Installing an eSIM takes 2–5 minutes. Most travelers do it at home the day before they fly, so they arrive at their destination already connected. This guide walks through the complete process for iPhone and Android, covers every common error, and explains how to set up dual SIM so both your home number and travel eSIM work simultaneously.
Table of Contents
- 1. Before You Install: Three Things to Check First
- 2. How to Install an eSIM on iPhone (All Models)
- 3. How to Install an eSIM on Android
- 4. Configuring Dual SIM After Installation
- 5. When to Install vs. When to Activate
- 6. The 6 Most Common eSIM Installation Errors
- 7. How to Delete or Switch eSIM Profiles
- 8. FAQ: eSIM Installation Questions Answered
1. Before You Install: Three Things to Check First
Check 1: Is Your Phone eSIM Compatible?
Not all phones support eSIM. Here's the quick compatibility guide:
iPhone:
- iPhone XS, XS Max, XR and later: eSIM supported
- iPhone 13 and later: dual eSIM supported (two eSIM profiles active simultaneously, no physical SIM in US models)
- iPhone SE 2nd generation and later: eSIM supported
- iPhone X and earlier: no eSIM support
Samsung Galaxy:
- Galaxy S20 and later: most support eSIM (except certain regional variants)
- Galaxy Note 20, Z Fold, Z Flip series: eSIM supported
- Budget A-series: varies by model — check Settings → About Phone → SIM Status
Google Pixel: Pixel 3 and later: eSIM supported.
Quick iPhone check: Settings → Cellular → If you see "Add eSIM" as an option, your iPhone supports it.
Check 2: Is Your Phone Carrier-Unlocked?
A carrier-locked phone cannot install a third-party eSIM. If your phone was purchased through a carrier on a contract or installment plan, it may be locked. To check if your iPhone is unlocked: Settings → General → About → Carrier Lock. "No SIM restrictions" means you're unlocked.
Check 3: Have Your QR Code Ready
When you purchase an AetopOne plan, your QR code is delivered immediately via email and in the AetopOne app. Have it accessible on a second screen (computer, tablet, or printed) because you'll need to scan it with your phone's camera.
2. How to Install an eSIM on iPhone
Do this at home, over your home Wi-Fi. Do not attempt at a busy airport.
Method 1: QR Code (Recommended)
- Open Settings on your iPhone.
- Tap Cellular (or Mobile Data in some regions).
- Tap Add eSIM (or Add Cellular Plan).
- Tap Use QR Code.
- Hold your phone steady and point it at the AetopOne QR code displayed on your computer screen or printout.
- Tap Continue on the confirmation screen.
- Give the eSIM a label — e.g., "Japan AetopOne" or "USA Travel."
- Choose your cellular data settings (see Section 4).
Method 2: Enter Details Manually (If QR Code Doesn't Work)
- Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → Enter Details Manually
- Enter the SM-DP+ Address and Activation Code exactly as provided by AetopOne.
- Follow the same prompts as the QR code method.
3. How to Install an eSIM on Android
Samsung Galaxy
- Settings → Connections → SIM Manager (or SIM Card Manager)
- Tap Add Mobile Plan or Add eSIM
- Select Scan QR Code and scan your AetopOne QR code.
- Review and confirm the plan details.
Google Pixel
- Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs
- Tap the + button or Add SIM
- Select Download a SIM instead
- Scan your QR code and complete installation.
Other Android: Most follow: Settings → Network → SIM Management → Add eSIM. If lost, search "eSIM" in the Settings search bar.
4. Configuring Dual SIM After Installation
After installing your travel eSIM, you'll be prompted to configure which SIM handles which functions. Here's the optimal setup for travelers:
- Cellular Data: Set to your travel eSIM (AetopOne).
- Calls: Set to your home SIM.
- Messages (SMS): Set to your home SIM for banking authentication codes.
- Data Roaming: Enable this for the AetopOne eSIM. Critical step.
- Allow Cellular Data Switching: Keep this OFF to avoid home SIM charges.
5. When to Install vs. When to Activate
Installation = downloading the eSIM profile to your phone. Do this at home, days before you fly.
Activation = turning the eSIM on so it connects to a network. Do this when you arrive at your destination.
Why the distinction matters: Some eSIM plans start counting validity from the moment of activation, not from purchase. Installing the profile days in advance doesn't start your plan clock — only activating it does.
6. The 6 Most Common eSIM Installation Errors
- Error 1: "No Service" or "No Signal": Data Roaming is disabled. Enable it in settings.
- Error 2: QR Code Won't Scan: Increase source screen brightness. Hold phone 15–20cm away.
- Error 3: "SIM Not Supported": Phone is carrier-locked. Request an unlock from your carrier.
- Error 4: Using Wrong Data Line: Ensure Cellular Data is set to travel eSIM, not home SIM.
- Error 5: "Add eSIM" Not Appearing: Phone not compatible or eSIM disabled by carrier.
- Error 6: Inactive/Won't Turn On: Check plan status in AetopOne app. Confirm plan hasn't expired.
7. How to Delete or Switch eSIM Profiles
Deleting a profile: Settings → Cellular → [profile] → Remove Cellular Plan. Warning: Deleting is permanent; profiles usually can't be re-installed.
Switching between profiles: If you have multiple eSIMs (e.g., Japan and USA), you can toggle them on/off individually in Cellular settings.
Quick Reference: Installation Summary
iPhone: Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → Use QR Code → scan → label → configure Data Roaming ON → done
Samsung: Settings → Connections → SIM Manager → Add Mobile Plan → Scan QR Code → confirm → done
Pixel: Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → + → Download a SIM → Scan QR Code → confirm → done