eSIM Setup

Setting Up eSIM on iPhone and Android in 2025

Step-by-step guide to installing and configuring eSIM on any device. From activation to troubleshooting - everything you need to know.

12 min read
September 21, 2025
eSIM Setup Guide

How to Set Up eSIM on iPhone and Android

Complete step-by-step guide to installing and configuring eSIM on any modern device. Expert instructions from SIMKA.AI for comfortable travel connectivity.

5 min read
Updated: January 2025

Device Compatibility with eSIM

Before setting up eSIM, it's important to verify that your device supports this technology. As of 2025, most modern smartphones have a built-in eSIM chip.

eSIM-Compatible iPhones

  • iPhone 15 Pro Max, Pro, Plus, standard
  • iPhone 14 Pro Max, Pro, Plus, standard
  • iPhone 13 Pro Max, Pro, mini, standard
  • iPhone 12 Pro Max, Pro, mini, standard
  • iPhone 11 Pro Max, Pro, standard
  • iPhone XS Max, XS, XR
  • iPhone SE (3rd generation, 2022)

eSIM-Compatible Android Devices

  • Google Pixel 8 Pro, 8, 7a, 7 Pro, 7
  • Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, S24+, S24
  • Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, S23+, S23
  • Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5, Z Flip 5
  • OnePlus 12, 11, 10 Pro
  • Xiaomi 14 Ultra, 14, 13 Pro

How to Check eSIM Support

iPhone: Settings → Cellular → Add Cellular Plan. If you see "Use QR Code" option, your iPhone supports eSIM.

Android: Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → Add. The presence of "Download SIM" option indicates eSIM support.

Setting Up eSIM on iPhone

Before You Start

  • • Ensure you have a stable Wi-Fi connection
  • • iPhone must be unlocked (not carrier-locked)
  • • iOS version 12.1 or higher
  • • QR code or activation data from SIMKA.AI

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1

Open iPhone Settings

Go to the "Settings" app on your iPhone's home screen.

Settings → Cellular
2

Add New Cellular Plan

Tap "Add Cellular Plan", then select "Use QR Code".

Add Cellular Plan → Use QR Code
3

Scan QR Code

Point your iPhone camera at the QR code from SIMKA.AI. The code will be automatically recognized.

Alternative: If no camera available, tap "Enter Details Manually" and use SM-DP+ address and activation code.

4

Confirm Installation

Tap "Add Cellular Plan" to confirm. The activation process takes 1-3 minutes.

5

Configure eSIM

Give your eSIM a name (e.g., "SIMKA Travel"), select it as the primary line for data.

Recommendation: For travel, choose eSIM as "Primary" for cellular data, keep home SIM for calls and SMS.

Done! eSIM is Activated

You can now use the internet through eSIM. Check settings in "Cellular" → "Cellular Data".

Setting Up eSIM on Android

System Requirements

  • • Android 9.0 (API level 28) or higher
  • • Device must support eSIM technology
  • • Stable Wi-Fi connection
  • • Activation QR code from SIMKA.AI

Instructions for Most Android Devices:

1

Open Settings

Go to "Settings" → "Network & Internet" → "SIMs".

Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs
2

Add eSIM

Tap "Add" or "+" → "Download SIM" or "Add using QR code".

Add → Download SIM
3

Scan QR Code

Use the camera to scan the QR code from SIMKA.AI.

Manual Entry: Select "Need help?" to enter activation server address and confirmation code.

4

Activate eSIM

Confirm eSIM profile download. The process takes 30-60 seconds.

5

Configure Usage

Enable eSIM and select it for mobile data. Give the profile a meaningful name.

Important: In mobile data settings, choose the desired SIM for internet (usually eSIM for travel).

Samsung Galaxy Specifics

On Samsung devices, the path may differ:

Settings → Connections → SIM Manager → Add Plan

Or: Settings → Connections → Mobile Networks → Add Network

Common Issues & Solutions

QR Code Won't Scan

Check image quality: QR code should be clear, without glare or distortion

Improve lighting: Scan in good lighting conditions

Use manual entry: Enter activation data manually via "Enter Details Manually" option

eSIM Activated but No Internet

Check APN settings: Sometimes manual APN configuration is needed

Restart device: A simple restart often resolves connectivity issues

Select correct SIM for data: Ensure eSIM is chosen as primary for mobile data

"Failed to Activate eSIM" Error

Check internet connection: Activation requires stable Wi-Fi

Verify compatibility: Your device must support eSIM and be unlocked

Try again later: Sometimes activation servers are temporarily unavailable

Need Additional Help?

Contact SIMKA.AI support via website chat or email support@simka.ai. We'll help resolve any eSIM activation issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to Travel with eSIM?

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