profiles in just a few taps.
Go to Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Network on Android devices).
Review your available plans listed under Cellular Plans or eSIMs.
Choose which line you want to set as active for mobile data, calls, and SMS.
You can easily switch between profiles or set different defaults for data and calls if needed.
Most modern smartphones allow you to keep multiple eSIM profiles saved even if only one is active at a time.
Tip: Give each eSIM a custom label (like “Work” or “Travel”) in your device settings to make switching even easier!
Even with careful preparation, you might encounter some issues during the eSIM installation process. Here are the most common problems and how to resolve them:
If your device cannot find a cellular screen network after setting up your eSIM, first double-check your internet connection.
A stable Wi-Fi or mobile network connection is required during the activation process.
Then, try scanning the QR code again or restarting your device to refresh network settings.
If activation fails, it’s possible that your activation code has expired or there is a carrier-side issue.
Contact your eSIM provider or mobile operator for a new activation link or updated instructions.
Sometimes devices have trouble recognizing the QR code, especially if the image is blurry or incomplete.
If scanning doesn't work, try manual entry: go into your eSIM details menu and input the activation information manually (activation code, server address, etc.).
If your device cannot find or activate an eSIM profile at all, confirm that your specific device supports eSIM technology.
Some models, especially older versions or carrier-locked phones, may not have full eSIM functionality.
Check your device's settings for the EID number or verify compatibility with your device manufacturer or carrier.
Installing and activating an embedded eSIM is straightforward when you have all the necessary information ready. Whether you're setting up a new SIM card or adding a new eSIM profile for travel, the activation process can be completed with just a few steps. Make sure your network settings are correct, and your device is eSIM compatible, and enjoy the flexibility and seamless connectivity that eSIM technology brings to your mobile network experience.
If you encounter any issues, always contact your mobile operator or eSIM provider for support. Now that you know how to install and activate embedded eSIM, you're ready to enjoy the future of cellular communication — without a physical SIM!
Yevhenii Kuznietsov
[email protected]Yevhenii Kuznietsov blends journalism with a passion for travel tech. He explores eSIM's impact on communication and travel, offering expert interviews and gadget reviews. Outside of writing, Yevhenii is a hiking enthusiast and drone hobbyist, capturing unique travel vistas.
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