The Complete eSIM Installation Guide: iPhone & Android

Before you install: a 60-second checklist

A few things worth lining up before you scan anything — they prevent almost every installation problem we see.

1. Make sure your phone supports eSIM and is carrier-unlocked. Quick check: dial *#06# — if an EID number appears, you are good to go.
2. Connect to reliable Wi-Fi. The installation downloads the eSIM profile over the internet, so a stable connection matters.
3. Have your QR code ready on a second screen — a laptop, a tablet or a printout. Only one device? Use manual entry instead (explained below).
4. Install at home, before your flight. Installation does not start your plan — the validity begins only when the eSIM first connects to a network at your destination.

iPhone: installing with the QR code

On iPhone the whole process happens inside the cellular settings and takes a minute or two.

1. Open My eSIMs in your AirPlans account and display the QR code on another screen.
2. On the iPhone, go to Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM.
3. Choose Use QR Code and point the camera at the code.
4. Tap Continue and wait for activation to finish — it can take a minute or two. Do not close Settings midway.
5. When asked to label the new line, pick a name you will recognize, like AirPlans Travel.

If your eSIM shows an Instant Install button, it is even easier: tap it on the iPhone itself and iOS installs the profile directly — no scanning and no second screen.

iPhone: manual entry (no camera needed)

If you cannot scan — for example when the QR code is on the same phone — install manually:

1. Go to Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → Use QR Code, then tap Enter Details Manually at the bottom of the screen.
2. Copy the SM-DP+ Address from your eSIM details page into the SM-DP+ Address field.
3. Copy the Activation Code into its field, tap Next and confirm.

The SM-DP+ address and activation code appear on the eSIM details page in your account, right next to the QR code.

Android: installing with the QR code

Android menus vary slightly between manufacturers; these are the two most common paths.

1. Google Pixel and most Android phones: Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → Add eSIM.
2. Samsung Galaxy: Settings → Connections → SIM manager → Add eSIM.
3. Choose to scan a QR code and point the camera at the code on your other screen.
4. Confirm the download and wait until the new line appears in your SIM list.

Android: manual entry

1. Open the Add eSIM screen as above and look for Need help? / Enter it manually (on Samsung: Enter activation code).
2. Paste the full activation code from your eSIM details page — on Android it is usually one long string starting with LPA:1$.
3. Confirm and wait for the profile to finish downloading.

After installing: three settings that matter

The eSIM is now on your phone, but three settings decide whether it will actually carry your data abroad.

1. Set the AirPlans eSIM as your Mobile Data line (iPhone: Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data; Android: Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → Mobile data).
2. Turn Data Roaming ON for the eSIM line only. It is required for the eSIM to work abroad, and it does not cost anything extra.
3. Keep your primary SIM active for calls and SMS if you want to stay reachable on your regular number — but turn its own Data Roaming OFF, so your home carrier cannot bill you for data.

If something goes wrong during installation

"This code is no longer valid" almost always means the eSIM was already installed once — check the SIM list on your phone; it may already be there. If the phone is stuck on "activating", keep Wi-Fi on, give it a few minutes, then restart the phone.

Whatever happens, do not delete the eSIM and try again — the code is single-use. If you are stuck, contact support with your order number and we will sort it out, including issuing a replacement eSIM when needed.